Two people are helping the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce Walk on the Wildside (WWS) to promote business growth in the area, thanks to nearly $23,000 in provincial funding.

The people hired for the project are getting six months of work experience in data collection, volunteer co-ordination, communications, marketing and administration as they set up the first WWS regional business walk. The data-gathering walk will take place Feb. 16 – 18, 2016, in Parksville and the northern communities of the Regional District of Nanaimo, from Bowser to Nanoose Bay and Hilliers.

Business walks are becoming increasingly popular throughout B.C. Community volunteers pay a short visit to a number of businesses to gather information on the business climate of a community, the well-being of individual businesses and its needs. The community and economic benefits of the walks are designed to help with business retention and expansion, based on data gathered. The information will be used to better understand the local business environment and offer supports, if needed, through the chamber.

As many as 500 businesses will be visited over three days using about 50 volunteers, including local politicians. A report will be written toward the end of the project correlating the survey’s findings. It wraps up in May 2016.

This project is funded through the provincial Community and Employer Partnerships program, which was introduced in April 2012 as part of the Employment Program of BC.

Government is taking action to address the rapidly changing labour market. The B.C. Skills for Jobs Blueprint was created to ensure more British Columbians have the skills they need to be first in line for in-demand jobs in B.C.'s diverse, strong and growing economy.

The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market. It helps build stronger partnerships with industry and labour to connect British Columbians with classroom and on-the-job training, while making it easier for employers to hire the skilled workers they need – when and where they need them.

To date, the program has helped more than 900 job seekers benefit from work experience and funded 195 projects throughout the province.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation and MLA for Parksville-Qualicum –

“I’m really looking forward to participating in this Walk on the Wildside business walk. It’s a great opportunity to get in touch with local businesses to see how they’re doing. It’s also great work experience for Kathy and Susan who will be making great contacts in the business community and getting experience in marketing, report writing and communications.”

Kim Burden, executive director, Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce –

“Business walks are a terrific tool to take the pulse of the business community. We are excited about the prospects of gathering data for the region that will provide us with the information we need to get a true assessment of our local economy. We are grateful for the support of the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation.”

Kathy Kril, project participant –

“I want to inspire businesses and people with my passion for excellence and natural abilities and talents in marketing, administration and making order out of chaos. Organizing and generating unique ideas and getting the information out in the various communications platforms make my heart sing!”

Susan Bergmann, project participant –

“For me, the excitement lies in meeting new people, listening to their successes and concerns, and working together to do great things. My hope is to leave Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce with a comprehensive list of all the wonderful businesses in our area, and to have made a positive impression upon all of them.”

Quick Facts:

• The Walk on the Wildside business walk, Feb. 16 –18, 2016, takes place during Chamber of Commerce Week.
• Participating communities are: Parksville, Nanoose Bay, Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, French Creek, and Lighthouse Country.
• In 2015-16, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation

Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Crown corporations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more on the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce: http://www.businessbythebeach.com/

To learn more about business walks: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=9072CE715D6C413685E32F98366074D0

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

Find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

Learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

For more information on B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/