Local efforts to boost Parksville’s status as a great place to do business have won the city a key provincial award: the province’s 2014 Open for Business Award.
Earlier this year, the B.C. Small Business Roundtable invited local governments to compete for the 2014 Open for Business Awards. The announcement of winners was made last week at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention in Whistler and accepted on behalf of the City of Parksville by Coun. Sue Powell.
“This is fantastic news for Parksville, and a tribute to our city’s excellent leadership in creating a business-friendly community,” said Robynne Shaw, president of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce
Just nine communities in all of B.C. won the award this year, out of 162 municipalities in the province.
“It’s great to see The City of Parksville recognized as a standout performer in all of B.C.,” said Shaw.
This award recognizes the importance of small business competitiveness and the degree to which small business contributes to our community. The $10,000 award will be provided to the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce, as the lead partner in Oceanside Initiatives, to develop a five-year strategic plan for economic development in the region. The 2014 Open for Business Award will help to ensure the next phase in economic development partnership will continue to benefit both small business and the community.
According to the city, award applications were evaluated based on how the communities enhance small-business competitiveness, recognize the contributions of small businesses to the community and promote the principles of the BC Small Business Accord. The Roundtable noted the 2014 applications were the strongest to date with the majority of applications coming from smaller communities.
Shaw also said the award will boost Parksville’s reputation province-wide as a great place to do business.
“We hope this award will telegraph to businesses throughout B.C.: ‘Come to Parksville, your business can thrive there,’” she said.
In a news release, the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce said it has been been delighted to see Parksville enhance its business environment by working with the Chamber to keep development cost charges in check. The resulting increase in construction activity helps to create jobs and provides businesses with the opportunity to grow, said the release.
“Winning this award is a great honour for Parksville and a recognition of our city’s tireless efforts to build a strong economy and strengthen our job-creating businesses,” said Shaw.
— NEWS Staff