The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance

🔎Looking to be inspired?

Then visit our Spotlight Rooms this year at the 18th annual State of the Island Summit! 🌟

Happening on Wednesday, October 23rd from 9am to 11am, we have a selection of 5 great spotlight rooms for you to choose from!

📌Speed Networking: Build Connections in Record Time

📌Lightning Talks: Fueled by Passion - Short passionate presentations and talks on various topics.

📌Rising Stars: Businesses to Watch - Meet the region's innovative and creative entrepreneurs—businesses that are making waves.

📌The Future is Bright: Youth-Led Ideas & Initiatives - Discover the vision, inspiration, and direction driven by today’s youth.

📌Indigenous Ingenuity: Paving Paths for Progressive Development - Projects, Business and Community Initiatives.

🙌Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired!

✏️Register now: https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

📷credit HA Photography

📌Today we'd like to highlight MNP, a Platinum Sponsor of the 2024 'State of the Island' Economic Summit.

📣Proudly Canadian, with offices from coast to coast, MNP has been serving clients across Vancouver Island for over 20 years, growing alongside our communities with offices in Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo and Victoria.

MNP is dedicated to helping clients succeed through tailored advice in accounting, consulting, tax, and digital services. With more than 250 team members who call the Island home, MNP offers a small-firm culture, personalized service and on-the-ground understanding of our local economy, backed by the expertise and resources of a large national firm.

MNP works closely with VIEA to produce the State of the Island Economic Dashboard, and has been an active member and supporter of VIEA since its formation in 2006. This long-standing partnership reflects our shared belief in the power of collaboration, the spirit of entrepreneurship and the value of diverse perspectives.

Wherever your vision takes you, MNP is here to support you—every step of the way.

✏️Anyone is welcome to register and participate in the broad range of sessions which revolve around VIEA’s core principles of collaboration to add vitality to the Vancouver Island economy. Register today at https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

🙌Thank you again, MNP. We can’t wait to see you at the Summit!

🔎Are you curious about how applied research is contributing to innovations in the Vancouver Island region? Or how the partnerships between our regional post-secondary institutions are helping facilitate this innovation?

📣Join us in an engaging session - Research Partnerships Powering Island Potential, Sponsored by Royal Roads University - at the The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance's 18th Annual 'State of the Island' Economic Summit!

📍Our four panelists will provide perspectives from various regional post-secondary institutions and will discuss insights into research partnerships as they pertain to the growth of seafood, seaweed, and our clean energy sectors; as well as provide general discussion into how collaboration might help us unlock the intellectual capital and innovation found throughout our region.

Moderator
➡️Dr. Lindsay Frehlick, Director of Research Services - Vancouver Island University

Panelists
➡️Carl Butterworth, Director of Research Operations and Industry Engagement - Vancouver Island University
➡️Naomi Tabata, Director of the Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation - North Island College
➡️Robert Maylath, Director, Partnerships and Engagement, Accelerating Community Energy Transformation, University of Victoria

Stay tuned for more session features, as we have much more in the works!

📌Don’t miss out, register now: https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

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📌Today we'd like to highlight FortisBC, a Platinum Sponsor of the 2024 'State of the Island' Economic Summit.

📣As the province’s largest energy provider, FortisBC is putting their centuries worth of knowledge and expertise into practice as they strive for a greener future in BC. They know that decisions made today will have an impact for decades to come. So, by working together with customers, community groups, Indigenous communities, industry leaders, and the government, FortisBC aims to build collaborative and holistic low-carbon energy solutions that meaningfully contribute towards provincial climate action goals. All while providing employment to over 2,500 employees and giving back to our communities whenever possible.

Energy for a better B.C.

FortisBC continues to contribute positively to the regional economy by supporting the Economic Summit, an event packed with learning, information sharing and networking. The Summit has become the region's must-attend event for business leaders, decision-makers, and community and island stakeholders to connect.

✏️Anyone is welcome to register and participate in the broad range of sessions which revolve around VIEA’s core principles of collaboration to add vitality to the Vancouver Island economy. Register today at https://vieasummit2024.vfairs.ca/en/

🙌Thank you again, FortisBC! We can’t wait to see you at the Summit!

📌Today we'd like to highlight Vancouver Island University as a Platinum Sponsor of the 2024 'State of the Island' Economic Summit.

📣Firmly connected to the region, Vancouver Island University continues to work locally to meet the needs of communities and the people within. Through support of comprehensive economic, social, and environmental developments, their research has informed community work in forestry, watershed management, aquaculture, tourism, as well as other key social issues such as housing and mental health. Vancouver Island University strives to be a community-engaged university as they deepen relationships with community partners and actively collaborate with local industries to achieve greater prosperity for Greater Vancouver Island.

