Regional District of Central Okanagan OPERATIONAL PLAN.

Transcription

1 Economic Development Commission Regional District of Central Okanagan 2017 OPERATIONAL PLAN 0

2 Contents One Page Strategic Plan... 0 Executive Summary Highlights... 2 Active Partnerships... 2 COEDC Advisory Board of Directors... 3 Strategy Rationale... 5 Economic Imperatives... 5 Business Retention and Enhancement... 6 Investment Attraction Coordination & Facilitation

3 One Page Strategic Plan Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Strategic Plan Mandate: Working in partnership, to facilitate and encourage the development of a healthy and dynamic sustainable community economy by supporting existing businesses and encouraging appropriate new business investment within the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Top Regional Priorities Increase awareness and profile of the Central Okanagan provincially/nationally/internationally Continue to accelerate position as a destination for entrepreneurs, companies and skilled workforce Enhance the environment for small and medium enterprise growth Drive economic growth in key sectors Top Initiatives in 2017 COEDC s Role to Achieve Priorities Connection: Be a conduit for industry, post-secondary, community stakeholders and government, providing leadership, connection and expertise Brand: Promote and increase awareness of the region through unified messaging Profile: Raise awareness of existing local companies, individuals and opportunities to increase the profile of the region Metrics Aerospace Core Competency Study Craft Beverage Incubator feasibility study Development and distribution of assets for regional promotion Ex-Pat Recruitment Collection and dissemination of real-time labour market intelligence Delivery of 1:1 expertise to businesses Status Businesses visited/engaged (#) Assets developed (#) Website visits (#) Referrals B2B, B2service provider (#) Partners (#) Regional promotion conversion rate (%) YTD 0

4 2017 COEDC Operational Plan COEDC MANDATE Working in partnership, to facilitate and encourage the development of a healthy and dynamic sustainable community economy by supporting existing businesses and encouraging appropriate new business investment within the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Executive Summary The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is funded by and accountable to the elected board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan; it is made up of two unincorporated electoral areas and the five member municipalities and governments of Lake Country, Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, West Kelowna and Peachland. The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission recognizes best practises and economies of scale by leveraging both financial and human capital resources through successful federal, provincial and community partnerships and alignment of priorities. s of the Commission s activities are provided to the Regional District of Central Okanagan Board of Directors through quarterly reporting and annual reporting mechanisms. The 2017 Operational Plan outlines the Commission s objectives, challenges and tactics developed to capitalize on the Region s economic opportunities within three primary programing streams Business Retention & Enhancement, Investment Attraction and Coordination & Facilitation. 1

5 2016 Highlights Redesigned and updated InvestKelowna.com with federal matching dollars One-on-one expertise provided to over 330 businesses 115 business received export related expertise and assistance Recipient of Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from International Economic Development Council Provided Location Assistance to 59 Foreign Individuals From 9 Countries Launched MakeItHereOkanagan.com and additional assets Connected to 252 Businesses through Business Walks Program Delivered 69 economic climate presentations to businesses and organizations Implemented Regional Account Management System and licensed use to municipalities Assisted in the placement and relocation of 75+ talented tech workers with local companies OYP Connected 33 Young Professionals to Stakeholders &/or Job Placements Responded to over 15,000 Inquiries Active Partnerships As the region s Primary Resource for Business, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission acts as a conduit and connector and recognizes best practises and economies of scale by leveraging both financial and human capital resources through successful federal, provincial and community partnerships and alignment of priorities. Government Municipal Provincial Federal Industry Industry Associations Central Okanagan Companies and Industry Leaders Community Post-Secondary Institutions Business Support Organizations 2

