2017 Annual Report

29 City of Chilliwack 2017 Annual Report Highlights Chilliwack Business Walks CEPCO, in partnership with the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association, organized Business Walks to connect with the business community. The walks are an effective way to learn more about local ventures by conducting short interviews at their place of business. The idea is that the data collected during the Business Walks may eventually be used to develop programs, services and support for Chilliwack businesses. y The first Business Walk was held on October 18, 2017 - 26 volunteers participated in 148 business visits Chilliwack Innovation Network A new committee was launched to support innovation for business growth and job creation. Build a Tech Company in 24 Hrs Event 16th Annual Agriculture Tour COMMUNITY MARKETING Launched two new websites to attract business investment and promote living and working in Chilliwack: y LifeinChilliwack.com y BusinessinChilliwack.com The City of Chilliwack was awarded the “Most Improved” award from NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association) for a combination of affordable development fees and fast approval times. Downtown Revitalization y Hosted a tour of developers through the Urban Development Institute y Issued a Request for Proposals for the purchase and development of downtown Chilliwack properties International Economic Development Council Awards Canada Education Park won Gold in the Partnerships with Education Institutions category and Silver in the Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse category.