Kyle Dearing gave an update of his activities for the Shuswap Economic Development between December 13, 2018 and March 14, 2019:
Community Profiles
The Community Profiles have been completed based on the most recent Canadian Census. These community profiles will be posted on the new Shuswap Economic Development website and also be available for distribution to the communities to use in various publications and websites.
SFAS/Farmers Markets Update
Shuswap Food Action Society (SFAS) is working towards having one large farmers market for the Salmon Arm area. SFAS is also hosting a variety of events in the community that are raising awareness around food security issues in the Shuswap. SED will provide support when possible.
Tech Dev 101 Workshop
The TechDevBC workshop taking place March 26, 2019 will introduce and incorporate technology and innovation basics into the economic development fabric of communities.
BC Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology Webinars
BC Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology host a variety of free webinars on a regular basis. You can participate in the webinars live or you can access past series in their online library. K. Dearing noted a handful of series that would be of interest to the Committee.
Nominee Program Applicant Tour
K Dearing and L. Fitt – EDM for Salmon Arm Economic Development Society have been working with an applicant that will be accessing the PNP program to set up a business in the region. They have toured many locations and are now making a decision on the type of business they want to operate and where they will operate the business. It looks like they are currently looking at a location in the community of Salmon Arm.
Okanagan College led agriculture asset mapping discussions
A discussion regarding agriculture asset mapping was facilitated at the Okanagan College Kelowna Campus. The mapping is in its introductory stages. There is surveying being completed to understand what people want to get out of this agriculture asset map. Shuswap Economic Development has attended a few of these discussions and will continue to monitor the development of this project.
Business incubator discussion with Salmon Arm Economic Development Society/Community Futures
Discussion regarding the Business incubator partnership with Salmon Arm Economic Development Society/Community Futures has been tabled for the time being.