COURTENAY – With a decade of success in spurring regional economic growth and job creation, the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) is hosting a day of learning to help individuals, organizations, First Nations and local governments capitalize on the economic opportunities that exist in the region.
The events – including a 10th Anniversary celebratory evening reception and dinner – are taking place on June 16th at the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station.
“We’ve seen the success that comes from collaboration and creativity in economic development, and our daytime event on the 16th will allow some of the successful applicants from the past 10 years to pay it forward by sharing best practices with the next cohort,” said Phil Kent, ICET Chair and Mayor of Duncan. “The panels and inspirational talks will connect attendees with the visionaries, project champions, and volunteers who have turned ideas into action, generating jobs and sustainable economic growth for their communities.”
Line Robert, ICET CEO, explained that by hearing from the project proponents directly, people in attendance at the event will hear a unique perspective on how to create ‘economic infrastructure’.
“This is about the grassroots, it’s about the people who saw an opportunity, and found a way to make it happen,” Robert said. “These panelists embody persistence in the face of seemingly impossible visions and they are keen to share what they have learned along the way.”
The panel presentations will go behind the scenes and help participants learn how to build a winning team, mobilize project champions, community members and volunteers and explore the conventional and less conventional avenues to raise funds for community initiatives. Speakers include representatives from some of the region’s signature projects, including: Wild Pacific Trail; Elk Falls Suspension Bridge; Ucluelet Aquarium; Gibsons Public Market; Sunshine Coast Trail; VIU Deep Bay Field Station and Nanaimo Airport.
After the panels, guests will have the opportunity to mingle and enjoy the appetizer stations, beautiful scenery and tours of the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station.
The evening dinner celebration will highlight the contributions of the hundreds of groups, communities, First Nations, individuals and partners who have contributed to the success of the past 10 years and will feature a keynote address by Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Vancouver Island University.
Tickets are available for the day event only, the evening event only or both events. Numbers are limited and sales will end on June 8.
