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BC PRODUCTION... BC MANUFACTURING
Finding ways to communicate.
"Dialogue"
What do you have to offer others?
All things relating to manufacturing in BC.
Discovering...
"What's in this for you?" The BC Manufacturer’s Network
Finding opportunities, benefits.
What is BC Manufacturers Network (concept)?
A network designed to compliment and benefit all services, support and resource agencies associated with manufacturing in BC.
What's in it for you?
An opportunity to be involved in a network which unbiasedly connects all things relating to manufacturing in and between all factions and communities in BC.
A network of current and future service and support agencies for all things associated to manufacturing in BC.
A network between resources and manufacturing in BC.
Not owned or controlled by any one person or entity, with its agenda of, working for, and on behalf of its members, by its members.
This initiative is meant as a service to and for current and future agencies and resources affecting all manufacturing proponents within BC.
A network connecting manufacturers, service and support agencies, resources, such as, distribution, supply chain systems, marketing and sales opportunities, co-working and business service connections, facility and production space options, supply and equipment availability, education and training possibilities and more.
Digital connection opportunities provided via website access with password, member login services and opportunities to promote your interests. Potential online shopping capabilities, messaging and chatting options.
Ability to connect with other participating members.
Potential to participate in community and regional exhibitions and trade shows.
Potential to participate in community and regional peer group and seminar opportunities.
As a member, you would have a voice in the direction and future development of this initiative...
What's next?
Committed to introducing this initiative and promoting your interests and what you have to offer to the BC Manufacturers Network and by extension all those involved in manufacturing or its proponents.
Connecting with hundreds of this provinces service and support agency personnel, resource people, manufacturers, educators, misc associations and by extension thousands of potential supporters.
If you have something to offer or share with others via this Co-operative effort, which could benefit others, please let me know.
John Booth
250-618-7406
johnbooth@royallepage.ca
Moving forward....
British Columbians sharing, ingenuity, innovation and co-operation
What is the best way of finding the right people, to communicate with?
Collaboration... Dialogue... Co-operation
Knocking on a few more doors, saying hello and offering some awesome opportunities, might be a way of introducing this opportunity.
As Graham Stanley, manager of the Stuart Nechako (Vanderhoof) Community Futures office has suggested... we need to offer some benefits to those contemplating sponsoring this initiative.
Dialogue
Develop a web site ... Your digital connection opportunity.
Continue promoting a Co-operative Network ... Your human connection opportunity.
Organize a series of regional and community exhibitions, seminars, peer group gatherings etc.
More suggestions welcome...
So... this is what we are doing. Finding people around the province who can see the value and possible individual benefits of establishing an initiative for the sharing of information and resources. Are there resources available we don't know about?
Small startup manufacturing dreams... large manufacturing enterprises... or just finding people with ideas, problems, potential solutions and/or resources.
We are asking?
What do you have to offer, that others might want?
Networking, referring, collaborating, co-operating, what if, as a group we could exchange information pertinent to your business, directions to resources, assistance opportunities or facilitate access to useful information, would that be of interest to you?
Offering a password protected web site designed to assist with connecting all the different facets relating to manufacturing in BC.
How about digital access to suppliers, service providers, support agencies, educational opportunities, innovative thinkers, marketing, sales, distribution, warehousing professionals, financing etc. An opportunity to advertise to the world of web browsers out there and communicate with your password protected member peers.
What would it be worth to you? A little under $9 per month or $100 per year for the opportunity of networking with other manufacturing interests?
More... a connection to people in communities all around BC.
Help with the formation of a provincial BC Manufacturers Co-operative Network, designed to facilitate opportunities for individuals in different communities around the province to communicate their service or product.
Which will include;
*Web site with links to your web site or information, online shopping options, chat room capabilities, links to other password login member sites etc.
*Opportunity to participate and benefit from, Trade Fairs, Exhibitions etc for all things relating to manufacturing in BC., Peer group conferences, etc
*Membership opens the door to potential reciprocal opportunities offered by other member associations, co-operatives, industrial organizations, service clubs, alliances etc.
