Bob Hoy, the new chair of the Gibsons Community Initiatives Association (GCIA) is big on the economic future of Gibsons, West Howe Sound and Elphinstone. He cited the strength of the GCIA board and its diverse business experience as one of the biggest assets to draw economic opportunity to the south Lower Coast at the GCIA's annual general meeting March 19 at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club.
Hoy said negotiations are currently on-going to arrange for a multi-year agreement for financial support for the organization. Communications with shareholders continue to be a challenge for the GCIA. The board is attempting to get its message out through semi-annual progress board meeting and newsletters in the spring, winter and fall. At present, confidentiality poses some problems in that businesses interested in moving to the Coast may not want to tip their hand in early negotiations. However, Hoy resolved the board would do everything possible to get its message out to all interested parties.
Hoy thanked the economic development officer (EDO), Hammy McClymont, for his second year of efforts on behalf of GCIA. "You fit in so darn quickly, I'm almost willing to call you a local," Hoy told him.
In his address, McClymont said the GCIA would continue to work with organizations such as Community Futures, the Sunshine Coast Spirit of BC Committee, the Sunshine Coast Tourism Partnership, the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce and the Gibsons Landing Business Association to attract and retain business in the Gibsons area. McClymont pointed out that only Osoyoos and Gibsons are run as independent economic development offices. Government funds other offices in B.C. "Most [offices] have multi-level funding deals needed to attract staff," he explained.
Two sectors of the economy that are strong in our area are tourism and technology - tourism because of the beautiful area we live in and the potential for expansion with the Coast-wide destination marketing organization. Technology remains strong because advances in the field make it increasingly easy for businesses here to market anywhere in the world.
Guest speaker Marilyn Hutchinson, Nanaimo's EDO, gave a powerhouse speech outlining the changes in Nanaimo in the past 10 years. Smart partnerships and business connections have turned the hub city's fortunes around.
She spoke on the need for diversity in a successful economy. Nanaimo has managed to attract a wide range of businesses including a major call centre that has only one client, an American communications company. Other ventures include manufacturing, a quarry company and strong retail mall merchants. Among economic allies, Hutchinson counts the consul general of the U.S. Her office is presently forging ties with China.Hutchinson inspired the audience with her parallels between Nanaimo and Gibsons. She urged those present to look to opportunities at hand that are just begging to be expanded. One such industry, in Hutchinson's opinion, is the floatplane industry. She also touched on the need to include folks with barriers to employment in the local job market.
She sees her job as one that needs to bring opportunity and the right business together. Hutchinson will continue to stay in touch with the local office.
For more information about GCIA and its programs, check out www.gcia.ca.
