Economic development in the Lower Columbia region — a chat with Terry Van Horn of LCIC

Economic development in the Lower Columbia region has been bolstered since 2010 by an organization formed through a partnership featuring  the City of Rossland, the City of Trail, the Village of Warfield, the Village of Montrose, the Village of Fruitvale and electoral areas A & B of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.

The Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation (LCIC) was created in 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society (LCCDTS). LCIC’s mandate is to provide economic development services within the Lower Columbia Region and to serve as the ‘first place of call’ as opportunities develop. LCIC works to develop a creative, dynamic and competitive business environment that fosters economic growth.

LCIC works collaboratively with the communities in the Lower Columbia region, local agencies, organizations and businesses to develop and implement strategies that will assist in strengthening local economies. The LCIC shares information with potential investors, existing businesses, and other service providers to advance local projects and economic priorities. In addition, LCIC assists existing business and industry to maintain a healthy economic climate, while identifying and pursuing new economic opportunities.

The Lower Columbia Initiatives is committed to a cohesive, comprehensive, region-wide approach to the challenges and opportunities of economic development in the Lower Columbia Region. LCIC serves as an interesting model for other rural regions looking to bring multiple stakeholders together to forge an economic development catalyst with the capacity to make things happen.

LCIC economic development officer Terry Van Horn explains LCIC’s rationale, and discusses its current activities in this conversation that will be of interest to anyone interested in rural economic development stimulation.