6 COEDC Advisory Board of Directors Although accountable to the Regional District of Central Okanagan Board, the COEDC has a 40+ member advisory body including representatives of business associations, local government, and key industry leaders of Agriculture, Advanced Manufacturing, Professional Services, Construction & Development, Technology and Tourism. The Advisory Board acts as a conduit of community and business information, providing staff with the ability to identify tactics, activities and partnerships in order to facilitate a healthy, dynamic and sustainable community economy. New to the Advisory Board in 2017: Janice Larson BC Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizen s Services Executive Director, Regional Innovation Initiative Matt Gomez Soil Mate CEO & Founder Sector: Agriculture Chris Lapointe Flair Airlines Ltd VP Commercial Operations Sector: Aerospace Chris Mazurkewich Interior Health Authority President & CEO Sector - Healthcare 2017 COEDC Advisory Board Executive Domenic Vinci, Chair David McDougall, Vice Chair Victor Narynskyyi, Past Chair Martin Cronin Raghwa Gopal Jim Grant Murray Ramsden Financial Services Food & Bev. / Small Business Professional Services Technology/Advanced Manufacturing Technology/Venture Capital Accounting/Professional Services Health Care Industry Leaders Representing Local Business Community James Calissi Calissi Farms Agriculture Mike Checkley QHR Technologies Health Care/Technology Matt Gomez Soilmate Agriculture Alex Greer Adaptive Ventures Inc Technology/Manufacturing Lynn Heinrich SunRype Manufacturing/Food Processing Peter Jeffrey Okanagan Peer Mentoring Groups Manufacturing 3

7 Brad Klassen Troika Group Construction/Development Chris Lapointe Flair Airline Ltd Aerospace Chris Mazurkewich Interior Health Health Care Karen Olsson Findr Tech - ICT Kale Wallgren WSP Canada Inc. Professional Services Directors Appointed and Staff Representing Local Government BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training BC Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services Economic Development, Thompson Okanagan Regional Innovation Initiatives Myles Bruns Janice Larson City of Kelowna Economic Development Robert Fine City of Kelowna Councillor Brad Sieben City of West Kelowna Economic Development John Perrott City of West Kelowna Councillor Bryden Winsby District of Lake Country Economic Development Jamie McEwan District of Lake Country Councillor Matt Vader District of Peachland Economic Development Kevin Taylor District of Peachland Councillor Peter Schierbeck Regional District of Central Okanagan Board Chair Gail Given Westbank First Nation Economic Development Mandi Carroll Westbank First Nation Councillor Fernanda Alexander Directors Appointed From Partner Organizations Accelerate Okanagan Brea Retzlaff, Operations Manager Business Development Bank of Canada Martine Hickman, Business Centre Manager Community Futures of the Central Okanagan Larry Widmer, Manager Greater Westside Board of Trade Gary Schlenker, Board of Directors Vice-Chair Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Ken Carmichael, Board of Directors Past President Kelowna International Airport Sam Samaddar, Airport Director Lake Country Chamber of Commerce Kim Kristiansen, Manager Okanagan Centre for Innovation Kelsey Helm, Director, Wheelhouse Ventures Okanagan College Heather Schneider, Regional Dean Central Okanagan Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board Lynette Keyowski, Executive Director Peachland Chamber of Commerce Peter Stapleton, Board of Directors Tourism Kelowna Daniel Bibby, Board of Directors Chair University of British Columbia-Okanagan University of British Columbia-Okanagan Phil Barker, Vice-Principal Research Okanagan Nicole Udzenija Director, Campus Initiatives Women s Enterprise Centre Laurel Douglas, CEO 4

