The City of Penticton is trying to attract new skilled employees and remote workers to bolster the local economy.
The city’s economic development department has launched a new campaign called “Start Here Penticton” to attract remote workers, entrepreneurs and skilled talent to the community.
The initiative builds on recommendations from the business community and the city’s COVID-19 Safe Restart Task Force to focus on resident and labour attraction to support post-pandemic economic recovery.
READ MORE: City of Penticton looks toward post-pandemic economic recovery
The city’s general manager of community services Anthony Haddad said that the initiative is in line with current migration trends, as people have been increasingly leaving larger urban centres for smaller Canadian communities.
“Remote workers are increasingly choosing to leave behind the urban grind and move to a place like Penticton, where they have easy access to green space, lakes and recreation, and a healthier work-life balance,” said Haddad. “This migration trend is positive for our economy because remote workers arrive with great jobs and are eager to support local restaurants, shops, services and other businesses.”
Key messages throughout the campaign will promote the many advantages to living, working and investing in Penticton.
The city has dubbed this theme the “Penticton Advantage.” The theme will be marketed through materials including blogs and visuals posted to StartHerePenticton.com and shared over social media.
At the heart of the campaign are the stories of remote workers, entrepreneurs and other professionals who have moved here. The city’s economic development department will also work with the real estate community, which is typically the first point of contact for potential newcomers, to provide promotional materials for distribution.
The Economic Development department will coordinate with key stakeholders – including Visit Penticton, SOICS, Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Penticton Association and the real estate community – to identify opportunities for cross-collaboration. This will also tie into upcoming promotions for Penticton Airport, positioning YYF as the airport of choice for the South Okanagan.
Residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to follow @startherepenticton on social media, including the new Start Here Penticton LinkedIn page, and to share the posts with your networks.
“Penticton used to be known as a place where people came for vacation. Now we’re becoming recognized among remote workers and professionals as a ‘place to live forever,’” said mayor John Vassilaki. “We would like to extend a warm welcome to all new residents and will continue to support our business community as we move forward toward economic recovery.”
READ MORE: City of Penticton needs housing, according to Urbanics study
jesse.day@pentictonwesternnews.com
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