2020 Annual Report

City of Chilliwack 46 Chilliwack Economic Partners Corp. Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Chilliwack, with its own volunteer Board of Directors representing local businesses and community stakeholders. CEPCO’s efforts seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for the community. This is accomplished through business attraction, retention and expansion, workforce attraction and promotion, site selection assistance, immigration investment and other related supports and services. CEPCO maintains strategic community and government stakeholder partnerships as well as other committees. The Chilliwack Agricultural Commission, Chilliwack Creative Commission and Chilliwack Innovation Network provide outlets for community economic growth. CEPCO continues to be the lead agency involved in the award winning development of Canada Education Park that includes the University of the Fraser Valley, Justice Institute of British Columbia, RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre and Canada Border Services Agency. 2020 HIGHLIGHTS 9 Chilliwack Economic Recovery Network (CERN) • A collaborative effort created to support Chilliwack businesses throughout all phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. • Partners included CEPCO, the City of Chilliwack, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Chilliwack BIA, Tourism Chilliwack, Community Futures South Fraser and Stó:lō Community Futures. • Projects included Support Local BC, Walk and Shop, PPE grants, Give-a-Thon, Shopportunity, Project Local Business Restart, workforce strategy, a community health video series and more. 9 Downtown Revitalization • Work continued on District 1881, the redevelopment of the downtown Five Corners properties. 9 Chilliwack Creative Commission • Liaised with the film industry on several film productions in Chilliwack including Hallmark movies, TV series, commercials and more. 9 19th Annual Chilliwack Agricultural Tour • Went virtual with a highlight reel and five new farm videos posted online each week for five weeks. • View the highlight reel featuring Brightside Eggs, Heritage Farms, R & T Poultry, Bredenhof Hop Farm, Sparkes Corn and Golden Oak acres at: businessinchilliwack.com/chilliwackagricultural-commission .