-1.3°C Cloudy 
With the major pre-Olympic opportunities essentially wrapped up, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) recently announced the termination of its economic development consulting agreement before the scheduled March 31, 2010, end date.
Anna Helmer, chair of the Pemberton/Area C Economic Development Commission, said the original intent was to hire a consultant to assist the region in getting through the Olympic period, and consultant Alexandra Ross “did everything we asked her to in that regard.”
But with most of the opportunities that would require the help of a consultant, such as helping local businesses to pursue work contracts for the 2010 Games, essentially over, Helmer said, “there’s really not a need any more.” The commission members thought they should end the agreement early in the interest of saving resources, she added.
The SLRD and Village of Pemberton jointly fund the Pemberton Economic Development service, with each government supplying half of the commission’s budget of $60,000 per year. Supported by the Pemberton and District Chamber of Commerce, the venture has a mandate “to support and grow sustainable business activity and economic growth for the Pemberton Valley,” according to the Nov. 16 SLRD statement.
“We were happy with Alex. She certainly has Pemberton at heart,” Helmer said, pointing to Ross’s efforts with Tourism Pemberton, community volunteering and the Spirit of B.C. Committee. Helmer said Ross had been asked to serve as a “funnel” or portal for opportunities leading up to the Games, and the commission members have recognized the need has passed.
Helmer said Ross did a lot of work as a liaison with the 2010 Commerce Centre in Vancouver to help local businesses access contracts, and she conducted a study of the existing businesses and resources in the Pemberton area for necessary background information.
Ross also started focus groups for business areas such as the downtown, Pemberton Industrial Park and Birken, Helmer said. While the commission members were initially unclear what the Olympics would bring and be like for Pemberton, Helmer said, Ross came prepared with many ideas.
In the future, Helmer said, the commission will explore options in life beyond 2010, figuring out a direction for the Pemberton Valley toward which everyone can work.
“I think we have a lot of work to do for setting us up for post-2010,” Helmer said.
She added that development of the edcpemberton.com website is being pursued, and she hopes it can become something of a one-stop shop for people interested in setting up businesses in the Pemberton Valley.
Ross declined to comment when the SLRD released its statement. According to the SLRD, the consulting agreement will technically end effective Dec. 12.
