When Jennifer Robinson moved from Jasper to Valemount to take the Northern Outdoor Recreation and Eco-Tourism program, she knew she wanted to work in the area. Now, after completing the program and spending a summer at the Mount Robson Information Centre, the former Jasper resident of five years is now the marketing coordinator with the Village of Valemount.

Since starting her position in October, Robinson has had to play a bit of catch-up, but is now into the swing of things, promoting the Valemount Winterfest coming up at the end of the month and a bird festival due to take place at the end of May.

So far, Robinson said things have been going well, an accumulation of her five years living in Jasper, many previous visits to Valemount, her time at the Mount Robson Information Centre and the Northern Outdoor Recreation and Eco-Tourism program have been paying off.

“It definitely helps. Even working at the information centre this summer, I learned a lot more about the area, and that really helps. I get inquiries off our website in emails, and people are asking questions, and I know the answer,” Robinson said.

While in Jasper, Robinson worked as a server for five years, which has also been helpful.

To date, she says the job has been a good learning experience, stating it’s different than anything she’s done before. But using her knowledge of the area, things have been a success as she tries to put Valemount on the map by updating the website, replying to the public’s questions via email, putting together information packages, advertising the events and festivals already established and looking into bringing more events to Valemount.

Lately Robinson has been working hard to advertise to some of the surrounding communities for events like the Valemount Winterfest, which runs from January 29-31, including Edmonton, Jasper, Prince George and Kamloops.