The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce voiced its support of the Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) following the presentation of CVAC’s financial results, goals, objectives and achievements at its recent annual public meeting.   Along with the presentation of 11 business cases to potential airlines, a new strategic marketing program and balanced books, CVAC also announced a new brand model to support its efforts in bringing more air service to the Comox Valley. “Our airport is an important economic driver in this community and as a nominating entity and key stakeholder, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased with the progress that CVAC has made in implementing its new strategic plan,” said Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce board chair Bob Scales.“The Commission is in a strong financial situation, is aggressively targeting new airlines and routes, and has a revamped strategic marketing plan and a brand new public relations program to support this direction,” Scales added. A major element of YQQ’s marketing and public relations efforts is a new brand model that was developed in consultation with the community. The Chamber supports the development and implementation of this model to assist in effectively marketing the airport to both passengers and potential airlines. “The Chamber of Commerce was one of 68 stakeholders that were directly consulted on the development of the airport’s new brand model,” said Scales. “We were extremely impressed with the professional approach to this project including the consultation, the strategy and the creative process, as well as the unveiling of the final product at the annual public meeting.” The Chamber was provided with a detailed presentation of the model, including the strategy behind the new logo and visual identity, along with representatives of CVAC’s five nominating entities prior to the airport’s annual public meeting. Chamber members also attended the public meeting to show their support of YQQ’s annual results. “The airport increased its passenger numbers in 2010 and has effectively rebounded from economic downturn,” noted Murray Presley, president of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society. “CVAC is exercising fiscal restraint in utilizing its current infrastructure to its full capacity and effectively demonstrating to airlines that they can keep their fees low while still ensuring the best possible passenger experience.”As a community, we should all be pleased with these results.” Presley concludes.The Comox Valley Airport directly impacts 193 jobs and $6 million in wages for the local economy and more than 11,000 jobs and $231 million in wages for the tourism industry.In addition, the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board reports that buyers from Alberta accounted for 14 per cent of all residential property sales in the Comox Valley in 2010. The average median home price in the Valley has increased by almost $200,000 from 2001 when the first WestJet direct flights to Alberta were established at YQQ. — Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce

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