Saturday, February 20, 2010

Valley shines at Olympic showcase

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 20, 2010 12:00 PM

Olympic exposure could provide big dividends for the North Okanagan’s economy. Local businesses got to mingle with international media and trade commissioners during a showcase of the Okanagan at Vancouver’s Robson Square Thursday. “It gave them a chance to look outside Vancouver,” said Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, of the media visiting for the Winter Games. The event kicked off with a press conference. “We’re hoping the international media will bring more awareness about the Okanagan,” said Kevin Poole, Vernon’s economic development manager. “We talked about tourism and investment in the Okanagan.”

Among those who spoke at the press conference were representatives from Silver Star Mountain Resort and Sparkling Hill Resort. The media and trade and investment officials also had a chance to meet with representatives from 100 Okanagan companies including Rogers Foods, Okanagan Spirits and Aspenware. “One woman from a U.S. outlet was going around and doing interviews,” said Poole. Lippert handled several inquiries about the North Okanagan. “The whole lifestyle here piqued their interest,” he said, adding that there were also questions about the valley’s cultural diversity. “We’re a lot more than white, English-speaking people here and there is room for everyone to live here. They learned that this is a great place to visit.” Thursday’s showcase at Vancouver’s Commerce Centre was organized by the Okanagan Valley Economic Development Society.“I’m confident we’ll be seeing more interest in the Okanagan,” said Lippert.

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