The Regional District of Nanaimo wants to explore the possibility of developing of a region-wide economic development service.
At present, there are many initiatives that are ongoing but there is no co-ordination of economic development at the regional level.
Manager of long range planning Paul Thompson stated in his report to the board the activities should be delivered in a coordinated manner inorder establish an effective economic development service.
The board approved that the RDN hold a workshop to determine if there is support for such an initiative. The RDN plans to invite organizations involved in economic development in the region to attend which includes: City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach, City of Nanaimo, Mid Island Business Initiative, Oceanside Initiatives, Community Futures Central Island, Island Coast Economic Trust, Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, Island North Film Commission, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce, Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce, Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce, Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism, Lighthouse Country Business Association, Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Tourism, Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo Port Authority, Nanaimo Airpot Authority and Qualicum First Nation.
Thompson provided to the board a summary of the basic economic development models, the general services offered by economic development organizations, the economic development initiatives currently underway in the Regional District of Nanaimo, the economic development models currently in use by local governments on Vancouver Island and a proposal to further the discussion on a regional economic development service.
Thompson hopes the discussion that will arise from the workshop will provide direction on steps the RDN can consider to move forward.
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