Editor:
Re: "Coast economy falling behind due to lack of interest: Cleghorn" (Coast Reporter, Oct. 26).
I was astonished by several of Cleghorn's statements. I see a lot more than "nothing" being done re: off-Coast marketing. Start with the efforts of the tourism industry, B& association, festival organizations and Big Pacific as examples.
"No one knows we're here." Really? So how come off-Coasters come to the music festivals, art crawls, the writers' festival (best in Canada, I hear) and other events?
And how is it that the leadership and innovation of some notable Coast businesses are known far beyond the bounds of the West Coast? What about the artists, writers, musicians, publishers and the wide range of independent professionals working in the creative and knowledge industries, many of whom are world renowned?
Just who is the "we" to whom Cleghorn is referring?
As for Cleghorn's suggestion to bring airlines' head offices here, there is much to wonder. In any case, Fly!, Tofino Air and Airspan all have head offices here; do they not count?
I recommend Cleghorn revisit his accounting spreadsheet as it seems a lot is MIA. Some homework on green might also be in order. Green is an economic opportunity and growth area. A global business community recognizes that if it's not green (sustainable) it won't survive.
For the economic development future, I advise looking to the marketers, businesses, professionals and creatives to whom I've referred. I've met some of them. They are knowledgeable, passionate, caring people, generous of time, service and spirit. They are not waiting for a commission on economic development, they are at the heart of it, and of the community. In them will be found the wealth, models and directions we need for our collective future.
Fiona S. Crofton, Gibsons
