In his first meeting with the Small Business Roundtable, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell challenged members to look beyond B.C.'s borders to promote economic growth and job creation throughout the province.
B.C.'s small business community contributes more than 41 per cent of the total value of goods exported from the province and the rapidly expanding markets of Asia will play a vital role in future growth.
Bell asked the roundtable to work with key sectors and regions that can take advantage of growing export markets, expand British Columbia's trade and create jobs for families. To assist in facilitating the work of the roundtable, Bell has appointed Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger as co-chair. Krueger chaired the roundtable from 2008-09.
"All small businesses thrive when the economy is running on all cylinders, so
I've asked the Small Business Roundtable to help us zero in on those key economic sectors and regions that will power our province's future," said Bell in a July 20 press release. "Kevin Krueger's experience as a previous chair will be beneficial as the roundtable focuses on B.C's natural advantages, growing the small business sector and providing jobs for families."
In addition to focusing on economic development and trade opportunities, the small business roundtable continues to advise government on issues, strategies and potential actions to make it easier to do business in British Columbia.
The roundtable was formed in 2005. Its members are small business leaders who represent regions, industries and associations throughout British Columbia.
See more on the round table at http://www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/Pages/Default.aspx.
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