"Prosperity for all!"

Creston is well positioned between the East and West Kootenays on Hwy 3. The Creston Area receives some "Flow Through" traffic and has a unique "product offering" with its proximity to the United States (15 minutes to the US border). Creston has accommodated moderate sized conventions, seminars and workshops. The selection of Motels, B&Bs, RV Sites and Restaurants has contributed to the success of these functions. There is development opportunity for a hotel with convention facilities to address the potential for more regional conventions and the growing tourism sector.

"The term, "The New Economy" is often used in reference to the growing tertiary (services) sector of the economy. With the ease of global communication in today's world, the proportion of employment is most significant in this "services" sector," reports Deborah Mulcair B.Comm, MBA of Humcor Consulting in the "Toward a Community Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan June 2001". Deborah Mulcair noted that retirement communities such as Creston are well-suited to enjoy opportunities in this growth sector due to the high need for services that are required to accommodate an older population. The valley has facilities and attractions which are well suited to the trends of the aging population including, golfing, kayaking, arts appreciation, birding, gardening (with the mild climate) and 153 club and organizations to join. There are opportunities to develop the "retirement destination" market in the Creston Valley. 41% of the Town of Creston's population is over 55 years (national average is 21%). The service sector accounts for 79% of the employment in town and 60% for the remainder of the Creston Valley.

21% of the Creston Valley employment is in the agriculture and natural resource sector. Value-added opportunities exist in: wood finishing, agriculture and organic produce, US export distribution, ecotourism, soft adventure, agrotourism and cultural tourism, spas and retreats, the Creston Valley Wildlife Center and Kootenay Lake.

As well, the Valley is well positioned to attract and has already begun attracting the "mobile" worker market (lifestyle and high speed internet service). This market consists of those who can conduct national and international business from the Valley using telecommunications.

Many people who have been attracted to the valley speak about the "good energy" they feel here. There is no doubt that our farms produce world-renowned quality fruit and vegetables. Holistic practitioners' services are enhanced by the healing energy felt within the valley. This nurturing community is provincially recognized for its elderly support services, and in addition Creston offers professional services for mental-challenged indviduals.

New and developing business are supported by the Business Entrepreneur Support Group (BEST) which is made up of the Creston and Area Ecomomic Development, Enterprise Facilitation, Community Futures, Creston and District Chamber of Commerce and Kootenay Employment Services (KES). Contact 250-428-5655 or www.kes.bc.ca.