Community economic development is a unique way to help communities take a leadership role in defining their future and achieving sustained development. Keeping pace with the changing world requires that we constantly re-examine the social, cultural, and economic structures that make up our way of life. Given the enormous challenges facing us today, it is critical that we work together in the process of building strong and vital communities.

Community Futures North Okanagan identifies projects that will benefit the community and builds community partnerships to implement different initiatives.

We are always looking for great people to get involved in community economic development. If you are interested contact our general manager, Norm Metcalf at 250 545 2215 x 250, to discuss your participation.

Currently we are working on:

VISION NORTH OKANAGAN
Vision North Okanagan is a group of regional residents and professionals who have a passion for community economic development. The inaugural meeting of Vision North Okanagan was held in February of 2009 and the group has since developed a strategic plan identifying major ideas, challenges, issues and opportunities of focus. The Vision North Okanagan Council meets monthly and has a number of action teams working on a variety of initiatives that are aimed at economic development and enhancing the quality of life for citizens of the region. For more information about Vision North Okanagan, visit www.visionnorthokanagan.ca

OUR OKANAGAN CONNECTING THE VALLEY, CREATING OPPORTUNITY
Working in collaboration with Okanagan Partnership, the Community Futures network of the Okanagan Valley is leading the development of a web based portal called Our Okanagan. This service allows businesses to link together, source local suppliers, post job openings and identify local products in the Okanagan Valley as well as a myriad of business resources and opportunities. The goal of this portal is to provide a valuable resource to bring the Okanagan Valley together in collaboration and celebration. For more information, visit www.ourokanagan.ca

INTERIOR MARINE MANUFACTURING GROUP OF BC (IMMG-BC) Marine Manufacturing Cluster Project
In March of 2009, three marine manufacturing companies in the Interior joined together to formalize their collaboration and form the Interior Marine Manufacturers Group of BC. Working with Okanagan Partnership, Community Futures is providing guidance and assistance for the development of this marine manufacturing cluster in the Okanagan. Funding for this project has been received through the Rural Economic Diversification Initiative of BC.

The group has crafted a project charter and identified a number of priorities to work on together in an effort to secure a sustainable and prosperous future including market development, supply chain management and opportunities, product diversification and skill development.

SHARED PROGRAM
SharED is a community program for not-for-profit organizations that offers Executive Directors and General Managers the opportunity to share expertise, best practices, problem solving strategies, and current information. SharED provides professional development in leadership and management through round table discussions and guest presentations.

In many cases, not-for-profit organizations operate their agencies like small businesses. They have similar concerns about human resources, accounting, finances, strategic planning, research, marketing and communications. SharED is a practical model for its members to receive training, access professional advice, create partnerships, and learn new strategies for all sorts of operational issues.