As we come to the end of the BC Emergency Preparedness Week new tools have been announced and we encourage you to check out the ones most relevant to you.
New and improved emergency preparedness tools and resources include:
the Emergency Ready Planner, an online, interactive tool to help people create a personalized emergency and evacuation plan;
major upgrades to the BC Wildfire Service app to better connect people to the latest wildfire and fire ban information; and
updates to the Drought Information Portal to better inform people about drought levels and watershed conditions around the province.
In an emergency, knowing what to do, where to go and who to contact reduces stress and keeps people focused and safe.
Your team at Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism remains committed to supporting you and your business, please reach out to the team with your ideas!
- Amy
CCCT will soon be missing Julia Gentsch (left), our Office Administrator & Emergency Coordinator as she moves on to new opportunities. In this picture she joined by Patti Gerhardi, Destination and Experience Manager, at a recent event.
Farewell and thank you from Julia
Dear operators, partners, and team members,
I trust this message finds you well. After careful consideration and a very difficult decision, I have decided to move on to new opportunities and my time at CCCT is coming to an end. My last day of work will be May 15, 2024.
It has been an incredible journey working with you all, for which I am very grateful. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have learned so much about you, your businesses, and the region. Giving daily support to operators, partners, and the entire Cariboo Chilcotin Coast team on projects and striving together for new achievements to grow the region, its fantastic offerings, and seeing a great collaboration has made every day a pleasure. We are extremely lucky to be able to show the world what a beautiful and diverse region we live, work, and play in - it is a unique feeling and represents the highlights of my career.
I am very thankful for every opportunity I have had to support and guide you in various matters, and I hope that my contributions have been meaningful. The relationships I have built here will always have a special place in my heart.
As I move on to new challenges, I would like to thank each one of you again from the bottom of my heart for the unforgettable experiences and professional development I have had during my time here. You never know - tourism is like a big family ... maybe we will meet again 😊.
Thank you once again for your trust, your cooperation, and your tireless efforts. I sincerely wish you continued success and fulfillment for your business and may this year be an incredible year for each of you.
Yours sincerely,
Julia
New BC Forest Operations Map portal
A newly announced Forest Operations Map online portal will act as an online resource for the public to review and comment on proposed cutblocks and forestry roads throughout B.C. This update was one part of the amendments made to the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) to improve forest and range operational planning and practices.
Previously, the public primarily learned about proposed cutblocks and roads in the local newspaper or in-person at district forestry offices, and then submitted comments by email or regular mail. While these options will remain, participating forestry companies will also have their projects available for comment through the portal.
New tool empowers citizens during environmental assessments
B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has launched a new tool to engage the public during environmental assessments, empowering people to have a more meaningful impact on the decision-making process for major projects proposed throughout the province.
EPIC.engage is a new engagement platform designed to improve the overall experience for people providing feedback during the public comment periods of an environmental assessment.
Destination BC Tourism Industry Event Quesnel
Destination BC's Board of Directors would like to invite you to a social evening to connect with tourism colleagues.
This event is for tourism businesses only - thanks for your consideration.
National Tourism Industry Conference in Vancouver
Registration is open for the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s 2024 Tourism Congress and this year it is close to home in Vancouver. Slated for December 3-5 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, early bird registration rates and special hotel rates are available now.
You can get more information here on registering. The link also has information on how to apply to present to the Congress on economic influence, workforce empowerment, innovation, and more. The deadline to apply for that is April 26.
One highlight of the Congress will be the gala Canadian Tourism Awards and Gala Dinner. There are 12 categories of awards that are now open for nominations. Award categories include business of the year, Indigenous tourism, sustainable tourism, and innovation. The full list of awards, and how to nominate people, is available online.
Improving Intergenerational Communication
More and more workplaces have become multi-generational, and this brings the need to navigate the cultural, social, and economic variances between generations to the forefront.
This month's column offers support in helping navigate the challenges and build a strong workplace for all.
The 2024 Tourism Summit will be held October 15-17, 2024. Please hold these dates in your calendar to join us for engaging learning, policy updates and great networking with your industry leaders. More details coming soon!
Outdoor recreation is a economic powerhouse and serves as a significant economic multiplier, playing a crucial role in fostering community development, enhancing the prosperity and aids in building sustainable economies. In a recent study it was found that outdoor recreation provides $15 billion in economic benefits to British Columbians.
"To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart."