Leadership
by Listening
“The beginning of powerful change is the willingness to listen.”
— Emilie de Rosenroll, Group CEO, South Island Prosperity Partnership
Seven years ago, South Island Prosperity Partnership began with just two employees working out of a shared space at Ogden Point. We had a passion for regional economic development and a bold vision from the start, supported by a powerful coalition of 29 public and private stakeholders — municipalities, First Nations, industry and business associations, and nonprofits. But we could never have imagined where we would be today.
Since those Ogden Point days, SIPP has expanded our membership to 70+ and our team has grown fivefold (doubling in size in just this last year alone). We’ve also hired three executive directors, launched two new major initiatives — the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) — and earned international awards for our work.
We could never have imagined where we would be today because we didn’t have a specific end goal in mind — we followed a meaningful process to engage with people to set our future direction. SIPP’s growth has been organic, focusing on emerging needs and opportunities. This has led to a collaboratively-designed model that is achieving genuine impact.
And it’s being noticed outside our region. SIPP’s model was recently the subject of a one-year Community Economies pilot launched by the Shorefast Foundation with the Canadian Urban Institute, Community Foundations of Canada and the Coady Institute. The impact of SIPP’s collaborative model is also now the subject of a Case Study by UVic’s Gustavson School of Business.
SIPP is a credit to the whole region. The strengths we’ve developed over the years are the strengths of our members —including municipal governments, First Nations, business, post-secondary institutions, non profits, industry and business associations — because they know that while it might seem faster to go it alone, we will all go that much farther when we do it together.
Throughout SIPP’s 8-year history, there have been many changes. But one thing that hasn’t changed is our core belief in the power of listening – and of incorporating what we hear – from every part of this incredible, diverse region, across demographics, jurisdictions and sectors, to gain insights and create inclusive, resilient and sustainable prosperity.
We are grateful to live and work on the territories of the Coast Salish and Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples, who have thrived for millennia as the innovators, traders and stewards of these lands. We deeply value this connection.
These are the Lək̓ ʷəŋən speaking peoples (Xwsepsum [Esquimalt] and Songhees Nations), the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples (SȾÁUTW̱ – Tsawout, BOḰEĆEN – Pauquachin, W̱ JOȽEȽP – Tsartlip, W̱SIḴEM –Tseycum Nations, and MÁLEXEȽ – Malahat Nations), Scia’new Nation (Beecher Bay), T’Sou-ke Nation, and the Nuu-chah-nulth speaking peoples of the Pacheedaht Nation.
2022-23
Our Impact at a Glance
Our Members Are
Economy Builders
70
SIPP Members
90
Member Retention Rate Since 2016
Our Impact
Stewarding Economic Recovery
- Through grants and investments, for every municipal $1.00 invested into SIPP, we turn that into $8.00 of non-municipal—Federal, Provincial, Industry—funding invested into key economic recovery projects (by 2024).
- Hired four new team members and created three new Executive Director positions
- Launched four flagship initiatives emerging from Reboot recommendations — IPC and COAST, Rising Economy and Victoria Rising
- Created the MicroStart web portal and marketing campaign with the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University, attracting 1,400+ students to micro-credential reskilling and upskilling with an 85% completion rate
- Evolving microcredentials into a program for Next Generation Climate Leadership (skills development to address clean energy transitions, adopting clean technologies etc.) with support from Coast Capital Savings
Our Impact
Centre For Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST)
- Announced $2M in funding from B.C.’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund (in collaboration with IPC)
- Helped catalyze a 70% year-over-year increase in B.C.’s. ocean and marine tech startups, giving B.C. the highest rate of net new startups in Canada
- Mentored 13 B.C. entrepreneurs through COAST Venture Accelerator Program (CVAP) and the Ocean Startup Project and awarded funding to 6 startups
- Collaborated with 130+ COAST associate members to establish facilities, programming and projects to support growth in Pacific Canada
Our Impact
Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC)
- Announced $2M in funding from B.C.’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund (in collaboration with COAST)
- Confirmed multi-year funding from Vancity and CIBC, as well as significant sponsorship from Shorefast Foundation
- Launched an Indigenous Intellectual Property study funded by the Innovation Asset Collective using Cowchian/Salish sweater as a focal area
- Worked with regional stakeholders to develop the Indigenous Business Directory, featuring more than 50 South Island Indigenous businesses
Our Impact
Business & Talent Attraction
- Hosted numerous international business delegations from markets such as Norway, Portugal, the U.S. and the U.K.
