About CEPCO

Our Mission

The Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) is a proactive, business-orientated entity responsible for the City of Chilliwack's economic growth and marketing through a made-in-Chilliwack economic strategy. Our mission is to empower the stakeholders and residents of Chilliwack to achieve their own economic growth and community development for the betterment of all the residents and to enhance the quality of life that is unique to Chilliwack.

Structure

CEPCO evolved from cooperation among the City of Chilliwack government, the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA) and the Chamber of Commerce.

In 1998, it was incorporated as a private company under the BC Companies Act. The partnership furthers its representation of the community through public- and private-sector strategic alliances and subsidiaries that oversee development in the principal areas of opportunity.

A 16- to 20-person board of directors reflects the partnership's public-private make-up and community-wide representation. Board members include the Mayor (ex-officio), one councillor, the Chief Administrative Officer (ex-officio), the CEPCO President, the Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association President, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce President, one representative from the University of the Fraser Valley, and four to eight community representatives. The City of Chilliwack Council appoints all members.
 
CEPCO Financing

Initial funding is provided through a five-year funding commitment and service agreement from the City of Chilliwack. Other avenues include the following:

• Public-private partnering approaches.
• Provincial and federal funding and support programs.
• Joint initiatives with agencies and government organizations.
• Partnership income-generating programs.

CEPCO Services

CEPCO and the City of Chilliwack place client services as a number one priority. By putting the client first, it increases the chances of success in attracting new companies and in encouraging the growth of existing companies. Recognizing this important fact, CEPCO has developed as part of its ongoing work plan, the development of programs and services that will improve and expand our ability to meet our client’s needs. Chilliwack has a reputation for having one of the most business friendly approaches to assisting business  - and that is a reputation that we strive to maintain. Some of our programs and initiatives include:

• Client Services.
• Working towards obtaining new lands for industry and commercial growth.
• Providing assistance in employee recruitment and other human resource tasks.
• Aid in obtaining funding for employee training.
• Aid in helping businesses participate in other government programs.
• Help in coordinating investments in Chilliwack.