The Town of Qualicum Beach is preparing to implement its strategy of cultural identity as a planning tool for social and economic development. By differentiating Qualicum Beach through its cultural heritage and events, a positive outcome will be the development of a culture industry here.
From car shows to symphonies; nature festivals to family days, Qualicum Beach hosts many cultural events each year. At different times we can wander our streets eating chilli while artisans create ice sculptures or observe painters race to create an image. These events exist because of the hard work of many volunteers and the co-operative support of the Town and the Town’s business community. Qualicum Beach is already well known as a cultural destination. It is time to take this cultural seedling and grow it.
The key ingredient in this is creativity. Business people understand creativity. Entrepreneurial activity is the creative task of taking an idea from conception to functioning business and continually adapting that business to an ever changing market. Every successful town relies upon the creativity of its people.
If creativity is the nutrient, it is leadership that will sustain it. The Town and the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce is collaborating to support the many volunteers in and around our town. The Chamber is collaborating with the Qualicum Beach Downtown Business Association and Oceanside Tourism Association to promote our area and town to the world. Social benefits include a greater diversity of nearby activities to participate in. Economic benefits include a greater diversity of business activity and choices in our town.
Be a part of it! Bring your creative ideas to the cultural planning process. Support your Chamber of Commerce. This is a time of great opportunity for all of us to invest in our quality of life.
Rusty J. Joerin is a Supply Management Consultant, Photographer and Board Member of the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce. Find him at www.woodsgift.com.