Town of Smithers

Innovation in economic development marketing:
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How to Bring the Advantages of Remote Locations to Life with Data Visualizations

Dave Parsell

September 10, 2024

Smithers, a small town in Northern British Columbia, is leveraging its natural resources and unique quality of life to attract businesses and investors.

Despite its remote location, Smithers saw the opportunity to grow its economy by utilizing data visualization tools that clearly communicate its strengths in sectors like forestry, mining, and eco-tourism.

Challenge

As a remote town, Smithers faced the challenge of attracting investment while competing with more centrally located communities. The town needed to make a compelling case for why businesses should invest in a location that is geographically distant from major urban centres. Smithers also needed a way to showcase its skilled workforce, market potential, and high quality of life to a broader audience.

Solution

To address the challenge of promoting a remote location like Smithers to a global audience, the town partnered with Localintel to embed seven dynamic data visualization tools on their new "Why Invest in Smithers" page. These tools were carefully selected to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the town’s economic potential, helping businesses and investors quickly assess key factors such as workforce capabilities, market advantages, and quality of life.

The process of embedding these tools involved creating a highly interactive and user-friendly webpage that allowed site selectors, investors, and potential business owners to explore Smithers' strengths in a visually compelling format. Each tool provides real-time, actionable data that allows users to dive deep into specific areas of interest.

The Why Invest in Smithers page now features seven critical data visualization tools, including:

Community Profile: This tool showcases Smithers’ local strengths in key sectors such as forestry and mining, offering an interactive overview of population trends, workforce demographics, and industry contributions. Investors can quickly see how these industries are thriving in Smithers, backed by sustainable resource management and growing economic contributions.

Logistics and Accessibility: Highlighting Smithers’ strategic location, this tool helps businesses understand the region’s transportation networks and access to key markets, despite its remote setting. By showing the proximity to highways, ports, and other logistical networks, the tool makes it clear that Smithers can support businesses that require reliable infrastructure.

Market Advantages: This tool demonstrates the town’s market potential by presenting data on consumer demographics, disposable income, and local demand. Investors can evaluate the purchasing power of the local market, making Smithers more attractive for retail and service-oriented businesses.

Workforce Advantages: Providing critical data on the availability of skilled workers in Smithers, this tool highlights the educational levels, certifications, and local training programs that ensure a steady flow of qualified workers in industries like forestry, tourism, and mining.

Search Commercial Properties: This interactive map allows potential investors to browse available commercial real estate opportunities in Smithers, providing essential information on property sizes, zoning, and locations, making the investment decision-making process much more efficient.

Results

By embedding these data visualization tools via the Why Invest inSmithers page on its website, the town has elevated its ability to market itself to investors, turning geographic distance into a competitive advantage.

The tools not only provide transparency and accessibility but also help businesses visualize the real, tangible benefits of investing in the town. Whether a company is looking to establish a new base of operations or expand into new markets, Smithers can now effectively showcase its competitive advantages in away that rivals larger, more centrally located communities.

More information:

· Why Invest in Smithers? webpage: https://www.smithers.ca/invest-smithers

· Localintel’s catalog of data visualization tools: www.ecdev.org/products

· Request a demo with Localintel: www.ecdev.org/demo

Looking to drive growth in your regional community?

Contact Localintel today to learn how our tools can help you attract new investment, businesses and talent.

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