CPABC Hosts Economic Roundtables
NOTES & NEWS
CPABC Hosts Economic Roundtables
This summer , CPABC hosted its second annual Regional Check-Up economic roundtables . The events , held in Kelowna on June 3 and Victoria on June 15 , coincided with the release of the Regional Check-Up reports . During these roundtable discussions , participants had the opportunity to discuss findings from the reports , provide their perspectives on local economic advantages and challenges , and suggest how the government could better support business growth in various regions of the province . Both roundtable events were attended by local business leaders and prominent CPA members across key industries . The Kelowna discussion , held at Quail ’ s Gate Winery , was moderated by Karen Christiansen , FCPA , FCA , a partner at MNP LLP and CPABC ’ s media representative for the Thompson-Okanagan Regional Check-Up report . One of the major topics explored during the discussion was the tourism industry , which has grown considerably over the past year due to the low Canadian dollar and the increased number of flights available to Kelowna from the rest of BC , Canada , and international destinations . Another major talking point was the spillover effect of Vancouver ’ s overpriced real estate market . The benefits of this spillover were also discussed at the Victoria event , which was held at the Union Club and moderated by Chuck Chandler , FCPA , FCA , a partner at Hayes Stewart Little & Company and CPABC ’ s media representative for the Vancouver Island / Coast report . Participants noted that a number of businesses , particularly in the technology industry , were opening offices in Victoria and relocating staff from Vancouver . A related topic of discussion was the retention of skilled labour . While participants said they were hopeful that more skilled talent would be relocating from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island , they also expressed concerns about whether quality of life , alone , would be able to retain these individuals . CPABC would like to thank the moderators and participants for attending these events . Discussion from the roundtables and analysis from the CPABC Regional and BC Check-Up reports , as well as the results from the CPABC Business Outlook Survey , will provide context for CPABC ’ s budget submission to the provincial government later this fall .
Kelowna participants : Heather Banham , FCPA , FCGA – Dean , Okanagan College School of Business Amanda Burns , CPA , CA – VP Finance & CFO , Sun-Rype Products Ltd . Karen Christiansen , FCPA , FCA – Partner , MNP LLP ( moderator ) Maxine DeHart – Councillor , City of Kelowna Warren Everton , CPA , CMA – CFO , BC Tree Fruits Cooperative Perry Freeman , CPA , CA – VP , Investment , Colliers International Raghwa Gopal – CEO , Accelerate Okanagan Bryan Johnston , CPA , CA – President , Reidco Metal Industries Ltd . David McDougall , CPA , CMA – Founder and Principal , Blenz Coffee , Interior Region David Wilson , CPA , CMA – VP , Finance & Administration , Mission Hill Family Estate
Victoria participants : Randy Bogle , CPA , CGA – CFO , Victoria Airport Authority Lindalee Brougham , FCPA , FCA , CGA – Principal , LL Brougham Inc . R . Thomas Burley , FCPA , FCA – General Manager and CEO , Oakcrest Park Estates Ltd . Chuck Chandler , FCPA , FCA – Partner , Hayes Stewart Little & Co . ( moderator ) Ida Chong , FCPA , FCGA – Former BC Cabinet Minister Eric Erickson , CPA , CA – CFO , Redlen Technologies Mark Mawhinney , CPA , CMA – Investment Adviser , Odlum Brown Ltd . Simon Philp , FCPA , FCMA – Director & Team Leader , CIBC Sonterra Ross , CPA , CMA – COO , Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Missed the reports ? You can find the Regional Check-Up reports online at bccheckup . com .
8 CPABC in Focus • Sept / Oct 2016