The past few years have been auspicious ones for Golden’s economy and by all reports it seems like the boom Golden is experience should continue for years to come. The Tourism sector is feeling most of the growth, but the construction and resource extraction industries are also expanding. However, despite efforts to improve local value propositions for current and prospective residents, Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area A is still faced with considerable challenges tied to attracting employees, and business attraction and retention.
The Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce has concerns for the small business community and in July, 2018 we write to both the Town of Golden and CSRD to ask for their support in brining back an economic development function for Golden and Area A. - Advocacy Letter to ToG & CSRD.
Tourism Golden is looking at undertaking an economic impact study relating to the current labour shortages and there is active community discussion around increasing the supply of housing for local workers. The time for collaboration and action is now!
In an effort to develop a comprehensive plan that increases Golden’s workforce and grows the local economy, the Chamber is working to create a strategy document that identifies: Community priorities; Clear concise, and practical recommendations that will help outline what an economic development role would entail; Which local organization would be best suited for the delivery of the economic development function; Insights into opportunities that will diversify and strengthen the local economy and; Recommendations in achieving a sustainable funding model for the Economic Development role.
For further information on this topic and/or to share your insight please contact Shelly Wadden, Executive Director at: [email protected]