West Kootenay festivals band together to create new association
By Nelson Daily Editor
There is strength in numbers.
Recognizing the growing economic impact of special events, five West Kootenay festivals have joined forces to spearhead the Kootenay Columbia Festival and Events Association, a new organization whose members will be stakeholders interested in the successful promotion and delivery of festivals and events within the Columbia Basin region.
Potential members are organizations that sponsor a festival or event or other individuals, organizations, government agencies, or incorporated companies with an interest in supporting these events.
The five founding members are Kaslo Jazz Festival, Starbelly Jam, Nakusp Music Festival, Shambhala Music Festival and Hills Garlic Festival, who have been working together since 2009 with the goal in mind of formalizing their association.
Incorporated under the Societies Act of BC, the KCFEA will enable participating organizations to have a united voice in issues of mutual interest, facilitating effective communication and advocacy with government and regulators in the development of strategies, legislation and policies.
The association will facilitate marketing and promotion of festivals and events in the region. By working together, members will be able to raise skill levels of employees and volunteers while developing and sharing best practices which will be especially helpful to new event organizers.
The first general meeting of the KCFEA will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, at 12 pm at the Hume Hotel. There will be a guest speaker on a topic of interest to all attendees.
- Interested organizations and individuals can reserve a seat by emailing KCFEA.info@gmail.com.
- More information about the KCFEA and the upcoming meeting is available by sending an inquiry to KCFEA.info@gmail.com.
