Shuswap Economic Development Emerges

Shuswap Economic Development Emerges

By Barbra Fairclough

Last year in May, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District announced the hiring of an Executive Director for the newly formed Shuswap Economic Development Society (Shuswap EcDev). John Reed has over 20 years of economic development and project management expertise.

John recently located here from the Kootenays where his work focused on adventure and outdoor projects including General Manager of Redstone Resort in Rossland, Manager of Recreation for the City of Rossland and the Entrepreneurial Services Coordinator for Community Futures of Greater Trail.

His work also includes startups and business development projects such as design and implementation of Trail’s Junior Dragons Den, a highly successful provincial youth business competition, and the development and launch of Western Canada’s Premier obstacle course race/run series.

The society oversees the economic development in Areas C, D, and F and has a mission to nurture a strong sustainable economic future for our communities. Shuswap EcDev was incorporated to undertake economic development planning and provide services for the benefit of residents of the South Shuswap, Falkland, Salmon Valley, Ranchero, Deep Creek, and the North Shuswap. One of the society’s goals is to create a sustainable and Diverse industrial, commercial, and agricultural tax base for the areas served.

Since beginning work with the society, John has taken a thoughtful approach to initial stages. Taking time to meet local business owners he has gone into communities and introduced himself and listened to what they have to say. He has been engaged directly with all facets of the community, attending meetings and getting to know local business leaders, Chambers of Commerce, Community Associations and seeking ways of working collaboratively to leverage opportunities and avoid working in silos. “It takes conversation, active listening, and collaboration, to identify the best ways to leverage expertise and work strategically.”

John says he also has a great network of economic development professionals in other areas. John likes the team he works with “I love collaboration and a bigger picture approach to project management.” On reflecting on his recent move to the Shuswap he says “The people are great; I love the area. I can paddle, bike ride, ski, immediately from where I live. This holds a lot of value for me personally and it’s one of the key drawing cards to the area.”

The society now has a new updated website full of new information. The work includes a framework for a multi sector business advisory council which will meet twice per year to identify relevant topics to help sectors grow based on best fit for the area.

“This will include leaders within those sectors and will serve as an advisory to the role of Executive Director and offer timely and continuous communication so we can both provide and address solutions.” Outreach will begin in mid-May.

After the start up incubation period last year, new logos have been finalized. Shuswapconnects.com is a Shuswap centric business to business and business to consumer portal. The goal is to have it as a source for the business community as well as for people who are looking for goods and services in the area. There is business networking as well as business education opportunities to showcase what businesses do best and identify opportunities.

There is a newly released request for proposal for the development of an economic development strategic plan which will start toward the end of May. May 7 is the deadline for submission.

A business trade fair will take place Saturday May 14. Location will be determined. Information will be available on the website and advertising will be on radio social and print media.

Work has begun on Shuswap EC Dev series of seven videos that will deliver a message positioning our areas as places to live, work and play. These videos will be utilized within the local region for area markets and distributed to targeted areas outside the region. “They will be a great asset to showcase the area on a variety of different levels.”

“We are looking to build advocacy through storytelling and to engage local businesses and residents to help tell the story as to why this is a great area to be.”

John expresses his gratitude to the Area Directors for the foresight to make the society a reality and to CSRD staff for their tremendous support.

John can be contacted on www. shuswapevdev.ca or Facebook at Shuswap Economic Development Society.