The Salmon Arm Economic Development Society is holding an export development workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 1 to help local businesses and organizations learn the ins and outs of exporting.

For small construction businesses - especially those in rural or remote areas - finding people to take over those businesses when an owner retires or wants to sell has become increasing difficult due to an aging population.

The province has set a new record that many believed to be unattainable. With lumber export sales of 4.28 billion board feet as of November, exports to China have already surpassed the province's 2008 goal of exporting four billion board feet in 2011.

The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is hosting a speech by Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell on Friday, Jan. 20 in Sidney as part of a workshop to help local businesses and organizations learn the ins and outs of exporting.

'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' will continue moving forward with regional economic investment pilots. A forum is scheduled in Campbell River on Monday, Jan. 30 to be hosted by Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.

'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' will continue moving forward, as the Barriere - McBride regional economic development pilot project forum is set for Monday, Jan. 16 in Valemount.

The Province is making it easier for small businesses to succeed by increasing access to capital, extending tax credits for trades businesses and reducing and streamlining regulatory requirements.

Premier Christy Clark announced today two British Columbians who will chair the BC Jobs and Investment Board and the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council.

Newcomers in Sooke, Saanich, Langford and Squamish will receive immigrant settlement services for the first time, thanks to new funding of $4.4 million.