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Thu, 03/25/2010 I just returned home from a great workshop in Nanaimo that Acumen was involved in for the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF). The ICF is hosting a three-workshop series on the economic opportunities on the island around the rail line--be it passenger, tourism/excursion or freight.
The first in the series, called Extraordinary Change, Extraordinary Opportunity, was held in Duncan in January at the amazing Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre on the banks of the Cowichan river. There we heard from land use planning expert Gordon Price (who is speaking again on Transportation issues March 31 in Victoria.) At any rate, the morning is meant for hearing some visionary pieces and the afternoons we break out into small groups to brainstorm and workshop ideas.
Yesterday in Nanaimo, the topic was Boats, Trains & Planes – Inviting the World to Visit – and to Stay. We focussed on tourism/excursion opportunities and we heard from Don Evans of West Coast Rail Association and Rod Harris, former CEO of Tourism BC. The afternoon session was modelled after the TV show the Dragon's Den.
I had only seen the show once (and some of our Dragons had never seen it) but man did they do a great job! We had one hour to come up with an tourism/excursion business idea for the island with rail as an important aspect of it. There were five groups of 8-10 and we all had a hoot! Presenting to the dragons was nerve-wracking but so much fun.
I would recommend this format for anyone who is organizing a business/workshop/brainstorming meeting that wants to add a bit of energy and fun to the idea-generation part of the meeting. I'm certainly going to find other opportunities to use this idea again. I might also be a bit biased because our group won with all five dragons investing in our idea (on paper only of course!) Go Dragons!
The third workshop in the series is set for April 23 in Port Alberni. It will feature a discussion of rail infrastructure improvements that will give Island businesses, especially resource-based ones, better access to North American and Asian markets, thanks to rail upgrades, improved port facilities and the coastal barge network. This day will also feature a trip to McLean Mill on the Alberni Pacific Railway. Check out the ICF website to register and for more details.