The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is the proud recipient of the Community Project of the Year Award from the Economic Development Association of BC (EDABC) for its Business Walk Program, initiated in 2012.  The award was presented at the EDABC’s annual Economic Summit in Vancouver on June 25th, 2013.

The COEDC conducted the first Business Walk in Canada on October 4, 2012 during Small Business Month as a means of gathering industry intelligence to be used in its business retention and expansion programming, and to foster business growth in the Central Okanagan Region.  The program was also aimed at strengthening the connection between the business community and the region’s municipalities.

325 business visited by 70 business leaders throughout the region participated in the October Walk including staff and directors  from Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Associations, Westbank First Nation and municipalities of Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna and Lake Country.

The program was so successful the COEDC expanded its Business Walk program to include a sector-specific Walk to manufacturers on May 28th of this year.

The Community Project Award recognizes a community or regional partnership that demonstrates ongoing economic development work and activities.  Criteria for submissions include the extent of economic impact on the community; the development of strong relationships among participants; innovation, originality, cost effectiveness and relevance and transferability to other communities. 

Corie Griffiths, Business Development Officer for the COEDC, states “This is a dynamic program which demonstrates how community organizations can work together to determine the needs of a significant number of businesses in a short period of time through meaningful face-to-face communication.  While each organization contributes to the common goal, they also have the opportunity to help address those needs through their own unique programs and services.”

News from © iNFOnews, 2013