Economic Development Group
The Economic Development Group is a coalition of organizations, institutions, and businesses working together to ensure that Nanaimo is a community of social and economic opportunity. EDG provides leadership and a collective voice for economic development issues impacting Nanaimo. In 1999 EDG developed and embraced an Economic Development Strategy that guides Nanaimo into the future.
EDG is guided by a steering committee which meets monthly to review projects and strategies that are being developed. This information is communicated to the EDG membership at quarterly meetings, which are attended by the entire membership.
The Economic Development Office works with a number of community organizations to advance projects that are key to the long-term diversification of the local economy.
- Economic Development Group (EDG)
- Mid-Island Science, Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC)
- Community Futures of Central Island (CFCI)
- Vancouver Island University
- Service Canada
- Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce
- Tourism Nanaimo
- Downtown Nanaimo Partnership
- Snuneymuxw First Nation
- Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society
What's New / Events
2010 EDG Quarterly Meeting Dates
The 2010 EDG Quarterly Meetings will be held at the Coast Bastion Inn from 12-1:30 pm on the following dates:
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
To attend a meeting, or for more information on the Nanaimo Economic Development Group (EDG), contact Katie Ferland at 250-755-4465 or katie.ferland@nanaimo.ca.
EDG Industry Roundtable Series
In 2009, EDG partnered with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Nanaimo, and the Mid Island Science, Technology & Innovation Council to host a series of Industry Roundtables. The purpose of these discussions was to learn of sector-specific issues and opportunities Nanaimo businesses are currently experiencing, and identify ways in which EDG and its partners could assist.
To view the summary report of the roundtable sessions held to-date (Knowledge, Tourism and Retail sectors), please click here.
Notes From Past Meetings:
December 14, 2009
September 14, 2009
June 1, 2009
March 16, 2009
December 1, 2008
September 8, 2008
March 3, 2008
Steering Committee
The steering committee meets every month to review projects and strategies that achieve the goals of the Economic Development Strategy.
The 2009 Steering Committee includes:
- Sherree Walter, Co-chair, Community Futures of Central Island
- Pat Ahern, Co-chair, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
- Lee Mason, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce
- Jerry Pink, Nanaimo Airport Commission and Tourism Nanaimo
- Tom Bennett, TRB Management Consultants
EDG Initiatives
The Economic Development Strategy is implemented through the collective efforts of EDG partners. Since the launch of the strategy in 1999 EDG members have endorsed the strategy, and formed community teams lead by "champions". These community teams have committed resources and implemented actions that support the strategy goals.
Economic Development Group Monthly Columns
Columns by EDG Co-chairs Pat Ahern and Sherree Walter are published monthly in the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Past Articles
- December 10, 2009 EDG Looks Forward to 2010
- November 12, 2009 Recommendations From Industry Leaders
- October 8, 2009 Self Employment an Option for Some
- September 10, 2009 Local Entrepreneurial Success Stories
- August 13, 2009 Nanaimo Museum Celebrates 1 Year in New Location
- July 9, 2009 BladeRunners Programs Helps Youth Enter Workforce
- June 11, 2009 Non-Profits Contribute to Economy
- May 14, 2009 Cruise Ship Season Kicked Off
- February 12, 2009 Results of Business Confidence Survey
- January 8, 2009 EDG Focus for New Year
- December 11, 2008 Year in Review
- November 13, Doing Business in China
- October 23, EDG Award Finalists
- October 9, Leading Edge Award Winners
- September 25, Leading EDG Awards Coming
- September 11, The Importance of a Diversified Economy
- August 28, Leading EDG Awards Call for Nominations
- August 14, 2008 - PNEDC Conference
- June 12, 2008 - Challenge of Change was a Success
- May 22, 2008 - Introducing Tom Bennett
- May 8, 2008 - Challenge of Change
- April 24, 2008 - Recognizing Kevin Douville
- April 10, 2008 - Succession Planning
- March 27, 2008 - Business BEST
- March 13, 2008 - MATCH Program
- February 28, 2008 - Economic Benefit of Festivals
- February 14, 2008 - Introducing Sherree Walter as New Co-chair
- January 10, 2008 - Workforce Development
Strategy Document
The economic development strategy was developed by Nanaimo's Economic Development Group (EDG) to guide the collective efforts of local organizations, businesses, citizens, and government to build a stronger local economy. The strategy provides leaders and decision-makers with a framework of common economic development goals that set priorities for action.
Download the entire Strategy Document.
EDG Partners
The success of the Economic Development Group results from the dedication of partners who contribute their time, energy and ideas to economic development in Nanaimo. There is a spirit of cooperation among the partners and this has created a strong "community team" that works together to achieve common goals.
Contact Us
Economic Development Group
455 Wallace Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5J6
250-755-4465 Phone
250-755-4404 Fax
General Information: economic.development@nanaimo.ca