*Potential access to availability of production space.
* Potential access to provincial support network.
*Potential access to manufacturing sensitive distribution networks.
*Potential access to provincial sales and marketing networks.
*Potential access to co-working spaces and services network.
*Potential access to group supply resources networks.
*Potential access to specific and remote networking and referral opportunities.
* Potential to showcasing of products locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
*Potential ability to develop community, provincial, national and international marketing strategies.
***Potential to benefit, support and contribute back to individual community programs, activities and events through Co-operative Network sponsorships and commitments.
All we need is YOU.
More...
There is more, what about all the businesses which serve, support, supply, consult and contribute to the manufacturers success. How do we find the right contacts? Can you help? Will you help?
It is going to be difficult, but eventually we will find CHAMPIONS for each area. Manufacturing creates work and opportunity.
After meeting manufacturers, service and support agency people in each community, we will have an opportunity of connecting and sharing at the end of each week our opinions etc., and at the end of visiting all the communities within a region we will organize a Trade show or Exhibition, providing an opportunity for area participants to promote their products and services.
There are super programs and initiatives in every part of BC, this is not about starting another project...
This is about connecting all the fantastic opportunities available in this great province.
In all my researching I have not found one person to say that my observations are wrong... These "in the know people" have asked me.
" How are you going to accomplish this???
What I was looking for in people... were those, who would say, here is an idea, lets see how this will work, or let me introduce you to so and so... it is not all about money, partly it is about creating awareness and finding ways to connect opportunities.
Sorry I seem to be a little long winded. I really don't know any better way to accomplish this task, other then getting started shaking a few hands and saying hello.
It is my intention to find support and referral business in each of the communities as listed, and on the approximate dates listed below.
Communities have Economic Development , Chamber of Commerce, legal, accounting, consulting, real estate professionals, farmers markets, manufacturers with differing potential,community exhibitions, service clubs etc. All with potential, opportunities and resources.
This initiative is...
About helping others find you...
What have you got to share?
What have you got others will want to pay for?
There are no easy ways of accomplishing "tasks"... I have found the simplest way... is to, just get started. This is a huge province with over 175 communities of various sizes and demographics, all with key contact people waiting to be contacted.
I can use introductions to potential contacts in your area... johnbooth@royallepage.ca
Moving forward I will be starting to visit businesses and potential supporters in each area, looking for "Made in BC" champions. My itinerary will take me to communities all around BC, until around Nov. 2019. Daily visiting and meeting all the potential contacts available in this large province. I am hoping to develop THIS WEB SITE, which will explain the purpose and document our progress, offer supporters, subscribers and members an opportunity to showcase their products or services. Hopefully the web site will be in the form of the itinerary and each encounter and visit will be available for viewing.
Another Thought...
I am curious if there might be an opportunity to incorporate and utilize the production or manufacturing genius displayed at Farmer Market venues, it seems the Farmers Markets and their association have been evolving into more then farm only events. Is there an opportunity to benefit other participants of the community? Maybe there could be more representation of made in BC products and services, in association and in support of local enterprise and community co-operation.
It's not about starting a new organization, but rather finding ways to connect the existing support and service agencies from various areas of BC to manufacturing entrepreneurs throughout the province.
Co-operation with an interest in helping other BC entrepreneurs to succeed. It is so much more than simply looking for money, it is about Enthusiasm, Creativity, and Connectivity! "Dialogue"
MADE IN BC
Manufacturing is part of a myriad of activities and actions, such as availability of proper production space, marketing, distribution, business development, office support, equipment rental, purchasing, supplies, financing, accounting, legal and so much more.
Who are the service providers, business support agencies, and manufacturers in the local communities throughout the province of BC?
What if someone in your community has an idea or vision for a product but lacks the resources to properly design it, or equipment and knowledge to produce it? What if we could put an organization together which had co-operating agents and resources available, capable of building the bridges of communications required to facilitate the economic development of this idea or vision, to solve problems, find solutions and more?
