Focus Group Sessions - Summary Report
 Secondary Research Outcomes


 Communications Plan Terms of Reference
 2004 Communications Plan



Wow what a celebration! With more than 100 business and community leaders in attendance the Economic Development Group hosted the second annual Leading EDG Awards on October 28th. The Leading EDG Awards recognized some of those who have been contributing to the Harbour City’s economy to make Nanaimo one of the most desirable, livable small cities in North America.

After months of anticipation the winners of the 2005 Leading EDG Awards were revealed. Each of the winners now proudly displays a beautifully sculptured creation designed by Island artist Rick Silas of Silastial Art Glass.

The 2005 Leading EDG Awards winners are:

The Committed Leadership Award – Individual – Peter Godfrey – posthumous – For more than five years Peter held the role of managing editor of the Daily News. Peter was well respected in the community. During his time he took it upon himself to educate the people of Nanaimo through the pages of the paper. By providing coverage from both sides of an issue he helped facilitate discussion and debate within the community. This leadership allowed the community to become involved in important economic development debates.

The Committed Leadership Award – Business or Organization - Nanaimo Film Commission – It takes considerable effort and vision to launch a new industry in a community but that is just what the Nanaimo Film Commission has done. Six years after first launching the society they have built the local film industry to $7.8 million which has generated $2.6 million in direct local spending so far in 2005.

The Excellent Foundation Award - Seaspan Coastal Intermodal –Providing an important marine link between Central Island and the lower mainland Seaspan Coastal connects the island’s railway to the rest of North America. Seaspan has been dedicated to service and continue to upgrade their facilities, including building new vessels to meet their routes’ unique needs.

The Quality Infrastructure Award - Nanaimo Port Authority - The Nanaimo Port Authority’s focused strategy to attract cruise ships is beginning to pay off. Seven ships from major cruise lines made port calls in Nanaimo in 2005. Well over 11,000 cruise ship passengers came ashore this season resulting in an estimated $700,000 of direct spending in the Harbour City.

The Best Practices Human Resource Management Award, presented by the EDG Human Resources Strategy Implementation Committee – Independent Diesel Sales Ltd. – Through the leadership of George deLure, Independent Diesel Sales fulfills its mandate to supply the best possible environment in which customers, owners and employees can achieve their goals. George believes in honesty, integrity and fairness. He strives to provide his employees with a set of guidelines by which everyone can maintain a harmonious relationship between company and employee.

And finally, the Positive Image Award – Individual -Camela Tang - Camela truly loves this city and promotes it whenever possible. Camela played an integral part in bringing the 59th Annual Meeting of Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons to Nanaimo. She and her husband Dr. Tang hosted the four day conference this spring that resulted in 400 North American and international delegates contributing an estimated $300,000 to the local economy.

Positive Image Award Business or Organization – The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce has been doing its part to create exposure for Nanaimo. Winner of BC Chamber of the Year in 2003 and BC Chamber Executive of the Year in 2004, these awards have positioned the Chamber as a go-to organization on the Island, when addressing provincial matters.


The Committed Leadership Award - Individual - Terry Knight. - Terry is an active member of the Nanaimo business community. He is a founding member of Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC) and the Pacific Offshore Energy Association, and has contributed to Nanaimo's Human Resources Strategy. He continues to participate in community activities in support of central Vancouver Island's economic diversification and is truly an ambassador for Nanaimo.

The Committed Leadership Award - Business or Organization - Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Island - Community Futures is an independent, non-profit organization with volunteers and staff who are committed to fostering economic development and sustainable employment within the Central Vancouver Island Region. Their focus is to build community economic and entrepreneurial capacity, with an emphasis on long-range strategic planning and results.

The Excellent Foundation Award - Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC) - MISTIC has led various initiatives in support of Nanaimo EDG's goals including: INNOVATION Island, the development of a marketing website to promote the region's attributes, and their highly successful educational series "Taking Care of Business", and "Show Me the Money", providing entrepreneurs with practical information to run their businesses.

The Quality Infrastructure Award - Malaspina University College -- Committed to developing a high quality workforce for the region, Mal U is growing and adding a new library and a new international student building. Enrollment at Malaspina tops 13,000 students; 80% are from Vancouver Island. Mal U plays a vital role in building a skilled and talented workforce for our local companies.

And finally, the Positive Image Award - Individual -Bruce Williams - Bruce has been an ambassador for the central Island communities. Bruce is a regular participant in many community fund-raising events. He has used his morning television show to showcase entrepreneurs, social programs, students, arts and culture programs, business achievements and routine happenings in Nanaimo. His contributions to the positive image of Nanaimo have been invaluable.

Positive Image Award Business or Organization - Nanaimo Dive Association - Since the creation of the two artificial reefs close to Snake Island, international awareness of Nanaimo as a dive destination has increased. The NDA has plans to complete a five-phase plan called Project Reef. The goal for Project Reef is to make Nanaimo the "Whistler of Diving."


The economic health of a community is directly affected by the degree of pride with which its citizens view the place they call home.  Whether we’re talking to family and friends who live in other parts of the world, or to business peers in other cities, the best advertising is our pride of place.

Nanaimo Proud, a publication of EDG, profiles a cross-section of Nanaimo citizens who share what it is about Nanaimo that they love.

Tell us your own story — where you came from, how long you’ve been here, what it is about Nanaimo that you love, add a photo of yourself, and we’ll publish the best of your efforts here:   info@edgnanaimo.com

To view the publication online, please click here.




The Central Island Region Value Added Wood Manufacturing Study is available on this link to the Community Futures website.

Value Added Wood Manufacturing Study