The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce welcomed 70 attendees from across the East and West Kootenays to our first Summit. The inaugural event was focused on Forestry, Mining, Agriculture, Technology & Circular economy.

Local, provincial and federal government representation were in attendance, as well as 3 Chambers of Commerce from the Region, both the College of the Rockies and Selkirk College, and 4 FIR Advisors from the ETSI-BC program. Several non-profit and Economic Development organizations were also in attendance.

Our Chamber’s role was to bring key players into the same room to discuss all of the great things are that happening and the contributions being made in the Kootenays, challenges that we are working to overcome, and opportunities for the region. We observed powerful connections being made and ideas being sparked.

Although conditions of doing business are challenging for many, attendees were enthusiastic looking to innovate with potential partners for new opportunities. The Summit gave us a confirmation of the importance of cross-sectoral networking- seeing and hearing what others are achieving in the Kootenays was enlightening and inspiring.