8 Strategy Rationale The programs and initiatives in the 2017 Operational Plan are derived from several guiding strategies and align with strategic priorities set by the Regional District of Central Okanagan and member municipalities and governments. Key guiding documents include the Regional Growth Strategy, Growing in the Okanagan 2020 Labour Market Outlook and its corresponding HR Implementation Plan and the Economic Opportunities to 2020 Strategy for the Central Okanagan Region. Economic Imperatives Understanding the region s competitive advantages and available resources are important considerations as the COEDC develops a plan and incorporates initiatives that will not only foster innovation, employment creation and business development, but also fully leverage existing companies, assets and resources while identifying future opportunities that will facilitate economic growth. By focusing the region s economic development service delivery, strategically engaging leadership within the private sector, and creating a place where innovation and connections can take place, the Central Okanagan region is looking to become known for its strong talent pool and as a destination for innovative companies. The COEDC focuses its delivery of programs and services under the following three programming streams: Business Retention & Enhancement, Investment Attraction and Coordination & Facilitation. 5

9 Business Retention and Enhancement The Central Okanagan region s small business community is the backbone of the local economy. It is important to highlight that 95% of Central Okanagan (Kelowna CMA) businesses have fewer than 20 employees and 54% have no employees, representing one of the highest levels of entrepreneurship in Canada. In 2016, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses called the Central Okanagan the most entrepreneurial region in Canada. Intelligence collected through the COEDC s 330+ one-on-one site visits in 2016 indicated that over 70% of businesses rated the local business environment as highly positive (8/10 or higher) and over 80% of businesses project higher than 10% growth in revenue in Local farm operator and recipient of Agricultural Support Services Regional business intelligence collected by COEDC and partners and collated in regional account management system implemented in 2016 Small businesses are the primary providers of private sector jobs in British Columbia, reflecting an important and ongoing trend toward economic diversification while representing a key source of innovation. Research has shown that up to 80% of new jobs created come from existing businesses. Implementing an economic development strategy that supports business retention and enhancement represents a more cost effective approach to job creation than the attraction of new businesses. The COEDC recognizes the importance of sustainable economic growth and positions business retention and enhancement initiatives as a core component of its programming. Following best practice models and a collaborative approach, the Commission provides one-on-one expertise and assistance to the business community through its business retention and enhancement activities. 6

10 Business Retention and Enhancement Program Objective: Connect with Central Okanagan businesses and gather industry intelligence to help identify barriers and opportunities for business in the region Site Visitation Conduct site visits to businesses in a variety of industries throughout the region, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, technology and aerospace Collect business intelligence on the above key industry sectors that can be used for future programming for the Commission Identify businesses that require on-on-one assistance and connect them to support agencies and programs Identify training and workforce needs to communicate with post-secondary institutions, while disseminating labour market information and awareness through one-on-one contact with employers Direct connection with businesses in the region Increased industry intelligence for key economic sectors Connect industry with relevant COEDC programs. Ex: Magnet, OYP Collective, Export Development Improve connections between employers and training institutions and alignment of skills with employer needs # of site visits # of connections between businesses # of referrals to business service providers # of businesses receiving follow-up one-on-one assistance 7

11 Objectives: Increase awareness and profile of agriculture in the region and enhance connections among businesses Disseminate agriculture sector intelligence Provide one-on-one assistance to farmers and agriculture-related businesses Agriculture & Agri-Tourism Program Facilitate 2-3 strategic agriculture-related events. Topics to be determined based on industry needs as determined by 2016 and 2017 site visitation program Perform a minimum of 15 site visits to agriculture businesses and provide additional one-on-one follow up and business development expertise as required Update Economic Profile for Agriculture to include recent trends, updated statistical information and current links Create 8-10 Central Okanagan farm operator profiles to be featured on COEDC website and social media and external media sources Provide relevant information to the agriculture sector Improved connection between agriculture businesses and service providers in region Increased industry intelligence for the agriculture sector Communication of industry intelligence / needs Increased awareness of agriculture as a viable business in the region # of participants Feedback from participants Data collected from site visits # of referrals to service providers # of one-on-one follow up requests # of profiles published 8

