Slogan season is in full force.
City of Vancouver became the Green Capital on Sept. 30. Nine Metro Vancouver municipalities joined forces Monday to launch Powerhouse Paradise.
Metro Vancouver Commerce, led by Vancouver, Richmond and Surrey, is a $1.5 million taxpayer-funded promotion to woo investment by wining and dining 100 executives from 50 companies on four-night trips to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
"All they have to do is pay for their flights," said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
North Vancouver City and District, Port Moody, New Westminster, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge are also members.
"We compete with city regions around the world many of whom are well organized and well armed with resources, however they don't have the 2010 Winter Olympics," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.
MVC director Lee Malleau said talks are underway with VANOC to buy tickets. Luxury suites and the Vancouver 2010 Club packages are options.
Regional confederation Metro Vancouver, venue municipality West Vancouver and Burnaby, the region's third-largest city, are not coalition members.
"We had varying levels of interest around the region, and the economic circumstances for some I think precluded them from participating," Robertson said.
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Need to know:
- WHAT?
100 executives from 50 companies to get four-night Olympic hospitality packages from Metro Vancouver investment promotion.
- WHO'S IN?
Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, North Vancouver (district and city), New Westminster, Port Moody, Maple Ridge.
- WHO'S NOT?
Anmore, Belcarra, Bowen Island, Burnaby, Delta, Langley, Lions Bay, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, West Vancouver, White Rock, Electoral Area A.
- HOW MUCH?
Western Economic Diversification $800,000; nine member municipalities $700,000.
