ELEVATING THE KOOTENAYS - AN ECONOMIC IMPACT SUMMIT
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.
What's next?
The team at the Chamber is working on a follow-up report to submit to Provincial Ministries, attendees and industry stakeholders who wish to join and continue the conversations. We’re identifying emerging themes, possible next steps and opportunities on how to leverage the connections and conversations that were shared at the Summit.
About the summit
This event was suited to anyone within the Kootenay, Columbia, and Elk Valley boundaries affected by industry related to Forestry, Mining, Agriculture, or Technology.
This Economic Summit hosted representatives from the 4 aforementioned sectors within our region. Each sector provided a presentation including operational insights, challenges and solutions involving climate change, resource development, industry advancement, and more.
Workshop activities curated conversations, questions, and projections for the future.
PRESENTERS
Forestry
Hugh Moore, Director Relationships and Business Development
Ka·kin Group of Companies
Mining
C.C. (Chuck) Downie, President / CEO
Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.
Agriculture
Danny Turner, Delivery Executive
Basin Business Advisors
Technology / Circular Economy
Jacomien van Tonder, Director
Metal Tech Alley