“This is unprecedented support that we are receiving from the Province and the RDN, and from organizations such as CFCI and ICET”
Gloria Hatfield
Gabriola Chamber of Commerce
Website: hellogabriola.ca/chamber
Gabriola Island faces unique challenges for business growth and housing for staff due to limitations and bylaws enforced by the Islands Trust. Community Futures worked with Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce to create a strategic plan for economic development – the Strategy for Economic Prosperity on Gabriola, which resulted in a three – year delivery agreement with the Regional District of Nanaimo. “The initial funding is going towards a branding exercise and setting up the governance structure”, said Gloria Hatfield, Gabriola Island Chamber president.
“While Gabriola Island is one of B.C.’s top destinations to visit and live, its residents and businesses face unique challenges”, said MLA Doug Routley. ” This BC Rural Dividend grant will help the Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce in its ongoing work to promote economic development and develop new markets.”
The chamber will have to build from the ground up. “As soon as the Nanaimo Economic Development Committee collapsed, everything that they had about Gabriola Island vanished,” said Howard Houle, Region District director, representing Gabriola Island. “So the people here have to start from square one. There’s no photos, there’s no website, there is nothing.”
According to Hatfield, “this is unprecedented support that we are receiving from the Province and the RDN, and from organizations such as CFCI and ICET.” Jolynn Green of CFCI has been there through the entire process and continues to support stakeholders with bylaw, policy and procedure rewrites, and governance training.” Full story here link to Community Futures and Gabriola Chamber of Commerce Strategic Collaboration doc on blog page.