Once again, I am pleased to present the Annual Report for Venture Kamloops. This 2024 edition of our annual update comes at a time when there is a level of uncertainty on the economic horizon. As the body responsible for governance and oversight of Venture Kamloops, the Board of Directors remain committed to the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and the direction outlined in it. We will continue to rely on that as we set the course for the organization to provide business support and facilitate economic growth over the coming year in our community.
In June of 2023, I became the President of the Venture Kamloops Board of Directors. The first order of business was to complete strategic planning for the five-year period from 2024 to 2028. That plan was implemented last year, and the board met at the end of 2024 to review it and determine if adjustments needed to be made. The Board was satisfied that the plan is structured in such a way that it allows the operations of the organization the ability to adjust to changing economic conditions and continue to maintain its higher-level goals. In keeping with our commitment to strong oversight, the Board of Directors will meet again at the end of 2025 to re-examine the plan to ensure it addresses the local economy and its future.
In 2024, Venture Kamloops staff completed 19 of the 22 planned action items in support of the Board’s strategy. This work resulted in near-record client numbers for the organization and the continued success of the VK business support programs. Venture Kamloops played a key role in the attraction of a significant new employer to the Valleyview corridor and continued their work with the Kamloops Airport as its development plans continue to take shape. I can speak for the rest of the board when I thank the Venture Kamloops staff for their hard work throughout the year.
It is customary for the board President to thank the outgoing directors for their service. In 2024, we had the luxury of maintaining our complete board, which was augmented by several key additions. Although it is not the norm, I would like to take the opportunity to look ahead to 2025, which will see the completion of service to the organization for Brant Hasanen and Cecil Cheveldave. It has been a privilege and honour to work with these gentlemen on shaping the Venture Kamloops organization’s future in meaningful and substantive ways. I wish them all the best and thank them both for the work they have done.
Mathew Dundas
President, Board of Directors
Venture Kamloops