New Name, Same Dedication: Building on 20 Years of Progress

For nearly 20 years, the Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership has been working behind the scenes to support businesses and community members in the Nelson area. This week, we’re proud to launch our new name and brand, Greater Nelson Economic Development, along with this new website and marketing channels.

Greater Nelson Economic Development is a highly-effective collaboration between the City of Nelson, Regional District of Central Kootenay Areas E & F, Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Central Kootenay.

We have an advisory committee made up of many local business owners from various sectors, local government funders, academia, and nonprofits that represent sectors and/or provide business development services.

“We are stronger and more efficient when we work together,“ says Mayor Janice Morrison. “By combining our efforts, we can effectively pursue local economic development, overcome challenges, and drive growth in the greater Nelson area.”

Greater Nelson Economic Development is unique. With the help of our advisory committee, we can efficiently coordinate projects that support business growth and community well-being. Strong relationships and close collaboration enable us to identify priority issues through strategic planning and swiftly mobilize resources to address them. Our proactive approach ensures that businesses and residents alike reap the most benefits.

“We have a deep understanding of and commitment to the Nelson area’s specific needs and challenges and we ensure that the strategic projects we undertake reflect these unique needs,” says the Regional District of Central Kootenay Area F Director, Tom Newell.  “We also create a healthy space for debate and practical problem-solving.”

Every year, Greater Nelson Economic Development identifies the key challenges and opportunities our community is facing. We then assess available funding and resources and come up with actionable steps to tackle them. Greater Nelson Economic Development takes a comprehensive approach to projects from conducting feasibility studies and piloting projects to implementing them.

We have monthly committee meetings to track progress, with quarterly check-ins ensuring our  priorities stay relevant. This process allows us to adapt to the community’s evolving needs.

Our strategic priorities for 2025 are:

  • Workforce housing
  • Workforce supports
  • Sector development
  • Business retention & expansion
  • Advocacy

While we don’t promise to solve every challenge, we’re here to make meaningful progress—together with the Greater Nelson community.

Learn more by checking out this website or our new LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Greater Nelson Economic Development Advisory Committee. Left to right: Tom Thomson, Alison MacDonald, Rob Little, Andrea Wilkey, Kevin Cormack, Paul Cowan, Kate Tait, Keith Page, Sydney Black, and Janice Morrison. Missing: Ashley Elliott, David Harasym, Ken Kalesnikoff, Nate Kube, Ben Hall, Devin Scott, Maggie Keczan, Cheryl Graham, Tom Newell, Stuart Horn, Bob Wright, and Am Naqvi (Chair).