City of Kamloops receives impressive ranking

Courtesy of the City of Kamloops:

For the second time in one week, Kamloops received high ratings in a national scorecard of communities across the country. Today, March 22nd, KPMG announced that Kamloops was chosen as the top British Columbian community for overall competitiveness to do business. Twenty-six business factors were compared against 110 cities in 14 countries around the world. Key elements considered in the ranking include cost of labor, taxes, real estate and utilities. Other non-cost competitive comparisons include availability of education and skilled labor, infrastructure, regulatory environment, cost of living, and personal quality of life. Other British Columbian cities on the list include Prince George, Vancouver and Victoria.

Earlier this week, Kamloops was ranked 44th of out of 190 Canadian cities as the Best City to Live by MoneySense Magazine. The city shot up the list 66 places from its 106th rating in 2011. Only Saanich and Victoria ranked higher than Kamloops in 2012.

Mayor Peter Milobar is pleased with Kamloops' position on both national rankings. "Kamloops is being recognized as the place to do business, not only in B.C., but across the country. This is something we need to be bold about," states Mayor Milobar. Milobar further comments, "When you combine business competitiveness with one of the best cities to live in Canada, you've got a community that is positioned to grow and prosper. That's something we all have a stake in and can be proud of."

Venture Kamloops is not surprised with the results. Kamloops has worked hard to develop a community that is not only attractive for business investment, but provides and excellent place to live and raise a family. "It is now our time to shine" says Venture Kamloops Executive Director Dan Sulz. "The combined results of the KPMG Competitive Alternatives study and the recent ranking in MoneySense Magazine top Canadian cities is proof that Kamloops is the place to start a business, expand and grow your business and will provide excellent marketing material for the City," comments Sulz. This is excellent news with perfect timing as Sulz heads out to participate in immigration fairs with the Provincial Nominee immigration program (BC Government) to attract businesses and people to live, work and play in Kamloops.

In 2011, Kamloops won the B.C.'s Most Small Business Friendly Award and was ranked the top community for investment in the B.C. Interior by the Real Estate Investment Network. Kamloops was also recognized as the fastest growing small business community in B.C. by Small Business BC. and as a top ten city of the future in the Americas by Foreign Direct Investment Magazine.

For more information visit, www.competitivealternatives.com or read the report.

Media Contacts:

Mayor Peter Milobar
City of Kamloops
250-371-2295
mayor@kamloops.ca

Dan Sulz - Executive Director
Venture Kamloops
250-819-4429
dan@venturekamloops.com