The Nelson Community Futures office will be hosting a provincial conference at the end of September.

The Nelson Community Futures office will be hosting a provincial conference at the end of September.

Opportunity for Nelson community leaders

More than 100 community and business leaders from across BC will descend on Nelson later this month.

More than 100 community and business leaders from across BC will descend on Nelson later this month.

They’re coming to town for the provincial Community Futures conference, hosted this year by Nelson’s own Community Futures Central Kootenay. Joining them will be some of North America’s top speakers on the economy, creative innovation and leadership.

“Our theme this year is productivity, and we are bringing in some great presenters,” says Paul Wiest, manager of Community Futures Central Kootenay.

“The focus is on hands-on strategies to improve productivity and innovation.”

Economist Ryan Berlin of the innovative Urban Futures team will speak about today’s economy, and what it means for rural regions of BC. Laurie Schmidt, CEO of Productivity Alberta will also address the group. Several of the speakers, such as Dr. Steven Murgatroyd and Hugh Culver, are known for their informative and entertaining presentation styles.

“These sessions will appeal not only to leaders in business, but also finance, industry and the non-profit and public sectors,” says Wiest. “It’s rare to have a line-up of this calibre right here to the Kootenays. That’s why we decided to open the conference up on Monday, October 1, so that local business and community leaders can attend.”

The conference will take place at the Prestige Lakeside Resort from September 30 to October 2. There is also a one-day pass option, for those who would like to take in the events on October 1. For more information visit the Community Futures website at futures.bc.ca or call Lisa Voigt at 250-352-1933 ext. 105.

Nelson Star