- Entered pre-launch phase of Victoria Rising, a regional cross-sector business and talent marketing initiative launching in Fall 2023
- Facilitated 12 sector committees and 6 sector focus groups and engaged with 400+ community members across Greater Victoria to ensure an authentic regional brand
- Consulted with municipal representatives region-wide to create community profiles showcasing local business assets and opportunities
Our Impact
Municipal Collaboration
- Hosted 120 attendees, including 50+ mayors and councillors, at Local Leadership Day 2022 to explore key issues affecting the region
- Convened 10 Municipal Partner Committee meetings to keep an open dialogue with local elected officials
- Completed 7 direct council presentations and hosted 1 All-Council Orientation session
- Assisted several municipalities with economic development planning, including Esquimalt, Sidney, Saanich and Victoria
Our Impact
Thought Leadership Events
- 600+ Rising Economy Conference participants in 2022
- 1,400+ Overall attendance SIPP’s video podcasts — Rising Economy, Ideas & Impact, COAST Talks and the Indigenous Prosperity Podcast
- 25 Networking events hosted by SIPP, IPC and COAST
Our Impact
Broadening Engagements
- Group CEO Emilie de Rosenroll was selected to present at the 2022 OECD International Conference on SMEs and the Urban Fabric in Trento, Italy
- SIPP presented at the Victoria Foundation’s Vital Signs launch, IMPAC5 International Marine Protected Areas Congress, Financial Management Institute of Canada (Victoria) Conference, Business Improvement Areas of BC Conference, Indigenomics SHE Conference and Royal Roads Student Sustainability Conference
- SIPP participated in the Victoria Industry Arts & Innovation District Working Group, presenting on Indigenous Economic Reconciliation and Innovation Districts in the Post-Pandemic Economy
- SIPP was invited to become a member of the UVic Strategic Planning Advisory Committee (SPAG) to update the University’s new multi-year strategic plan
Our Impact
Recognition
- SIPP CEO Emilie de Rosenroll was named as a Western Canada finalist for RBC’s Women of Influence Awards 2022
- SIPP completed its involvement as one of 4 prototype communities in the Communities Economies pilot launched by Shorefast Foundation with Community Foundations of Canada, Coady Institute and Canadian Urban Institute
- SIPP and its branches received media coverage in the Times Colonist, Douglas magazine, Financial Post, CHEK News, CTV, Ottawa Citizen, Vancouver Sun, Capital Daily, Yahoo Finance, the Vancouver and Victoria Tech Journals, Victoria News and more.
Our Impact
Sustainable Solutions
- Partnered in the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET), a UVic-led initiative to help small- to mid-sized communities achieve their unique clean-energy goals
- Published Turning the Tide: Accelerating BC Leadership in Green Marine Transportation, led by VI3Hub, the final report on the BC Ferries Decarbonization Design Lab hosted by SIPP at Rising Economy 2021
- Through COAST, we are engaging in mapping the regional blue economy ecosystem and setting an ESG baseline
- Through IPC, we are engaging with First Nations on marine stewardship around major issues like climate change, pollution and invasive species
Our Strategy
Seven years ago, South Island Prosperity Partnership began with just two employees working out of a shared space at Ogden Point. We had a passion for regional economic development and a bold vision from the start, supported by a powerful coalition of 29 public and private stakeholders — municipalities, First Nations, industry and business associations, and nonprofits. But we could never have imagined where we would be today.
Our 4 priority areas are:
Committed Leadership & Public Engagement
Pillar 1
Invest in Innovation Ecosystems
Pillar 2
Invest in Inclusion and the Future Workforce
Pillar 3
Tell Our New Story
Pillar 4
Our Strategy in Action
Pillar 1 – Committed Leadership & Public Engagement
SIPP hosted our 3rd annual Rising Economy Conference in November 2022. This 3-day in-person and virtual event attracted businesses, government and community leaders to explore solutions to major challenges like housing shortages, climate change, economic diversification
Pillar 1
Rising Economy Week 2022
SIPP hosted our 3rd annual Rising Economy Conference in November 2022. This 3-day in-person and virtual event attracted businesses, government and community leaders to explore solutions to major challenges like housing shortages, climate change, economic diversification and the impact of AI. The 2022 conference hosted A-list speakers, including Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute and Dr. Jennifer Gardy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
That first Rising Economy conference has grown into a full-fledged thought leadership initiative that includes the Rising Economy conference (now entering its 4th year), Local Leadership Day, the Rising Economy podcast and monthly CHEK News spotlights featuring local people and organizations on the rise.
By bringing leaders and changemakers together to explore key issues, Rising Economy continues to positively and actively impact the regional agenda for a more resilient, innovative, sustainable and equitable (RISE) economy.
