Press Releases
Downtown Courtenay sponsors CVC Arts Council in AirportFebruary 21, 2008 - Artists: Marilyn Peeters, Cathy Korvan, Claude Dalley, Sarah Kerr and Martin Kaspers
Exhibition: Comox Valley Community Arts Council and the Comox Valley Airport
Exhibition Runs: January 16th to April 16th, 2008
Local Artists Exhibit at the Comox Valley Airport
The Comox Valley Community Arts Council is pleased to announce a new selection of exciting, original art works at the Comox Valley Airport. After scrutinizing over the incredible work submitted to the call for entry, pieces by Marilyn Peeters, Barb Hutson, Cathy Korvan, Claude Dalley, Sarah Kerr and Martin Kaspers were selected for exhibition. We encourage anyone visiting the airport terminal to take some extra time to view these exceptional works.
The ComoxValley Community Arts Council and the Comox Valley Airport are extremely excited about the success of their partnership in providing this excellent opportunity to showcase local talents to a much wider audience. Submissions for the 2008 exhibition schedule were accepted from members of the Comox Valley Community Arts Council. The CVCAC was thrilled to see such a variety of pieces. This calibre of work makes us excited about what is happening with arts and culture in the Comox Valley. It also makes it very difficult to choose. With an estimated 600,000 visitors to the Terminal on an annual basis this is an ideal venue to showcase our areas local talents.
To exhibit at the CV Airport Terminal artists must reside on Vancouver Island from Nanaimo north, must be members of the CVCAC and fulfill all of the requirements of the submission policy. The Airport exhibition is changed four times a year. Please visit the information counter at the CV Airport for details about work in this exhibition. You can also visit the CVCAC website at www.comoxvalleyarts.org or call (250) 338 4417 ex2 for more information.
The CVCAC and the CV Airport Authority would like to thank the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association for their support of this year’s exhibits. Downtown Courtenay hosts an exciting variety of experiences, see for yourself, and discover why residents and visitors alike flock to this one-stop destination year-round.
We would also like to thank the community and volunteers for their support with this project.
FMI: Dallas Stevenson, Gallery Coordinator 338-4417 ex 2
December 10, 2007 - Walk the Windows Christmas decorating contest in downtown Courtenay boasted 62 participating businesses this festive season, with shoppers taking a week to vote for their favourite decorated Christmas window displays. Store windows were disguised behind paper for a few days leading up to the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (BIA) event called Christmas Magic (previously known as Moonlight Magic) on November 16th. The wrapping was taken off the windows that morning to reveal the decorations behind and the voting began. “The BIA Directors are extremely pleased with all the fabulous window displays this year,” said Michael Smale, BIA President, “many congratulations to the winners who put so much into their decorating for the season.” The winners are: 1st Place Cody & Company; 2nd Place A Gentler Time; and 3rd Place Retroactive Clothing. From all the ballots received voting for the windows, one person’s name was drawn to win the $1,000 shopping spree from the participating businesses. That lucky winner is Glenn Miles who has until the end of December to make his selections. “I encourage everyone to take a stroll around the downtown core; with the amazing window displays” continued Smale, “With the Christmas lights and decorations that the City of Courtenay Public Works put up, it creates a wonderful festive feel.”
Comox Valley Christmas ParadeOctober 11, 2007 - Comox Valley Christmas Parade – A Fun Time for Everyone!
The Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) is working on the Comox Valley Christmas Parade, with the date set for Saturday November 24th.
Organizing the Christmas Parade is no small order. It means attracting the participation of more and higher caliber floats and sponsors. “We’ve confirmed thousands of dollars worth of cash and gift prizes from many generous businesses, for various categories of floats. It could mean big winnings for participants,” said Charlie Zerkee, Chair of the Parade Committee. “The parade attracts thousands of people to see the floats and groups, with of course Santa Claus at the end. It’s a fun Christmas treat for everyone.”
