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GROUP BEGINS DEVELOPING NEW WEBSITE
On June 23, fourteen members of the Princeton tourism industry, Chamber of Commerce and Town had a first workshop on design of a Princeton and area tourism website. The meeting was hosted by the Princeton and District Chamber of Commerce and Chamber President Geri Swanson and Chamber Manager Lori Thomas were present. Mayor McLean, Councillor Jim Manion and CAO Patrick Robins represented the town.
Councillor Manion introduced the need for a website and Council's vision for a high quality site. "We want something that people look at and it makes them want to know more about our area." Manion encouraged designers to think outside of the box.
Both Manion and Robins emphasized that the Town's role is to make sure the project is complete, but it is up to industry members and the Chamber of Commerce to provide creative input on the design and look.
Economic Development Officer Michael McLaughlin led the group in an exploration of primary markets and the 'look and feel' of the site. It was agreed that the Lower Mainland resident and visitor market is a key target of advertising. However, the groups consensus was the website has to have broad appeal because it will be viewed by people from all around the world.
The group took part in an exercise where they identified the primary values and unique selling points Princeton has to offer. Pride in the community was evident and the group readily agreed on a list of about twenty key values that make Princeton a wonderful place to live in or visit. These twenty were grouped under three headings: community, outdoor experience and culture/heritage. Those will be the key themes the website communicates.
John Akerley represented Akerley Designs who is contracted to build the site. Mr. Akerley commented that the creative design of the website is off to a good start thanks to the input from participants.
The Town will now ask Akerley Designs to design the template for the web pages. The tourism industry will be asked to participate at stages as the web site is completed. Completion is anticipated by the end of August.
Residents may assist the development of the website by sending high quality digital photographs to edo@similkameen.org. Photos of the area's and town's beauty and people enjoying recreation or culture would be appreciated. Photo credits will be listed on the website.
SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT
The Board of School Trustees of School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) is pleased to announce the following appointment of Vice-Principal of Princeton Secondary School.Sandee Blair has been appointed as Vice-Principal of Princeton Secondary School. Blair joined the District in 1994 at Princeton Secondary School. She worked at both John Allison Elementary and Vermilion Forks Elementary Schools, eventually returning to Princeton Secondary School in 2001. Blair has completed post-degree coursework in Counselling and is in the process of obtaining her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Calgary. She brings with her a diverse background of experiences and is well-respected educational leader and community member.
Blair succeeds Mr. Shane O'Malley who has decided to return to full-time teaching at Princeton Secondary School.
The Board wishes to thank all the stakeholder groups and others for their important role in the interview process. In particular, gratitude is expressed to the Nicola Similkameen Principals' and Vice Principals' Association, CUPE Local 847, Nicola Valley and Princeton Teachers' Union, as well as management, staff, and parents who participated in the selection
process.
