A Nanaimo social media expert is among several leaders profiled as part of the Link Project, which aims to research the economic fabric of Vancouver Island. 

It is believed to be the first time social media, such as the use of online networking sites like Facebook or Twitter, has been introduced among the usually traditionally-based leadership symposiums on the Island. 

The Link Project, which will present research at the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit in Nanaimo, explores the economic development strategies used in each region of the Island, with plans to include promoting collaboration among the various communities. 

Don Power said social media is an emerging field that has a definite business connection, and has been used by organizations from municipalities to the RCMP to reach out to people. 

“I don’t think we would have been considered in traditional roles even last year,” said Power. “There is definitely a business connection to social media done right. All it takes is someone to try something that maybe was a little foreign to them.” 

The $117,000 project, Linking Island Leaders, kicked off at the Nanaimo Port Authority earlier this year. 

Earlier this month, Power spoke at Social Media Camp in Victoria, a conference which drew speakers from around North America and attracted nearly 500 participants, including city of Nanaimo representatives. 

VIEA pre-summit sessions begin Oct. 25 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.