The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance

04/14/2026

We’re hiring a Marketing & Administrative Assistant through the Canada Summer Jobs program and it’s a great opportunity to build experience and make an impact!

This role is ideal for someone who is interested in storytelling and is creative, organized, and eager to contribute to meaningful regional projects. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a digital environment, producing social media content, and supporting communications and marketing tasks.

Please note this is an 8-week position.

View full job description here: https://viea.ca/about-viea-membership/canada-summer-jobs-opportunities/

Application deadline is May 1, 2026

04/06/2026

Celebrating 20 Years of Collaboration, Connection, and Impact!

For two decades, the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) has brought people together to turn ideas into opportunities - and opportunities into initiatives that shape Vancouver Island’s economic future.

One of the most visible outcomes of this work is the annual State of the Island Economic Summit, now recognized as a cornerstone event for regional dialogue, partnerships, and forward-thinking solutions.

What began in the early 2000s as a vision for a coordinated, Island-wide approach to economic development came to life through collaboration among government, business, and community leaders. With seed funding from the Province of BC, VIEA hosted its first State of the Island Economic Summit in Nanaimo.

Since then, VIEA has grown into a trusted regional convener, leading research, initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen communities and support a thriving Island economy.

2026 marks the 20th annual Summit.
Save the date: October 20–22, 2026.

We’ll kick things off with a special Celebration Dinner on Tuesday, October 20, bringing together partners, past and present, to honour 20 years of impact and the people who made it possible.

Stay tuned as we continue celebrating two decades of progress, partnerships, and possibility and highlighting the people and projects behind it all.

03/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the incredible social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. 💜

A special shoutout to the inspiring women on the VIEA Board of Directors, Committees, and our members and supporters - your dedication to building a sustainable, diversified economy on Vancouver Island and the rural islands makes a lasting impact.

Thank you for all that you do! 👏

📷credit HA Photography

02/20/2026

It was an exciting evening at the Business Examiner Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards on February 19 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo, where 12 Island Good and 12 Vancouver Island Economic Alliance members were recognized among this year’s nominees and winners! 🎉

A special congratulations to award winners:
👏 Mid Island Co-op (also an Island Good member)
👏 Petroglyph Development Group

We were equally thrilled to see so many VIEA members nominated across multiple categories, including:

➡️ CHEK News
➡️ Coastal Community Credit Union
➡️ Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
➡️ Elite Image Graphic Design & Print Shop
➡️ HAKAI Energy Solutions
➡️ Motivation Monday Marketing
➡️ Port Alberni Port Authority
➡️ Snaw-Naw-As Market (part of Nanoose Economic Development Corporation)
➡️ Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre
➡️ Uchucklesaht Tribe Government - owner and operator of Thunderbird Spirit Water

The evening was a powerful reminder of the innovation, leadership, and impact Island businesses are making across our region. Congratulations to all nominees and winners - your work strengthens Vancouver Island’s economy and communities every day. 🌟

02/10/2026

✨ It’s Chamber of Commerce Week in BC! ✨

This week, we want to send a huge thank you to our Chamber of Commerce members across Vancouver Island. Your leadership, advocacy, and commitment to local business make our regional economy stronger, more connected, and more resilient.

As part of our ongoing collaboration, we’re proud to offer reciprocal membership benefits between VIEA and participating Chambers - making it easier for businesses to stay informed, connected, and engaged across the Island.

And there’s more 👇
Chamber members receive 25% off an Island Good membership, giving you access to a trusted local brand that champions Island-made products and purpose-driven businesses.

Thank you for all you do to support business and community on Vancouver Island and the rural islands💙

Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce
Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce
Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce
Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce
Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce
Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre
Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce
Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce
Sooke Chamber of Commerce
Tofino Chamber of Commerce

02/09/2026

Big conversations. Real collaboration. Island-wide impact.

There’s never been a more crucial time for Islanders to connect.