The future is on the RISE!” — Jonathan Do, Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services, Vancouver Island, RBC
“Spectacular speakers, great venue, wonderful food and atmosphere. [Rising Economy is a] 5-star experience!” – Patrick Robbins, Senior Client Relationship Manager & Market Lead, Scotiabank
Spectacular speakers, great venue, wonderful food and atmosphere. [Rising Economy is a] 5-star experience!”
– Patrick Robbins, Senior Client Relationship Manager & Market Lead, Scotiabank
– Patrick Robbins, Senior Client Relationship Manager & Market Lead, Scotiabank
600
In-Person and digital attendees from 6 countries
20
CHEK Social Spotlight views
30
Digital platform impressions
3
Media reach
Pillar 2 – Invest in Innovation Ecosystems
It’s been a year of strong momentum for COAST, Pacific Canada’s hub for the sustainable blue economy, as we pursue the goal of building B.C. into a global leader in the rapidly-growing blue economy, creating new sustainable, export-driven jobs and enterprises.
Our Impact
Stewarding Economic Recovery
SIPP hosted our 3rd annual Rising Economy Conference in November 2022. This 3-day in-person and virtual event attracted businesses, government and community leaders to explore solutions to major challenges like housing shortages, climate change, economic diversification and the impact of AI. The 2022 conference hosted A-list speakers, including Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute and Dr. Jennifer Gardy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
That first Rising Economy conference has grown into a full-fledged thought leadership initiative that includes the Rising Economy conference (now entering its 4th year), Local Leadership Day, the Rising Economy podcast and monthly CHEK News spotlights featuring local people and organizations on the rise.
By bringing leaders and changemakers together to explore key issues, Rising Economy continues to positively and actively impact the regional agenda for a more resilient, innovative, sustainable and equitable (RISE) economy.
The future is on the RISE!” — Jonathan Do, Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services, Vancouver Island, RBC
“Spectacular speakers, great venue, wonderful food and atmosphere. [Rising Economy is a] 5-star experience!” – Patrick Robbins, Senior Client Relationship Manager & Market Lead, Scotiabank
“B.C. innovators are building connections, developing technology and fuelling research that will help transition B.C. to a low-carbon economy, including in the ocean-based sector.”
– Josie Osborne, B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Spring 2023 funding announcement for COAST
– Josie Osborne, B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Spring 2023 funding announcement for COAST
2
Funding announced in 2023 from B.C.’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund in collaboration with IPC projects
70
Increase in B.C. ocean and marine technology startups in 2022, representing 44 additional employees
235
Increase in B.C. applicants for the 2022 Ocean Startup Challenge over 2021
250
Youth engaged in solving real-time ocean problems through the Ocean Tech Competition led by COAST, UVic, OSP, IEEE and Coast Capital Innovation Centre
Pillar 3 – Invest in Inclusion and the Future Workforce
The year has been one of foundation building for the Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC), a SIPP branch launched in 2021 to support Indigenous-led economic development on Southern Vancouver Island and across B.C. IPC is committed to self-determined, multi-generational prosperity that honours community well-being and values.
SIPP hosted our 3rd annual Rising Economy Conference in November 2022. This 3-day in-person and virtual event attracted businesses, government and community leaders to explore solutions to major challenges like housing shortages, climate change, economic diversification and the impact of AI. The 2022 conference hosted A-list speakers, including Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute and Dr. Jennifer Gardy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
That first Rising Economy conference has grown into a full-fledged thought leadership initiative that includes the Rising Economy conference (now entering its 4th year), Local Leadership Day, the Rising Economy podcast and monthly CHEK News spotlights featuring local people and organizations on the rise.
By bringing leaders and changemakers together to explore key issues, Rising Economy continues to positively and actively impact the regional agenda for a more resilient, innovative, sustainable and equitable (RISE) economy.
The future is on the RISE!” — Jonathan Do, Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services, Vancouver Island, RBC
“Spectacular speakers, great venue, wonderful food and atmosphere. [Rising Economy is a] 5-star experience!” – Patrick Robbins, Senior Client Relationship Manager & Market Lead, Scotiabank
”The Indigenous Prosperity Centre has a vital role in understanding and supporting the needs of local Indigenous communities…The projects and activities undertaken by IPC will directly benefit local nations and potentially create additional positive impacts on neighbouring nations as relationships are built….”
