People of PacifiCan: Clark Grieve

Meet Clark,

Meaningful things happen when passion meets purpose, and Clark is living proof of that. When this Senior Business Officer isn't helping B.C. communities thrive with projects that benefit local businesses and residents, you can find him hiking trails, exploring peaks, or enjoying music festivals across British Columbia. Keep on rockin’ in the PacifiCan world, Clark!

How did you arrive at PacifiCan?

I spent 10 years at the municipal level with Community Economic Development (CED) agencies in B.C. cities. Prior to that I completed an economics degree at UNBC and worked for a sustainability-focused nonprofit.

What interested you about PacifiCan?

Coming out of the pandemic, I wanted to help B.C. communities focus on projects, investment, and opportunities that would make an impact on local residents and businesses. I want local voices to be heard and the federal public service to be more present across the province to provide support and connections while building relationships.

What do you do in a typical day?

No two days are the same, so being a Business Officer with PacifiCan is always a dynamic and fast-paced role. My main activities involve monitoring existing projects with clients, developing new project concepts through outreach and stakeholder engagement in the Northeast, working remotely with colleagues to discuss opportunities for key sectors, and training to update my skills or to master PacifiCan’s officer tools.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

Meeting with stakeholders is the most rewarding part of my work. PacifiCan is still emerging as an agency, but the need is there and collaboration through our investing, pathfinding, advising and convening functions can make a difference in large and small ways.

Can you share one of your greatest accomplishments?

In my first year with PacifiCan I helped a community apply to a time-limited program that they otherwise probably wouldn’t have even known about. Prior to my current role, I was fortunate to support a talented entrepreneur who successfully pitched their start-up to Dragons’ Den in 2022.

Favourite project or experience at PacifiCan

Last summer I got to tour the Bear Mountain Wind Park near Dawson Creek. It was a program that PacifiCan (formerly Western Economic Diversification) supported in 2004 with help from Community Futures Peace Liard. There are more than 30 turbines producing enough pollution-free electricity to run 35,000 North American homes, creating sustainable jobs and revenues.

Any advice you have for people who may want to join PacifiCan?

Consider all our nine B.C. office locations when joining PacifiCan! We have an amazing camaraderie that connects these offices across the province to celebrate success. From the North to the Lower Mainland, from the Southern interior to Vancouver Island, PacifiCan is growing roots in every region of B.C.

Name 3 songs that are on your Spotify Playlist

Hammer and the Rail - Black Spruce Bog
Make a New Dance Up-Hey Ocean!
Rockin’ in the Free World - Neil Young

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