Submitted –
B.C. Government Caucus
News Release
September 4, 2015
Abbotsford a finalist in Open for Business Awards
ABBOTSFORD – Abbotsford is one of seven finalists nominated in the Open for Business Awards announced Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson.
The award recognizes municipalities and First Nation communities undertaking initiatives and partnerships to reduce the cost and complexity of doing business in British Columbia.
“It is imperative that Abbotsford has a business-friendly climate that allows business to grow and succeed. Small business creates 80 per cent of all new jobs and are the heart and soul of our City,” said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun. “We are proud to support local economic growth and the development of a vibrant economy in our community. The City of Abbotsford is honoured to be nominated for the 2015 Open for Business Award, and would like to acknowledge and congratulate all other finalists in being nominated.”
“Our community has been recognized for supporting small businesses,” said Gibson. “Reducing the cost of doing business helps foster growth and success and benefits our community.”
The communities who best demonstrate that they are operating within the spirit of the Small Business Accord will receive $10,000 each to support the growth and success of local small businesses. The winners will be announced on September 22 at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual conference in Vancouver.
This year, submissions were received from all eight B.C. economic regions, including 14 new community applicants. The finalists include Abbotsford, the City of Langley, the Nisga’a Nation, Prince Rupert, Sidney, Surrey, and the Tsawassen First Nation.
The applications are evaluated based on how the communities enhance small-business competitiveness, recognize the contributions of small businesses to the community, and promote the principles of the BC Small Business Accord.
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Contact:
Ashley Stewart
B.C. Government Caucus Communications
250-387-8589