12 Objectives: Collect, communicate and promote the Central Okanagan business climate Collect and communicate workforce needs of the business community with post-secondary institutions Connect businesses to support agencies and government programs Identify businesses requiring one-on-one assistance Connect businesses with one another to promote cross-collaboration Small Business Walk, October 2017 Use Business Walks data to improve business retention and enhancement programing within the region Help businesses maximize use of programs/services available to them that support growth Connect businesses within region that could potentially collaborate with one another Coordinate response to businesses surveyed requiring follow up A component of this program to include focus on Human Resources and Workforce Development, including enhanced relationships between industry and post-secondary institutions Increased regional data understanding of gaps and opportunities Increased availability of data regarding workforce needs/challenges - understanding of workforce gaps and training opportunities Collaboration opportunities between industry and training institutions Improved regional cohesion Opportunity to connect businesses within the region Stronger engagement with business leaders Increase in # of businesses receiving assistance # of partnerships # of business visited # of businesses receiving follow up one-on-one assistance # of cross referrals between businesses with agencies providing support services to small businesses # of connections between available talent and industry Creation of initiatives/projects Web and social media counts Volume of media coverage 9

13 Objectives: Work to identify and communicate HR & workforce development challenges in the region Aim to identify skill training gaps and communicate with post-secondary institutions Develop opportunities to connect employers with skilled workforce Real-time Labour Market Intelligence Obtain and disseminate quarterly aggregated local hiring demand and labour supply data Identify in demand occupation classes, industries, educational requirements and skills and snapshot of active labour market Improve alignment of employer hiring needs Increase understanding of the region s labour market by leveraging data analytics New Program Workforce Development - Magnet Maintain a single online job platform with a regional focus to streamline the employment search process Improve opportunities for career searchers and employers in the Central Okanagan by streamlining communications and making connections in a direct and effective way Increase in information available to address employer recruitment challenges and local unemployment numbers Increased understanding of the labour market in the region among partners/stakeholders Increased connections between job seekers and employers Provide a mechanism to address unemployment and the hidden job market in the region # of quarterly reports issued # of partners utilizing data to improve programming (postsecondary, governmental, industry associations etc) # of job seekers that find employment # of jobs that are successfully filled # of partner organizations that create their individual Magnet portal 10

14 Workforce Development - Connector Program Implement Connector Program to match new residents, local and international graduates and spouses/partners of new residents (connectees) with well-networked local employers, civil servants and community leaders (connectors) based on industry experience, professional backgrounds and sector of interest. Provide tool to address the challenge faced by many professionals who live in/move to the Okanagan with their spouse and only one of them is able to find employment in their field Improve retention and integration of young professionals and recent graduates in the region by facilitating accelerated access to networks Program to be based on successful initiative and recognized best practice by the Halifax Partnership. New Program Make it Here - Branding Central Okanagan Region Continue to develop and distribute assets highlighting the region as a thriving place to work with opportunities in a diverse range of sectors. Expand focus from Technology/Information and Communications Technology sectors to other sectors including aerospace and agriculture Focus will be on digital media, including content marketing, website, social media, newsletters, videos, etc in addition to the creation of a suite of templated Make It Here print and digital materials targeted towards workforce and sector specific Attraction and retention of skilled workforce and their families Decrease in the number of families who leave the region due to the inability to find employment Improved retention of post-secondary graduates in the region Increased awareness of the Central Okanagan outside of the Region Increase in the number of entrepreneurs and skilled labour that move to the region Highlight the region s growth sectors and the opportunities available # of new residents, graduates and young professionals connected (connectees) # of connectors # of connectees that find employment as a result of the program # of visits Make it Here website # of Make it Here videos created # of social media and newsletter postings # of partners using brand 11

