Community Profile: Gary Bizzo, VanCity BoD Candidate

Gary Bizzo is Manager of the United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society (SUCCESS) Self Employment Program at our Business & Economic Development Centre in Vancouver. He has been involved in community, social enterprise and program development for the 10 years. He gained an extensive knowledge of proposal development, labour market/economy exposure and has a working relationship with of all 3 levels of government.

Prior to working with SUCCESS, he was an entrepreneur (Commercial Photographer and Advertising Agency) for over 30 years. He oversaw and mentored the owners of over 450 businesses. His work with SUCCESS, the internationally respected social service agency, has given him expertise in community development, capacity building, social enterprise development and a rich experience dealing with a variety of cultures.

He continues to be an entrepreneur, running an international marketing company. He is confident delivering presentations, workshops and is the ‘go to’ guy when things need to be done. He is also the President of the BC Entrepreneur Development Association which advocates for over 5000 BC businesses. As the leader of a group of entrepreneurs he has developed invaluable skills in team building, administration, marketing and public relations. He is a member of the Canadian Community Economic Development Network, The Vancouver Board of Trade, The Burnaby Board of Trade. He sits on the Boards of the BC Urban Entrepreneur Development Association, Burnaby Arts Council and the Canada-China Importer & Exporters Association.
He and his wife, Jo Ann, live in Burnaby.

His priorities include:
- Provide an Open ear to any member’s issue and problem
- Support community initiatives that gives Metro Vancouver its social conscience
- Continue and enhance the support Vancity provides to Small Business
- To support the development & leadership role in successful community social enterprises - Continued support of the ABLED program supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities, and the Self Reliance Loans and Peer Lending programs for micro-entrepreneurs.

He has this to say about his platform:

Now is the time for boldness. With BC’s strong economy, the environment taking center stage, sustainability on the lips of everyone and people seeking transparent corporate and personal responsibility we need strong leadership! These are important times and you can make a difference. Please vote!

Visit his website at www.garybizzo.com