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Gibsons Economic Development

Nestled on Howe Sound's sheltered shoreline, and bordered by the Strait of Georgia, Gibsons is a scenic seaside community just a forty minute ferry journey from Vancouver. The gateway to the Sunshine Coast, Gibsons offers the best of all worlds - a mild West Coast climate, breathtaking mountain-to-ocean scenery, and an affordable lifestyle. Year-round, outdoor recreational activities abound on land and sea. Home to one of the prettiest working harbours anywhere, Gibsons is less than half an hour from scheduled air service to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

Traditional resource industries (marine and forest sectors) continue to make significant contributions to Gibsons' economic health. Recent growth trends on the Sunshine Coast bode well for the service and retail sectors. Tourism's role will be strengthened with the establishment of Sunshine Coast Tourism, a brand new destination marketing organization for the entire coast, including Powell River. Value added secondary industry and business opportunities made possible by communications technology broaden the economic base of the area. The real estate market is strong, and development plans are in place to accommodate the numbers of people who are expected to settle in Gibsons in the next decade.

Gibsons offers so much, so close to Vancouver. Whether you're seeking to relocate, retire, or renew your spirit, come for a visit, and discover a place where you and your business can have the best of all worlds.

The Gibsons Community Initiatives Association is the economic development office for Gibsons, Elphinstone and West Howe Sound. We provide business stats and information, help identify business opportunities and business resources, and articulate the voice of business. We work to make Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast welcoming to visitors, to newcomers and to business.

Contact
Economic Development Officer
P.O. Box 555, Gibsons, B.C., V0N 1V0
# 201-938 Gibsons Way, Gibsons, B.C. V0N 1V7
Tel: (604) 886-5330 Fax: (604) 886-4566
Email: gcia@telus.net
Website: http://www.gcia.ca/main.html

Small Business Education Centre

Small Business Excellence - Video Conferencing Opportunities in Sechelt for September

Starting in September 2008, Community Futures is pleased to offer a full line up of small business training opportunities through our video-conferencing centre in Sechelt. The seminars are short in duration (2-3 hours), professionally presented and reasonably priced - perfect for the busy entrepreneur who requires practical training on issues faced regularly in business.

A sample of the topics presented include:

• Getting Your Banker to Say "Yes"
• Tax Tips from an Accountant
• Advertising Your Small Business
• Going Global: An Introduction to International Trade
• Good, Bad and Effective Websites

During September, we will be offering 19 unique seminar opportunities - all available in Sechelt! Registration will soon be available online at http://www.smallbizeducation.ca/video-conferencing.php or through the Community Futures office at 604-885-1959.

We are requesting that you forward this information to your small business clients and contacts to help promote this exceptional opportunity. Please feel free to forward the information through your membership or other groups emails. We appreciate your assistance in getting the word out. A variety of seminars will be available in future months.

Please advise all interested to visit the above web site for detailed seminar content and registration information or contact Community Futures for more information. Pre-registration is required.

For further information, please contact
Sharon Anderchek
Business Advisor
CFDC of the Sunshine Coast
Phone: 604-885-1959 Ext. 227
Fax: 604-885-2707

SCORE

SCORE (Sunshine Coast Organization Reporting on the Economy) was developed by

• District of Sechelt
• Town of Gibsons
• Sunshine Coast Regional District
• Sunshine Coast Community Economic Development Partnership
• Community Futures Development Corporation of the Sunshine Coast

The purpose of SCORE is to create a regional information collection and distribution resource that provides up-to-date information on key economic and labour fource indicators.

The Gibsons Community Initiatives Association is pleased to keep the information in SCORE current for the benefit of visitors, newcomers and business.

Gibsons Landing Business Association

Mission Statement
The Gibsons Landing Business Association is a group of community-based business people whose mission is to be an active partner in the economic, cultural, social, political, intellectual and spiritual development of Gibsons Landing.

Statement of Values

• We believe a healthy community as a sustainable and caring community marked by personal contribution, an abundance of accessible services and activities, and deep and respectful public discussion.
  

• We believe a healthy community provides economic stability and sustainable employment, and promotes individual and collective responsibility, encourages innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, citizen participation and systemic, positive and acceptable change.
  

• We believe a healthy community recognizes the important role that arts, culture, recreation, sports, the environment and social services play in the creation of an economically vibrant place to live and work.

Achievements

• Design and publication of 20,000 copies of an improved Gibsons Landing
• Map which includes a free listing on front and back for GLBA members
• Development of a top quality website with links to member's websites
• Publication of 25,000 Gibsons Landing colour brochures, and distribution to BC Ferries, Vancouver Airport, and Cruise Ship Terminals/free listing for members
• Participation with the SC Tourism Partnership publication Sunshine Coast Recreation Map and Activity Guide; 23,000 in print
• Sponsorship of Santa's arrival, Christmas, Easter promotion, Jazz Festival, Outrigger Races, Family Street Dance during Sea Cavalcade, Fibre Arts Festival, Canada Day
• Promotions that increase visitor & resident spending in the landing
• Liaison with Town of Gibsons on sidewalk usage, design of new Welcome to Gibsons/visit Historic Gibsons Landing signs, business licences, parking, street beautification, visitor centre operation, and the Official Community Plan
• Partnerships with the Sunshine Coast Tourism Partnership, Vancouver Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, Gibsons Economic Development Partnership, Communities in bloom and the Spirit of BC Committee
• Initiation of the new "Look to the Landing" email newsletter
• Participation at the Vancouver Outdoors Show and the Coast Business Showcase