The Board of Directors of the CF Nicola Valley is comprised of 8 volunteer members representing health, administration, labour, government, First Nations, retirees, private business and a City Councilor. Monthly meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month or at the call of the Chair. Each Director has the responsibility to either Chair a sub-committee or at a minimum, sit as a committee member. There are currently four committees: Merritt Employment Services, Governance & Board Development, Business Development & Economic Development. Capacity Building and Strategic Planning sessions are conducted annually and, if financially feasible, each Director is encouraged to attend seminars sponsored by industry leaders and CFBC or Pan West. CF Nicola Valley is involved in many community CED projects with specific emphasis on the Walk of Stars Society, the Rural Summit Committee, the revised Mountainfest and the Chamber of Commerce. The organization continues to support event driven activities and at any time over 100 volunteers may be working in the system.

All committee and board meetings are conducted in adherence with Robert's Rules of Order and during the year we will be working to develop a collaborative process in preparing a "Best Practice" manual. Issues are initially sent to committee for review and if approved, uplifted to the Board of Directors for approval. We are a policy board and do not deal with daily operational requirements. With an acceptable quorum, the majority vote is adopted.

Mission Statement:

To enhance and stimulate strong community based economic growth in the Nicola Valley by providing business and training services and participating in Community Economic Development initiatives.

Vision Statement:

Community Futures Nicola Valley is a recognized leader and partner in providing community based solutions to enhance the economic and social wellbeing of the region.

Strategic Goals:

1. Create a downtown core in Merritt that supports current businesses and attracts new businesses;

2.  Expand the use of the Country Music Capital of Canada theme in all economic and business development projects and initiatives;

3.  Enhance the regional infrastructure needed to support economic and business;

4. Enhance Merritt as a creative, healthy and sustainable community development;

5. Create a greener community and region, with a stronger focus on recycling;

6. Support the development of sustainable businesses that are healthy workplaces for local people, and that provide adequate incomes;

7. Increase the number of employment opportunities for local people;

8. Expand Tourism;

9. Expand Nicola Valley Institute for Technology;

10. Attract people to stay and live permanently in Merritt and the region;

11. Address the issue of accessibility to regional services, including health services;

12. Work with the Merritt Entertainment Park Society.

Core Values:

We conduct ourselves with integrity and be responsive and responsible to our communities and our Network. We will adhere to our Core Values and high professional standards.

• Honesty     We will be genuine, fair, truthful and sincere in all our dealings.

• Respect      We will show consideration and deferance for the contribution of others.

• Trust          We will behave responsibily and honourably, we will allow ourselves to be open, approachable and create an atmosphere  that encourages candour.

• Openness   We will share information in a timely fashion through innovation, entrepreneurial leadership, excellent client care and strong partnerships.

• Results       We will create positive community outcomes through innovation, entrepreneurial leadership, excellent client care and strong partnerships.

Action Plan:

The following are the priorities established for the year and the expected outcomes of each. The detailed Action Plans are being developed to meet these outcomes.

Local Lobbying of 3 levels of Government plus First Nations

Outcomes:

• More flexibility in contracts re: length and flex within contracts
• People recognize CF as a valuable partner and service provider (know what we do)
• People know what we look for in partnerships and what we stand for
• Positive inspiring message and experience

Involve more people in committees and partnerships

Outcomes:

• Increase our expertise available to and engaged in the organization
• More people willing to provide volunteer hours
• Engage new people moving into the community
• CFNV better represents the demographics and the economic sectors of the community

Strength and Retain Human Resources

Outcomes:

• New General Manager and Employment Services Manager
• Memory mine the current staff who are retiring
• Consultative and collaborate management style
• Succession planning in place for future
• Clear understanding of roles by staff and Board
• Clear protocols
• Clear, open effective lines of communication at all times