Since March of 1988, $10,077,402 has been loaned to 407 business loan applicants.

Loan Portfolio History 1988 to 2001

The corporation holds a $4.8 million Business Loan Portfolio consisting of funding received from Human Resources Development Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Forest Renewal BC and Columbia Basin Trust, and interest reinvestments over a 14 year operating period. Annual interest income reinvested into the fund is $250,000.

The corporation expects to loan $800,000 million to qualifying businesses this year. This target is close to the previous year's actual commitments and reflects the decrease in demand for business loans.

Special Project Highlights

• The Self Employment Program continues to be delivered by the organization. It is anticipated that 20 new self employment contracts will be initiated this year.
   
• A feasibility study has just been completed for development of broadband infrastructure and an open access network in Revelstoke. This proposed project will be developed in collaboration with CMON - Columbia Mountain Open Network - a regional initiative to develop broadband communications infra-structure throughout the Columbia Basin. View the report at:
  www.cityofrevelstoke.com/fiberoptics.htm
   
• Revelstoke Community Foundation endowment funds exceed $400,000. First charitable grants disbursed this year in the amount of $3,875 to local organizations, plus $1,750 in scholarships.
   
• A scholarship fund has been set up with the Community Foundation. This year a $500 scholarship was awarded to Geoff Wilson, a graduate of RSS, who is attending the University of Victoria.
   
• The Enterprise Facilitation program is hosted again this year to assist new and existing businesses develop their business management skills. Contact Michael McLaughlin at (250)837-5712
   
• The organization is taking a lead role in establishing a Social Coordinator function to assist with implementing the Social Action Plan initiatives identified in the Community Development Strategy completed earlier this year. 

Looking Back at Past Achievements

Community Futures is a Community Economic Development organization and as such acts as a catalyst for building a stronger, healthier community. In addition to assisting the development of private enterprise, Community Futures focuses on delivering projects that are characterized by community-wide involvement, mobilization of resources within and outside the community, human development and long range planning. Over the years we have helped improve community capacity for achieving economic well being. Below are listed some of our past achievements.

1989- Family Daycare Training
Daycare services was identified as a barrier for mothers wishing to enter the workforce. Community Futures sponsored the delivery of a training course for Family Daycare businesses to provide this much needed childcare service.

1990 to 1993-Project Success
A training program sponsored by Community Futures addressing literacy, academic and personal development skills for learning disadvantaged persons to enhance their employability.

1990 through to 1998-Forestry Training
 Many forestry related employers had indicated the need for locally delivered training courses that would provide Revelstoke residents with the knowledge and skill required to compete for local jobs. Several courses were offered during this period on Forestry Crew Worker Development, Road Design and Cable Harvesting Techniques.

1993-Cook Training
The local food industry was facing a shortage of qualified or experienced cooks. Community Futures sponsored the delivery of a Cook training course to 15 participants in support of local employers needs. 

1988 to 1992-Railway Museum Development 
The community's economic development strategy identified the development of a museum to depict our Railway History as a means of stimulating economic activity. Community Futures took on the leadership role of forming a Railway Museum steering committee and providing resources to administer and manage this project in addition to accessing a $450,000 grant to construct the Museum.

1994-Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology 
Initiated by a common desire amongst professionals practic-ing in our region to promote research and disseminate infor-mation about our ecosystem. A collaborative undertaking that has succeeded in diversifying our economy.

1995-Adult Learning Centre
The corporation in collaboration with several other community organizations formed an Adult Learning Council to oversee the training and education needs of our community. The Council was successful in acquiring funding support to set up and operate the Community Skills Centre. The Centre has since then taken on the responsibility of developing training programs to meet the needs of local employers, employees and residents wishing to advance their skills and knowledge.

1995-Value Added Wood Manufacturing
A Value Added Wood Prospectus was produced to promote development of value added wood manufacturing businesses in Revelstoke. A regional Value Added Wood Forum was hosted in Revelstoke to raise the profile of and develop opportunities for value added wood manufacturing.

1998-Forestry Conference
A very successful conference with participation from across the province to discuss opportunities for the forest industry into the future.

2000-Recreation Inventory
A study commissioned to identify current recreational activities. This information will be used as baseline data for future planning using Revelstoke as the focal point for staging outdoor/wilderness recreation activities.

Community Futures Staff and Directors

Staff:
Darryl Willoughby, General Manager
Margaret Pacaud, Administrative Assistant
Carol Palladino, Loans Analyst
Kevin Dorrius, SE Coordinator
Debra Wozniak, Special Projects Coordinator
Jessica Tychowski, CED Intern
Michael McLaughlin, Enterprise Facilitator

Board of Directors:
Jim Cook, Chair
Mike Cummings, Vice-Chair
Laura Rooney, Sec-Treasurer
Maureen Weddell, Past Chair
Todd Arthurs, Director
Jon Healey, Director
Jane McNab, Director
Jan Morehouse, Director

Honorary Board Members:
Alan Mason, Revelstoke Community Skills Centre
Ken Davidson, Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce
Councilor Bill MacFarlane, City of Revelstoke
George Benwell, MP representative

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