ADVISORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Invest Kelowna, Economic Development Commission is working to grow and diversify the Central Okanagan economy by enhancing and assisting existing businesses and meeting the needs of potential investors. Each year the EDC develops a Strategic Plan with a focus on ensuring economic growth for our region by enhancing existing business and attracting new business.
The EDC is structured with a 30 member volunteer Advisory Board of Directors. The Board represents a cross section from our business community along with appointed representatives from local government and associations.
· Executive Directors
· Advisory Board Directors
· CO EDC Staff
COEDC staff provide focused assistance to existing local business and new business start-ups; provide one-on-one support, resources and assist with business planning. The following services are also available:
Woody Cross, Foreign Skilled Worker Coordinator
In his role with the CO EDC, Woody helps to provide information to Central Okanagan employers on how to hire foreign workers as one solution to the current labour challenge and is the liaison with post secondary institutions in the Central Okanagan to facilitate opportunities to retain a skilled workforce in the Region.
Woody may be contacted at
(250) 826-3997 or w.cross@telus.net.
Dorothee Birker, Arts & Culture and Tourism Officer
The ACT Officer assists arts, heritage and cultural organizations build business capacity through business advising, resource materials and the identification and facilitation of partnership opportunities.
Dorothee may be contacted at (250)860-4911 or innovexevents@shaw.ca
Keith Duhaime, Agricultural Support Officer
Keith’s role is to conduct one-on-one support to agriculture-related businesses; providing responsive, focused assistance to the agricultural sector, and to connect businesses with promotion & marketing opportunities.
Keith may be contacted at (250) 762-5873 or kduhaime@okanaganagrifutures.com
Richard Takai, Export Development Officer
The Export Development Support Officer is responsible for providing one-on-one assistance to manufacturers in the Central Okanagan to assess their export readiness; developing a marketing strategy around opportunities to showcase products made in the Okanagan, and identifying and communicating regulatory changes in the international marketplace.
Richard may be contacted at (250) 801-9020 or richard@gatewaystrategies.ca
