"We support, train and empower employees to provide the best guest  experience possible . We view our employees as internal guests which transfers over to the exceptional service they provide."

As a result of our current employees loving the work environment, a significant number of new hires have be generated through the employee referral program.

"Our commitment to customer service is at the heart of our attraction and retention of employees," says Campbell.

Urban Systems has developed a reputation for recruiting great people to their multi-disciplinary consulting and engineering team and have been recognized as an employer of choice.

With more than 80 people at the Kamloops head office location and more than 200 employees throughout Canada, Urban Systems is attracting the best talent in their fields of practice.

For the past four years, MacLeans has named Urban Systems one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and has also named Urban Systems as one of British Columbia’s Top 20 Employers for the last two years and one of Canada’s Top 10 "Family Friendly Employers."

In 2007, Urban Systems placed third out of 30 finalists in Canadian Business Magazine’s list of Best Workplaces in Canada.  Researched by the Great Place to Work Institute of Canada, companies were scored in five areas: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.  The finalists were chosen based on responses to an employee survey and an external review of organizational culture. 

Based on favourable staff feedback, Urban Systems earned the top ranking for employee pride. 

"We find people that have passion about work and passion about life," say John Dumbrell, Community Planner.

The Calgary market will be a focus for business and marketing initiatives in 2007. Venture Kamloops is rolling out its Alberta marketing initiatives, which includes attending the Global Oil & Gas Exposition (June 14-16), conducting sales calls, and launching a $15,000 MovetoKamloops.com radio campaign.

“With additional non-stop air service from Kamloops to Calgary we feel the time is right to target Urban Alberta. The MovetoKamloops.com radio campaign will create an

unprecedented awareness to residents and investors in Calgary about our lifestyle, affordable living and business opportunities in Kamloops,” says Jeff Putnam CEO Venture Kamloops Click here and listen to the radio ads.

The Calgary Oil & Gas exposition "GO EXPO" is the largest trade show of its kind in the world. Skilled professionals from more than 20 industry sectors will be attending the 3-day trade show. Venture Kamloops will partner with TRU-Open Learning and TRU Career Education to promote Kamloops, recruit

on-line student learners and develop new work placements for TRU co-op programs. More than 400 exhibitors and 20,000 international delegate visitors will attend from 52 countries.

Kamloops has significantly increased its top-of-mind awareness among new home buyers, golfers and recreational enthusiasts from the Lower Mainland market due to the success of the Movetokamloops.com radio campaign aired during the rush-hour commute on CKNW 980 AM in 2006 and will continue in 2007. Venture Kamloops plans to bring the same enthusiasm to the Calgary market.

“We believe this strategy will attract more people into the downtown core, encourage new business and expansions and deliver a renewed, vibrant look and feel to the community, ” says Gay Pooler, Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Association Manager.

The program aims to encourage more residential development and the revitalization of older commercial buildings. The long-term vision for the downtown core is to generate a safe and vibrant business and financial area, and an interactive entertainment and cultural district.

Allowing for increased densities and residential infill, more residents will have the opportunity to enjoy a balance of urban living close to recreational amenities and the workplace.

This strategy provides an efficient use of existing infrastructure, is environmentally positive and creates a safer, vibrant and more prosperous City Centre.

Projects will also add value to public realms enhancing the streetscape. Work which would be recognized and eligible as contributing to public realms includes, but not limited to: new building facade, public art, public open spaces (courtyards, plaza, gardens), public street furniture, public recreational amenities and the addition of awning or canopies above public pedestrian walkways.

Requirements to Qualify for Revitalization Tax Exemption:

New Construction Projects:

• the project must include 50% residential floor area,

• the use must comply with the current zoning by-law and official community plan, and

• verification that all municipal taxes, utilities, rates and charges are paid.

Alteration of existing buildings:

• minimum construction value of $100,000 or 30% of the previous years assessed value, and
  
  
• the proposed improvement adds value to the public realm.
  
  For more information, contact City of Kamloops, Planning and Development Services at 250- 828-3311
  

Click hear to View revitalization area map

Kamloops Downtown City Centre - boutique shopping, arts and  entertainment district