MVC 2010 Business Program
November 9, 2009
The District of Maple Ridge has announced its participation in an unprecedented joint initiative among municipalities to attract foreign investment and strengthen the region's green economy through its hosting of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Mayor Ernie Daykin offered the following comments regarding the Metro Vancouver Commerce 2010 Business Program Initiative. "Maple Ridge is a vibrant, growing community with an abundance of resources to attract investors and developers," said Daykin. "We're thrilled to be part of such a proactive approach to building a strong business reputation for the region."
Maple Ridge is one of nine participating partners in the Program. Other Metro Vancouver Commerce (MVC) members include the City of Vancouver, City of Surrey, City of Richmond, District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver, City of New Westminster, City of Port Moody, and City of Coquitlam.
The $1.5 Million 2010 Business Program, funded in part by the federal government's Western Economic Diversification agency, also involves collaboration at the provincial government level. This is the first time in the lower mainland's history that a group of local governments have come together in such a significant regional business approach to ensure they maximize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by the 2010 Olympics to generate economic development for their communities.
During the Games, the Program will allow decision-makers from 50 international businesses to spend four days in Metro Vancouver participating in between 10 and 15 meetings with key business leaders, industry associations and B.C. officials - and ultimately brokering business agreements that lead to long-term investment and economic prosperity for all Metro Vancouver Commerce partner communities.
The 2010 Business Program focuses on businesses in sectors of importance to the growth and economic wellbeing of the Metro Vancouver region including green technologies, new media & gaming, aerospace and agrifood, biotech & life sciences, green building products and wireless.
More information on the Metro Vancouver Commerce 2010 Business Program can be found on the Metro Vancouver Commerce website.