Imaginekootenay.com

Request for ProposalsJune 15, 2020

• Raise the profile of the Kootenay

region

• Connect investors to opportunities in

the Kootenay & Boundary region and

stimulate regional investment

• Attract a diverse workforce to the

region

• Achieve long-term sustainability of the

partnership network

Imaginekootenay.com

Imagine Kootenay Goals

+ =Work West Kootenay

Est. 2014Invest Kootenay

Est. 2006Imagine Kootenay

Est. 2015

Imagine Kootenay Unique Value

Proposition

Imaginekootenay.com

“Imagine Kootenay gives

potential investors a true

sense of this region and

provides succinct

information

on investment

opportunities in the area.

This strong partnership is

an indication of how our

communities are working

together regionally, an

element valued by

investors looking to

become

future residents.”

– Garry Jackman, Imagine

Kootenay Steering

Committee

City of Nelson and RDCK Areas E & F

City of Revelstoke and CSRD Area B

Town of Golden and CSRD Area A

City of Castlegar

Trail, Rossland and Area

Imaginekootenay.com

Partner Communities

Columbia Valley Region

Elk Valley

Boundary Region

Village of Nakusp & RDCK Area K

Creston/Kootenay Lake (RDCK Area A)

Steering Committee Duties

• Setting the strategic direction

• Providing effective oversight

• Reporting to the partners on performance

• Approving the contents of the MOU

• Fostering effective collaboration among the partners

• Establishing the partnership fees

• Approving, maintaining and amending its Governance Policies

What we do and how we do it…

Imaginekootenay.com

Comprehensive marketing strategy

• Digitally focused

• Research based

• Clear target audience

• Strong communication plans and initiatives

Tools and Supports

• Regional data and business climate information

• Succession planning and business resources

• Opportunities platform (links to Trade & Invest BC)

• Supported inquiries (First Points of Contact)

Storytelling and Sharing

• Video, photography and print

• Business, lifestyle and sector focused

• Take local communities, products, businesses to the

marketplace

How are we connecting?

Website is the one-stop shop for all things work &

business in the Kootenay/Boundary Region

Organizations from around the region are pointing

potential investors and job seekers to our

website

We are data driven so we know if we are hitting

target markets, how they are entering our site

and how well we convert viewers to prospects

We are creative, flexible and adaptable to trends

and happenings

Large online and social media presence

Imaginekootenay.com

Additionalbusiness

transactions tracked

7Verified sales

= $3.584M

SOLD

SOCIAL MEDIA

96,337Website visits (8% increase)

$200.5Kin funding

(on topof partner

contributions)

Over

2,300Registered Investors

584+Direct “inquiries”

to opportunity holders

2019-20 PERFORMANCE

HIGHLIGHTS

1,106Job searches

per month

1,733Twitter followers

(4% increase)

LEVERAGED

?28

WEBSITE

2,854Facebook followers

(25% increase)

1,445Instagram

followers (20%increase)

Imaginekootenay.com

Successes & Feedback

2020-21 Funding Contributions

Imaginekootenay.com

• Partner funding $82,500

Boundary Region $ 7,500

Castlegar $ 7,500

Columbia Valley $ 7,500

Creston/Kootenay Lake $10,000

Elk Valley $10,000

Golden & CSRD Area A $ 7,500

Nakusp & RDCK Area K $ 5,000

Nelson & RDCK Areas E & F $10,000

Revelstoke & CSRD Area B $ 7,500

Trail, Rossland & Area $10,000

• Columbia Basin Trust $150,000

• COVID-19 Funds $100,000

(to be spent by 2023 on Covid recovery projects)

“It is very evident

that many

communities,

regions and partners

are implementing

creative and bold

strategies to

encourage economic

growth”.

- Dale Wheeldon,

President and CEO,

BCEDA

Awards & Accolades

Imaginekootenay.com

43 businesses valued at over $15.8M sold directly through IK

Over 37,500 people have searched jobs

IK has 283 businesses listings, over 2,300 registered investors and has provided succession planning services to

Over 35 communities and regional districts.

Annual operating budget of $200K.

Imaginekootenay.com

Imagine Kootenay Impact

• The successful proponent will be responsible

for leading the attraction of investment and a

diversified workforce to the Kootenay Boundary

region through the IK Program.

• CFCK delivery: 2005 – 2020

• Program delivery: August 2020 – March 2022

• Opportunity for ongoing program delivery

RFP Purpose

Successful delivery of the IK Program by leading the development and implementation of a strategic plan and related work plan;

Marketing – development of online, print, outdoor and social media marketing campaigns and collateral and sub-contracting web developers, graphic designers as required;

Website Management – development and maintenance of IK website to ensure content is compelling and current;

Content - support the development of community profiles, investment profiles, employer profiles and related web and social media content;

Relationship management – liaising closely with community partners, program partners and program funders;

Key Accountabilities

Program sustainability – identifies and secures program funding to ensure the sustainability of the IK program which could involve developing and implementing new revenue streams, securing grant funding and on-going leveraging of community funds;

Financial management – ensures IK funds are spent effectively to achieve the goals of IK as well as managing and reporting on IK budget to community partners and funders;

Reporting – provides quarterly reports to the Steering Committee and funders demonstrating program performance;

Steering Committee – prepare and participate in quarterly Steering Committee meetings.

COVID-19 Response - identify and implement strategies for the IK Program to support economic recovery for the Kootenay region.

Key Accountabilities

Budget

Imaginekootenay.com

April – March Budget

Revenue:

• $100,000 partner contribution

• $100,000 leveraged funds

• Other

Expenses:

• Wages/Professional Fees

• Marketing

• Website

• Other

Imaginekootenay.com

Proposals should include:

• an outline of the proponent’s relevant

qualifications and experience

(knowledge of the Kootenay Boundary

region is an asset);

• methodology for delivering IK’s key

accountabilities; and

• budget

Submissions:

• email to awilkey@futures.bc.ca by

midnight on Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Imaginekootenay.com