Gabriola, Mudge and DeCourcy
About
Community Economic Development Initiative
In 2016, the Gabriola Chamber began the exploration and creation of a local economic development plan. The grassroots initiative envisioned sustainable economic growth rooted in island values and presented actions towards building local resiliency through collaboration.
With the support of Island Coastal Economic Trust and Community Futures Central Vancouver Island, the Gabriola Economic Readiness Plan was developed through wide community engagement and facilitated sessions with residents, business owners, and local organizations.
In 2017, the Community Economic Development initiative was underway when the Gabriola Chamber saw an opportunity to hold a Service Agreement with the Regional District of Nanaimo for Tourism and Economic Development.
With the Service Agreement in place, the Chamber applied for and was awarded funding from the BC Rural Dividend for implementation of the Economic Readiness Plan.
In March 2018, the Economic Development Advisory Group was formed as the advising body for the Community Economic Development Officer.
The Economic Development Advisory Group is an integral part of the Community Economic Development initiative as they represent the whole of the population. Their input, direction and advisement encourage positive community, environmental and social impacts as well as build a resilient, robust and sustainable local economy. In May of 2018, Julie Sperber was hired as the Community Economic Development Officer.
The Economic Development Advisory Group (2018-2020)
This is where we think big, discuss ideas, weigh out options and challenge each others perspectives towards growing a sustainable local economy.
The Gabriola Chamber is comprised of two business development arms. The first being the membership, the second being the community economic development (CED).
The Economic Development Advisory Group is a committee of the Gabriola Chamber. The function of the Advisory Group is to provide advice and feedback to the Community Economic Development Officer (CEDO) in regards to projects, initiatives and resources of the CED.
The Advisory met monthly starting in March 2018. In the late spring of 2019 the Chamber undertook a governance review and the Advisory Group meetings were changed to quarterly.
All meetings are open to the public.
If you are interested in participating as a member of the Advisory Group please contact: julie@gabriolamudgedecourcy.ca
Current Advisory Members are:
Chloe Straw, April Vannini, Fay Weller, John Woods, D’Arcy Boulton, Felix Amuir, Graham Bradley, Gloria Hatfield, John Peirce, Vanessa Craig (RDN Director – ex officio)
EDAG Meeting Agendas and Minutes
The agendas and minutes from the Advisory Group meetings are as posted: