The RMI provides provincial funding - $6.35 million for Whistler in 2012 - to eligible B.C. resort communities to help develop tourism initiatives. Instead of creating two separate committees with similar analysis, planning and representation, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mike Furey broadened the RMI committee's mandate, creating the EPI in order to prevent what he called, "process fatigue." "I think this is great because there's no point in duplicating the work," said Coun. Duane Jackson. In addition to the four members of the former RMI committee - Whistler Blackcomb, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Whistler - the EPI committee will now include the Hotel Association and a member at large.