July 29, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC)) is pleased to announce that Krista Mallory will be joining the organization as its new Regional Project and Strategic Initiatives Manager effective October 1, 2026.
Unlocking the Power of Data! 2024 Webinar Series
ETSI-BC is pleased to engage Community Futures East Kootenay to again offer a new and improved “Data 101: How to Use Data to Your Advantage.” This FREE five-part interactive webinar series will illustrate the transformative potential of data, for communities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. Data is not merely numbers; it’s the key to informed decision-making, strategic planning, and sustainable growth. This webinar series aims to empower smaller rural communities that often face challenges in accessing and interpreting relevant community and economic development data.
Join Us in Empowering Your Community!
This webinar series is beneficial for community leaders, decision-makers, and anyone passionate about fostering growth in Southern Interior communities. Don’t miss the chance to turn anecdotal decision-making into decisions grounded in evidence and data.
Schedule:
|
Session |
Date |
Time (Pacific) |
Session Topic |
|
1. |
Jan 24, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
Introduction to Data 101 |
|
2. |
Feb 7, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
What is Data and How to Use It |
|
3. |
Feb 21, 2024 |
1-2:30 pm |
Filling the Gaps – Sourcing and Collecting Data |
|
4. |
Mar 6, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
Creating a Decision Based Culture |
|
5. |
Mar 20, 2024 |
1-2:30 pm |
Telling Your Story with the Data |
Join us for Data 101 by Zoom. Attend any session you like or all the webinars in the FREE series.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Data 101 Session Descriptions – Click here to view or download the full course outline.
|
Session |
Date |
Time (PT) |
Session Descriptions |
|
1. |
Jan 24, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
Introduction to Data 101 Join Mike Stolte as he welcomes you to the series, introduces its importance, addresses challenges in smaller communities, and kickstarts the journey. |
|
2. |
Feb 7, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
What is Data is Available and How to Use It Join Jayme Jones to understand how to effectively use the data that exists and how to avoid pitfalls in its analysis and interpretation. |
|
3. |
Feb 21, 2024 |
1 -2:30 pm |
Filling the Gaps – Sourcing and Collecting Relevant Data Join Dr. Sarah-Patrica Breen to understand the common mistakes in data collection and interpretation and how to avoid them. |
|
4. |
Mar 6, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
Creating a Decision Based Culture Join the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission to understand the benefits of a decision-based mindset and how this supports change and growth |
|
5. |
Mar 20, 2024 |
1 -2:30 pm |
Telling Your Story with the Data Put together everything that has been learned. Explore a case study from ETSI-BC. Leave with a clear set of actions with regards to accessing and analyzing data in your own community. |
All sessions will include interactive discussions using tools such as polls, breakout rooms, whiteboards, open conversation and networking.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
More News & Stories
Wayfinding in Barriere for Economic Resilience and Growth
When a major fire destroyed the Tolko sawmill in the North Thompson region near Barriere in 2003, residents and stakeholders rallied to rebuild and redefine the community’s economic future. As the community has evolved, so have the systems that help residents and visitors navigate in and around Barriere, including a multi-phase Wayfinding Strategy launched in 2024. The project, supported by the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is aimed at boosting visitor traffic and attracting more business investment, ensuring a strong and resilient future.
Five-Year Plan Strengthens ?aq’am Community Enterprises
?aq’am Community Enterprises (ACE) is the economic development arm of the ?aq’am First Nation, the largest member of Ktunaxa Nation. Known for its progressive business development goals, ACE undertook a comprehensive review of its strategic priorities. The result is a dynamic new five-year strategic plan that will guide more efficient, tactical, and resilient delivery of ACE’s programs and services. The project was supported by the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).
Thompson-Okanagan Launches New Economic Development Practitioners Network
After a year of work connecting economic development practitioners across the Thompson-Okanagan, the region’s first Economic Development Practitioners Network (EDPN) is now in place. Modelled after the Kootenay Boundary EDPN created in 2014, the Thompson Okanagan EDPN includes community and municipal and First Nations economic development practitioners, Chambers of Commerce, Community Futures and other stakeholders. The group came together for the first time on April 8, 2026, where they learned, shared ideas and information, and further planned future activities. The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is committed to supporting both the Kootenay Boundary and Thompson-Okanagan networks of economic development practitioners.
2027-30 Strategic Planning and DAAP 4.39 Updates
June 25, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is grateful for the input from partners, funding recipients, committee members and other regional stakeholders who have taken the time to help inform our next three-year Strategic Plan for 2027-30. We are also pleased to provide an update on the status of the DAAP 4.39 action item.
ETSI-BC Fall 2026 Funding Intake: Up to $1M Available for Projects
June 18, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is pleased to announce that its next Funding Intake will launch on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 and close on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
ETSI-BC Spring Funding Intake Invests Over $1 Million to Strengthen the Southern Interior Economy
June 8, 2026 – Communities across British Columbia’s Southern Interior are set to benefit from a new round of investment through the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior. On June 5, 2026, ETSI-BC approved $1,011,000 in funding for 33 projects, representing a combined project value of $3 million. The funded initiatives will help communities diversify their local economies, support innovation, and respond to regional opportunities
Helping Shape the Future of ETSI-BC Support in the Southern Interior
May 11, 2026 – 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.
Similkameen Economic Vitality Plan Drives Growth and Resilience
Keremeos, one of the fastest growing rural communities in British Columbia, has evolved from its agricultural heritage to a business hub at the heart of the Similkameen region with a robust tourist sector and vast potential to develop new business opportunities. In 2024, the Similkameen Country Development Association initiated a comprehensive Economic Vitality Initiative to better address the pressing needs of local businesses. Collaboration by many stakeholders along with funding support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) drove the plan to completion, and the strategies it contains are now being implemented.
Ktunaxa Business Showcase Links Indigenous Businesses to Procurement Opportunities
The Ktunaxa Business Showcase, led by the Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC), is expanding, improving and helping members secure new business contracts in southeastern BC. The success of the most recent 2025 Showcase event reflects strategic changes to the program’s timeline and format, and was supported by funding from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).