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Cleantech, manufacturing and aerospace industry familiarization tour.

On Wednesday, Nov. 9 the Regional District of Central Okanagan, in partnership with Tourism Kelowna, hosted elected officials, community partners and economic development staff on a cleantech, manufacturing and aerospace industry familiarization tour.

According to RDCO, familiarization tours are a staple in the tourism and hospitality space and provide guests with firsthand experiences, immersing them in facilities and services.

The OKGo Team adapted the concept to have an industry-specific focus, providing a platform for the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus and industry leaders in cleantech, manufacturing and aerospace to share stories and information to further deepen industry understanding for elected officials and partners.

“It was an incredible privilege to engage with industry leaders to learn about research, innovation, growth and the challenges that lie ahead. Today’s insights have inspired us and furthered our commitment to a shared vision of a resilient, clean and prosperous future,” said Loyal Wooldridge, chair of the RDCO Board.

“These industries are the engine driving our regional economy and it is essential that we create an environment that not only attracts and retains the brightest talents but also fuels research, innovation and technological advancement.”

RDCO tells Castanet the tour started with a welcome from the board, followed by an economic update and industry stats for cleantech, manufacturing and aerospace from EDC.

Attendees then visited UBCO's Cleantech Hub at the UBC Innovation Precinct.

While touring the facilities, the group learned about academic-industry collaborations aimed at promoting clean technologies and helping industry bring their technologies and products to domestic and international markets, all while supporting Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Last year alone, UBCO attracted nearly $45 million in research funding to the Okanagan.

“UBC Okanagan places a high priority on research partnerships that solve pressing societal issues while helping drive economic development and industrial diversification in the valley. The work taking place at the UBCO Cleantech Hub is doing just that, with exciting projects underway in areas like carbon recovery, hydrogen tech, renewables and more,” said Dr. Lesley Cormack, Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

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Small Business Week Open House

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Join us for an exciting in-person event during Small Business Week. Discover the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of our community and celebrate the hardworking small businesses that make Kelowna thrive. click here to register:

Time: 15:00 - 18:00 (Pacific Daylight Saving Time)
Location: 210-1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R9

At our Open House, you'll have the opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs and learn valuable insights from industry experts. Whether you're a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the local business scene, this event is for you. Discover new ideas, network with like-minded individuals, and get inspired by the success stories of our resilient small business community. Don't miss out on this chance to support local businesses and be a part of the Small Business Week celebration!

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Inhouse Export Navigator at Community Futures

Community Futures now has inhouse Export Navigator specialist Raeanne Anderson resident at the CFDC office in Kelowna. We look forward to introducing you to our clients especially the value added agriculture product businesses. Welcome Raeanne.

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Community Futures Central Okanagan to Host Rural Resilience Program

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Community Futures Central Okanagan is pleased to announce that they will be hosting a suite of Rural Resilience programs to help communities and businesses deal with increasing disruption and difficulties as a result of extreme weather and wild fire events occuring in the Central Okanagan.

A key part of the Rural Resilience suite of programs is a Program Ambassador supported by a team of experienced subject matter business experts and programs. The Program Ambassador will support Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, communities, and enterprising not-for-profits by support and resources to the local community.  The goal is to ensure that business owners and managers can effectively and efficiently access the Rural Resilience suite of services and programs.

Community Futures Central Okanagan invites interested individuals and consultants that are interested in helping with the program to contact Larry Widmer, FCMC, General Manager of Community Futures Central Okanagan about these opportunities. Phone 250-868-2132 ext 223 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

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Shawn Edwards Joins Community Futures

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Community Futures is pleased to introduce our newest addition to our team. Shawn is a Chartered Professional Accountant, CPA, CMA,  and a B.Sc. from UBC specializing in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Shawn has over 15 years of financial and business experience with a wide range of industry understanding (Finance, Manufacturing, Mining and Technology). He is well equipped to help Community Futures clients with strategic and development finance and business counseling. Shawn can be reached at phone: 250-868-2132 ext. 227  email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Welcome Shawn!

 

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Happipad Partners with Nova Scotia Government

Happipad and the province of Nova Scotia have announced an official partnership.

This program, officially announced on August 4 by Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Lohr, ensures that the Happipad app is free to use for all Nova Scotians. 

What is Happipad?

Happipad is a federally incorporated nonprofit on a mission to create a safe, seamless, and enjoyable experience for individuals seeking to share homes. We firmly believe that fostering compatibility among housemates alleviates financial burdens. But it also plays a pivotal role in nurturing meaningful friendships and cultivating an inclusive society.

Happipad has created Canada’s first dedicated web platform to enable peer-to-peer creation and management of house sharing arrangements. Happipad provides users with a safe and convenient way to handle:

  • Rent payments
  • Safety deposits
  • Legal documentation
  • Background checks
  • Conflict resolution and support if needed

These features generally can’t be accessed for those looking for companion housing in the open market.

“The Hospitable nature of all Nova Scotians”

“We all have a role to play as we work together to overcome this housing crisis, and today’s announcement is a call to action to all Nova Scotians who may have extra space in their homes to consider hosting a person or family in their home,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “We know we have 130,000 vacant bedrooms in Nova Scotia, and through this expanded program more people like students, healthcare workers, tradespersons and any others who may need a safe, affordable and comfortable short-term accommodation could be matched with a room. This partnership truly encompasses the hospitable nature of all Nova Scotians.”

“NSCC is excited to learn of the province’s partnership with Happipad. The organization shares our commitment to providing safe and affordable housing and uses a platform I trust our students and community members will find accessible and helpful,” says Chauncey Kennedy, NSCC Manager, Housing and Student Life. “As our college has sites in communities across Nova Scotia, we look forward to working in partnership with Happipad to increase opportunities to address the urgent provincial housing needs.”

If you are interested in joining Happipad, you can check out what the process for joining Happipad looks like. And if you still have questions, you can always contact Happipad at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Dylan Vinci Joins Community Futures

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Community Futures Development Corporation of the Central Okanagan is pleased to announce that Dylan Vinci has joined Community Futures as Program Coordinator. He will take the lead on the Self Employment Program including business plan development training and business counseling. Dylan is a recent Okanagan College Business Program graduate where he specialized in marketing. He has many years of hands on business management, digital marketing and promotions experience that will make him a valuable addition to Community Futures team.

Phone: 250-868-2132 ext. 224   Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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