Have you wondered why we don't see more...
"MADE in BC" products available or even visible?
Finding ways of having BC services and products "Showcased" is the mission.
Opening doors
Discovering ways of having BC services available to other participating and potential members of a BC manufacturers co-operative network.
Showcasing local manufacturers initiatives.
BC is made up of 29 regional districts with approximately 175 communities. Are we missing out on opportunities?
BC is a vast province with opportunities in every corner. There are people thinking up new ways of doing things, finding solutions to old problems, inventing new and better products, etc., etc., etc. But what about the person who has something, or an idea for something but lives in the boonies, or is disabled, or just can't figure out the next steps, and other people in other areas willing to assist in finding the necessary solutions.
How do we connect?
The BC Manufacturers Network (concept) is looking for...
Operational and Financial support.
The truth is, things cost money. At this time we are looking for others to share in the costs associated with continuing this initiative, costs which include information material, traveling to the remaining approximately 150 BC communities, web site development, co-op legal costs etc. Revisiting and contacting the supportive agencies and potential participants in the previously visited areas and communities. The more help we get both financially and practically, will make accomplishing this task more effective, easier and affordable.
Let's help them.
We do have a plan to Show Case manufacturers, manufacturers products and the services and support agencies of BC. The network is to be developed by determining which support and service groups are available in each individual area, what they have to offer, what their criteria is and what they are prepared to contribute.
There are lots of agencies, programs, consultants etc., who are available to work with and assist these creative people, however, they may be in another part of this province, which many times means they might as well be on another planet. The internet is a great tool, but there are times when we need that human interaction. A co-operative is just that - an interaction between people.
To date, we have traveled around the province and visited most of the Community Future offices, various Economic Development offices, visited Chamber of Commerce managers, discussed this initiative with a number of government departments, some college and university professionals, various manufacturers etc., with very positive results.
And we need more.
Finding "Champions"
We can use your help
We need to find champions in each of these 29 regional districts of BC, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, Victoria, Alberni-Clayoquot, Comox Valley, Strathcona, Mount Waddington, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Squamish-Lillooet, Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Thompson-Nicola, Columbia-Shuswap, Okanagan-Similkameen, Central Okanagan, North Okanagan, Central Kootenay, East Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary, Cariboo, Central Coast, North Coast, Stikine Region, Kitimat-Stikine, Bulkley-Nechako, Fraser-Fort George, Peace River, Northern Rockies.
We need to establish who has what, who can contribute what and who in each area is willing to help make things happen.
"The best way to get something done is to start."
These "29 champions" will become part of the executive of the proposed BC manufacturers co-operative network and be responsible for documenting each areas manufacturers, their products, support and service agencies, suppliers, marketing opportunities, distribution, co-working space availability etc. These area champions will also manage the introduction of potential new members and supporters to this initiative.
How can you help?
If you are interested in helping BC small and startup manufacturing please read on or contact John Booth at
johnbooth@royallepage.ca
250-618-7406
HUB, SPOKES AND WHEEL
The province is like a big bicycle wheel... with a general disconnect between the HUB, the SPOKES, and the WHEEL. The wheel being the province, the spokes being all the (support, services and manufacturers, which are bunched together in various different areas, but not really connected...) and it seems currently there is no HUB. There are many great initiatives in all areas of the province, the comment regarding this has come from many of those involved in these support and service agencies. It seems each area is dedicated to looking after the needs and resources they are responsible for, and rightly so, however as they have commented, "there seem to be some disconnects between areas and resources.
Have you wondered why we don't see more "MADE in BC" products available or even visible?
Innovative men and women throughout British Columbia are manufacturing a vast array of "MADE in BC" products. While products with the "MADE in BC" label are sold around the world, by-and-large, the average small business manufacturer is under-supported and must be a Jack (or Jill) of-all-trades to produce, market and distribute their products.