💙Vancouver Island University continues to contribute positively to the regional economy by supporting the Economic Summit, an event packed with learning, information sharing and networking. The Summit has become the region's must-attend event for business leaders, decision-makers, and community and island stakeholders to connect.

✏️Anyone is welcome to register and participate in the broad range of sessions which revolve around VIEA’s core principles of collaboration to add vitality to the Vancouver Island economy. Register today at https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

🙌Thank you again, Vancouver Island University! We can’t wait to see you at the Summit!

💙We are thrilled to announce that Greg Hart will be the dinner keynote speaker at the 2024 ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit and will be presenting on the topic of Building a Different Future!

Greg's interactive talk will expand not only what you believe to be possible but what is probable by understanding the roots of action and inaction and the paths to achieving uncommon levels of flourishing across communities. The storyline will unfold across three chapters that answer the questions, (1) Where are we and how did we get here? (2) Where are we going now? (3) How do we get there? Ultimately it is a question of knowing how success looks, feels and works and then creating the conditions for it to happen.

📌 Greg is a lifetime entrepreneur and focused on creating the conditions for a regenerative future where people and organizations have every opportunity to flourish. He co-founded Thin Air Labs and then spun Future Fit Cities out to bring more focus to the quality of place and the ecosystems of activity that flow in and around those places.

📅 The session will be held October 23rd during dinner at 6:45pm. Make sure to be there! You don’t want to miss out on innovative conversations about what the future holds!

✏️Register today at https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

🔎Want a preview? Check out our YouTube channel to see the dinner session that Dr. Ken Coates' hosted last year on the future of Vancouver Island! (https://youtu.be/ZC82Vch7oAw)

✏️Still not signed up?

📌August 10th is the deadline for Early Bird prices for the 18th Annual The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance 'State of the Island' Economic Summit!

📣You don't want to miss out!

🌟Join industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries for two transformative days of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and game-changing opportunities such as:

✅Networking Opportunities
✅Keynote Speeches
✅Panel Discussions
✅Business to Business Show with 35+ exhibitors
✅Vision 2050 Workshop
✅NEW! Pre-Summit Professional Development

Be a part of the conversations that will shape the future of innovation and prosperity on Vancouver Island!

🔗 Register today at https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

📷 credit HA Photography

Today we'd like to highlight Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation as the Premier Sponsor of the 2024 'State of the Island' Economic Summit and as an ongoing partner of VIEA.

Owned by the City of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo Port Authority, Nanaimo Airport Commission, Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, and Vancouver Island University, NPC is focused on results: unlocking development lands; building an inclusive workforce; nurturing export and trade; enhancing the business climate; building strategic partnerships; promoting the city; attracting investment; strengthening the innovation ecosystem – balanced economic vitality.

Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation continues to contribute positively to the regional economy by supporting the Economic Summit, an event packed with learning, information sharing and networking. The Summit has become the region's must-attend event for business leaders, decision-makers, and community and island stakeholders to connect.
Anyone is welcome to register and participate in the broad range of sessions which revolve around VIEA’s core principles of collaboration to add vitality to the Vancouver Island economy.

Register today at https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

And thank you again, Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation. We can’t wait to see you at the Summit!

🔎What are your plans for the future of your business? Have you considered the crucial roles that will need to be filled as your business expands or succession planning? Look no further!

Join us in our engaging session - Becoming Succession Ready - at The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance 18th Annual 'State of the Island' Economic Summit. Our four panelists will share insights, experiences, and innovative approaches for small and medium sized businesses, and especially founder-led businesses, to navigate and thrive through succession planning.

Moderator
➡️Ashka Wirk, Founder of Wirk Consulting

Panelists
➡️Martin Bell, CEO of Urban Systems Ltd.
➡️Josh Ludgate, COO of Small Business BC
➡️Kyle White, Director of Education at Co-operatives First

Stay tuned for more session features, as we have much more in the works!

📌Don’t miss out, register now: https://ow.ly/YKgu50SOkzr

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In 2018, the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) using its new designation as Foreign Trade Zone - Vancouver Island, Canada’s 12th Foreign Trade Zone, developed four business cases to attract Foreign Direct Investment. The business case for Seaweed Aquaculture rose to the top of this list. It's great to see the progress of the industry in our region with support from Pacific Seaweed Industry Association.

