Press Release

November 13, 2007

Partners Across Borders - The Pacific Northwest Economic Development Council Will Meet At The VICC

(Nanaimo, British Columbia) – One of the first conferences scheduled to take place at the new Vancouver Island Conference Centre will be hosted by the City of Nanaimo Economic Development Office.

The annual Pacific Northwest Economic Development Council (PNEDC) Conference will take place at the VICC in July 2008 with delegates from British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon as well as Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Hawaii and Alaska.

Attendees to the conference will share best practices and successful projects with a focus on opportunities for small businesses, north and south of the border.

Marilyn Hutchinson, City of Nanaimo Economic Development Officer, was instrumental in bringing the conference to Nanaimo. “The opportunity came up when the scheduled host for 2008 asked to push his host-year back to 2009,” stated Hutchinson. “It was far too good an opportunity for us to pass up.”

As the conference host, Hutchinson takes on the role of PNEDC President for the year with responsibility for the total planning of the conference.

“We believe that the majority of the activities and accommodations will be within walking distance of the VICC”, stated Hutchinson. “This approach will provide delegates with an opportunity to observe the economic practices of our city. As well delegates will be encouraged to bring their families and spend time in our region before and after the conference.”

Hutchinson concluded, “We are still in the planning stages and very excited about the opportunity to showcase our city and our businesses to the delegates, many of whom have never been to Nanaimo.”

For Media inquiries, please contact:

Naomi Strasser or Sherri-Lyn Brown
Aerial Communications Group
416.787.6577
naomi@aerialpr.com
sherri@aerialpr.com

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