Dear Community Members,
Thank you for your support and contributions over the past three years. It has been a truly enriching journey as we have worked together to strengthen our community.
I am thrilled to share some exciting updates that will bring new energy and opportunities to our island. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our former Economic Development Officer, Kate Maddigan, for her exceptional dedication during the last two years. Her commitment has not only helped us achieve many of our goals but has also opened the door to a brand new grant from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to reimagine tourism on Cortes Island. I am confident that this new grant will allow us to take significant strides in implementing our regenerative tourism plan, bringing a new vision to life and further enhancing the economic development of Cortes Island. We wish Kate a fulfilling future and new adventures.
As we move forward, we are looking for passionate and committed individuals to join our board of directors or the tourism committee. These roles are crucial in ensuring the successful continuation of your local Economic Development Association and the continued growth of our community. If you are interested in contributing to this vital work, please send in the application form.
I would also like to announce the appointment of Genevieve Cruz, our new Tourism Coordinator. Genevieve is bringing passion and fresh ideas to our team. She has already begun collaborating with several associations, and we are confident that her efforts will greatly enhance our tourism initiatives.
Looking back over the past three years, I am deeply moved by the incredible support we have received from each board member and our staff. Their dedication and partnership have been the foundation of everything we have achieved.
I am filled with hope and optimism as we prepare to move forward and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
I would like to thank Colin Funk, for trusting to pass the baton to us, Duane Hanson and Kaye Hope for their thoughtful board presence and continuing board members Lisa Ferentinos and Jenny Hartwick for their commitment and valuable input. In addition, a big thank you to Tamlyn Collingwood, as well as Clio Forsyth Morrisett and Anuschka Steigemann for their collaboration and Amy Hardin for the incredible accounting support behind the scenes.
Together, we can continue to make Cortes Island a thriving place for years to come. I am excited to see all that our community can achieve in the future.
Warm regards,
Tommaso Biasiolo
Cortes Island Economic Community Development Association
