LINDEN — Galean Wicks is the newest member of the city’s Industrial Development Board after the city council approved her appointment at its Nov. 16 meeting.

“They knew we had always been involved here civically and they thought I would have some good ideas,” Wicks said of her appointment. She moved to Linden in 1982 with her husband Jim, who serves on the Linden City Schools Board of Education.

“We’ve always been involved and have always cared about the City of Linden and our children here,” Wicks added.

She has been actively involved in the Linden business scene over the years, having owned the now defunct Depot Restaurant and recently opening Screamers.

A native of Walker, La., Wicks first learned of the possibility of joining board when she was approached by Dr. Walter Davis. Wicks admits she does not know much about the work of the board at this point, but anticipates learning the ropes and contributing quickly.

“I really don’t know a whole lot about the board other than it works to promote Linden as a whole and to bring businesses to our town,” Wicks said.

“I hope to bring fresh ideas how to promote. I’ve got some ideas I want to present to our mayor. I’m not serving yet, so I don’t know exactly what their expectations are. I hope to help to promote and help to change the image that some people have of Linden.”

“She is definitely a businesswoman with vision,” Linden Mayor Mitzi Gates said of Wicks.

Gates said she is excited about the appointment of Wicks and has high expectations for what she will be able to bring to the city’s IDB.

“For Linden, she is one of those transplanted Lindenites,” Wicks said. “But she has just embraced this town as her own and I am excited that she has agreed to serve on this board.”