A chance to showcase the Columbia Valley to politicians from every corner of the Kootenays is underway. From April 17 to 23, the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG) will be holding its annual conference and AGM at Copper Point Resort.
The event, hosted by the Regional District of the East Kootenay (RDEK), will bring over one hundred officials to the valley and is being held mid-week in hopes many of them will travel with their spouses and families and stay for the weekend.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase what the Columbia Valley has to offer to some influential people, not only in the tourism industry but in all kinds of different business opportunities,” said Copper Point Resort general manager Amanda Robinson, “so it’s exciting and we’re very fortunate they’ve selected this part of the world to have this meeting.”
The Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG) is the local government association that represents the municipalities and electoral areas of the south-eastern portion of B.C. The area includes the regional districts of Kootenay Boundary, Central Kootenay, East Kootenay and the Town of Golden.
Each year, a different community hosts the AKBLG Conference and AGM. Last year’s conference was held in Trail, and next year it will be held in the Creston area.
“We are eagerly anticipating a strong turnout to this year’s event,” RDEK communications manager and 2013 AKBLG conference co-ordinator Loree Duczek wrote in an email. “We are currently in the midst of our sponsorship drive and are very grateful to the many local businesses and organizations that have committed as sponsors this year. Without them, this event couldn’t happen and we are so appreciative.
“Build” is the theme to this year’s conference, which will feature optional tours, workshops, learning sessions, entertainment, a tradeshow and time for networking. A keynote speaker is also lined up and more details about the agenda will be announced mid-February.
Robinson said the conference is a complete buy-out of the resort.
“We were able to sell them on the fact that this would be the best place to have their meeting,” she said, adding that more details on who the resort is partnering with in delivering the conference will be provided closer to the event.
The AKBLG was established in November of 1933 with the purpose of identifying and illuminating issues that impact on the economy, environment, and the social well-being of people living in South Eastern B.C. It is one of five area associations within the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.