Possibility.ca

CHILLIWACK, BC – January 18, 2007 --

In the face of a past characterized by conflict, controversy and scarcity a new program is poised to reveal possibility and potential for economic growth in British Columbia. “Fishermen and farmers have a unique competitive advantage in terms of developing their entrepreneurial skills,” says Tana Plewes, President of the Discovery Center for Entrepreneurship. “They have a tolerance for risk and uncertainty that people in traditional jobs have limited opportunity to develop.” Plewes asserts that these skills are the foundation for growing and diversifying a successful enterprise - in any industry.

In the past, fisheries adjustment measures and government revitalization programs have focused on boats, gear, job creation and allocation of fish. Plewes is adamant; “It’s the people of this industry who are BC’s most valuable resource. It’s time to build on the courage, tenacity and risk tolerance that already exists within these people so they can regain and refocus their power of choice.” Plewes understands the nature and impacts of past programs. She and her staff logged more than 17,000 conversations with commercial, Aboriginal and recreational fishers and DFO staff during the peak years when these Federal initiatives were announced. Plewes’ firm managed the toll-free Fisheries and Oceans Information Line.

The Discovery Center for Entrepreneurship is launching a series of practical, high impact workshops throughout British Columbia beginning in March 2007. Noteworthy partners include lenders, venture capitalists, accounting firms, Internet marketing specialists and economic development agencies. Opportunity exists for customization on behalf of Industry Associations and First Nations communities. Similar programming announcements are planned for the agriculture and forestry sectors this fall and in 2008. According to Plewes, “The threat of declining ocean stocks is a world problem. Therefore a world market exists for BC led advancements in this area. Enterprise diversification and business growth are the payoffs for revealing hidden assets, refocusing suppressed energy and unleashing local knowledge within enterprising people. The smokescreen of controversy that has surrounded this industry has obstructed our view of what’s possible in terms of economic growth”, says Plewes, a ‘serial entrepreneur’ who has created and run multiple businesses. “In the world of possibility the onus is never on one person to do it all. It’s about connections and partnerships that skillfully match supply with world demand,” stated Plewes. “It’s time we give up our old views of ‘the way things are’ to inspire new thinking and actions within this industry, from a business growth perspective, so fishermen can generate more money with less fishing effort.”

For more information visit www.possibility.ca or call 1-888-824-1460.