IEC BC Forum in Prince George December 12, 2012 Heather Oland, CEO Initiatives Prince George Economic Development Corporation

Facilitate economic growth and diversification Identify new opportunities and connect businesses to them Facilitate population growth and increase the tax base IPG’s Role

Economic Context Opportunities: – $35B in northern projects ( ) – $60B+ over years – Major employment growth across a variety of sectors – PG’s role as supply and service hub for industry activities across the North

Economic Snapshot Economic Update (YTD October 2012) average annual population growth +0.8% YTD employment growth +6.9% YTD home sales (units) +5.0% YTD housing starts +23.1% YTD housing prices +2.6% YTD value of building permits +52.0% YTD airport traffic +5.1% – YXS believes they will break their all-time record for passenger traffic in The current record is 417,484 passengers, 2008

Implications Growing Economy: – Employment opportunities are surging in wealth-creating sectors – Also seeing employment demand increase in supporting sectors Firms have indicated they are constrained by the lack of people to fill positions and facilitate growth

Implications The current labour supply is not expanding at the same rate as business opportunities Attraction of new population to our city is critical to labour force expansion and economic growth

New Marketing Materials New marketing materials focus on qualities that competitively differentiate Prince George Common Themes Identified: – Prince George is a city where people can “get ahead” – Opportunity and affordability allow you to make your dreams reality in Prince George – You can’t buy time, but in Prince George you have more of it

New Materials Main Resources: – Informative website to support employer recruitment efforts Amenities Real-estate and rentals Job opportunities Resources for employers – Business card handouts – Notepads – Key messages card – Web buttons – Job ad banner

Recruitment Events IPG’s Role: – Facilitate population and employment growth as well as expand the customer base for business and the tax base for the city: Supporting employers by marketing the city Answering questions that would support a full family move

Partnerships Immigrant Employment Council Prince George Chamber of Commerce IMSS and Welcoming Communities BC Provincial Nominee Program BC Construction Association Many more!

Help IPG Help You Use IPG’s resources: – Recruitment and Retention – Business and Investment Attraction Keep us apprised of challenges and successes Let us know about resources, workshops and events that will help us help you grow your business

Q&A