It's tempting to enter hibernation mode as we move into winter but why not use the time to get ahead instead?

Once Light Up is off the Chamber list, we move straight into planning for the coming year and do all that we can to "get ahead".

We are really looking forward to working with the new council and letting them know more about our great list of current activities and the ones on our to-do list.

This includes our usual mandates, and in addition we continue to pursue meaningful initiatives and economic development on behalf of our members and the community.

We are normally pretty quiet about our endeavours until we have all our ducks in a row and things are set in motion, but keep your eyes and 

ears open as we'll be sharing with you too.

Have you checked out our Facebook page recently?

Do you open all our newsletters?

Do you follow the links we provide for your benefit?

Do you know we have an incredible new tourism website?

Do you know that we are working on a comprehensive new Chamber website?

Do you know what we do and why we do it?

Do you know about our regional partnerships?

Do you know how many regional committees we serve on - on your behalf?

Do you know how a chamber membership can help your business?

See you at Light Up!

Arlene Fenrich

Hi Everyone,

One of the areas where the Chamber has been at work is in building our regional partnerships in the areas of tourism and economic development.  More than ever before, the various community representatives are coming together to work on initiatives that have regional merit.

More recently, there has been discussion around the joint marketing or packaging of certain events.  Could each of our communities throw all our energies around a partner community that has a signature event going on to build that event?  Can we commit to developing and maintaining a regional event calendar that would make it clear to all our visitors that there is a lot going on no matter when they choose to visit?

Intriguingly another concept is to completely load a specific weekend with multiple communities having similar events at the same time.  Light up is a good example.  Currently Summerland's Light Up is viewed as the Okanagan's number one kick off to Christmas event.  Combined with the annual Bottleneck Drive Light Up the Vines event it's a great weekend to be in Summerland.  Here in the valley, people know where Christmas begins.

A few other winery associations are holding holiday events this weekend.  What if all Okanagan communities held a Light Up at the same time?  Would Vancouver or Seattle residents take notice or guests from farther afield?  Through joint marketing, can we make the Okanagan the place where Christmas begins for everyone?  

Yellow Pages Advertising

Summerland Chamber members are invited to advertise in the 2015 Telephone Directory.

Showcase your business to more than 11,000 Summerland residents. Shop local: 6,500 directories are delivered to households throughout the District.

Completed Order forms can be sent with payment to LeeAnn MacNeil at [email protected].

Business networking is a great way to strengthen business relationships and make new connections. For those new to the Chamber, attending networking events is an important part of starting that all important word-of-mouth generator. Thank you to Critteraid Charity Shoppe for hosting October's event.

• December 16: Annual Chamber Christmas Party at the Chamber Office, 5-7pm. We welcome back Chef Roger Planiden from Culinary Adventure, who will be providing a selection of delicious appetizers. Wine pairing is being provided by Saxon Estate Winery.

Until December 20

Season Sparkles event at the Summerland Art Gallery

December 4

Annual Christmas Craft Fair & Open House at Summerland Seniors Village. 10am-3pm.

December 7

Santa Paws at Critteraid Charity Shoppe. Pet photos with Santa from 12pm-3pm.

December 7

Summerland Legion hosts Lunch with Santa, 11am to 2pm.

December 15

Women Who Mean Business Networking/Potluck, hosted by Summerland Women's Fitness Centre

 The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce and First Data, a leader in the electronic payment processing industry, have partnered to bring Chamber members exclusive benefits to help grow B.C.'s businesses. Details available at First Data's website for Chambers.