WALLACE — The Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation (SVEDC) recently named local business owner Paige Olsen as its new executive director.

Olsen and her husband have lived in the Silver Valley for a decade and during that time, they have admired the beauty and sense of community that the area offers.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity,” Olsen said. “I’m a Silver Valley transplant, and have grown to love this area and the community. Between that, and being a small business owner myself, this position seemed like a great fit. I’m a dreamer, and see the potential in so much. To be in a position to see some of those dreams become a reality is very exciting!”

As far as previous work experience, Olsen has been the owner of VERS Fitness Studio in Osburn for the past six years and has taught sixth grade at Silver Hills Elementary School for four years before becoming a stay-at-home mom.

SVEDC is exclusively operated to promote economic development in the scenic Silver Valley, including the communities of Mullan, Wallace, Osburn, Kellogg, Wardner, Smelterville and Pinehurst.

The mission statement of SVEDC is to create living-wage job opportunities and grow the tax base by helping the local primary industry employers grow while assisting in relocating local business startups and improving the quality of life and standard of living for those who live in the Silver Valley.

“We are a nonprofit organization that focuses on projects to help revitalize and grow the Silver Valley,” Olsen explained. “We are a support system for small businesses which are the heart of our area, as well as spearhead the implementation of infrastructure to support the growth of our area that makes people want to live and invest here.”

Besides working on the day-to-day office duties, Olsen will also serve as an information hub and project facilitator for anyone looking to help support the people and businesses of the Silver Valley.

SVEDC’s work is largely behind the scenes, working to support established businesses or by facilitating outside businesses moving in.

“We want people to know we are here, but are more about the people and entities taking the credit for the success,” Olsen said.

Most recently, SVEDC played a large role in attracting high-speed internet providers to the area.

For more information about SVEDC and the resources it provides, visit https://www.silvervalleyedc.org/