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BC Film, TV, Post-Production & Animation spent $3.4 billion in 2020 despite COVID-19 production pauses
According to the Vancouver Economic Commission’s (VEC) annual film spend research, the local film, television, visual effects (VFX) and animation industries generated an impressive $3.4 billion in direct spending for the provincial economy despite months of filming delays caused by COVID-19. -
Geoff Teoli takes on Acting Film Commissioner role for Vancouver
Film and television industry veteran Geoff Teoli will take on the role of Acting Film Commissioner for Vancouver for the near term. Teoli brings more than two decades of frontline dealings in locations, workplace safety and permitting in and around Vancouver to the position, which leads business expansion and high-impact investment attraction initiatives on the city’s behalf. -
Vancouver Ecosystem launches Angels for Climate Solutions Program
The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC), Innovate BC, Spring Activator, Volition and Foresight Canada are proud to launch Angels for Climate Solutions, a program aiming to increase the flow of capital investment into B.C.-based, early-stage climate technology startups. -
The Road to COP26: Why this Year’s Global Conference on Climate Change is the Most Critical Ever
We’ll never forget the summer of ‘21. Kicked off by a heat dome in late June and followed by devastating forest fires and record-setting temperatures, summer threw crippling curveballs into the tourism... -
A Guide to a Just Circular Economy of Food in Vancouver
In a just circular economy of food, there is no wasted food, and every person has access to healthy, nutritious meals. It's a daunting but achievable vision -- with the right action plan. Stay tuned for the upcoming publication “A Right to Food Framework for Tackling Food Waste and Achieving a Just Circular Economy.” -
Eleena Marley assumes position of Chief Executive Officer of Vancouver Economic Commission
Experienced business strategist and professional services advisor Eleena Marley will continue to helm the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) as Chief Executive officer for the foreseeable future, leading the team and setting the organization’s corporate, strategic and aspirational goals. -
$10aDay: Affordable Childcare is Coming to BC
After decades of advocacy, the provincial and federal governments have announced an investment of $3.2 billion over five years in quality, universal and affordable childcare. -
Your Guide to Esports in Vancouver (and Beyond)
First, a definition: esports is competitive video gaming. But there’s a lot more to it than casually playing some Fortnite. It’s an explosive billion-dollar industry – and if we’re going to... -
Another Entrant for Financing Decarbonized Buildings: Sustainable Mortgage-backed Securities
Retrofits are all the rage these days. From talk of climate action-oriented COVID-19 recovery strategies, to the recognition that many of our older buildings are ill-adapted to current conditions, the problem of retrofits occupies the minds of many a business leader and policymaker. -
What We’re Reading: 6 Books We’re Taking to the Beach this Summer
We’re taking these six economic-inspired books on our summer travels… and you should, too. After all, the economy is central to our lives, and inextricably connected to hot-button issues like climate change and reconciliation. Don’t you think it’s time to learn what it’s all about? -
Vancouver Film Commissioner assumes new Vice President role at Martini Film Studios
A natural evolution of his work of nearly five years as Vancouver’s first film commissioner, David Shepheard’s new role will see him continue to facilitate investment into the region while overseeing state-of-the-art infrastructure and enabling the development of Canadian content and IP. -
Vancouver’s Future of Prefab, Modular, Mass-timber Buildings
Canadians love wood – and that’s especially true for those here in Vancouver. Mass timber, arguably the darling of government and many designers these days, is often thought of as a single material or product. However, this overlooks the larger world of prefabricated and modular approaches proliferating across the construction industry... -
Five actions essential to supercharge BC’s life sciences industry
Despite recent successes and rising global attention to Vancouver and British Columbia’s life sciences sector, there are numerous outstanding opportunities to ensure the continued growth of this sector. -
12 Indigenous Leaders: A spotlight on economic reconciliation in 2023
However heartfelt and sincere, land acknowledgements become rote – even lip service – unless backed by meaningful and effective action to redress past and ongoing harms perpetuated against Indigenous peoples both locally and across the country. Here are some organizations leading the way on economic reconciliation. -
Local Initiatives to Turn the Tide this World Oceans Day
More than half of Earth’s oxygen is produced in the ocean; carbon dioxide is absorbed here as well, wherever air meets water. Three billion people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, with ocean-based industries like tourism and fisheries key sources of income. Meet a few BC-based companies working to restore and steward the health of our planet's lifeblood. -
Unlocking the Other 50% Through Innovation Challenges
In this guest article written by Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight, talks about why it’s time to move beyond “business as usual” to address urgent climate challenges. Instead, Jeanette argues the best ways to accelerate innovation is through challenge programs that match needs with solutions. -
Co-founder of Volterra Technologies Shares Why He’s Participating in Project Greenlight
We caught up with Ian McAvoy, co-founder and CEO, to learn what attracted Volterra Technologies to Project Greenlight. -
PACE Financing: How an Innovative Tool could help fund resilience in Vancouver
This technical paper reviews best practices of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) programs throughout the US and how they are being leveraged to address resilience challenges in the built environment. -
Request for Proposals: Heat Pump Attraction Strategy
The VEC is seeking a multi-disciplinary consulting team to undertake research, consultation, and strategy development to create a process for attracting more high-performance heat pump manufacturers to do business in British Columbia. -
Gaining Momentum: 24 People of Asian Descent To Watch
As May draws to a close, so too does Asian Heritage Month, which celebrates and recognizes the vibrant social, economic, cultural, political, research and other innumerable community contributions by people of East, South, Southeast, Central and Western Asian descent.