SEDS Welcomes New Board Members as Projects Accelerate
By John Reed, Executive Director
We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the new members of our Board of Directors while graciously applauding the accomplishments and contributions made by those Directors whose terms are coming to an end, as well as those who are mid-stride in their terms.
To our retiring Directors, Maria Otting (founding member), Cynthia Bentley (founding member) and Kevin Mitchell, thank you for your vision, energy and commitment to launching and supporting this Economic Development Society start-up.
To our newly elected Directors as of our March 18 AGM – Alycia Butler, Bill MacPherson, Rhys Laug, Kyle Routledge and Josef Berger, welcome, welcome, welcome!
To our other Directors Sue McCrae (President), Anne-Marie Brennan (Secretary-Treasurer), Syd Loeppky (Vice-President), Mark Bourgeau (founding member), Colin Munroe (founding member), Percy Folkard and Paul Dorin, your impact is noted, appreciated and continues to motivate and inspire.
A sample of what’s to come in 2024
New business courses for the Not for Profit and Profit business sectors, ranging from Governance and Grant writing to Business Continuity and Commerce/ Finance.
Ongoing efforts to support the impacted communities and businesses from the 2023 Bush Creek East Wildfire through our participation in the Shuswap Economic Recovery Taskforce.
Participation in various community events, including the 104th Falkland Stampede on May 18, 19, 20, 2024.
The completion of our Investment and Attraction Strategy, which is based upon community input and direction, identifying new opportunities for the business community as defined by the business community.
Active start-up support for and involvement in the development of new NPO’s such as the Salmon River Valley Business Society and the Area D Rural Action Wildfire Society.
Active participation in the Rural Shuswap Housing Society, with their first project announcement pending (stay tuned).
The anticipated announcement of a $30 million grant award from Connected Communities BC to launch the Shuswap Region Broadband Cooperative- an open-access, community-owned Broadband network, which will provide fibre to the home Broadband from Seymour Arm to Falkland and beyond. This same amount will be spent directly on our local economy.
The role of the SEDS Board of Directors
SEDS Board members play a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring that we continue to fulfill our mission and serve our community effectively. Their unique perspective and skills are invaluable in helping us navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
For more information on the Shuswap Economic Development Society, to get involved with one of our Taskforce initiatives, or to chat about opportunities please visit www.shuswapecdev.ca or contact John Reed, Executive Director at 250 804 5527 or email john.reed@shusewapecdev.ca
