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BC First Nation to be recognized for economic development achievements
Posted On 13 May 2015
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GLOBE-Net, May 13, 2015 – The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) will be hosting the Annual Calgary Gala honoring and celebrating the achievements of the 2nd CCAB Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) award recipient.
The annual award goes to an outstanding EDC and affirms the substantial value EDCs bring to Aboriginal communities by way of employment, business development, and revenue generation. EDCs are valuable conduits between industry, government and Aboriginal communities and by showcasing their initiatives, CCAB points to a vision of shared prosperity and progress.
The year’s award will go to the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation
Penticton Indian Band Reserve (PIB) is the largest reserve in the Province of British Columbia – 46,000 acres with a current population of 1,034 members.
The Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation (PIBDC) is a for-profit Corporation, incorporated under the provisions of the British Columbia Companies Act in 2007, owned by the Penticton Indian Band.
PIBDC is the principal economic development, marketing and promotional organization for the Penticton Indian Band. PIBDC is the business investment vehicle pursuing business joint ventures and investment opportunities on behalf of Penticton Indian Band community and stakeholders that meet the established investment criteria developed by PIBDC.
PIBDC exists to ensure the certainty of the Penticton Indian Band’s traditional values and provide a sustainable economic return.
“Congratulations to the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation for demonstrating the vision and courage in the world of business essential for business success,” said CCAB President and CEO JP Gladu.
“The Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year Award proudly gives all Canadians an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal business success and its role in creating business certainty and sustainable prosperity.”
The CCAB would like to recognize and thank Sodexo Canada the founding and exclusive sponsor for the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year Award.
Sodexo is proud to be celebrated as one of the top diversity employers in Canada and a Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Gold Certified company. Quality of life is central to the performance and growth of individuals and organizations. Working from this perspective, Sodexo has redefined how to best serve its clients’ complex needs. It is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and organizations wherever they work.
“Sincere congratulations to the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation for this honour,” says Barry Telford, President of Sodexo Canada. “When we speak about quality of life we see this exciting award as an opportunity to celebrate the economic well-being and sustainability that Aboriginal Development Corporations bring to their communities.”
The Penticton Indian Band is currently engaged with PIB Community member and PIB Lands Department in finalizing an official Comprehensive Community Plan. This objective is to identify those lands to be protected and those lands to be designated for residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational development.
Economic development will increase the property taxation base, thereby increasing their property taxation budget. An increase in property tax revenue is being reinvested to improve community infrastructure and support economic growth.
The Penticton Indian Band will be hosting an Aboriginal Business Match May 11-13, 2015 in Penticton. The band will welcome a dynamic network of qualified decision makers comprised of over a hundred Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal companies and Aboriginal communities to create opportunities for business.
About the award
The AECD award is the first of its kind in Canada and is designed to shine a light on the important role that Aboriginal corporations are playing in boardrooms and First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year Award will be presented by Sodexo at the Annual Calgary Gala on Thursday May 14, 2015 at the Westin Calgary. More information available here.
