SSC adds “personality” to Economic Development
In November, the Squamish Sustainability Corporation hired a new Business Development Lead. David Thomson comes to SSC from the BC lottery Corporation and has a penchant for marketing and branding.
He is definitely a people person. Dave grins ear to ear when asked about the key areas that he hopes to usher in new growth. Standing before an aerial view of Squamish he points to the Airport, Industrial Park and the Downtown.
The former commuter is understandably excited about leaving behind the drive to Richmond and feels he is just the start of a wave of workers that don’t have to leave Squamish to find well paying jobs.
“The District was looking to attach personality to Economic Development. Basically I’m a sales guy for Squamish.”
Until now, the district and now the SSC have been working behind the scenes to create infrastructure for Economic Development. In 2007, he’ll hit the ground running.
Any inquiry about moving a company, starting a business or demographic information will be handled by him from now on. He points to a stack of binders that contain economic viability studies, conducted by SSC, for several business sectors.
Prior to his hire, there was a tendency for requests for information to be stalled at City Hall says Thomson.
“Nobody really knew what to do with requests for information since the departure of the last EDO (Economic Development Officer). Now that we have the Adventure Centre, we can actually host delegations who want to invest in Squamish.”
A few weeks ago, Thomson entertained a group from Finland who was interested in finding out more about the construction methods and the laminated wood beams used to build the Adventure Centre.
“Love the Adventure Centre or not, it allows us to host groups like that. This building says Squamish is open for business!”
Thomspon sees nothing but positives coming to Squamish.
“Recently, a developer approached us and said: What do you feel that Squamish needs? “
He feels this is a new approach from a developer and is excited about the quality of entrepreneurship that he sees them exercising.
Thomson will focus mainly on three key areas during his tenure. Developing a knowledge based economy, light industrial and tourism.
“Squamish will get unprecedented access to the fibre optic line that Bell has installed.”
He feels that can be leveraged to entice companies that require massive amounts of data transmission. Chances are these companies will be located in the Industrial Park. The SSC is working with B.C Rail to perhaps re-zone their land to accommodate even more information technology growth.
With the imminent opening of Quest University and the pending expansion of Capilano College, it makes his goal of attracting higher paying, knowledge based jobs to Squamish much easier.
The recently launched Tourism Squamish web site (http://www.tourismsquamish.com/) is handled by other people in his department.
“It’s the first step toward Squamish creating a Destination Management Organization (or DMO in industry speak). I know they have big plans for that web site. “
Thomson feels that Squamish needs to attract “more multi faceted” people to move here and start businesses. Perhaps hiring him is an important first step to realizing this lofty goal?
Around the water cooler
Leaving: One Percent Realtor David Langlois is moving to Victoria to pursue another real estate opportunity. Freshly landed One percenters Lui Ayala & Andre Zubko will continue to fly the discount real estate firms flag.
Leaving: Deidre Langlois joins her husband Dave in moving the online travel agency Big Earth Adventure. http://www.bigearthadventure.com/ She cans till be reached at 892-2240
The Royal Bank hired James De Quadros as the new Client Care Manager.
Tantalus Deli and Meats opens in the old Sea to Sky Deli with new owners
Have a story idea? Get a promotion? Contact Craig “The Idea Guy” Davidiuk ideaguy@ultipromo.com 604-892-3771
He is definitely a people person. Dave grins ear to ear when asked about the key areas that he hopes to usher in new growth. Standing before an aerial view of Squamish he points to the Airport, Industrial Park and the Downtown.
The former commuter is understandably excited about leaving behind the drive to Richmond and feels he is just the start of a wave of workers that don’t have to leave Squamish to find well paying jobs.
“The District was looking to attach personality to Economic Development. Basically I’m a sales guy for Squamish.”
Until now, the district and now the SSC have been working behind the scenes to create infrastructure for Economic Development. In 2007, he’ll hit the ground running.
Any inquiry about moving a company, starting a business or demographic information will be handled by him from now on. He points to a stack of binders that contain economic viability studies, conducted by SSC, for several business sectors.
Prior to his hire, there was a tendency for requests for information to be stalled at City Hall says Thomson.
“Nobody really knew what to do with requests for information since the departure of the last EDO (Economic Development Officer). Now that we have the Adventure Centre, we can actually host delegations who want to invest in Squamish.”
A few weeks ago, Thomson entertained a group from Finland who was interested in finding out more about the construction methods and the laminated wood beams used to build the Adventure Centre.
“Love the Adventure Centre or not, it allows us to host groups like that. This building says Squamish is open for business!”
Thomspon sees nothing but positives coming to Squamish.
“Recently, a developer approached us and said: What do you feel that Squamish needs? “
He feels this is a new approach from a developer and is excited about the quality of entrepreneurship that he sees them exercising.
Thomson will focus mainly on three key areas during his tenure. Developing a knowledge based economy, light industrial and tourism.
“Squamish will get unprecedented access to the fibre optic line that Bell has installed.”
He feels that can be leveraged to entice companies that require massive amounts of data transmission. Chances are these companies will be located in the Industrial Park. The SSC is working with B.C Rail to perhaps re-zone their land to accommodate even more information technology growth.
With the imminent opening of Quest University and the pending expansion of Capilano College, it makes his goal of attracting higher paying, knowledge based jobs to Squamish much easier.
The recently launched Tourism Squamish web site (http://www.tourismsquamish.com/) is handled by other people in his department.
“It’s the first step toward Squamish creating a Destination Management Organization (or DMO in industry speak). I know they have big plans for that web site. “
Thomson feels that Squamish needs to attract “more multi faceted” people to move here and start businesses. Perhaps hiring him is an important first step to realizing this lofty goal?
Around the water cooler
Leaving: One Percent Realtor David Langlois is moving to Victoria to pursue another real estate opportunity. Freshly landed One percenters Lui Ayala & Andre Zubko will continue to fly the discount real estate firms flag.
Leaving: Deidre Langlois joins her husband Dave in moving the online travel agency Big Earth Adventure. http://www.bigearthadventure.com/ She cans till be reached at 892-2240
The Royal Bank hired James De Quadros as the new Client Care Manager.
Tantalus Deli and Meats opens in the old Sea to Sky Deli with new owners
Have a story idea? Get a promotion? Contact Craig “The Idea Guy” Davidiuk ideaguy@ultipromo.com 604-892-3771
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