Poole collects top award

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 26, 2009 12:00 PM

Vernon’s economic development officer has garnered some top honours.Kevin Poole has been elected president of the Economic Development Association of B.C. and named economic developer of the year in the province.“It’s a real honour to be recognized that way,” said Poole of the award.The award is a result of his six years as economic development officer in Mission.While there, he was involved in visitor guides, map production, Communities in Bloom assistance and filming of Fish’n Canada and 100 Mile Diet.He also built relationships with developers who purchased property in Mission.“To leave Mission and have them nominate you is great,” said Poole, who has been with the City of Vernon since May.

Poole will also now take a leadership role as the president of the Economic Development Association.And he believes that will have direct benefits for economic development in Vernon and the North Okanagan.“It connects us with a bigger scale outside of our area,” he said.“I will be able to meet with ministers at the provincial level as I represent the association.”Poole says he is presently discussing potential investment opportunities with businesses interested in the North Okanagan.Poole has been on the provincial association’s board of directors since 1997 and was elected vice-president in 2007.