Aquaculture North America July/August 2024 Page 12

🎟️ Registration has been open for 2 weeks for The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance's 18th Annual 'State of the Island' Economic Summit taking place October 23rd & 24th, 2024 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Join industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries for two transformative days of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and game-changing opportunities.

✨ New this year: Pre-Summit Professional Development on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 22.

🔹 Economic Reconciliation Workshop
Explore the principles of economic reconciliation and learn strategies for inclusive growth and mutual prosperity.
- In partnership with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

🔹 Mindful Resilience Workshop
The Mindful Resilience Program guides leaders, teams, and individuals through change and disruption. Complete an online Personal Resilience Profile and explore mindfulness practices to strengthen resilience against challenges.
- In partnership with Maigus Group

🔹 Land Acknowledgment Workshop
Understand the value and importance of land acknowledgments as part of your journey toward reconciliation.
- In partnership with Nanaimo Art Gallery

📌Limited spaces are available, so register early and choose to add on one of these workshops to secure your spot. Register before August 10, 2024, to receive Early Bird Pricing: https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

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🌟 Welcome Acera Insurance as a new member of The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance! 🌟

Acera Insurance is built on the foundation of award-winning, independent insurance brokerages that have been serving communities across the country for over 60 years. By combining their strengths and stability, they’re bringing greater value, expertise, and resources to individuals, families, and businesses nationwide.

As a Canadian company, their local perspectives enable them to better understand their clients’ needs and priorities. And, as a truly independent insurance brokerage, they provide professional, impartial advice and negotiate terms with the best interest of their valued clients in mind.

Being a proudly 100% Canadian-owned company inspired them to draw inspiration for their name from the scientific family name for the maple tree (Acer). It’s a symbol of their local roots and the depth and strength of their organization.

Join us in supporting Acera Insurance and all our members as we collaborate for economic vitality in our region. Discover more about VIEA and consider joining us too! Visit www.viea.ca for details.

💬Here’s what Janice Krall, Chief Development Officer at Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation had to say about last year’s ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit.

📌We are eagerly awaiting our 18th annual Economic Summit, to be held on October 23 & 24, 2024.

📌Register before Aug 10, 2024 to receive Early Bird Pricing: https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

💙We can’t wait to see you all there!"

Welcome Tofino Chamber of Commerce as a new member of The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance!

Since 1929, the Chamber has been Tofino’s business association, operating in a stunning, world-class destination. Their membership, largely made up of innovative entrepreneurs, is over 325 businesses, or two-thirds of Tofino’s business community. They are committed to increasing their members’ profile, connections and capabilities, while saving them money and contributing to a positive local business climate. Their network exists to help businesses thrive in Tofino, and to ensure Tofino remains a vibrant place to do business.

Join us in supporting the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and their members as we collaborate for a diverse, sustainable, self-reliant economy for Vancouver Island and the rural islands. Discover more about VIEA and consider joining us too! Visit www.viea.ca for details.

💜Here’s some highlights from The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance 2023 ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit.

📌This year we have even more new and exciting events planned:

➡️ Pre-Summit Professional Development - Join us on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 22 for learning opportunities focused on leadership, resilience and economic reconciliation. Limited spaces are available so register early and choose to add-on one of these workshops to secure your spot.

➡️Spotlight Sessions in the morning of October 23:
- Speed Networking: Build connections in record time.
- Lightning Talks: Fuelled by passion.
- Rising Stars: Meet the innovative entrepreneurs to watch.
- The Future is Bright: Youth-led ideas and initiatives.
- Indigenous Ingenuity: Discover progressive development projects.

➡️Vision 2050 Workshop
The Vision 2050 workshop is more than just a discussion; it’s a collaborative effort to envision and co-create the future we desire for our region. This dynamic conversation will integrate diverse expertise, perspectives, and key drivers to propel us towards a sustainable and thriving future.
📌Register before August 10, 2024 to receive Early Bird Pricing. https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

📷credit HA Photography

Thank you, Island Coastal Economic Trust, for your continued support of The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance and for being a Silver sponsor of this year's Economic Summit!

We're excited to announce that registration is now open for the 18th Annual ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit.

Register today at https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/.

We look forward to convening, connecting, and collaborating on October 23 and 24, 2024, at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

Thank you Douglas magazine for the interview and your sponsorship of the Summit.

We're thrilled that registration is now open and can't wait to see you there!

