Town CAO gives Rotary an update on economic development
http://www.fairviewpost.com/2017/03/22/town-cao-gives-rotary-an-update-on-economic-development
Chris Eakin
Fairview Post
Fairview Post
Town of Fairview CAO Daryl Greenhill explained to the Rotary Club of Fairview what the Heart of the Peace Economic Development Committee is up to and how it came to be.
He explained about a year ago, the Town, M.D. of Fairview, College and Chamber of Commerce decided they needed to do something about a 2014 study of the business community. Very little came of the study itself and while they knew they needed to do something, they weren’t sure where to start.
They decided to sit down with Peace Region Economic Development Association (PREDA) for a discussion and the discussion led to formation of the Heart of the Peace Economic Development Committee (HOPEDC). It is made up of two councillors from the town, two from the M.D., one each from GPRC Fairview and Fairview Chamber of Commerce as well as one at-large member from both the town and MD of Fairview.
They hired PREDA to guide things for the first year and have been working on an economic development website for the area, as well as a vision and mission statement for the committee.
The website is being designed as a one-stop shop for anyone interested in starting a business or wanting to grow a business in the area. It will include a map showing property available for development and links to local services to which a local business or business wanting to set up here might need access.
The committee decided on a few fundamental things – the town needed better internet access and the committee pursued Axia, connecting with Axia’s promotion to persuade people fibre-optic internet connection was needed here. They also decided the town needs an expanded day-care facility and worked with the daycare to help with the funding necessary to build a facility with room for expansion, rather than just the size needed at the moment.
The committee persuaded the town to bring in its development incentive policy.
While one project, a proposed motorcycle museum, has proven non-viable at the moment, the existing Pioneer Museum may be able to work with the college and have a motorcycle display.
The website which the committee hopes to launch soon, will be a major resource for development.
The next project, once the website is launched, is to design marketing materials for Fairview and area for use at trade shows and other events, as well as creating welcome packages for new businesses and start-ups.
They are also working with local entrepreneurs to develop a public market to give home-based businesses a venue to grow and develop with the hope some will eventually become bricks and mortar stores.
The committee is also working with the Mighty Peace Tourism Association, the Fairview and Districut Chamber of Commerce to avoid duplication of effort with the goal of creating a positive and helpful business environment.
He explained about a year ago, the Town, M.D. of Fairview, College and Chamber of Commerce decided they needed to do something about a 2014 study of the business community. Very little came of the study itself and while they knew they needed to do something, they weren’t sure where to start.
They decided to sit down with Peace Region Economic Development Association (PREDA) for a discussion and the discussion led to formation of the Heart of the Peace Economic Development Committee (HOPEDC). It is made up of two councillors from the town, two from the M.D., one each from GPRC Fairview and Fairview Chamber of Commerce as well as one at-large member from both the town and MD of Fairview.
They hired PREDA to guide things for the first year and have been working on an economic development website for the area, as well as a vision and mission statement for the committee.
The website is being designed as a one-stop shop for anyone interested in starting a business or wanting to grow a business in the area. It will include a map showing property available for development and links to local services to which a local business or business wanting to set up here might need access.
The committee decided on a few fundamental things – the town needed better internet access and the committee pursued Axia, connecting with Axia’s promotion to persuade people fibre-optic internet connection was needed here. They also decided the town needs an expanded day-care facility and worked with the daycare to help with the funding necessary to build a facility with room for expansion, rather than just the size needed at the moment.
The committee persuaded the town to bring in its development incentive policy.
While one project, a proposed motorcycle museum, has proven non-viable at the moment, the existing Pioneer Museum may be able to work with the college and have a motorcycle display.
The website which the committee hopes to launch soon, will be a major resource for development.
The next project, once the website is launched, is to design marketing materials for Fairview and area for use at trade shows and other events, as well as creating welcome packages for new businesses and start-ups.
They are also working with local entrepreneurs to develop a public market to give home-based businesses a venue to grow and develop with the hope some will eventually become bricks and mortar stores.
The committee is also working with the Mighty Peace Tourism Association, the Fairview and Districut Chamber of Commerce to avoid duplication of effort with the goal of creating a positive and helpful business environment.