Thursday, March 6 – Friday, March 7
9:15 AM – 12:30 PM
A One-Of-A-Kind Virtual Event
The Future is Local: UNITE at the RIEP Forum
Since RIEP’s founding Forum in 2019, our organization has been actively promoting and providing solutions for self-reliant, sustainable communities where economic benefits circulate within the region and social benefit is a key economic indicator.
Six years later, we are hosting our fifth Forum, bringing together leaders in our local communities that are creating and championing innovative solutions that celebrate our Forum theme: Adaptation - Innovation - Resilience
Times such as these are a powerful reminder of the importance of regional collaboration and the necessity of supporting small business and community-based organizations. We must look to one-another for inspiration and ingenuity as we build a just economy that provides for the dignified livelihoods we all deserve.
Our 2025 Virtual Forum promises to elevate the many voices that will help to shape a positive vision of our collective futures.
Our strength lies in our capacity to build our social capital and
to strengthen our community connections with each other!

EARLY BIRD TICKETS - AVAILABLE NOW!
Thursday, March 6 – Friday, March 7
9:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Early Bird Pricing Until February 22: $35.00
Standard Pricing: Feb. 23 – March 6: $40.00
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ADAPTATION & INNOVATION:
Shaping the Future for Our Collective Well-Being
March 6 • 9:15 AM - 12:30 PM
★ AI INSIGHTS:
Integrating AI for Business & Non-Profit Success
• Lauren Evanow - CEO, Results Team Communication
• Jennifer Hufnagel - Principal, Hufnagel Consulting
• Charley Jarrett - Senior Digital Consultant, HJC
★ WHO ARE WE?
Economic Snapshot of BC's Rural and Coastal Communities
• Jolynn Green - Community Futures, Central Island, Executive Director
• Maria Malmgren - Change Works Principal; RIEP Board Director
★ SHARED SERVICES
Pooling Resources For Socio-Economic Well-Being
• DELVI (Deliver Vancouver Island +)
• VIEA's Island Good
• Sooke Business Co-op
• RIEP's Rising Tide Business Services

RESILIENCE:
Working Together To Build Resilient Communities
March 7 • 9:15 AM - 12:30 PM
★ ECONOMIC RECONCILIATION: Identifying Ways To Further Support The Success of BC’s Indigenous Economy
• Adam Olsen, Former MLA and Lead Negotiator for the Tsartlip Nation
★ ENSURING AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR ALL:
Rural-Coastal Housing Initiatives
Featuring Housing Activists Representing:
• Cortes Housing Society
• Denman Community Housing Society
• Gabriola Housing Society
• Galiano Affordable Living Initiative
• Housing Now!
★ COMMUNITY LEARNING EXCHANGE:
A Showcase of Initiatives From Across the Region
Featuring Community Builders Representing:
• The Arts
• Climate Action
• Food Security
• Health & Well-Being
• Regenerative Tourism
• Regional Collaboration
What Past Attendees Say
"The Forum tackles big topics with great minds and focuses on values-based outcomes for problem solving while supporting community economic development in our region.”
"This was a great opportunity to network and get up to speed on what's happening in our rural remote island and coastal communities."
"I loved how many diverse voices and perspectives were at the Forum."
""A unique gathering of people who were very engaged with helping their own community within the scope and understanding of working together for the greater good."
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