Inaugural Made in Strathcona Tours Set to Expose Sights, Tastes, Products and Hidden Gems in Vancouver's Most Burgeoning Business Hub

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 13, 2014) - The Strathcona Business Improvement Association announced today the launch of the campaign, 'Made in Strathcona', which will include exciting and educational tours of the neighborhood available to the public. The inaugural event will offer the opportunity for the public to explore the inner workings of some of Vancouver's most historic, creative and diverse businesses located in the Strathcona area, on May 31^st and June 7^th from 1pm - 3pm.

While the area has typically been associated as one of the most historic residential communities, a unique combination of some of the Canada's most well-known brands and up-and-coming talent have set up shop in Strathcona's business hub. Located within the boundaries of Clark Drive, Gore Avenue, Venables Street and Railway Street, the Made in Strathcona tours will showcase a diverse array of businesses including local café and catering companies, longstanding manufacturing businesses, new creative agencies and some of the city's hidden gems. The tour will include information, demonstrations and the chance to interact with business owners, witness production methods and sample some of the city's finest product and services.

"Strathcona has enjoyed steady and impressive growth as an attractive option for business owners looking to set up shop. That said, many are unaware of the volume and caliber of business and hospitality offered here. The purpose of this campaign is to offer the public the rare opportunity to meet the business owners, artisans and market leaders that are made right here in Strathcona," states Joji Kumagai, Executive Director of the Strathcona Business Improvement Association.

"Strathcona is home to over 500 businesses and has been one of the most stable business communities in Vancouver for over a century. From established manufacturing companies to new creative agencies, we are seeing a modern mix of entrepreneurs planting their roots in Strathcona and thriving in the area," Kumagai explains.

The Made in Strathcona tours will encompass four unique categories of tours hosted on two days, between 1pm - 3pm. Following the afternoon tours the Strathcona Business Improvement Association invites the public to enjoy some of the best food and beverage companies and meet some of the residing businesses from the area at The Settlement Building for a reception.

On Saturday, May 31^st, the tours will showcase Strathcona's manufacturing companies and the city's hidden gems, including:

Boardroom ECO Apparel

Special Screencraft Printers

YEW Woodshop

The Vinegar Factory

Wiens Studios

Shop Wrong

On June 7^th, The Made in Strathcona Tours incorporate the themes of Food, Catering and Creative, showcasing local businesses including:

A.G.R.O Roasters

The Butler Did It Catering Co.

Pacific Restaurant Supply

Propellor Design

Eclipse Awards

Christine Lingerie

Please visit www.madeinstrathcona.com for more information about the Made in Strathcona tour dates, businesses participating and spaces available for lease in the Strathcona neighbourhood. To purchase tickets, please visit www.madeinstrathcona.eventbrite.ca.

About Made in Strathcona: Made in Strathcona is a community based event that allows the public to discover the inner workings of the areas most innovative and diverse businesses. From creative minds, delicious foods, innovative services and essential manufacturing ventures, Strathcona has become a hub where locally owned independent businesses have come to thrive. The inaugural Made in Strathcona tours reveals where Vancouver's best and brightest businesses reside, how products are made and who is making them.