🔗 Secure your spot today: https://viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit/

Plans are under way for The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance's 18th Annual Economic Summit. VIEA's President Julie Sperber tells us what attendees can expect: https://loom.ly/caZjCCQ

📷: Dirk Heydemann

🎟️Registration is now OPEN for the The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance 18th Annual State of the Island Economic Summit – Early bird pricing until August 10, 2024!

Mark your calendars for October 23th & 24th, 2024, as the highly anticipated event is back in action at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Join industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries for two transformative days of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and game-changing opportunities.

Convene, Connect and Collaborate with attractions such as:

✅Networking Opportunities
✅Keynote Speakers
✅Panel Discussions
✅Trade Show with 35+ exhibitors
✅Vision 2050 Workshop
✅NEW! Pre-Summit Professional Development

🔗 Save your spot today by visiting viea.ca/vi-economic-summit/register-summit

Thanks to Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation - Premier Sponsor for the 2024 Economic Summit.

📷credit HA Photography

📌Introducing our 2024-25 Board of Directors!

👥VIEA’s Board of Directors is comprised of a cross-section of public and private representatives drawn from across Vancouver Island, who provide a wealth of business, community, and local government experience.

💙We are thrilled to announce our new Board and are looking forward to the exciting year ahead!

📌To learn more about our team visit viea.ca.

National Indigenous History Month | Indigenous Tourism BC Join Indigenous Tourism BC this June in celebrating National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) in 2024

VIEA Strategic Plan Launched! 🚀

We are thrilled to unveil The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance’s new strategic plan!

With six goals and objectives the plan aims to enhance VIEA's role in fostering a thriving and sustainable economy in the region through collaboration, visibility, and impactful initiatives. Thank you to all our members and community partners that supported the development of VIEA's Strategic Plan!

🔗Link to the Strategic Plan here: https://ow.ly/PSQa50Sm3Qb

Welcome KNP Bookkeeping as a new member of The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance!

KNP Bookkeeping is a bookkeeping and payroll services firm in Victoria. Get the perfect combination of online accounting and the expertise of a Certified Professional Bookkeeper. They work with businesses from many different industries to get their accounts and payroll in order and keep them that way.

Learn more about KNP Bookkeeping: https://knpbookkeeping.ca/

Join us in supporting KNP Bookkeeping and all our members as we collaborate for economic vitality in our region. Discover more about VIEA and consider joining us too! Visit www.viea.ca for details.

Stop by your local Country Grocer for Island Good Days from June 7th to June 9th! Meet the people behind these amazing Island Good products, try their offerings, and savour the Island Goodness!

Featuring:
Hertel Meats Ltd.
Island Farmhouse Poultry
Islanders Fresh Authentic Mexican Sauce Inc.
Level Ground
Natural Pastures Cheese Company
Paradise Island Cheese
Triple Smoke Foods

Island Good businesses will be at various Country Grocer locations throughout the weekend. Check the schedule to find out when and where!

Look for the Island Good logo while you shop, follow Island Good on social media, share with friends and family, and explore all Island Good businesses at www.islandgood.ca. Can't wait to see you there!

Welcome In Control Consulting as a new member of The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance!

Quality, Safety and Sustainability. For an organization, these can be hard to come by but are vitally important to keep. In Control Consulting makes them easy to implement, easy to audit, easy to understand, easy to learn and, most important of all, easy for a customer to recognize.

Their specialties include:
🔹 Knowledge and implementation of ISO 9001 and 14001
🔹 Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
🔹 ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
🔹 COR Health & Safety internal auditing
🔹 Public speaking and instruction

Learn more about their services at www.incontrolconsulting.ca

Join us in supporting In Control Consulting and all our members as we collaborate for economic vitality in our region. Discover more about VIEA and consider joining us too! Visit www.viea.ca for details.

We're excited to welcome Wirk Consulting as a new member of The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance!

Wirk Consulting is a Victoria-based management consulting and executive coaching firm that partners with purpose-driven leaders, teams, and organizations to help you pursue your most exciting opportunities and address your most pressing challenges.

Wirk Consulting specializes in:

➡️Strategy Formulation & Implementation: They partner with you through a collaborative approach to set your North Star, align your team to a shared purpose, commit to a handful of critical goals and priorities, and map a clear path forward.
➡️Succession Planning for Founder-led or Family businesses: They offer a service called SuccessionReady – a simple, effective, and real-world approach to succession planning for founder-led or family businesses. They partner with you, your family, and key employees and advisors to plan for the future of your business.

Join us in supporting Wirk Consulting and all our members as we collaborate for economic vitality in our region. Discover more about VIEA and consider joining us too! Visit https://viea.ca/for details.