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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