Tsawwassen First Nation and TFN Economic Development Corporation CEO Recipients of Cando's 2014 Economic Developer of the Year Awards

TSAWWASSEN, BC, Oct. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Chris Hartman, CEO of the TFN Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) received the prestigious Individual Economic Developer of the Year Award at the 21st Annual National Conference of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) in Nanaimo, BC on September 25^th.

As well, an Award of Recognition in the Community Category was presented to Tony Jacobs on behalf of Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN). According to Tony, a member of TFN Executive Council, "Economic development has allowed us to achieve independence for our children and grandchildren so we may carry on the advice and wisdom given to us by our elders to fulfill the wishes and dreams for our people." The individual award and community award recognition are the result of the TFN and TEDC working collectively in support of all TFN Members and their community.

The Economic Developer of the Year Awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements of nominees from across the country who demonstrate their vision and success in the pursuit of sustainable economic self-sufficiency and improved quality of life for Aboriginal people. All nominees are committed and dedicated to advancing the standards of living and prosperity in their communities.

As CEO, Chris Hartman manages all aspects of TEDC's business, and reports to the Corporation's independent Board of Directors. Chief Bryce Williams, TFN Chief and TEDC Board Member remarked, "I am pleased to see TFN and TEDC's hard work and achievements recognized by these honours."

The 2009 Treaty provided the Tsawwassen people with a land base, financial assets, and new authority, but it was up to the community to manage these. In the five years since Chris became CEO, he has launched numerous initiatives to further TFN's economic goals.

TEDC and TFN have worked closely together to secure partnerships with experienced real estate developers that are building two complementary shopping centres on 185 acres of TFN land – slated to open in 2016 - and three industrial facilities on TFN's industrial lands. In addition, TFN has established four joint ventures with private sector partners to provide civil construction, security, building construction, and IT outsourcing services.

As Chris reflected on the award honour, "I truly believe that successful economic development means looking beyond basic business principles, and focusing on the balanced delivery of social and economic opportunities so that all TFN Members are afforded an opportunity to achieve their dreams."

TFN is quickly becoming an economic driver in the Greater Vancouver region. An Economic Impact Study estimates that the current projects alone will generate almost 5,800 person years of employment and $1 billion in construction-related spending, and once completed 5,600 permanent jobs and $235 million in annual employment income.

SOURCE: TFN Economic Development Corporation

Andrea Jacobs, Manager, Community Outreach, TEDC 604.948.5219 [email protected]