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| Message from the President | |
The current municipal election is a hot topic in many communities, including ours.
While the Chamber of Commerce does not endorse any particular candidates, we would certainly like to see a business friendly mayor and council elected.
(As per Merriam Webster dictionary, a "Chamber of Commerce" is: an association of business people to promote commercial and industrial interests in the community.)
From this perspective, we understand the necessity for growth and what that actually means to a healthy and financially stable community. Not only to do business in, but to also reside in as taxpayers. We enjoy the same amenities as everyone else.
Without getting into the nitty gritty about what makes a healthy community for all, suffice it to say that businesses are responsible for filling empty buildings and building new ones, paying taxes (at a notably higher percentage than residential or agricultural), creating jobs close to home, contributing to infrastructure, supporting our community events and clubs, and they contribute to local spending to name a few. And we are very fortunate to have many businesses here that also help to put us on the map for tourists and future residents.
I'm hearing a lot of talk about "vision" and "leadership", but the definition of those two words depends on your point of view.
"Vision" is not simply about having ideas. As a community, we've always had plenty of ideas, but ideas without action is futile.
And "leadership" should not be confused with having the ability to tell people what they want to hear. Leadership without action is futile also.
"Lead" is a verb after all.
Business owners and entrepreneurs have always had vision - and they're not afraid to take action.
It's time to get out of their way.
And, in my opinion, this is a role of major importance for any Mayor and Council.
Kind regards,
Arlene Fenrich
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| Message from the Manager |  Hi Everyone, As many of you are aware, the Chamber has business retention and attraction as one of our key areas of activity. We provide this and other economic development services as part of our fee-for-service agreement with the District of Summerland. Currently the Chamber is active with regional economic development partners in six widely diverse portfolios ranging from bike path development, regional airport development, attracting people from oil workers to immigrants to our communities, and expanding our presence nationally and globally. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more details about any of these initiatives. Last week, and closer to home, the Chamber launched four more economic development videos. These are short companion videos to the longer ec dev video that was released in February. This library of videos has been created with financial support from the District of Summerland and shot by business member ET2 Media. Shot over the summer, the most recently released videos specifically cover science and technology, wineries and agriculture, manufacturing in Summerland and investment. Because of our community's deep roots in agriculture, there is a distinct ag flavor to each of these videos. If you haven't seen them yet, we hope you'll take a look. Kind regards, Christine Petkau |
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All Candidates Forum: November 4
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Want to know what the candidates are talking about? Read their answers to business questions here.
Save the Date: November 4 Forum
The Chamber and co-sponsor The Summerland Review will be co-hosting a community all candidates meeting on November 4th in the Summerland Secondary School gym.
The gym was chosen due to its high seating capacity as up to 900 people can be accommodated.
The doors open at 6:00 pm and residents are invited to meet the candidates. Speakers will begin at 6:30. Mayoral candidates will speak first. Following a brief break, council candidates will answer questions. Seating will be available at floor level with auxiliary seating in the bleachers. The forum will be moderated by local consultant Wilfred Barranoik.
Questions for the candidates can be emailed by Nov. 2 to the Chamber at |
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Festival of Lights: Christmas Rocks!
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It's that time again, when Summerland prepares for streets packed with thousands of people who know how to kick off the holiday season in style. Last November alone, there were nearly 11,000 visits to the Lightup website.
Rock around the streets This year's Light-up theme is "Christmas Rocks" and Main Stage will come alive with Rock n' Roll performances. The streets will be filled with festival goers enjoying colourful street performers, children's entertainment, amazing food, dramatic ice sculptures, the official light-up countdown, jaw-dropping fireworks and a special fire dancing performance.
Last call for vendor applications! Light-up always includes fabulous food and gift vendors. Vendors interested in applying to the Festival can visit the Lightup website and follow the links relevant to what you will be selling/serving. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] for more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities There is still time to join the Festival as a White Snowflake Sponsor. Download the sponsorship form to learn more about the opportunities for your business. |
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Advertise: 2015 Summerland Telephone & Business Directory
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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].
Cover Photo Contest: This year, it's all about #mysummerland. Click here for details for this year's contest! |
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Business after Business
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With so much focus on social media promotion, it's easy to let in-person networking take a back seat. From making new connections to sharing knowledge with others in the business community, networking makes sense when you're looking to grow your company. Check out Small Business BC's Top 5 benefits to networking.
Upcoming Business after Business events: - November 18: Critteraid Shop at 13208 Victoria Road North, 5-7pm.
- December 16: Annual Chamber Christmas Party at the Chamber Office, 5-7pm.
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Save the date! 77th annual Business and Community Awards Gala
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| New members |  |
A warm welcome to our newest members:
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| VOTE: NOVEMBER 15 | |
Saturday, November 15th is General Voting Day at the Summerland High School or Giant's Head Elementary School.
Advance Voting:
Wednesday, November 5th and Wednesday, November 12th
Click here for details.
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| Upcoming Events | |
Tuesday, November 18
Business after Business, hosted by Critteraid on Main Street. Wine by Okanagan Crush Pad and Saxon Estate Winery. 5-7pm.
Tuesday, December 16
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Member Hosted Events
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October 31
Funding and Support Programs for Startups, hosted by Accelerate Okanagan. 1-2pm Kelowna. Click here for details.
November 1
IGA Summerland officially kicks off their Festival of Lights Small Business Challenge, in support of the Summerland Food Bank. Visit the IGA Facebook page to learn more and get your business involved.
November 8
Bottleneck Drive and partners celebrate Wine Tourism Day. Visit the Bottleneck Drive website for more information on events.
November 8
Peanuts and Pumpkins Kids Shop & Summerland Welcome Wagon host Summerland Presents - Christmas Fair at the Boys and Girls Club, 10am-3pm.
November 13
Coco's Collections presents Shine, a fundraising evening for SADI. 7:30pm, Centre Stage Theatre.
December - multiple dates
Kettle Valley Steam Railway has announced multiple dates for their annual Christmas Express.
Tell us about your event: Email us to submit an event to the Community Events Calendar.
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| Chamber welcomes events assistant |
The Chamber has welcomed Kelsey Malden as our events assistant. From Festival of Lights and the annual Business and Community Awards Gala, to social media and more, expect to see a lot of Kelsey in the community in the coming months.
As Kelsey has "lived and breathed" Summerland Light-Up since she was a child, she is excited to be returning to the Okanagan to help coordinate the event this year.
In the past she has worked for The University of British Columbia and for numerous Non-profit organizations. After spending 3 years away in Vancouver attending university, Kelsey is happy to be able to come back to the friendly valley she grew up in.
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| Nominations Open: Small Business BC Awards | |
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| Member Benefit: Chamber Group Insurance Plan |
 Benefit options include life, health, dental and travel care insurance, vision care, short and long-term disability, business overhead benefits and many others. Guaranteed renewable contract.
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| Federal Taxation of your Chambers Plan Premiums & Benefits |
Are employer paid premiums taxable to the employees?
Are claim benefits a taxable benefit to employees?
Click here to find out the answers. For more information about the Chambers Group Insurance Plan or to register your company, contact Brown Benefits. |
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