Prize categories and fantastic prizes are:
Best Overall Float - $1000 cash sponsored by Comox Valley Dodge
2nd Best Overall Float - $2000 gift certificates from Fifth Street Stores
Best Themed Float*** - $2000 gift certificates from Comox Valley Stores
People’s Choice - $1500 gift certificates from Crown Isle and Quality Foods
Best Nativity - $500 gift certificate from Jacob’s Well
Best Ski Float - $500 gift certificate from Ski Tak Hut
Best New Entry - $500 gift certificate from Thrifty Foods
Best Children’s Float (12 & under) - $250 from McDonalds Restaurant
Past parade floats and groups have been as diverse as the float categories themselves: sports teams, dance troupes, church groups, pipe bands, businesses and associations have all submitted entrees to the parade, “If businesses or groups invest in a float design in the first year, for the following year it can just be minor adjustments and not having to start from scratch,” says Zerkee adding “The only limit is our imaginations!”
Looking for the ultimate way to get into the Christmas spirit and get some added exposure for you or your group? Be a part of this flourishing Comox Valley Christmas Parade! For a Float Application go to www.downtowncourtenay.com, pick one up at the Comox Valley Echo, Quality Foods or Jacob’s Well on 5th Street, or call 334-2556 or 338-5139 for further information.
April 26, 2007 - It has been an amazing winter this year; we can be glad that the worst storms and power outages are behind us now. With spring just around the corner, in due course will come the summer tourists who fall in love with downtown.
The Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) does extensive external marketing on their own, and in partnership with organizations like Comox Valley Tourism (CVT), who externally promote the Comox Valley to attract people to visit. DCBIA brochures can be found on the major BC Ferry routes, we run ads in the Comox Valley Visitors’ Guide (80k copies), in the CVT brochure (75k copies), and the Vancouver Island Vacation Guide (250k copies). Posters at the Comox Valley Airport, information at the Comox Valley Visitor Info Centre, and our website at www.downtowncourtenay.com all showcase the uniqueness that is downtown Courtenay.
It is also the attractions in the DCBIA like the Courtenay and District Museum, the Comox Valley Art Gallery and the Sid Williams Theatre with their wonderful programs that they promote, that attracts visitors from all over the Island and the world to our doorstep. Downtown is truly the cultural heart of the Comox Valley.
Another key ingredient to this mix is our DCBIA member businesses. These 220+ diverse businesses offer something that isn’t found in many communities; thriving, family run businesses and services that offer a collection of locally made, fine imports and top-quality items, all wrapped up in a friendly smile.
The final and very important factor to the success of downtown Courtenay is you, the customer. Shopping in downtown stores, doing business with the various service providers, and enjoying a meal with your family and friends at one of our wonderful restaurants are key ingredients to the achievement of our thriving town, that all can be proud of.
As the Valley continues to change and grow, the DCBIA will look for other ways to earn your interest and your pride in this very special place we call Downtown Courtenay, the small town that boasts big city charm and flare.
Michael Smale
President - DCBIA
November 1, 2006 - About Town
I always enjoy those fresh days in November when breath shows crisp in the mornings. Changes in the season can be seen everywhere, and for the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) Board and members, the change in the air spurs on plans for the festive season.
The holiday season in downtown Courtenay just keeps getting better, and this year continues that tradition. Planning is underway for the Moonlight Magic event on November 17, where you’ll find fantastic sales all day in businesses throughout the DCBIA area, and some wonderful old-fashioned street entertainment for all to enjoy. 5th Street will be closed to traffic from 5 pm to 10 pm for this ultimate kick-off to Christmas.
The Comox Valley Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday November 25th, 10 am, and we would like to invite you to get involved by submitting an entry into the parade. Consider rallying your colleagues to put together a presentation that will help promote your initiatives. It is a wonderful way to contribute to a great downtown Courtenay tradition. For a parade application form go to www.downtowncourtenay.com , or pick one up at Jacob’s Well on 5th Street.
An exciting development to watch for this month; the “Walk of Achievement” has been initiated by a group of Comox Valley residents to recognize the success of significant individuals from the Comox Valley. Plans include a recognition ceremony and engraved marble plaques to be imbedded into the downtown Courtenay sidewalks, celebrating these individuals from all walks of life.
May this fall season be full of crisp sunny days, perfect for you and your family to enjoy the many attractions, flavors and services in downtown Courtenay.
Michael Smale
