A successful economic development initiative reflects the skills and insights of the people behind it. In the Columbia Basin/Boundary region, the Economic Development Practitioners Network (EDPN) exists to improve the effectiveness of its members including community economic development professionals, and individuals holding a primary economic development role within municipalities, First Nations, Chambers of Commerce, Community Futures and Trusts.
By connecting economic development practitioners with specialized consultants and thought leaders, the EDPN promotes collaboration between communities on projects, and facilitates sharing of wise practices. Members also come together to strategize on timely community issues such as housing, agriculture, and transportation of goods.
The Columbia Basin Trust was the initial funder of the important work of the EDPN. The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) has now joined in, supporting the EDPN for multiple years. Its most recent funding was used to expand infrastructure and member services.
Asset Map Creates a Resource of Specialized Skills
Tammy Verigin-Burk, current Chair of the EDPN and Manager of the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce, says, “Overwhelming requests to join the EDPN prompted a review of membership criteria to ensure we are providing services directly to those who need them.”
One of the greatest member benefits is its Economic Development Asset Map, a data-driven, interactive inventory system that provides information about economic development practitioners in the EDPN network and within the Kootenay/Boundary region.
“From entrepreneurs to developers and municipalities, we are contacted by a wide range of people looking for specialized talent to complete their economic development projects,” says Verigin-Burk. “The knowledge and skill sets within our diverse membership provides an incredible resource accessible through the asset map.”
In 2023, a direct portal to the map was added to the EDPN website so that once logged in, members seeking a consultant with specific experience can quickly locate candidates by category (Professionals, Consultants, Destination Marketing Organizations, Education, Indigenous and Business Recovery specialists) in different parts of the region.
Members can independently update their professional information, and a placeholder has been added to identify the best model for sharing wise practices. “We want the practices we post to be Kootenay/Boundary specific without duplicating information provided by other economic development organizations. This work is ongoing as we look for the best model,” says Verigin-Burk.
Having demonstrated the value of the asset map, the EDPN is now in discussion with the economic development community in the Thompson Okanagan region to expand the tool. Other collaborative projects with the Thompson Okanagan are being explored as well, which may include an annual or semi-annual professional development summit/conference.
Member Events Promote Synergy and Solutions
In addition to regular ‘lunch and learns’ calls, EDPN members come together in person once a year to discuss community highlights and initiatives at its annual Dialogue gathering. Christina Allen was contracted in 2023 to coordinate this work. The Dialogue held in October 2023 was attended by 26 members and followed by online collaboration calls on Homelessness, Mental Health, and Addiction, Creating Capacity for Childcare, and Innovative Housing Initiatives. A collaborative call on Building Economic Development Synergies in Food Hubs is the next call planned.
Laurel Douglas, CEO of ETSI-BC, has often described the Kootenay Boundary EDPN as best practice and an illustration of the high degree of collaboration that exists in this corner of the province. “We’re delighted to support this unique network of practitioners as they work together to help solve some of the key economic development challenges facing our region today. Their model of shared leadership and ground-up priority-setting is an inspiring example of community economic development in action.”