– Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at manager@duncancc.bc.ca or 250.748.1111.
COWICHAN VALLEY – Although the summer is a busy time for tourism operators in the Cowichan region, many have made time to participate in local and regional destination development activities.
Destination BC and Tourism Vancouver Island recently launched a new Destination Development program that will guide the long-term growth of tourism experiences for south Vancouver Island, including the Cowichan region.
Over the next eight to ten months, Destination BC and TAVI will assist tourism industry stakeholders in creating a 10-year destination development strategic plan. The strategy will include: Identification of the region’s unique products, amenities and experiences; Identification of strategic priorities; Identification of policy areas that may impede future development activities; Identification of partners and resources needed to support goals, and Guidance on action and implementation planning
The new Tourism Cowichan Society is also calling on tourism operators, businesses and organizations in the Cowichan region to provide input on regional destination marketing. A fast-paced and informative workshop was delivered by the Taiji Brand Group in early August, where industry stakeholders discussed the Destination BC brand and how the Cowichan region can benefit by leveraging it. Participants also provided input on a vision for Cowichan as a preferred destination and shared input on the tourism website and how social media can be improved.
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We are pleased to announce that the Cowichan region will once again have an Economic Development Manager. The Economic Development Cowichan offices have been without a permanent Manager position since Geoff Millar retired in 2014. The Cowichan Valley Regional District has selected Amy Melmock to fill this key position, starting August 2.
Amy will be relocating to the Cowichan Valley from Nova Scotia, where she has been working as General Manager for the Neptune Theatre Foundation. Amy is a former resident of the Cowichan Valley and with family and friends in the area has visited often over the years. She is looking forward to calling it home once again.
Amy’s professional background includes experience in economic development for regional governments, municipalities, federal agencies, large events and non-profit organizations. She has particular experience with strategic growth in the arts, agriculture, tourism, IT, alternative energy and heritage sectors.
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We’ve had a busy month of welcoming new members to the Chamber: Harbour Air Seaplanes, Telus – Broadband Networks, Vancouver Island Event Catering, Canadian HazMat Environmental, Maple Bay Manor, Ancient Art of Stone, Stoneridge Sand and Gravel, Island Mobile Paws, Leeward Helicopters and Island Joy Rides – Boutique Cycling Tours.