A new 200-acre business park is taking shape in the District of Lake Country. The development will create space for new types of businesses, attract investment, support local jobs, and provide housing options close to where people work. With support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), the project is helping one of BC’s fastest-growing communities prepare for the future.
Helping Shape the Future of ETSI-BC Support in the Southern Interior
ETSI-BC is inviting partners from across the Southern Interior to participate in a series of virtual focus groups as part of an Impact Assessment that will inform its next three-year Strategic Plan, covering the period from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2030.
In 2026, ETSI-BC marks its 20th anniversary. This milestone has prompted a comprehensive review of what is working well, where gaps remain, and how the organization can best respond to the region’s evolving economic development needs and priorities. These focus groups are a key part of that process.
Who the Focus Groups Are For
Separate focus group sessions are being held for key partner groups across the region:
Economic Development Practitioners
Monday, June 1
10:00 am to 11:30 am Pacific Time CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Post-Secondary Institutions and Accelerators
Tuesday, June 2
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Pacific Time CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Local Government and First Nations
Monday, June 8
11:00 am to 12:30 pm Pacific Time CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Non-Profit Business Support Organizations and Industry Groups
Tuesday, June 9
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Pacific Time CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Each session is designed as an open, facilitated conversation that encourages candid discussion about regional challenges, opportunities, and priorities.
What Participants Can Expect
Across all sessions, discussions will explore topics such as:
- Current economic development challenges and opportunities in the Southern Interior
- Experiences with ETSI-BC programs, funding, and partnerships
- Gaps in regional economic development support
- Opportunities for stronger collaboration and greater regional impact
- How ETSI-BC can position itself as a catalyst over the next three years
Feedback will be aggregated and reported by theme. Individual comments will not be attributed.
About the Process
The focus groups are being facilitated by KMH Strategy, a division of The EQ Development Group, with Karen Bowen leading the sessions.
Insights gathered through these discussions will directly inform ETSI-BC’s strategic direction and help ensure future work reflects the real needs and experiences of communities, businesses, and institutions across the Southern Interior.
Organizations invited to participate are encouraged to share their on-the-ground experience and perspective. Your input will play a critical role in shaping a strategic plan that is practical, responsive, and regionally relevant.
How to Participate
Select the focus group session above that best fits your organization and register using the corresponding email link.
For questions, please contact:
Mary Beadman
Program Administrator, ETSI-BC
mary@etsi-bc.ca
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