Mission Statement

To advance the Hwy 97 Corridor as a vital economic region

through an effective International Partnership

About Us

The VIA 97 International Alliance consists of partners from both sides of the border from our northernmost community, Salmon Arm, British Columbia to our southernmost, Leavenworth, Washington. The Alliance has the full and active support of elected officials from three counties and their cities in Washington State (Okanogan, Chelan, and Douglas), the elected officials from the three Regional Districts and their communities in British Columbia (RDOS, CORD, NORD), the Colville confederated Tribes and the Okanagan Nations Alliance.

Historically, the Highway 97 corridor was known as the Okanogan Caribou Trail and had great economic significance to early residents. Maps from this early time show this as a vital trade route with very little emphasis on the line of demarcation created by the US/Canada border. The VIA 97 International Alliance recognizes the significance of this highway, which has served such an important role in the economic health of our interior region and offers opportunities for those communities lying along Highway 97.

It is the mission of the Alliance to promote this unique region for the benefit of all its varied communities. Many of these communities offer many outstanding opportunities and rich cultural diversity, but do not always have the tolls available to work independently on the types of issues undertaken by the Alliance. The Alliance recognizes that the economic health of our geographic region is dependent on collaboration. As partners, we continue to teach each other about new and exciting approaches to trade, tourism, and economic development and have the opportunity to more effectively work toward solutions.

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