Leading Through the Smoke: Rapid Response and Economic Resilience in Action

Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 10:40am
Room: Salon A

Speaker:
Andrew Kemp – Principal, KT Global Solutions
Schaun Goodeve – Principal, Goodeve & Associates

Description: When crisis hits, emergency measures naturally prioritize protecting residents—while EDOs take the lead in keeping the local business sector afloat. Reflecting on the wildfires that impacted British Columbia this past summer, economic development leaders Schaun Goodeve and Andrew Kemp break down how EDOs can step up as dedicated support systems for local employers through every phase of a disaster. 

This session explores real-time response strategies deployed mid-crisis, the essential coalitions brought together to streamline business relief, and the post-event recovery initiatives required once the immediate emergency passes. Attendees will gain actionable frameworks to help their own local business ecosystems survive the immediate impact and build long-term preparedness for future events.