Economic Development Commission Wins National Recognition

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Earns National Economic Development Achievement of the Year Award

KELOWNA CMA, BC – The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is the proud recipient of the 2015 EDAC / RBC Royal Bank Economic Development Achievement of the Year Award from the Economic Development Association of Canada (EDAC) for its Okanagan Young Professionals (OYP) Collective program. The award was presented at EDAC’s 47th National Economic Development Conference in Whitehorse on September 22, 2015.

Established in February 2012, the OYP Collective, the first program of its kind facilitated by an Economic Development Organization in Canada, has become the collective umbrella that fosters and supports the existing community groups by opening the lines of communication, helping cross-pollinate memberships, as well as hosting its own outstanding events and activities, all with a focus and shared vision of creating a dynamic, vibrant and engaged culture that attracts and retains talented professionals in their 20’s and 30’s to the Okanagan Region.

The OYP has gained significant traction over the last three years:
• To date the OYP has raised over $260,000 in funds and services for non-profits and charities.
• Over 3000 volunteer hours of business service valued at $150,000 (accounting, web development, business planning, HR, etc.) have been provided to local not-for-profit agencies.
• Social media reach has increased exponentially to 1019 followers on Twitter, 1162 likes on Facebook, 660 monthly website visitors, and 455 newsletter subscribers with a weekly reach of up to 1500.

The EDAC/RBC Economic Development Achievement of the Year Awards recognizes the evolving excellence in community driven economic development projects across Canada and it is only given to one community-driven economic development project every year. Projects are assessed on degree of originality, involvement of community partners, effectiveness of the delivery mechanism, and attainment of program goals and objectives.

Corie Griffiths, Manager for the COEDC, states “It is a great honour to have the COEDC’s Okanagan Young Professionals Collective program selected among the many exceptional economic development projects taking place across Canada. We are very thankful for the recognition and want to acknowledge the collaboration and continued support from many organizations and individuals in the community that contribute to the OYP’s continued success”.

To learn more about the OYP Collective visit www.investkelowna.com/our-programs and www.oypcollective.com

For questions or more information please contact:

Corie Griffiths
Manager, Economic Development Commission
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission
Regional District of Central Okanagan
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250-469-6280