Real Hornby is a value-based marketing agency which has been created to support local artists, carftspeople, food producers and event/workshop providers. We are implementing the priorities identified by community members who participated in the Economic Renewal process. This is a HICEEC project being supported by Service Canada.

Staying connected

We will be providing a way for people who have already connected with Hornby Island to stay connected year-round. Visitors and part-time residents will be introduced to our web site and given an opportunity to sign up for an electronic newsletter. They will be kept informed about art, products, shows, performances, workshops and events.

Hornby creations

We are promoting Hornby art and other creations through special events, off-island outlets and our electronic services. Since the launch of real Hornby in 2006, on-island events included two art markets. Off-island there was "Hornby at the Abbey" (in Cumberland), a month long spotlight on Hornby art, craft and music and "four from hornby" at Linda Lando Fine Art in Vancouver. We work with individuals or groups of artists to develop marketing strategies and materials.

Hornby experiences

We are working with Hornby providers of workshops, personal services, recreation opportunities and events to coordinate and promote opportunities for visitors to experience the cultural and natural assets of the Island in the off-season. In particular, we are looking at piloting new learning and cultural events.

Knowing our resources - knowing our customers

We gathered information about off-island markets and also conducted an exit survey of Hornby 2006 summer visitors. This survey assists Hornby service providers in assessing what they need to improve and what they are doing right.

Responding to Islanders' needs

Above all, we are trying to respond to the needs of individual islanders, groups and organizations in order to provide the support necessary to add value to what they are producing.

Our goal

Our goal is for real Hornby to eventually become a self-sustaining agency supported by fees-for-service. Our commitment is to not only enhance the livelihoods of community members, but to do so in a way that supports community values.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 335-0922 OR realhornby@telus.net

A HICEEC PROJECT. Supported by Service Canada, VanCity, Co-operators and CEDTAP