The Elk Valley Economic Initiative (EVEI) Committee in conjunction with Capasiti Consulting Inc. delivered the adVenture Capital Conference last weekend at Lizard Creek Lodge in Fernie. Numerous presentations and question and answer periods were scheduled for attendees.
“The Elk Valley Economic Initiative (EVEI) committee is very pleased with the success of Friday’s adVenture Capital Conference and, given its success, we plan to hold similar events in the future” said Sharon Strom, Elk Valley Economic Initiative Committee Chair. “In addition to showcasing the Elk Valley as a great place to continue doing business, we were able to highlight why now is a great time to invest in new businesses in this region. A number of business opportunities were presented and business support systems were outlined.”
Strom went on to say “The EVEI committee is very grateful to Cindy Pearson and Steve Thomson with Capisiti Consulting for their outstanding, professional support to help make this event a success. Of course, we are also extremely appreciative of the participation of the panel members, keynote speaker and author Chris Brogan and the conference attendees.”
The purpose of the initiative is to collaboratively pursue regional economic development projects and initiatives in the Elk Valley striving to expand opportunities for existing businesses, attract new ones and diversify the types of businesses, according the conference outline.
Lizard Creek was crowded with people interested in what opportunities may be available in the valley. Representatives from the Government of British Columbia, Columbia Basin Trust, Community Futures East Kootenay, Imagine Kootenay (formerly Invest Kootenay), the mining industry, the tourism sector and the three communities all spoke to why it is a good time to invest in the Elk Valley.
“I have worked all over northern B.C. and in the Elk Valley I really consider myself lucky, I tell people that I work in the most beautiful place,” Carla Fox, City of Fernie Director of Financial and Computer Services said during her presentation. “With the communities all being so close here in the Elk Valley I actually feel like it is just one community with some unique differences…I think here in the Valley we have the ingredients to have great economic development.
The keynote speaker, author Chris Brogan, offered his advice on how Elk Valley businesses should market themselves.
“What’s missing from every presentation I heard was really simply a cohesive story…how do I know you? Where are you from? Who are your people, that’s the story that I heard missing today from all of the presentations,” said Brogan. “When I went to the websites of some of the people who presented today, what I saw was indicative of most of the websites all over the world – we are good, we are wonderful, man you’re going to love us, boy are we innovative.”
Brogan continued by citing the importance of creating a unique online presence to make your business stand out.
Brogan said that you have to tell a story, one that allows people to see themselves here in the community and explain how the story all ties together.
After he finished speaking to the attendees, everyone received one of his books, which he personally signed.