For Release
May 23, 2007
Kamloops, British Columbia — Kamloops area entrepreneurs
today celebrated their business successes achieved through the support
of Community Futures Thompson Country, and Community Futures Central Interior
First Nations. Betty Hinton, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, emphasized
the important role British Columbia Community Futures (CF) offices play
in creating a thriving business environment while meeting with local entrepreneurs.
“Strong community economic development requires the kind of smart,
strategic investments that are made by Community Futures,” said
MP Betty Hinton on behalf of Minister Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s
Privy Council for Canada, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister
of Western Economic Diversification Canada. “As we compete in the
global economy, Canada’s New Government is committed to supporting
local efforts that lead to economic diversification and job creation in
British Columbia and Canada.”
Successful Community Futures entrepreneurs celebrating today included
those who provide goods and services in the areas of waste disposal, forestry
and e-commerce management.
In 2006, Canada’s New Government, through Western Economic Diversification
Canada, renewed a four-year core funding agreement with Community Futures
offices, providing more than $110 million across the four western provinces.
During 2005-06, B.C.’s Community Futures approved a total of 397
loans to businesses, with a total value of $17.8 million, creating or
maintaining almost 1,500 jobs.
“There is a significant amount of hard work, sacrifice and dedication
required to succeed as an entrepreneur,” said Phil Lindsay, General
Manager of the Community Futures Thompson Country. “We are proud
of our local entrepreneurs, their success, and the benefits they are bringing
to the region we serve.”
"Our programs and services ensure that Aboriginal entrepreneurs
and communities can make the most of economic opportunities in the region,"
said Geri Collins, General Manager of the Community Futures of Central
Interior First Nations. "We're proud that our help has established
many Aboriginal businesses within the Central Interior, and we thank the
Government of Canada for its continued support of Community Futures."
Established in 1992, the Community Futures Development Association of
B.C. (CFDA of BC) represents 34 individual Community Futures offices located
throughout rural British Columbia. The offices foster local entrepreneurship,
and promote, coordinate and implement a variety of community development
initiatives within their respective communities. They also offer a variety
of entrepreneurial programs, business counselling, loan programs and business
information to community members interested in expanding or starting their
own businesses.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is a department of the Government
of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations
and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western
economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national
decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Bernée Bolton
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Tel: (604) 666-1324
C: (604) 506-6616
Phil Lindsay
General Manager
Community Futures Thompson Country
Tel: (250) 828-8772
Web site: www.communityfutures.net
Geri Collins
General Manager
Community Futures Central Interior First Nations
Tel: (250) 828-9833
Web site: www.cfdcofcifn.com