15 investment attraction Leverage partnerships and include Make it Here messaging in existing program communications. Ex: OYP Collective s Boomerang Campaign, Magnet, metabridge, Accelerate Okanagan etc Attraction of skilled workforce and companies to the Central Okanagan Objectives: Retain and Attract Young Professionals to the Central Okanagan Create a dynamic, vibrant and engaged culture and community for young professionals Assist in fostering sense of community among young professionals Okanagan Young Professionals Collective Develop and implement strategies to retain and attract young professionals to the region Continue to build capacity, culture and network of OYP partners and individuals Enhance relationships with UBCO & OC through on and off campus events, professional development presentations and student association partnerships as a means of retaining skilled young professionals in the Central Okanagan Host/Support a minimum of three nationally recognized events Continue to implement Boomerang campaign in partnership with OC/UBCO alumni & establishments across Canada promoting Coming home to the Okanagan Partner with local employers to retain and attract young professionals through facilitated job matching activities Continue to develop online resources to promote and provide relocation information, including a minimum of 10 videos highlighting local young professionals Increased engagement with post-secondary institutions through partnerships w/ MSA Program (UBCO), Enactus (OC) and work with various student clubs (OC & UBCO) Growth of local companies through workforce retention and recruitment assistance Increased awareness of region through hosting of nationally recognized events Development of strategic partnerships with industry associations Development of relationships with # of jobs attained by secondary graduates as a result of OYP tactics # of successful retention and relocation stories # of partnerships and collaborations # of Facebook likes, twitter followers, COEDC/OYP newsletter subscribers # of connections % of population growth 12

16 young professional groups to increase reach Increased awareness of professional opportunities for young professionals in the region Innovation Generation Challenge Partner with Central Okanagan Public Schools on program which promotes an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset by creating opportunities for middle and secondary school students to build viable businesses Increased awareness of entrepreneurship as a career option and promotion of entrepreneurial mindset Development of relationships between COEDC, Central Okanagan Public Schools, local employers and students Amount of sponsorship $ # of partners participating as sponsors and/or judges # of student teams participating Ongoing businesses created Objective: Create business guidance informational sessions as one resource to facilitate business growth Business Beyond Borders Facilitate 2-4 business enhancement sessions targeting business development topics as well as sector-specific sessions in partnership with community stakeholders Ex: Succession Planning, Financing Resources, China Business Roundtable, etc Increased understanding of business or sector gaps and opportunities Ability to address barriers more quickly and facilitate tools for growth and expansion # of inquiries, attendees and response ratings B2B matches B2C matches 13

17 Strengthened role as a credible source of information on the local economy Objective: Provide expertise and guidance to export ready businesses Export Development Provide export related expertise & one-on-one support to up to 20 export related businesses Conduct site visits to support export development initiatives Facilitate international trade opportunities with government & partners Support businesses in developing or strengthening global markets & trade Increased capital for growth sectors Increase in exports and growth in exporting companies Support growth by providing start-up and business guidance # of businesses engaged # inquiries # B2B matches # B2C matches # trade initiatives, programs and delegations # of existing exporters ready to enter new markets 14

18 Investment Attraction The Central Okanagan region has a solid base of mature industries, a well-developed infrastructure, strong intellectual capital (University of British Columbia Okanagan and Okanagan College), a growing number of niche leaders, a supportive structure for entrepreneurship and a very high quality of place and lifestyle opportunities. All these factors contribute to the region s ability to create an innovative ecosystem that will, in conjunction with strategic economic development initiatives, attract a diversity of human and business capital. As more communities have realized the opportunities to attract businesses, the level of competition between communities has increased. An increased level of global competition means communities have to focus efforts on strategies that maximize their competitiveness. On its continued mandate to develop a healthy, dynamic and sustainable community economy, the Commission s investment attraction initiatives leverage the region s assets to target appropriate business investment and drive growth in key sectors. A major factor in a company s location decision is access to talent. Attraction and recruitment of human capital is not only regarded as a best practice tool in economic development but also a key element for any community to compete in the global marketplace. By implementing targeted strategies that centre on workforce development, communities not only ensure their competitiveness in attracting talent but also businesses. 15

