Work and Invest Greater Vernon portal (Image credit: Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce)

By Kevin Rothwell

New portal to attract workers

Labour market woes top chamber members survey

Aug 17, 2022 | 11:15 AM

For anyone trying to hire and retain employees, the results of a Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) survey are no surprise.

The number one issue on the minds of 600 local business leaders is the lack of available employees.

Businesses have been curtailing hours, existing employees are working overtime and, in a few drastic situations, the owners have closed shop.

On the hiring side, wages have been increasing, several companies are offering hiring and retention bonus money, and even subsidized housing.

The Chamber has launched Work and Invest Greater Vernon, an online portal with vital data and information that entrepreneurs and job seekers can review when exploring the area for a new business or employment opportunities.

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“The number one issue we hear from our members is difficulty finding staff. As part of our strategy to help local businesses address this issue, we will be promoting Work and Invest Greater Vernon to attract residents of neighbouring cities and provinces through various media channels,” said Dan Proulx, Greater Vernon Chamber general manager.

“We provide a dynamic business climate, world-class recreational opportunities and a rich culture and we invite businesspeople to learn more about our great community and why this is the place to live, work and invest.”

“We believe Work and Invest Greater Vernon will be a valuable resource for existing businesses who are looking to expand and attract new employees, as well as for local governments promoting economic development,” said Proulx.

The site provides job seekers and entrepreneurs with the following:

• Population and household demographics
• Largest employers
• Career postings
• Types of businesses
• Commercial property listings
• Housing rentals
• Business resources
• Lifestyle, health care, education and culture

“We want Work and Invest Greater Vernon to be a one-stop source of information so investors have a realistic sense of what opportunities the community provides and the infrastructure that’s in place to help their vision succeed,” Proulx added.

The portal will be rolled out to local governments, employers and specific sectors such as real estate, education, agriculture and manufacturing so they can use it as an attraction tool.

Data currently represents Vernon, but as more data becomes readily available, it will be expanded to include Coldstream demographics.

GVCC has around 600 member businesses and non-profits.

Other local business organizations are also coming to the table with Community Futures planning workshops called “Recruitment and Retention: How to Find and Keep Staff in 2022.

by Kevin Rothwell

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