"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.