19 Investment Attraction Program Objectives: Contribute to the growth of the aerospace sector in the Central Okanagan Attract companies that will strengthen the regional supply chain in the Central Okanagan Aerospace Competency Study Conduct research study to assess the core competencies and capabilities of the Central Okanagan aerospace sector Identify mechanisms and tactics to target FDI in the sector New Program Federal Funding Dependent Increased understanding of the aerospace sector in the Central Okanagan Improved cohesion among regional partners to attract, retain and drive growth in the sector Attraction of aerospace investment to the region # of B2B connections # of partners engaged in study # of tactics identified # of leads generated Objectives: Foster economic opportunities in the craft beverage sector Attract companies and skilled workforce to the region Craft Beverage Incubator Feasibility Study Conduct feasibility study to assess viability, recommended governance/revenue models and economic benefits of a craft beverage incubation facility in the region Engage stakeholders including municipalities, post-secondary, tourism partners, farm operators and industry to develop vision Attraction of craft beverage producers to the region Growth of new and existing local companies Increased crop feasibility information for agriculture sector (hops, cider apples) Enhanced quality of place for the attraction of tourists and workforce # of partners engaged # of tactics identified 16

20 for the sector New Program Partner & Funding Dependent Potential job growth in the manufacturing, agriculture, retail and tourism sectors Objectives: Contribute to the growth of the tech sector in the Central Okanagan Attract entrepreneurs, skilled workforce, students and families to the Central Okanagan Metabridge Partner (Program connecting top Canadian start-ups to Silicon Valley) Provide support to metabridge in efforts to identify FDI targets leveraging upon metabridge s flagship event in June COEDC hosting targeted FDI activities to promote investment attraction opportunities Increased awareness of the Okanagan as a place to live and invest Growth of local tech companies Attraction of tech start-ups to the region # of leads generated # of entrepreneurs locating to the region # of U.S. inbound delegations # of COEDC event participants Accelerate Okanagan Partner Align with Accelerate Okanagan strategies to foster a positive climate for the technology sector Partner with Accelerate Okanagan in promotion and marketing efforts to attract technology sector entrepreneurs and workforce Provide support for Accelerate Okanagan events and initiatives and facilitate Okanagan presence at outbound events including TechFest and #BCTECH Summit in Vancouver, BC Improved climate for tech start-ups in the region Growth of local tech companies Attraction of tech start-ups to the region Increased impact and leveraging of economies of scale through alignment of priorities # of leads/referrals generated # of entrepreneurs locating to the region # of job postings filled # of events 17

21 Technology Sector Attraction Program Market the Central Okanagan, in both domestic and international markets, as a place for entrepreneurs and skilled labour to move to. Particular focus will be on the technology sector 2017 tactics and activities to be determined in alignment with partners. Activities to include both domestic (Toronto, Lower Mainland) and international (UK, US) markets *In partnership with the Province of British Columbia, attend targeted technology-focused events Game Developers Conference (GDC) February 27 March 3, San Francisco, California #BCTECH Summit March 14-15, Vancouver, BC TECHfest March 15, 2017, Vancouver, BC Increased awareness of the region as a technology & animation hub Attraction of entrepreneurs and talent to the region Technology companies considering and relocating to the Central Okanagan (multi-year outcome) # of events attended # of inquiries as result of activity # of investment attraction leads # of partnerships developed # of entrepreneurs relocating to the region # of skilled labour relocating to the region Other potential partners include: Accelerate Okanagan, Okanagan Centre for Innovation, Okanagan College, private industry *Dependent on federal, provincial and industry partnership(s) and industry need Expanded Program 18

