Dale Gann to Lead Commercial and Retail Development at Bear Mountain

Posted on February 12, 2015

VICTORIA, B.C. THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2015 Ecoasis is moving ahead with commercial and retail development at Bear Mountain and has appointed Dale Gann as the company’s Director of Business Development. Working in collaboration with the Ecoasis/Bear Mountain real estate team and resort operations, Gann’s expertise will focus on shaping and attracting economic development opportunities to the resort community.

Ecoasis CEO, Dan Matthews, recognizes that both the City of Langford and the District of Highlands acknowledge the significant value and importance of further economic diversification in the area. Ecoasis plans to advance this key chapter of community development using a phased approach that is both flexible and responsive to market conditions.

“We have spent the past year getting to know the community, and setting in place tactical foundations for excellence and expertise in sport development and community planning at Bear Mountain,” says Matthews. “We are strategically positioned now to continue this theme of creating spaces and opportunities that inspire and promote excellence – this time on the economic development front. Job creation flows from investments in infrastructure, and lifestyle offerings and affordability are key for businesses seeking to attract and retain employees who, more than ever before, are placing quality of life high on their employment priorities list. Bear Mountain has a distinct advantage in of all these areas.”

As Ecoasis explores new like-minded business relationships, Gann’s contributions will be an integral part of creating a dynamic economic community at Bear Mountain. Gann understands the opportunities and has a well-earned reputation for his ability to invigorate business activity on southern Vancouver Island, particularly in the technology sector. With Gann’s proven success and extensive network, Ecoasis is positioned to establish a critical mass of business enterprises at Bear Mountain that will enrich the residential experience and benefit those hospitality and retail businesses already in place.

“The power of place plays a key role in today’s economies,” said Gann. “I am proud to join the Ecoasis team at Bear Mountain, where I see infinite opportunities. ACD Systems, for example, one of the largest and most respected independent digital image editing and management companies in the world, runs their entire Canadian operation out of Bear Mountain. They are an exciting example for us to build upon. West coast cities are rapidly becoming unaffordable and our lifestyle factors are a huge draw. Bear Mountain is a fantastic canvas for small business development – particularly the technology sector.”

“We located our executive offices in Bear Mountain because we saw its potential to attract the level of talent needed to succeed in the high tech sector,” says Martin Winstanley, Vice 2 President Corporate Development ACD Systems International Inc. “Bear Mountain is a premium location, the economics make sense, outdoor lifestyle amenities reign supreme, parking is never an issue, and our connectivity has enabled us to grow our business around the world.”

The City of Langford is laying the ground work for business development. “We made it clear that a key objective in Langford’s economic strategy is the attraction of the knowledge economy,” says Stew Young, Mayor of Langford. “Council has created a land and tax policy to drive a highly-desirable commercial environment throughout the community. We want our citizens and their children to have fulfilling, vital career opportunities right here at home. Success at Bear Mountain builds awareness and creates energy to stimulate economic growth for the entire region.”

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For more information on economic development opportunities at Bear Mountain, please contact:
Dale Gann
250.889.7853

Media inquiries:
Kathi Springer
250.888.8767

BACKGROUNDER About Dale Gann: Dale is recognized as a pioneer within the technology community and his efforts have been instrumental in establishing a ‘critical mass’ of technology-based companies in the Victoria region. Dale’s commitment to industry and innovation runs deep and is reflected by his participation on a variety of committees and boards. He brings to Bear Mountain over 18 years of executive experience in North America’s technology sector, and is the former president of the University of Victoria’s Vancouver Island Technology Park and the Marine Technology Centre.

Dale will continue with his volunteer role on the City of Langford Economic Development Committee where he has provided leadership expertise for the past two years. Working in cooperation with the City of Langford, Dale is committed to pursuing his mandate to attract knowledge-based enterprises to the municipality.

Dale was the founding member and first president of the Canadian Association of University Research Parks, and was the recipient of the 2012 Colin Lennox Award for Technology Champion and 2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee Award in recognition of his achievements in the advancement of Canada’s technology parks.

About ACD Systems: ACD Systems is an independent digital image editing and management company that was founded in Texas in 1994 by Doug Vandekerkhove. Today ACD Systems holds 7 patents, and millions of ACDSee products are in use throughout the world.

ACD Systems has offices in the United States and Canada (BEAR MOUNTAIN), supported by a team of global channel partners. With a product family that includes ACDSee Pro 8, ACDSee Mac Pro 3, ACDSee 18 photo editing and management solutions, and Canvas technical illustration software, the company serves millions of consumers, small and medium sized businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and corporate customers.

Representative markets for ACD Systems’ products include AEC (architecture, engineering and construction), insurance, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, government, architecture/construction, education, gaming, technology, bio/health and oil/gas/energy. Customers include General Motors, Caterpillar, Boeing, The New York City Fire Department, NASA, CNN and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

ACDSee software was used in the making of the movie Titanic because the filmmakers recognized that only ACDSee could provide the illustration, editing and management tools required for their large scale, complex development tasks and image management requirements.

About Bear Mountain Resort Situated in the foothills of Mount Finlayson with breathtaking views of Victoria’s seaside harbour, Bear Mountain Resort offers the best of both worlds: an idyllic 836 acre natural setting located only minutes from the allure of the province’s charming capital city. In a spot that only nature could have conceived, Bear Mountain Resort is a rugged and verdant mountainside landscape with vistas of the Olympic Mountain range, the Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The resort features two world-renowned Nicklaus Design golf courses and at the heart of the village, a Westin hotel. Countless visitors have been drawn to Bear Mountain for its superlative golf only to discover the resort’s equally stellar accommodations, residential offerings, dining venues and recreational opportunities. Bear Mountain is moving ahead with a network of cycling trails, and is the official high performance training centre for Cycling Canada’s mountain bike team. www.bearmountain.ca

About Ecoasis Ecoasis specializes in land acquisition and development of residential and resort real estate; signature properties that we enhance for the benefit of stakeholders and the surrounding communities. Our current geographical focus includes Hawaii, Whistler, and Victoria, BC. By partnering our talented team with the most experienced architects, engineering firms, construction companies, and consultants, we create high quality, sustainable communities that provide lasting value. www.ecoasis.com