Local Company Helps Light the Way for Sustainable Energy Sector
Suzanne Wood and business partner Shea Hewitt were ahead of the curve in the sustainable energy business when they launched S2 Innovative Products Group Ltd., a distributor of LED lighting products, in 2006. The Kelowna-based company has grown to provide high-end energy-efficient LED solutions for a wide range of applications across Canada including office buildings, schools, gymnasiums and parking garages.
Part of the company's quick success is its understanding of the need to educate the public about alternative lighting devices and its contribution to that education, particularly in the Central Okanagan. As a representative of a business in the Region's emerging sustainable energy sector, Suzanne was interviewed by the CO EDC during a site visit in 2006. Through that contact she learned about an organization the CO EDC was helping in its formation dedicated to promoting awareness and education of the sector. Suzanne became a charter board member of what is now known as the Okanagan Environmental Industry Alliance (OEIA). As its membership builds, she continues to be actively involved in helping the organization carry out its mission to promote the development and growth of residential, commercial and industrial markets for environmental products, services and technologies.
"My company targets homeowners, contractors, retailers, architects and lighting designers in order to inform, educate and supply LED products to the marketplace," says Suzanne. "As a source of resources in the community, contacts and information, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission has been a valuable resource for us in this regard."
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CO EDC's Corie Griffiths, Marketing & Research (left); Administrative Assistant Sandra Ballan-Brown, and Manager of Economic Development, Robert Fine.
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Launches Year with a New Look and Strategic Plan
The new look of this e-newsletter is just one example of the redesigned corporate brand for the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission including its primary communication tool - the www.investkelowna.com website. The new identity and website, developed by local creative firm, Madhouse Creative, was aimed at portraying the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and the Central Okanagan to the rest of the world, bringing to life both the natural surroundings of the region and the business focus of the CO EDC. Last updated in 2005, the refreshed Invest Kelowna website is a well used resource for business data and information, including the Central Okanagan Economic Profile, a Site Selection Toolkit and Investor Ready Manual, the Central Okanagan Projects Inventory, community demographics and sector specific data. Designed as a one-stop resource for entrepreneurs, existing Central Okanagan businesses, and companies and individuals looking to relocate to the Region, the website received over 2.5 million hits in 2008. |
2009 Strategic Plan to be
Released in March
The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission's 2009 Strategic Plan is being finalized and will be released in March, once it has been approved by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Board of Directors. The CO EDC is an agency of the Regional District and is funded by, and accountable to the RDCO.
The 2009 Strategic Plan outlines the Commission's activities and priorities for the year as determined by the CO EDC Advisory Board. The Advisory Board consists of appointees from local government, collaborative organizations, and representatives from a cross section of business sectors who provide valuable input as to the state of their industries as well as advisement to the staff of the Economic Development Commission. For more information on the roles and individuals on the CO EDC Advisory Board, click here. |
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Record Year for Kelowna Airport
Kelowna International Airport reached a number of milestones in 2008 - reflected in improved safety, efficiency and convenience for passengers and airport visitors. The latest issue of YLW Magazine provides results from the airport's annual customer survey including an overall increase in passenger satisfaction to 96 percent from 92 percent in 2007. You can read more about the survey results as well as the economic impact of the new runway extension, improved parking and roadway access, expanded food and beverage services and other developments at the airport by clicking here: YLW Magazine
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