The first annual in-person meeting of the Thompson-Okanagan Economic Development Practitioners Network, held in Vernon on April 8, brought together 25 representatives from municipal governments, First Nations, Chambers of Commerce, Community Futures and others whose primary roles are in community economic development. Participants shared information, ideas and resources, took in educational sessions, and planned for the future of the organization.

The April gathering followed a year of work by economic development practitioners across the Thompson-Okanagan to build momentum for the new network which is modeled after the Kootenay-Boundary EDPN, formed in 2014 with support from Columbia Basin Trust. ETSI-BC has supported several initiatives by the Kootenay EDPN, which now boasts more than 40 members.

Like the Kootenay network, the Thompson-Okanagan network provides a shared space for economic development practitioners from across the region to come together and talk about the challenges they are having in their communities, share information with their peers, source economic development consultants, and explore collaborative opportunities.  Members also strategize on timely issues such as housing, agriculture and transportation of goods.

With an extensive background in economic development, consultant Robyn Cyr was contracted to carry out the engagement to create the Thompson-Okanagan model. ETSI-BC spoke with Robyn about the project.

What led up to this important event in April?

Cyr: My role has been to facilitate connections between economic development practitioners across the Thompson-Okanagan, help them understand the goals and opportunities through the network, and coordinate planning for its growth. I travelled extensively through the region, meeting one-to-one with economic development practitioners to understand both the common and unique challenges in this diverse region. Our research and the new connections inspired the content for the April in-person event.

Key Topics for Discussion?

The morning included presentations by Leigha Horsfield, Executive Director with Community Futures North Okanagan, Myles Bruns, Senior Regional Manager for the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth, and Renata King, ETSI-BC Project Consultant for the Thompson Okanagan. With the highly competitive environment for economic developing funding that exists today, the presenters shared insights on how to bridge the gap between community project needs and the objectives of government funding programs.

The afternoon kicked off with a session by AI specialist Rob Cupello who works with businesses, Chambers of Commerce and economic development teams to integrate AI into their organizations. This was followed by a fun, interactive session led by Sarah Sinclair on building community economic development strategies into rural communities, understanding community buy-in, and forging practical partnerships to address issues.

Participants also had plenty of time to network and it was great to see the connections being made between small, rural communities and larger centres of economic activity like Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops. The day really highlighted the value of collaboration and partnerships through the EDPN network.

How will the success of the Thompson-Okanagan EDPN be measured?

The greatest indicator will be when the economic development practitioners throughout the region are consistently calling to be part of this new network.

What’s next for the Thompson Okanagan EDPN?

In the coming months, an advisory committee will be created, and a new coordinator will be appointed. The network will likely host three virtual events and one in-person event per year. ETSI-BC is committed to support the region’s economic development practitioners, and would like to see practitioners from all parts of the Southern Interior participating.