22 Expat Recruitment in International Markets Target Canadians that have relocated to international markets and entrepreneurs that can bring expertise and investment resources to the region. Facilitate the creation of an Expat database of individuals interested in relocation or investment in the Central Okanagan tactics and activities to include digital marketing and in market activities targeting the US (California) and Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong) markets in alignment with federal and provincial partnerships. Federal/Provincial Partnership Dependent Partnership with Okanagan Film Commission Partner with Okanagan Film Commission to facilitate an Okanagan presence, generate B2B connections and recruit skilled workforce at industry events including Sheridan College Animation Industry Day (Toronto) Work with target of 20 gaming and animation businesses currently located in Vancouver to pitch the Okanagan for relocation/expansion Support initiatives to develop studio space and other film industry assets in the Okanagan New Program Attraction of entrepreneurs, investors and talent to the region Increased investment capital to support local start-ups and companies Increased number of technology leaders in the region Attraction of skilled workforce, companies and investors to the region Increased film and animation activity and investment in the region Increase profile and awareness of region nationally and intentionally # of inquiries as result of activity # of entrepreneurs relocating to the region # of capital invested by Expats in the region # of events hosted/attended # of skilled workforce relocation leads # of investment attraction leads # of film production activity in the region 19

23 Objectives: Promote business/career opportunities, and highlight the Central Okanagan as a place for skilled workers, businesses and families to relocate to Skilled Labour Recruitment - Healthcare Facilitate partnership with the Interior Health Authority (IHA) and Central Okanagan Division of Family Practice to identify tactics to support recruitment programming and activities particular to the healthcare industry Dependent on partnerships Attraction of skilled healthcare professionals to fill indemand positions in the region Increased human capital, not only from healthcare professionals but also from their families Increased knowledge of in-demand occupations to be communicated to training institutions # of skilled healthcare professionals that move to the region # of recruitment activities Objectives: Promote the Central Okanagan as a place for investment in the global marketplace COEDC Website and Digital Communication Tools Publically launch redeveloped & redesigned COEDC website with enhanced content and relevant information for the attraction and retention of skilled workforce and companies to the Central Okanagan region, as well as promotion of the range of programs and services offered by the Commission Increased awareness of Central Okanagan in targeted markets Increased knowledge of region s assets and competitive # of visits # of inquiries # of investment prospects 20

24 Expand web content to market the region digitally to site selectors, companies and individuals through website and social media, including blog series and photo essay gallery. Provide opportunity for municipalities/governments to contribute to content for municipal promotion through the COEDC website and content marketing. New Program advantages Updated information and enhanced ease of use available for site selectors, skilled workforce and other target markets # of site selection inquiries # of downloads COEDC reports/resources # of blog posts and web content Objective: Work collectively to increase knowledge of the Central Okanagan as a place for investment in the global marketplace Okanagan Valley Economic Development Society (OVEDS) Actively participate in the OVEDS to identify projects to collectively market the Central Okanagan as a place for investment Including tactics and activities at: Regional Economic Profile ICSC, Whistler Jan 29 th 31st Industry/sector specific events and projects TBD Increased Okanagan presence in targeted markets Increased knowledge of region s assets and competitive advantages # of projects # of web counts # of investment prospects 21

25 Coordination & Facilitation The COEDC is a catalyst, a conduit and a connector to bring businesses, organizations, government and the community together for projects and initiatives that benefit the region s vitality and economic well-being. By engaging directly and communicating with community leaders, the COEDC gains a better understanding of the region s challenges and opportunities and is able to develop programs and services that facilitate sustainable economic growth. Coordination & Facilitation Objectives: Facilitate increased cohesion among economic development organizations, business service providers and the private sector in the region Positively impact the ability for businesses to grow and sectors to connect in the Central Okanagan Account Management System Economic Development Organizations (EDO) Continue to host and provide EDOs with support and licensed use of regional account management system to record site visitations and business walk information. Expand use of system to capture inquiries and lead generation Cohesive economic development delivery Clear division of roles and responsibilities for each EDO Recognition of areas of opportunity and how to effectively address at local level Enhanced understanding of business community in region Database containing detailed info for businesses in Central Okanagan # of businesses entered in account management database Consistent use of account management software by EDO 22

