July 2, 2008 JOB FAIR - NRI Distribution
June 25, 2008 VK sells Tool Kits to Province
June 2, 2008 China Mission 2008
May 21, 2008 Red Carpet program to roll out to attract doctors
May 5, 2008 1st Quarter nets 230 jobs in Kamloops
Printer Friendly Page
January 2008
Gail Scott has been hired to take the helm of Kamloops economic development agency, Venture Kamloops and replace outgoing CEO, Jeff Putnam.
Ms. Scott has been actively involved in public administration, community capacity building, strategic business planning and economic development for over 17 years. She currently resides in Victoria, BC and will be moving to Kamloops in February.
Ms. Scott has a wealth of experience in the economic development field working as a provincial economic development officer in the Kootenay region and has also worked as a private contractor for 2010 Legacies Now, BC Olympic Games Secretariat in Vancouver and the Community Council of Greater Victoria.
She most recently worked as part of a select team to develop a climate action program for the Ministry of Transportation in support of the Premier's Climate Action Secretariat.
“Ms. Scott brings a broad range of experience and personal relationships within the social and economic development community, First Nations and the provincial government,” said Chris Ortner, President of Venture Kamloops. "We are confident her leadership qualities and solid industry experience will maintain and grow Venture Kamloops position as a leading economic development agency in a very competitive marketplace.”
Ms Scott started her new role effective January 28th.Acting CEO Jeff Putnam will transfer back to Kamloops City Hall as Business and Client Services Manager. He will be responsible for managing the Kamloops Airport Society, corporate communications, marketing, and special projects
The team at Venture Kamloops are actively implementing the strategic objectives which focuses on business attraction, business retention and marketing Kamloops. Here is a snapshop looking ahead in 2008.
Business retention & expansion manager, Wendy Snelling will be implementing the Kamloops Workforce Development Strategy, cultivating new partnerships with employer groups and delivering roundtable sessions showcasing our highly acclaimed Employer Resource Tool Kits.
Venture Kamloops created the resources to help businesses combat the increasing labour shortage in the Kamloops region.Register to attend the first in a series of four workshops based on recruiting and retaining a multi-generational workforce - deadline Feb 10, contact info@venturekamloops.com,Wendy will also attend two immigration fairs on February 23/24 in Edinburgh Scotland and March 1st & 2nd in Esher Downs England promoting Kamloops and recruiting top talent.
Michael Eibl, manager of new business development is focusing his efforts in 2008 on promoting Kamloops as the best place for business and leading the creation of a strategic marketing plan for Kamloops Airport Ltd. This year is already full of potential with 20 new business inquiries and 3 new familiarization tours with investors wanting to develop new commercial, industrial and hi-tech facilities.
Venture Kamloops is hosting an "Inter-modal Speaker Series" on February 19, in conjuction with Thompson Rivers University and the Kamloops Indian Band. Kamloops will also be showcasing its resort and residential opportunities at the BC Real Estate Convention on Feb 25/26 in Vancouver.
Office manager Cindy Dueck is expanding her role to include the managment of the day-to-day financial activities.
Cindy is the first point of contact for Venture Kamloops and she coordinates the logistics for all special events.
During the first 3 months of launching the Venture Kamloops trade development service in Beijing, three new businesses have utilized this service.Luscious Bags, a producer of high-end hand bags, is expanding their distribution system through Kamloops and is establishing new contacts in the Chinese market. VP Gary Armistead is negotiating a hi-tech warehousing system with NRI Distribution and finalizing product specifications for the Chinese market.The international trade development service serves as an extension for sales activities in Kamloops and for new trade agreements with Chinese investors.Connie Chan, president of the IEA says, “Kamloops can benefit from our market intelligence, staff resources and deep understanding of the Chinese business culture.”
In 2008, the City of Kamloops, TRU and Venture Kamloops will invite regional businesses to Beijing for meetings hosted at BC-Canada Pavilion.
The purpose of these meetings will be to take advantage of the key business and government contacts and partners as well as introduce investment opportunities to new investors.
Featured as “Kamloops Days”, the event will highlight two days of business-to-business meetings with a focus on trade, education, culture and tourism. Stay tuned for more information on this unique opportunity on doing business in China, May 29 -30 in Beijing China at the BC-Canada Pavilion.
Services include a meeting place for Kamloops delegates while in China, meeting coordination services for Kamloops companies interested in meeting with potential clients or investors in China, basic translation services, coordination of local transportation, and the display and distribution of Kamloops promotional materials."Our requests have focused on exporting and importing goods and services," says Michael Eibl, manager, new business development.The trade facilitation service will assist Venture Kamloops to diversify its local economy by creating opportunities for Kamloops businesses to access the Chinese market and for customers or supplies to attract new investment from the growing Chinese middle class market looking to invest or immigrate to Canada , BC or Kamloops.
Kamloops Trade Service Team in Beijing(Left) Connie Chan, China-based Trade Facilitator, (Middle) Randy Diehl, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Kamloops,(right) Jeff Putnam, out-going CEO The 2010 Business Network Membership in the 2010 Business Network will showcase and promote your business to 2010-related buyers looking for suppliers of goods and services.The 2010 Business Network will also be used by both domestic and international companies looking to joint venture with or sub-contract to businesses, including those with sustainability and aboriginal features or qualifications.For more information, visit http://www.2010commercecentre.com/BusinessNetwork
Membership in the 2010 Business Network will showcase and promote your business to 2010-related buyers looking for suppliers of goods and services.The 2010 Business Network will also be used by both domestic and international companies looking to joint venture with or sub-contract to businesses, including those with sustainability and aboriginal features or qualifications.For more information, visit http://www.2010commercecentre.com/BusinessNetwork
The Kamloops airport is a major economic driver helping grow and diversify Kamloops and the Thompson region.The City of Kamloops is rolling-out a $22 million airport expansion program investing in airport infrastructure and promoting Kamloops as a gateway to a diversified and enhanced economy.Venture Kamloops is taking a leadership role by creating and implementing a strategic marketing plan for the Kamloops Airport. The purpose of this plan is to provide on-going promotional services for air-service development and commercial real estate opportunities at the airport.An expanded an enhanced airport has numerous economic benefits for Kamloops. An extended runway and flight service will attract more industry, more head offices, and more mobile professionals wanting to move to Kamloops and take advantage of our great quality of life.
In addition to improved direct airline service, an expanded airport allows Kamloops to attract national and international tournaments.
An expanded runway will also allow charters from Eastern Canada so that Sun Peaks Resort and Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing Resort can continue their growth.
New flight service will attract more international students, faculty, and investors who will demand the same air accessibility and schedule convenience of the larger urban centres.
Most importantly, an expanded runway and flight services will provide a level playing field to attract new investment and to assist the region to develop alternative industries and jobs that fit the new economy.
Tourism sector will benefit from expanding the Kamloops airport ( photo: amazing snow conditions and terrain at Sun Peaks Resort)
Related Links
www.KamloopsAirport.com
www.FlyKamloops.com
www.MovetoKamloops,com
www.SeeYouinKamloops.ca
Email industry updates and upcoming events to michael@venturekamloops.comTeam Venture KamloopsJeff Putnam, CEOAnita Grover, Manager, Economic Development Michael Eibl, Manager, New Business DevelopmentWendy Snelling, Manager, BusinessCARE Cindy Dueck, Office Administrator
www.venturekamloops.com
Venture Kamloops297 First AvenueKamloops, BC V2J 3J3Tel: 250.828.6818Fax: 250.828.7164Toll Free:1.888.526.5667