As in any business, it is one thing to produce an amazing widget that every household needs, but there are many other professional skills that can be key in manufacturing, marketing, promoting and distributing ones' product. The proposed co-operative network will collaboratively make available a variety of products and services to benefit the members. Development of this model is based on the view that there are benefits to small and startup manufactures in cooperatively owning and accessing various commonly used and/or required infrastructure and support services.
Having access to adequate production space, co-working assistance, meeting rooms, warehouse space for supplies and shipping facilities is not always cost-effective for smaller businesses, especially when just starting out. Collective ownership or control of such infrastructure could possibly reduce the cost to individual businesses while providing access to adequate co-working spaces and other operational benefits. Enthusiasm, creativity, co-operation, connecting with one another and an interest in helping other BC entrepreneurs succeed will create our Co-operative. So let's do it!
Enlisting the co-operation of individuals and existing organizations already involved in providing support and services to the manufacturing sector of BC is an important part of this initiative.
The business model being proposed here, is to be a CO-OPERATIVE NETWORK to augment and serve the collective needs of local businesses associated with R&D, micro, small, startup and established manufacturing enterprises, support and service agencies which will have a membership affiliation and operate as a multi-stakeholder co-operative
Working together and advocating for the growth and success of BC manufacturing. Service and support agencies such as Community Futures, the different offices of available community, provincial and national Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce offices, miscellaneous programs offered by the government, lending institutions, other agencies and associations involved in providing assistance.
BC covers a huge geographic area;
Manufacturing is comprised of many varied classifications, needs, and requirements;
Service and support agencies are comprised of numerous levels of human involvement and complexities;
The requirements of an industry are not always concentrated in any one area, nor are the solutions or assistance.
The answers to many questions may be hidden in areas with limited accessibility, or the answers and required resources are available in a variety of locations around the province, potentially creating a logistics problem. Being aware of opportunities, resources, complementary services, contacts, potential partnerships, and alliances are a positive benefit associated with being a member, supporter, and participant in a BC manufacturers co-operative network.
The viability of this endeavor will be the result of successfully researching and evaluating compatible support and service agencies.
For those who might be interested, my name is John Booth, I have been working in the real estate industry for over 25 years, I have been a partner in a couple of import companies, have owned a small manufacturing business, managed and sold for ACE couriers before we had fax machines, managed car dealerships and leasing companies, sold general merchandise to major chain stores and wholesalers... generally knocked around for a few years... you know "the school of hard knocks". Much of my appreciation of the manufacturer's plight has come from my own experience. I have found that we cannot do it all ourselves, and many times when we try, we just get burnt out. I see my contribution to this project as one of an instigator.
There is interest in this initiative from a number of individuals, organizations, and areas.
Graham Stanley manager of Community Futures Stuart Nechako, located in Vanderhoof, BC has offered to be part of this initiative.
Including introducing "IDEAS TO MARKET"
Reed Elly retired MP has been very supportive
Marcus Ewart-Johns of the BC Alliance for Manufacturing.
Claire Eadie Ladysmith business owner
To date I have financed this initiative myself visiting and discussing this initiative with community leaders, economic development, chamber of commerce and community future offices around the province from the Island, Lower main land, Fraser Valley, Cariboo, Northern BC, Okanagan, Kootenays, Shuswap, Peace River, Thompson Nicola, Bulkley-Nechako, and have had a few people offer to help, however I do not think any one person or group should be responsible for all the costs, therefore I am thinking that if we can get potential membership fees and investment contributions from a variety of sources, this would be more equitable all around.
Access to web site (with password protection and login)
Access to online selling and shopping services.
Access to Trade show and Exhibition opportunities
Access to the potential availability of production space.
Access to provincial support networks.
Access to manufacturing sensitive distribution networks.
Access to provincial sales and marketing networks.
Access to co-working spaces and services.
Access to group supply resources.
Specific and remote networking and referral options.
Potential to showcase products locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
Ability to cooperatively develop community, provincial, national and international marketing strategies.
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