In Conversation With... economic development commission adviser
David McDougall wears many hats. The new chairman of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission’s advisory board is also the master franchisor for Blenz Coffee in the B.C. Interior, vice-chairman of the Small Business B.C. board and a busy grandpa.
The Daily Courier caught up with McDougall shortly after he was elected chair of the commission’s advisory board.
COURIER: How did the advisory position come about?
McDOUGALL: While I was building the Blenz Coffee business across the Okanagan, I had admired the work of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission advisory board and the commission staff — at that time headed by Robert Fine. Being the primary resource for businesses in the region, it was a natural place for me to bring my contributions to economic development in the community. So, when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it. I’ve been a member of the board for a few years now and have enjoyed every minute. I look forward to working with the board through 2018 — we have an exciting year ahead.
COURIER: What exactly does the advisory board do?
McDOUGALL: The commission is a connection and conduit for communities and enterprises throughout the Central Okanagan. On the one hand, the board provides industry intelligence to staff for consideration in its programming, and on the other, it utilizes its large network to share knowledge and connection to commission programming. It’s a great example of the partners in economic development — government, educational institutions, development agencies and businesses — all working together to bring economic success to all the communities in the Central Okanagan region.
We are fortunate to have some key economic engines here in the Okanagan: UBCO, Okanagan College, YLW airport, the Interior Health Authority and Accelerate Okanagan — all essential parts of a successful economic ecosystem. When you can marshal these important resources and align them with fast-growing small and medium-sized businesses of the region, you have an opportunity for an economic powerhouse.
We hear constantly from observers from afar that this community punches well above its weight.
COURIER: The board has 41 members. Why so many?
McDOUGALL: Proudly, the commission’s advisory board has government, service providers and, most importantly, a significant representation of local businesses.
There is an elected official appointed from each municipality in the Central Okanagan region, chambers of commerce, Women’s Enterprise Centre, Business Development Bank and industry leaders representing key sectors of small business, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, tourism and heath care.
We have a broad reach. It is by far the most connected and information-rich board in the interior of the province, and so becomes a vital forum where the interaction between all these partners can happen. Even though the number might seem large, I can tell you that every person on the board contributes and believes passionately about our quality of life and prosperity for all who live here.
COURIER: What are the Central Okanagan’s greatest economic strengths?
McDOUGALL: Our talented people. From the small business owner to CEOs at larger companies, the people of our community work so well together.
There is a dynamic energy in the region, and many people and companies want to be part of it.
The advisory board provides a way for people who live, work and run businesses in the area to help shape the local economy for the benefit of the community. It’s the main reason why we punch well above our weight, to use that phrase again.
COURIER: Its greatest economic challenges?
McDOUGALL: Our economic growth is an asset, but the challenge is also to balance economic, environmental and social interests. These matters are all interdependent and ever-changing. Although I am not a planner or saying there is anything ominous on the horizon, I believe it is the management of components of water quality and availability, our priceless lakes, transportation infrastructure, and development of arts and culture that are top of mind for the people and enterprises of the region.
COURIER: You are also the B.C. Interior master franchisor for Blenz Coffee. Tell us what that entails.
McDOUGALL: It’s been my great pleasure to work with the franchise owners of individual Blenz shops in bringing a high-quality coffee experience to the region. We aren’t a foreign-owned multinational chain. We are a home-grown B.C. company, and the family of owners of the Blenz shops are all local entrepreneurs. I think our success shows that people of the region will support local. And of course it means that I get to enjoy meeting people over a great espresso or freshly made Americano!
COURIER: You are also involved in Small Business B.C.
McDOUGALL: Yes, I am the vice-chair of the board of directors of Small Business B.C., which is the pre-eminent resource for small businesses right across B.C. and probably the most successful organization of its kind in the country. It’s been a great opportunity to be involved in setting out their strategies for assisting small businesses in B.C. grow and improve their resiliency.
COURIER: What do you like to do in your spare time?
McDOUGALL: I have a couple of young grandsons — Jack, who is six, and Parker, who is two, and it’s important to be part of their growing-up years, and so I am their biggest fan and cheerleader for whatever they are doing.
I do like to travel outside the Okanagan from time to time, too, having just returned from an enjoyable family visit to Norway.