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2019 British Columbia Economic Development Awards winners announced

Mar 6, 2019

RICHMOND, BC - The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) and FortisBC announced the winners of the 2019 BC Economic Development Awards at the Association’s annual summit banquet on Tuesday, March 5, in Richmond, B.C.  

Now in its 30th year, the awards are presented to association members working on community-based economic development projects in B.C. and recognize individuals and groups that produce outstanding work in economic development that has helped to make a difference in supporting and expanding local economies.  

The 2019 award winners are:

Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award

The BCEDA Marketing Innovation Award recognizes achievement in marketing initiatives that support economic development. 

  • Winner (community less than 20,000 population): Christina Gateway Community Development Association for the Christina Lake Insider mobile app.
  • Winner (community more than 20,000 population): City of Fort St. John for the Move Up Here marketing campaign. 

Community Project 

The BCEDA Community Project Award recognizes an organization that has implemented various economic development initiatives that provide economic benefits to a community or region.

  • Winner (community less than 20,000 population):  Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation for the MetalTechAlley community partnership project.
  • Winner (community more than 20,000 population):  City of Prince George for the Clean Technology Cluster Initiative.

Stan Rogers Memorial Award

In recognition for a project (private or public) making the most significant economic impact in a community.

  • Winner: Township of Langley for its Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre.

Chairman's Award

The Doug Weir Memorial Award is presented annually to recognize a member of BCEDA who, through volunteer effort, has made a significant contribution towards the function, goals and/or mandate of the BC Economic Development Association.

  • Winner: Jamie Vann Struth

“I am extremely pleased that year over year we receive strong entries that are put forward by communities and economic development professionals showcasing the creativity and smart strategies that encourage economic growth in their region,” said Dale Wheeldon, president and CEO at BCEDA.  “It is always very difficult for our judges to narrow down the winners and my sincere thanks goes out to everyone who submitted projects for consideration this year. Their efforts to build stronger communities, and thereby a stronger provincial economy are to be congratulated.”

The awards are presented and sponsored by FortisBC.

“FortisBC is a proud sponsor of the BCEDA summit and awards, which recognize the outstanding work being done in communities in which we live and work,” said David Bennett, director of communications and external relations at FortisBC. “Our sponsorship of the BCEDA is one way we give back to the communities we serve to help them grow and prosper.” 

For more information about the BCEDA and the summit, visit: bceda.ca.  

Contact

Dale Wheeldon, President and CEO, BCEDA
T: (604) 819-3809 
E: [email protected]. 

About BCEDA

The BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is the leading professional association of economic development practitioners in the Province of BC.  BCEDA currently has over 450 members from communities throughout the province. BCEDA provides services that help member communities grow and expand new and existing businesses, attract new business investments, and work towards strategic infrastructure investment, land use planning, and community enhancement. 

BCEDA services include an annual summit and networking event, educational and professional development opportunities, public relations, advisory services and resources and partnering with communities and the Province of BC to market British Columbia for business investment.

About FortisBC

FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, propane and thermal energy solutions. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs more than 1,800 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,008,400 customers in 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates approximately 49,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.