VIEA Strategic Plan Update Message from the CEO

VIEA continues to buzz with activity, with the only lull appearing to be the two weeks following the Summit!

We’r excited about several projects slated for completion this spring and summer. One such project is the Strategic Plan, which has been an enriching process for both our Board and staff. Keep an eye out for its official release in May.

Engaging in community and expanding my knowledge base remains a highlight of this role. Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the exceptional Rising Economy conference hosted by the South Island Prosperity Project. This month, my engagements in the South Island region continued with participation in both the AVICC and the Douglas Ten to Watch events.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to kick off the VIEA mix and mingles across Vancouver Island next month (which is next week!). Building on the success of last spring’s gatherings, these events offer a fantastic opportunity for our members to connect not only with VIEA but also with each other. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there!

Finally, please mark your calendars for the VIEA Annual General Meeting on Friday, June 14th, at 1 pm. Stay tuned for further details as we prepare for this important event.

Join us at VIEA Member and Island Good Business Spring Mix and Mingles!

We are excited to connect with with VIEA members and Island Good businesses this Spring!

We will be visiting various communities around the Island and are arranging the following networking events:

Wednesday, May 1st from 4:30 to 6:30 pm – Wolf Brewing, 940 Old Victoria Rd, Nanaimo
Monday, May 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm – Riptide Marine Pub, 1340 Island Hwy, Campbell River
Thursday, May 9th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm – Devils’ Bath Brewery, 1616 McNeill Rd, Port McNeill
Wednesday, May 15th 4:30 to 6:30 pm – Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre, 2896 Drinkwater Road
Wednesday, May 22nd, 4:00 to 6:00 pm – 40 Knots Winery, 2400 Anderton Road, Comox,
And stay tuned for events planned in September for the West Coast and the South Island regions.

Join us for some appetizers and invite a friend you think may be interested in learning more about VIEA and/or Island Good. Please note that full meals and drinks will not be covered by VIEA. To help us plan accordingly, please RSVP at the latest a week before the event as we have limited space at these venues. We can’t wait to see you there!

Supply Chain Project Update

VIEA is thrilled to be collaborating with the Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) on a study aimed at enhancing the regional supply chain.

The primary objective of this project is to bolster regional sustainability, unlock new business opportunities, and explore untapped markets for goods originating from Vancouver Island. To accomplish these goals, we have enlisted the expertise of Deloitte to conduct an in-depth study.

We anticipate the Findings & Roadmap Report will be available by June. This report will serve as a roadmap for future initiatives, guiding us towards optimized supply chain processes and strategic investments.

This isn’t VIEA’s first foray into transportation studies this year. Our earlier collaboration with the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) focused on intra-community passenger transportation. By delving into goods movement with the current supply chain study, we aim to present a holistic view of transportation needs across Vancouver Island. We’re grateful for the support of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) and ICET in both endeavours. Their backing underscores the importance of these studies in shaping the future of transportation infrastructure and economic development in our region.

Our partnership with NPA and Deloitte marks a significant step towards unlocking the full potential of Vancouver Island’s supply chain. By working together, we can ensure that our region remains competitive, resilient, and poised for sustainable growth in the years to come.

Labour Market Insights

Freshly unveiled on the Economic Dashboard are the latest insights into Labour Market participation on Vancouver Island.

The findings indicate a notable trend: an ageing population coupled with low participation rates, signaling a potential ongoing challenge for our region. Addressing these issues head-on will be imperative for nurturing sustained economic vibrancy across Vancouver Island and its rural counterparts.

Stay informed about local data trends by visiting the Dashboard. Quarterly updates are readily accessible to keep you in the loop. Let’s stay ahead together!

The third annual ‘Island Good Days’ is happening the week of June 3 to June 9, 2024! Did you know almost 200 businesses across Vancouver Island and the rural islands are using the Island Good label and the number is growing? Island Good Days will celebrate locally grown, raised and produced goods. Stay tuned for Island Good Day scheduled events.