On Being Business Friendly

Always a topic of conversation in political circles is the topic of attracting business. 

September14, 2011

Kamloops Selected as Finalist for Business Friendly Award

Kamloops, B.C. - The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation has announced Kamloops as one of ten finalists for the "BC's Most Small Business Friendly Community" awards. Finalists were chosen for demonstrating leadership in supporting small business success and attracting new small business investment to their community.

The City of Kamloops and Venture Kamloops prepared the award submission based on efforts to be business friendly through targeted business attraction, start-up and retention programs, regulatory improvements, customer service orientations and a commitment to strategic economic plans. The submission noted significant process and online service improvements including the new MyCity online tracking platform. This new service enables business to monitor the progress of regulatory applications both at the City and other levels of government. Other key elements in the submission included process improvements to support the development industry, reduced zoning by-laws and program descriptions for the many business services provided by Venture Kamloops.

Mayor Peter Milobar noted, "The City of Kamloops and Venture Kamloops have worked hard to improve programs and processes to make the city attractive for new and existing businesses. Over the last number of years, Kamloops has enhanced its competitive position through these initiatives helping our economy remain stable during uncertain times. We're hopeful that we will be recognized for these efforts at the Awards Ceremony later this month."

Kamloops was recently named one of the Best Communities for Business in Western Canada by Alberta Venture Magazine in June 2011.

Award winners will be announced on September 28, 2011 during the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Annual General Meeting.