From the 'State of the Island' Economic Summit to Island Good, the Economic Dashboard, and Vision 2050, VIEA brings together business, Indigenous leadership, communities, and decision-makers to turn ideas into action.

Read our feature in Douglas magazine and join The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance as we celebrate 20 years of working together: https://issuu.com/page-one/docs/douglas_feb_mar_2026/25

Learn more about membership here: https://viea.ca/about-viea-membership/become-a-member/

01/27/2026

20 Years of Turning Ideas into Action!

For two decades, The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) has been at the heart of collaboration and connection - transforming ideas into opportunities, and opportunities into initiatives that shape the Island’s economic future. We’re thrilled to showcase some of the projects and partnerships that have grown out of VIEA’s work and the support of our members.

One standout example: seaweed! In 2018, using its Foreign Trade Zone designation, VIEA developed a Seaweed Aquaculture business case that helped spark the growth of VIEA member Cascadia Seaweed! The company cultivates kelp in the ocean in partnership with coastal First Nations and manufactures innovative agricultural products that help commercial farmers increase yields and reduce emissions!

The momentum didn’t stop there. The Pacific Seaweed Industry Association was formed to support the sector through education, innovation, and advocacy.

One idea. Real action. Lasting results.

Stay tuned as we continue celebrating 20 years of collaboration and progress.

01/22/2026

Congratulations to The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance member business finalists for the Business Examiner Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards! 🎉

These awards are an annual celebration of the organizations moving our local economy forward. Each year, business leaders from across the region come together to recognize growth, innovation, and success across industries and company sizes.

👏 2026 VIEA Member Finalists:

➡️ CHEK News
➡️ Coastal Community Credit Union
➡️ Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
➡️ Elite Image Graphic Design & Print Shop
➡️ HAKAI Energy Solutions
➡️ Mid Island Co-op
➡️ Motivation Monday Marketing
➡️ Port Alberni Port Authority
➡️ Petroglyph Development Group
➡️ Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre
➡️ Uchucklesaht Tribe Government - owner and operator of Thunderbird Spirit Water Tribe Government - owner and operator of Thunderbird Spirit Water

We’re also excited to share that VIEA has been nominated for Non-Profit Organization of the Year! 🎉

We’re honoured to be recognized alongside so many amazing non-profits doing impactful work across Vancouver Island.

📅 The 2026 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. More info here: https://businessexaminer.ca/victoria-articles/item/2026-vancouver-island-business-excellence-award-finalists-announced/

Well-deserved recognition - congrats to all the nominees! 🎊

01/13/2026

The "Salish Sea gateway positions Vancouver Island to participate in national and global chains," Julie Sperber, CEO and President, VIEA

Full broadcast from January 9th, 2026**Subscribe to CTV News to watch more videos: https://www.youtube.com/ctvnewsConnect with CTV News:For live updates and ...

12/24/2025

✨ Looking ahead to 2026 and wishing you happy holidays ✨

As we wrap up the year, we’re already looking forward to 2026, when VIEA will celebrate 20 years of supporting a thriving, sustainable, and self-reliant economy across Vancouver Island and the rural islands. It’s a milestone we’re excited to celebrate with our members, partners, and the broader business community.

The holiday season is a time to reflect, reconnect, and say thank you. Your continued support, collaboration, and commitment to a strong regional economy make the work we do possible.

From all of us at VIEA, we wish you and your loved ones a warm and joyful holiday season. We look forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary with you in 2026 and continuing to build a resilient Island economy together. 🎄✨

12/09/2025

Thanks for sharing Douglas magazine. View Vancouver Island's economic data here: https://viea.ca/economic-resources/economic-dashboard/

The Island faces a productivity crossroads. At this year’s The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit, leaders examined the pressures of an ageing population, a tightening labour force, and a growing reliance on public-sector jobs. The message was clear: long-term stability will come from productivity, not population.

➡️ Explore what these trends mean for Island businesses: https://loom.ly/dX3fJIU
📷 Dirk Heydemann/HA Photography