In 2017 the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce was approved for funding from the Imagine Kootenay Capacity Fund Program. The objective of the project was to work with local youth to produce five one-minute videos.

The video series, now posted on the Columbia Valley Chamber’s YouTube Channel, highlights a few of the successful businesses in the Columbia Valley. The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to have partnered with the Summit Youth Centre on this project and thank Imagine Kootenay and Columbia Basin Trust for their support.

The purpose of the project was to highlight successful businesses in the Columbia Valley and share their path to success in the Columbia Valley providing potential investors with a glimpse into doing business successfully in the Columbia Valley and engage local youth in the project so that they can see what opportunities there could be for them and what skills/attributes they would need should they choose to create their future in the Columbia Valley.

The CVCC staff held meetings with Summit Youth Centre youth, videographer and a local journalist to develop questions and plan interviews. The youth selected and invited five local businesses to be interviewed on camera (Home Hardware, Main Street Fun & Games, Valley Zipline, Sobeys, and Kicking Horse Coffee).

The youth worked with local videographer Justin Woodman who was hired by Summit Youth Centre using funds provided to them from the Capacity Fund. Justin worked with the kids to conduct the video interviews and complete the editing process.

Upon completing the project each youth was asked to answer some questions.

Cooper Archer said his favourite thing about doing the project was, “Getting to know the owners. Because of possibly getting a job with one of the businesses.” And he thinks it would be “cool to own a food business one day.”

Gabe Verge said his favourite thing was “just being able to see the variety of stores/businesses in Invermere. Because I haven’t seen that kind of stuff.” And he was surprised how much local businesses rely on tourists.

When asked what he learned about doing business in the CV? And if anything surprised him, Ryker Talis said, “I learned that the owners were really outgoing and nice. It seems that the businesses are dependent on people visiting the valley.” And Ryker’s favourite thing was meeting the people as normally he wouldn’t take the time.

Youth Coordinator Dan Lewis was asked if he thought the project was a good experience and valuable for the kids and he was quick to answer. “Absolutely! The kids learned so much about themselves and others. They were stretched to go beyond their comfort zones and were positively rewarded. I enjoyed seeing them grow socially and personally as they learned how the process of interviewing and meeting new people unfolded. Great experience for them! Would recommend this or similar projects for other youth in the Columbia Valley.”

CVCC Executive Director Susan Clovechok was particularly pleased that the kids had an extra bonus working with videographer Justin Woodman as he graduated from David Thompson Secondary School and is now operating his new videography business in the Columbia Valley, further demonstrating to kids that they can create great opportunities for themselves right here at home.

“We completed several capacity fund projects over the past few years and by far I have to say this Video Project is my favourite because not only did we end up with a great tool to help investors understand why doing business in the Columbia Valley is so great but local young people had an interactive learning experience that was fun and could influence what they choose to do with their futures.”

The videos are now posted on the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce YouTube Channel and on their website. In addition, they will be featured at 2018 Business Excellence Awards (20th Annual) in October, which is currently in the planning stages.

Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

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