The Vancouver Economic Development Commission was created by Vancouver city council in 1996, following task force recommendations to set up an external organization committed to fostering economic development in the city of Vancouver, that would also act as a bridge between city hall and the local business community. The Commission has since evolved to also take on a leadership role in promoting regional cooperation in economic development efforts.

Structure
Directors serve two-year terms, half of which expire at the end of any given year. The chair and other officers of VEDC are elected each year at the annual general meeting, usually held in March.

2008 Board of Directors

Mark Betteridge, Discovery Parks Inc. (VICE-CHAIR)
Bruce Clayman, SFU (TREASURER)
Thomas English, Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (CHAIR)

Rob Fitzgerald, Vancouver Port Authority (CHAIR, GOVERNANCE)
Robert Fung, The Salient Group
Colin Heartwell, International Development Specialist

Raquel Hirsch, Hirsch Strategies
Betty Icharia, Epcor Water Services
Valerie Jenkinson, Nova Quality Consulting (CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS)

Maureen Kirkbride, Telus (CHAIR, STRATEGIC ISSUES)

Karim Kassam, Kassco Advisory Services
Gord Stewart, Independent Contractors & Business Association of BC (AT LARGE)

George Wang, National Research Council

Kim Capri, City Council Liaison

Peter Ladner, City Council Liaison

Ex-Officio members are Phil Boname (Urbanics Consultants Ltd.), Bob Laurie (WRL Real Estate Advisors Ltd.) and Leonel Roldan-Flores (Government of BC).