The new Interlakes Economic Association (IEA) is going full steam ahead, with 240 members signing up in just four weeks, and a lot more joining every week.
IEA president Dianne Lawson says its eight founding board directors will concentrate on setting goals and developing an action plan for the first two years, but they have lots of ideas to work with.
“There is one position dedicated to the Fishing Highway 24 Tourist Association, so there is nine total [on the board].”
An economic organization is key in any community, she explains, some as an arm of government, and others as independent, non-profit associations, such as the IEA.
“There’s a huge advantage of being separate [from government] when it comes to applying for grants, and then you can partner with your local government. So, that’s one of the things, of course, we are looking at.”
A meeting with Cariboo Regional District chair Al Richmond has been set up, Lawson adds, to examine how the two boards can work together, and identify and prioritize community needs.
“The number 1 priority in the Interlakes area is job creation. Job creation keeps our school open – we are down to minimal students in the Bridge Lake Elementary School – and to attract young families.
On that future employment development list is a biofuel initiative, which, she notes, is in the early stages, and involves its directors working with Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett.
In most cases, people must work in the community they live in. However, Lawson says IEA is looking at airline commuters, where the family breadwinner is working in northern British Columbia or Alberta.
She adds the Kamloops Airport is only about a 90-minute drive from Interlakes.
“It’s perfect for that commuter who has to fly to work. So, it’s that ‘work away, live here’ concept, and we are working with the airport.”
The community’s reputation for security is another advantage it has in attempting to recruit some of those commuters, Lawson says.
“The Interlakes is a safe community to raise a family in, and it has a very supportive network for young mothers, and for young fathers.”
She notes other target markets the board is looking at include what Lawson calls the ongoing trend of “zoomer boomers” – baby boomers from the urban centres with active lifestyles looking to retire or semi-retire in the country.
Lawson says there are some value-added tourism products also being considered, particularly for further developing the area’s wintertime recreation and year-round, multi-use trails.
“We are going to try to have an event every weekend next year from the May Long Weekend to Labour Day.
“We can attract people here, but we really want to make sure that they have a good time, and have all the services they need.”
A family membership in IEA is $20 for two years, and area residents wish to join can contact Helga Zeiner at 250-593-0188.
Volunteers are still needed for the board and committees, and she notes tasks are divided so folks can take on a single area of responsibility.
More information is online at www.interlakeseconomicassociation.net.
