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City of Vernon 
Comparable projects

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Our consulting team brings a wealth of experience in undertaking assignments that will directly benefit the City of Vernon. Our approach is rooted in open consultative processes and deep client engagement, involving multi-stakeholder participation throughout each project. We understand and appreciate the dynamic and complex challenges involved in driving successful economic development. 

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Our previous projects have included both primary and secondary research, significant community engagement, competitiveness evaluations, best practice assessments, and comprehensive analyses. These efforts have led to well-supported observations and recommendations, resulting in detailed economic diversification strategies, private sector development strategies, business plans, and feasibility studies. ​

“Lochaven’s professional expertise in economic development and marketing provided insightful and actionable recommendations that enabled us to not only far surpass our initial project goals, but more importantly position our community for future growth. If you need a consultant specializing in economic development, I highly recommend Lochaven Consulting.” 

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Sandy Elzinga, Manager of Community Economic Development -

Community Futures Boundary Country 

Economic Development Strategies, Plans, and Initiatives

Project: Regional Economic Development Plan
Client: Village of Donnelly and the Smoky River Region
Timeframe: 2023-2024

Description

The Village of Donnelly sought the services of Lochaven Consulting and Transitional Solutions to conduct a suite of economic development activities in the Smoky River Region. The attraction of a hemp decortication facility encouraged Donnelly and the region to capitalize on the momentum to conduct 1) a Community Benefit Assessment of the facility, 2) a Regional Economic Development plan, and 3) a Regional Marketing and Promotions Plan. All three were created with the purpose of defining and developing the hemp sector in the region for the long terms sustainability and growth of the region.

Deliverables (Click to Download)

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  • Community Benefit Assessment of Smoky Hemp

       (Not shareable)

Major Project Accomplishments

  • Provided business supports to the hemp decortication facility to give the client the best chance for success

  • Significant engagement and buy-in of the entire region across 6 municipalities, their councils, businesses, and residents

  • Identified significant opportunities for the region to pursue in the interest of economic sustainability

  • Developed a robust framework and built capacity for the Regional Economic Devleopment function and the region to engage in economic development

Client Testimonial

"In working with Lochaven, we prioritized defining and articulating the purpose of our economic development function to key stakeholders. This clarity enabled my board to fully grasp and envision what success looks like for the future. This newfound clarity allowed us to prioritize our initiatives more strategically, ensuring that each step we take is aligned with our long-term goals. The impact has been very positive, paving the way to stronger collaboration and purpose within our organization. I highly recommend the Lochaven Consulting team."

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Diane Chiasson - Executive Director - Smoky River Region Economic Development 

Project: Private Sector Development Plan
Client: Battle River Economic Opportunities Committee (BREOC) 
Timeframe: 2018 - Present

Description

Working very closely with BREOC, Lochaven developed a comprehensive private sector development plan, inclusive over 22 individual and connected projects in the wake of the Government of Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan. These 22 services/programs were based from the earlier work of socio-economic impact and opportunity assessment of the region. Of these activities, our team was tasked with the design, technical support, and implementation of all 22 projects for the purpose of completing a successful regional transition and economic diversification through private sector development. This Committee continues today as a collaborative inter-municipal partnership of six (6) municipalities and the greater region that surrounds them. This is a truly unique partnership of seven coal affected communities and counties.

Deliverables 

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Major Project Accomplishments

  • Formation of Collaborative Intermunicipal Partnership - 7 years

  • Successful public-private sector partnership to assess the socio-economic impacts of the closures.

  • Set the region on a path for successful diversification

  • Successfully attracted 5 new enterprises to the region.

  • Supported over 150 existing businesses with tailored one-on-one support.

  • Supported 30+ social enterprise within the region.

  • Supported 200+ citizens with employments supports

Project: Flagstaff County Economic Development Plan
Client: Flagstaff County 
Timeframe: 2018 - Present

Description

Lochaven Consulting has worked closely with Flagstaff County over the previous seven years to help them build a strong foundation and effective programming as an economic development function. Over this time, Lochaven has built two economic development plans for the region. Both plans were rooted in working to establishing the purpose and intention of the Economic Development function among its key stakeholders and within the rest of the County prior to designing and implementing programs that seamlessly integrated with other programs offered in the region.  Lochaven worked with Flagstaff to build framework for continued success by setting strategic priorities in areas such as business retention and expansion, citizen attraction and retention, entrepreneurship support, and new business investment. Additionally, they emphasized a flexible and opportunistic approach, leveraging existing alliances and fostering an environment where small businesses could thrive. Throughout the planning process, a priority was placed on building internal capacity within Flagstaff County’s economic development team, clearly defining roles and responsibilities to ensure effective implementation. With a focus on actionable tactics, these economic development plans have positioned Flagstaff County for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Deliverables 

 

Major Project Accomplishments

  • Identified and communicated Economic Development function's purpose

  • Designed and implemented programs in Business Retention and Expansion, Citizen Attraction, Entrepreneuriship, and Inbound Investment.

  • Set local businesses up for success by creating opportunities for capacity building. 

  • The County has cultivated a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem through fostering innovation and business creation.

  • The County has enhanced its investment readiness by developing succession planning programs and creating promotional tools that highlight the region’s strengths to potential investors.

Project: Invest in Grand Forks
Client: Community Futures Boundary
Timeframe: 2021 - 2023

Description

In 2021, Community Futures Boundary engaged Lochaven Consulting to assist them with various projects revolving around developing and increasing inbound investment, citizen attraction, and tourism in the region. Lochaven began the project by creating a marketing and promotional plan for these three areas. Ensuring a strategic framework was place to identify and capatilize on synergies was key to prioritize and unlock the potential of the region. We conducted extensive research, analyzed past and current marketing efforts, and developed actionable promotional activities. We also worked closely with local stakeholders, such as Community Futures Boundary and the Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, to create targeted strategies that would promote Grand Forks as a desirable place to live, visit, and invest. The plan emphasized the importance of leveraging local assets, enhancing digital marketing efforts, and engaging the community to foster a unified promotional message. From this plan, multiple initiatives were implemented with Lochaven including 1) Sector Development Plans, 2) Invest in Grand Forks website, and 3) "Get into Grand Forks" Citizen Relocation Guide. 

Deliverables 

Major Project Accomplishments

  • Community Futures Boundary  enhanced collaboration with government agencies and investors to developed sector and land profiles to attract investment.

  • Steps were taken towards launching the ambassador program to empower residents as advocates for the community, alongside strategic partnerships with key influencers like realtors and financial advisors.

  • Digital marketing efforts, including promotional videos and social media strategies, were implemented to boost tourism and provide accessible information for visitors and investors.

Should you have any inquiries or wish to discuss any of our products further, do not hesitate to contact us. Economic development is more than just a profession for us—it's our passion. We're excited to offer our expertise and work together to spark growth. Let's ignite progress together!

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