March 17, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Community Futures of North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Kootenay have won the 2008 Minister's Award for Excellence and Innovation for the successful delivery their "Bridging the Generational Divide" community economic development initiative.
"I congratulate these Community Futures offices for the leadership and cooperation they have demonstrated in delivering this innovative project," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "The Government of Canada is proud to support the many important projects being carried out by Community Futures offices across British Columbia."
The "Bridging the Generational Divide" project involved research associated with youth (Generation Y) and the workplace. From that research, a series of marketing materials and 16 interactive workshops were developed and targeted to both employers and youth.
More than140 employers participated in the workshops and were trained in new strategies to attract, engage, retain and understand youth employees. Almost 200 youth workers also took part, and were educated in the expectations of the current workplace.
"The Bridging the Generation Divide project is an excellent example of Community Futures working together to address the current labour market supply challenges impacting many of BC's communities, " said Bob Wright, Chair of the Community Futures Development Association of B.C. "By engaging both employers and the youth they wish to hire and retain, this project has lead to increased understanding, meaningful discussion, reduced staff turnover and a more stable labour market in participating communities."
The Minister's Award for Excellence and Innovation is given annually to one or more of the 34 Community Futures offices in British Columbia. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in creating an innovative local solution to a local challenge, and showcases it to British Columbians. Community Futures offices are part of Western Economic Diversification Canada's Western Canada Business Service Network.
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 counseling, 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:
Tom Wakefield
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-2445
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Paul Wiest General Manager
Community Futures
Central Kootenay
Nelson, BC
Tel:(250) 352-1933
Community Futures
Mary Ellen Heidt
General Manager
Community Futures
Okanagan-SimilkameenPenticton, BC
Tel: 1-877-493-5566
www.cfokanagan.com
Jane Lister
General Manager
North Okanagan
Vernon, BC
TEl: (250) 545-2215
Community Futures
Eric Greer
General Manager
Community Futures
Central Okanagan
Kelowna, BC
Tel: (250) 868-2132www.cfdcco.bc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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