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Kelowna  

Business Walk sets pace

Manufacturing will be the focus of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission's "Business Walk" this week.

The in-person survey will look at the human resources needs of manufacturers in the region.   

About 50 companies will be asked about their workforce issues during pre-scheduled interviews throughout the week. Subjects will include questions about specific jobs they have difficulty filling, succession planning and what assistance would help attract and retain the employees they need.

The information gained will be shared with organizations that may be able to provide assistance in training/certification, recruitment and other areas. It will also be communicated to the provincial and federal governments as industry intelligence for consideration in policy and program development.

The Business Walk idea was inspired by the 2014 study: Growing in the Okanagan – 2020 Labour Market Outlook – the largest study of its kind in the region. 

The need to retain and attract skilled workers was identified as a major factor in growing the Central Okanagan economy. 

"Local employers will be facing ever increasing human resource pressures associated with an aging workforce, retirements and the need to develop proactive attraction, recruitment and retention strategies. At the same time, the majority of employers do not have a human resources plan or a succession plan" the commission said in a press release. 

The Business Walk program is a partnership between the EDC, business improvement associations, Westbank First Nation and chambers of commerce in the region.

The annual non-sector specific Central Okanagan Business Walk will be held on Oct. 1 and is expected to touch base with 400 businesses.  A tourism/hospitality Business Walk is planned for November.



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