— Susanne Thiessen, Assistant Professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria
— Susanne Thiessen, Assistant Professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria
2
Funding announced in 2023 from B.C.’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund (in collaboration with COAST)
50
Businesses included in the Indigenous Businesses Directory
20,000
Indigenous people on Southern Vancouver Island, according to Statistics Canada 2021
100
Projected size of the national Indigenous economy within the next decade
Pillar 4 – Tell Our New Story
A regional economy that is resilient and innovative needs to address gaps and shifting demographics. Doing this means positioning Southern Vancouver Island as a favoured destination for companies, capital and talent to fulfill the need for a highly skilled workforce in the healthcare, construction and technology sectors.
SIPP hosted our 3rd annual Rising Economy Conference in November 2022. This 3-day in-person and virtual event attracted businesses, government and community leaders to explore solutions to major challenges like housing shortages, climate change, economic diversification and the impact of AI. The 2022 conference hosted A-list speakers, including Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute and Dr. Jennifer Gardy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
That first Rising Economy conference has grown into a full-fledged thought leadership initiative that includes the Rising Economy conference (now entering its 4th year), Local Leadership Day, the Rising Economy podcast and monthly CHEK News spotlights featuring local people and organizations on the rise.
By bringing leaders and changemakers together to explore key issues, Rising Economy continues to positively and actively impact the regional agenda for a more resilient, innovative, sustainable and equitable (RISE) economy.
The future is on the RISE!” — Jonathan Do, Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services, Vancouver Island, RBC
“Spectacular speakers, great venue, wonderful food and atmosphere. [Rising Economy is a] 5-star experience!” – Patrick Robbins, Senior Client Relationship Manager & Market Lead, Scotiabank
“In Victoria, we were kindly hosted by the superb team at the South Island Prosperity Partnership. I have seen the work they do at close quarters, and it is first-class.”
— Tim Moonen, Co-Founder & Managing Director, The Business of Cities
— Tim Moonen, Co-Founder & Managing Director, The Business of Cities
2
Funding announced in 2023 from B.C.’s Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund (in collaboration with COAST)
50
Businesses included in the Indigenous Businesses Directory
20,000
Indigenous people on Southern Vancouver Island, according to Statistics Canada 2021
100
Projected size of the national Indigenous economy within the next decade
About SIPP
Who We Are
South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) is Southern Vancouver Island’s mandated economic development agency. Launched in 2016, SIPP is a public-private partnership of 10 municipal governments, 9 First Nations, 3 post-secondaries, major employers, nonprofits and industry associations.
As stewards of Greater Victoria’s economic development strategy, we collaborate across sectors and municipalities to open doors to opportunity, accelerate innovation, drive the creation of household-supporting jobs and grow regional economic and social prosperity for current and future generations.
Our Member Ecosystem
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
SIPP partners with 10 municipal governments on the South Island in a collaborative regional approach to economic development that benefits each community.
FIRST NATIONS
We partner with 9 South Island First Nations to help build economic capacity and collaboratively support Indigenous-led economic development through the Indigenous Prosperity Centre.
POST-SECONDARY
SIPP’s educational partners include the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College, with whom we collaborate to strengthen and highlight our region’s innovation and learning culture.
PRIVATE SECTOR
SIPP’s business partners are economy builders and leaders in sectors from transportation and tech to finance and urban development.
THE PUBLIC
SIPP collaborates to build an innovative, diversified and inclusive economy, with a high quality of life and household-sustaining jobs for our children – and their children.
NON-PROFITS & ASSOCIATIONS
SIPP collaborates with NGOs and business associations to foster economic development initiatives that benefit the entire community and contribute to a better quality of life.
Our Members
SIPP’s 70+ members are a dynamic cross-section of municipal and First Nation governments, businesses, and industry and community organizations throughout Southern Vancouver Island. Our members value being part of an economic development organization committed to attracting opportunities to strengthen the economy across the South Island region and creating the conditions for a resilient, innovative, sustainable and equitable future.
Our Vision
We envision Greater Victoria as a globally fluent and resilient metropolitan city-region, full of potential and open to transformation.
We are a fusion of cultures and geographies, rooted in the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples and connected to the rest of Canada, the Pacific Northwest and the world. Our region collectively takes bold steps to nurture a more innovative, diversified, inclusive and sustainable economy.
Our Values
We bring people and sectors together to turn big thinking into meaningful action.
We celebrate diversity and honour our heritage, environment and future generations.
We own our work and know it has the power to create sustainable prosperity.
We lead collaboratively and chart our own authentic economic development course.
We are resolute economic optimists, obsessing over transforming today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
We serve our community, members and each other with trust and respect.
What People Are Saying About Us
“We believe SIPP is making a difference in our community by leading the diversification of our economy — and creating a more resilient economy. We are proud to collaborate with SIPP on projects including the Vital Victoria data hub and the Shorefast Initiative to build a strong community economy.”
