The Kootenay region is gearing up to further diversify the economy. In efforts to strengthen and support the many groups working on community economic development projects the Community Future Development Corporation's (CFDCs) of the Kootenay region have committed to a five year plan to act as a catalyst for the encouragement and fostering of Community Economic Development (CED). To this end the CFDC's have spearheaded a steering committee made up of current practitioners of CED in the region and Economic Development Officers (EDO's). The focus of the Steering Committee is to assist with the devleopment of content (including identifying presenters) and assistance with marketing for the annual CED Forum. This forum is a venue for sharing best practises and to establish links and partnerships amoung the many Kootenay groups working towards CED. The forum moves throughout the region each year beginning in Castlegar. Although this conference is planned as an annual event CBT's payment is one time only and CBT will not provide funding for future years through the Options Program.