The City of Penticton was the winner (community more than 20,000 population) for their Welcome Home / Skilled Worker Attraction Campaign
BRITISH COLUMBIA – The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) and FortisBC have announced the winners of the 2023 BC Economic Development Awards at the BCEDA’s annual awards presentation held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre during the BC Economic Summit.
These awards recognize BCEDA members for outstanding work in supporting their local economies and making a meaningful difference in their communities. For over 30 years, the BCEDA has given these awards to individuals and groups who have dedicated their time to community-based economic development.
Left, BCEDA Board Chair Amy Reid and Jim Anderson, the Executive Director of Venture Kamloops and winner of the Chair Award
“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding work accomplished by Local and Indigenous leaders, as well as BC’s Economic Developers,” said Dale Wheeldon, President and CEO at BCEDA. “The numerous nominations submitted by communities and economic development professionals showcase the innovative strategies that are being pursued to support local economies. This year’s theme of ‘Creating the WOW Factor’ was exemplified by all the nominated projects, which clearly demonstrated the partnerships required to keep moving BC forward. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who submitted their projects for consideration, as it was no easy task for our judges to select the winners. We congratulate all the nominees for their work to support local economies and to recognize the importance of economic reconciliation.”
2023 BC Economic Development Award winners:
Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award
Winner (community less than 20,000 population): Town of Princeton for #ReDiscover Princeton Marketing Campaign.
Winner (community more than 20,000 population): City of Penticton for Welcome Home / Skilled Worker Attraction Campaign
Economic Reconciliation Award
Winner (community less than 20,000 population): Williams Lake First Nation for Sugar Cane Cannabis.
Winner (community more than 20,000 population): City of Mission for The Í:xel Sq’eq’ó Agreement.
Community Project Award
Winner (community less than 20,000 population): Tourism Fernie Society for AmbassadorWILD Sustainable Tourism Partnership Program.
Winner (community more than 20,000 population): Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation for District 1881.
Economic Recovery and Resiliency Award
Winner (community less than 20,000 population): District of 100 Mile House for The Path Forward – Navigating Unexpected Job Loss.
Winner (community more than 20,000 population): City of Surrey, City of Richmond and Township of Langley for Supply Chain Resiliency Program.
Chair’s Award
At the presentation of the 2023 Chair’s Award by BCEDA Board Chair Amy Reid, Jim Anderson, the Executive Director of Venture Kamloops, was recognized for his outstanding contributions.
Amy noted that Jim always prioritizes his team and community over his own personal achievements. “With Jim, it is never about him, it is always about his team, and his community,” she stated.
“We’d like to congratulate all the winners for these award-winning initiatives that showcase just a sampling of the tireless efforts of BCEDA members to make an economic impact in their communities,” said Matt Mason, community and Indigenous relations manager at FortisBC. “We appreciate being a part of these awards every year, as well as working with members throughout the year to help realize this shared goal.”
Business Examiner Staff