— Sandra Richardson, CEO, Victoria Foundation
SIPP hosted our 3rd annual Rising Economy Conference in November 2022. This 3-day in-person and virtual event attracted businesses, government and community leaders to explore solutions to major challenges like housing shortages, climate change, economic diversification and the impact of AI. The 2022 conference hosted A-list speakers, including Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute and Dr. Jennifer Gardy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
That first Rising Economy conference has grown into a full-fledged thought leadership initiative that includes the Rising Economy conference (now entering its 4th year), Local Leadership Day, the Rising Economy podcast and monthly CHEK News spotlights featuring local people and organizations on the rise.
By bringing leaders and changemakers together to explore key issues, Rising Economy continues to positively and actively impact the regional agenda for a more resilient, innovative, sustainable and equitable (RISE) economy.
The future is on the RISE!” — Jonathan Do, Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services, Vancouver Island, RBC
“Spectacular speakers, great venue, wonderful food and atmosphere. [Rising Economy is a] 5-star experience!” – Patrick Robbins, Senior Client Relationship Manager & Market Lead, Scotiabank
Thought Leadership
Design Lab
During Rising Economy Week, SIPP and V13Hub co-hosted a Design Lab with 75 stakeholders and interdisciplinary experts. Using a design-thinking process, the Lab explored ways to help BC Ferries’ accelerate towards its goal of fully electrifying its terminals and Island Class vessels.
Executive Leadership Roundtables
Hosted by our CEO, this curated dinner series bring members together to share ideas and explore issues affecting our region.
Design Lab
During Rising Economy Week, SIPP and V13Hub co-hosted a Design Lab with 75 stakeholders and interdisciplinary experts. Using a design-thinking process, the Lab explored ways to help BC Ferries’ accelerate towards its goal of fully electrifying its terminals and Island Class vessels.
Executive Leadership Roundtables
Hosted by our CEO, this curated dinner series bring members together to share ideas and explore issues affecting our region.
Our Commitment to People and the Planet
During the past year and a half, SIPP’s team has more than doubled to 11 as our organization has grown to include two new branches: the Indigenous Prosperity Centre and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST), as well as expanding our Rising Economy brand and embarking Victoria Rising, a XXXX.
At SIPP, we are passionate about supporting an inclusive and sustainable culture and economy on Southern Vancouver Island. This begins in our workplace. In 2021, we joined Canada’s 50 – 30 Diversity Challenge to guide the growth of diversity in our organization and ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to grow, achieve and thrive.
By 2022, SIPP’s Board surpassed the goals of the 50 – 30 Challenge for at least 50% women and/or non-binary people and 30% people from underrepresented groups, including racialized and Indigenous Peoples. We are embedding these 50-30 diversity principles into SIPP’s Advisory Boards and Committees.
We are also deeply committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognize that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability. We’ve prioritized incorporating the SDG values into every branch of our organization, including the Indigenous Prosperity Centre and COAST.
Our Board of Directors
Our members elect SIPP’s Board of Directors to reflect diversity and leadership throughout the South Island region. Directors are chosen based on their competency and skill in alignment with our commitment to Canada’s 50 – 30 Challenge.
Our 2022-23 Board of Directors:
Frank Bourree
Chair
Jennifer Vornbrock
Vice-Chair
Geoff Wilmshurst
Director
Dr. Susanne Theissen
Director
Sonterra Ross
Director
Lindalee Brougham
Director
Peter Cowan
Director
Anthony Payne
Board Director
Basma Majerbi
Director
Suzanne Bradbury
Director
Terry Gunning
Director
Kear Porttris
Director
Our Team
During the past year and a half, SIPP’s team has more than doubled to 11 as our organization has grown to include two new branches: the Indigenous Prosperity Centre and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST), as well as expanding our Rising Economy brand and embarking Victoria Rising, a XXXX.
Our cross-functional team includes:
Emilie de Rosenroll
Group CEO
Dallas Gislason
Executive Director, Community Economies
Christina Clarke
Executive Director, Indigenous Prosperity Centre
Jason Goldsworthy
Executive Director, Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies Economies (COAST)
Kieran Buggy
Director of Operations
Kerry Slavens
Director of Public Relations & Engagement
Amanda Wilson
Marketing & Communications Manager (COAST and IPC)
Benjamin Wagg
Digital Communications Specialist
Tarrin Sam
Indigenous Communications Specialist (IPC)
Ashutosh Sharma
Ocean Ecosystem Navigator (COAST)
Mena Bhavsar
Events Manager (SIPP, COAST and IPC)
Collaboration Today, Prosperity Tomorrow
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