Level Up: Economic Resilience in Turbulent Times – A Spotlight on the East Kootenay
October 1, 2025 – 5:00 – 8:00pm MDT | Kootenay Centre, Cranbrook Main Campus
The East Kootenay region is full of potential. Our businesses, communities, and people are resilient and innovative—but emerging economic realities, like global trade tensions, productivity gaps, emerging technologies, and workforce talent gaps, are impacting all of us. Are we ready to meet the moment and seize new opportunities?
Level Up: Economic Resilience in Turbulent Times – A Spotlight on the East Kootenay is a chance for business leaders, community builders, and decision makers to come together for a focused look at how we can strengthen our regional economy and position the Kootenays for long-term prosperity.
This event will bring together fresh economic insights, forward-looking strategies, and practical solutions for building a stronger, more sustainable future.
This event is free to attend but space is limited, so please register early! To help us manage our venue requirements, we are inviting all guests to pre-register.
Who will be there?
- Economic development thought leaders and practitioners from across the region.
- Business leaders, Chambers of Commerce leaders, and leaders from regional sector associations.
- Indigenous, Municipal, Provincial, and Federal government leaders.
- Community leaders and community association representatives.
- Others with a vested interest in the economic vitality of the East Kootenay
Why should you attend?
- Gain actionable insights into the East Kootenay’s economic outlook.
- Connect with regional leaders, influencers, and decision-makers.
- Explore opportunities to collaborate on solutions that support growth and sustainability.
- Be part of shaping the conversation about the economic future of our region.
Featured Speaker
Mike Stolte
Centre for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership (CIEL)
Mike will be presenting new insights into the state of the East Kootenay economy and highlight emerging economic trends from our region.
About the Presenter
Mike Stolte is the President of the Centre for Innovative & Entrepreneurial Leadership (CIEL). A former federal government economist, Mike is the co-creator of the Business Vitality Initiative, the Community Vitality Initiative, the Communities Matrix, and Tourism Vitality Assessment, all tools and processes to assess and strengthen communities.
Mike has spent many years working in the field of community, economic & business/ entrepreneurial development, centred out of Nelson, BC. He has facilitated several national conferences and think-tanks, and has written many articles and publications in the field.
Mike has made presentations in Australia, New Zealand and in many parts of Canada. His subject matter most often centers around the need and the method for creating entrepreneurial, vital and sustainable communities. His work has been featured in the Globe & Mail’s Report on Business, Canadian Living & Profit magazines, on CBC radio’s Sounds Like Canada, and on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Mike is the past president of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF). He holds degrees from Carleton University (MA in Public Administration) and the University of Western Ontario (Economics).
Panelists
- Domenic Vinci, Senior Manager Commercial Services, Kootenay Savings Credit Union
- Micheal Crowe – President & CEO, College of the Rockies
- Robyn Peel – Community Economic Development Manager, Community Futures East Kootenay
- Michael Hoher – Export Navigator
** Panelist List may be subject to change
Schedule of Events
5:00 – 5:30 pm – Arrival and Networking
5:30 – 6:15 pm – Keynote Speaker
6:15 – 7:00 pm – Panel Discussion and Next Steps
7:00 – 8:00 pm – Wine and Cheese Networking Reception
Presented in proud partnership