26 Quarterly Economic Development Organizations (EDO s) Meetings Enhance the lines of communication and cohesion amongst the EDO s in the region by facilitating quarterly meetings with the purpose of aligning priorities, avoiding duplication of services and leveraging resources Business Service Provider Roundtables Facilitate two roundtable sessions for business service providers to share information on programs and services available to local businesses Sector Development Program Working in partnership with industry, postsecondary institutions, community organizations and local EDO s to identify strong sector niches where cross-over opportunities exist Leverage information gathered via Account Identification of crosscollaboration opportunities Increased information sharing between communities Identification of economic development program and service gaps Increased knowledge of business service providers programs available to the community Increased cross-referrals and collaboration between service providers Identification of sectors with growth potential in region Identification of crosssector opportunities and connect leaders in these # of EDO s attending meeting # of crosscollaboration opportunities identified # of roundtables # of business service providers participating at roundtable # of referrals Key sectors and potential niches identified Needs assessment for selected sectors 23

27 Management System and direct contact with regional & industry leaders to build programs that encourage growth across sectors sharing common needs Leverage the influence and diversity of the advisory board and utilize advisory board meetings as forum to increase awareness of key sectors and cross-sector opportunities Multi-Year Initiative Air Service Development Work in partnership with Kelowna International Airport (YLW), Tourism Kelowna, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and other community stakeholders and participate as an active member of YLW s route development task force *Note that several of COEDC s projects in domestic and international markets are in part developed to support existing and incoming air route development. i.e. Europe, U.S. and Canada sectors Development of partnerships and relationships between sectors in the region Increased infrastructure/air service # of cross-over opportunities identified and companies connected # of increased air access/routes Municipal Economic Development Committee Advisor Hold advisory position on economic development committees at member municipalities/governments. Provide guidance and keep committees informed of economic initiatives at regional level to ensure alignment and eliminate overlap. Increased sharing of economic development knowledge and expertise Identification of opportunities for collaboration # of committees # of opportunities identified 24

28 between communities Identification of gaps or overlap in economic development initiatives Objective: Develop awareness of economic climate in the region through various data delivery mechanisms Inform partner organizations and the business community of range of COEDC programs and services Publications & Resources Develop and distribute economic climate, business enhancement, investment attraction publications and resources. Including but not limited to the following publications: 1. Central Okanagan Regional Profile 2. Central Okanagan Community Profiles (Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Westbank First Nation) 3. Business Resource Guides (Regularly Updated) (Ex: Business Services, Financing, Manufacturing, Agriculture, etc.) 4. Targeted Make It Here digital and print resources 5. Quarterly labour market reports 6. Bi-monthly newsletter 7. Social Media, general and focused to targeted markets 8. Other targeted assets Increased knowledge of regional economy, growth sectors and needs of the business community Identification of the region s business attributes and assets Outflow of communication and information resources for people & businesses Enhanced ability to respond to inquiries from domestic and international markets # of inquiries Web and social media counts Volume of media coverage % of newsletter distribution growth # of downloads 25

29 Economic Climate Awareness Sessions & Community Engagement Sessions Deliver presentations on the economic climate of the region to businesses and organizations interested in learning more about the current state of the Central Okanagan s economy Deliver presentations on mandate of the COEDC and updated programs and services for 2017 to staff of member municipalities/governments (Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Westbank First Nation), business service organizations and key stakeholders Facilitate opportunities for municipal and economic development staff to co-present with COEDC 2017 goal: a minimum of 50 presentations to targeted stakeholder groups and as requested by the community Increased knowledge of economic climate and trends of the region Identification of the region s key economic drivers and competitive advantages Increase in stakeholders ability to service clients Increase awareness of COEDC programs Facilitate the COEDC as the first point of contact for inquiries Engaged partners # of presentations # of inquiries resulting from presentations Web and social media counts % of newsletter distribution growth 26