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Dear Readers,
As a valued subscriber to our Connections Newsletter, we are pleased to let you know in advance of our official call, that we are now accepting nominations for the 2016 Business Excellence Awards!
Last year's new categories proved to be popular, and as such we are excited to bring back the
Micro Business Award and the
Social Enterprise Award. For more details or to download the nomination form,
click here.
Best Regards,
The Kelowna Chamber Team
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Your Business Plan: Heightened & Enlightened
Your Organization has a Life Cycle
Maybe you review your business plan annually. Maybe it's a document you created during infancy and haven't taken a look at since. Or perhaps your association is mandated to have a strategic plan. Whatever the case, your plan SHOULD take into consideration at which stage your business is in, and what the next stage will look like. Almost all organizations have a predictable sequence of developmental stages, rather a "life cycle".
 While some might believe that comparing a business model to a living organism is a bit far fetched, a closer examination of this metaphor would prove that it's a very viable theory. Each has a regular pattern of development: birth (start-up), growth, maturity, decline, and deat
h. Depending on the type of organization (corporate, not for profit, etc.) the stages can vary slightly.
Once the company has accepted this model, their chances of success are that much greater. Those that are oblivious, might for example, stop pursuing funding once experiencing expansion, and not be able to or know how to act on new opportunities when they arise. Additionally, if mature companies fail to implement steps to renew their growth, such as acquiring other companies or products, the model suggests that they will inevitably face the decline stage.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has partnered with TEC Canada to bring International Speaker, Ian MacDougall to Kelowna to speak more on this topic. To learn more about the Organizational Life Cycle and how to transition from one stage to the next without jeopardizing success, join us tonight at Okanagan Spirits.
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Annual Golf Tournament Announcement
New Course, New Day
Mark your calendars, we are please to announce that our 31st Annual Golf tournament will be held at The Harvest Golf Club on Wednesday, May 25th, 2016.
The course-change will allow for new scenery, service and sand traps - er - skill building. Start gathering your teammates as registration will open next week.
This year's tournament will also include a silent auction, with all proceeds going to charity. If you have a fabulous product or service you would like to donate to help one of our not for profits, contact Sarah. For information about sponsoring the event, please contact Caroline Miller, 250.469.7358.
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Member Referral Program
Mention joining the Chamber to a friend...
Every introduction by a member to a business that becomes a new member with us is currently rewarded with a $50 gift card to one of our 3 featured restaurants. Currently our featured restaurants are:
This is a true win-win! There is no limit to the amount of referrals you make. This program is generously sponsored by Kelowna
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New Roles at the Kelowna Chamber
Staff Changes Announcement
After more than a decade of managing the
Kelowna Chamber's events, Operations Manager, Dicky Dack will be shifting her focus back to Operations. Y
ou can find her at the front desk if you visit our office for a Business Smarts Seminar, Committee Meeting or just to brush up on your member benefits.
 Taking over events management is long-time employee Allison Conroy. She will also continue to manage all Chamber Communications.
Joining Allison in the Communications and Events office is Sarah Lust, previously handling reception and all things Board-related.
The ladies have settled nicely into their new roles and are looking forward to serving you!
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Leader Skills: Managing your Organization's Life Cycle
Learn a unique approach to Change Management,
based on the principle that organizations have a life cycle, exhibiting repetitive patterns of behavior as well as predictable problems as they grow and age. How well or poorly leadership addresses these issues will determine the ultimate success or failure of that organization.
Wednesday March 16th
5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Okanagan Spirits
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TOMMOROW!
Business & Bevvies @ Summerhill Winery
Join us at our March Business & Bevvies event on St. Patrick's Day at BC's "Green"est Winery - the iconic Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Jessica & Andy Photography are excited to be back to offer corporate headshots at this event.
Thursday March 17th
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
4870 Chute Lake Road
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Lessons in Leadership
featuring speaker
Raghwa Gopal
Raghwa is the current CEO of Accelerate Okangan, but he didn't get there overnight. Join the YPIB for this lunch and learn opportunity to hear from the founder of one of the region's first - and most successful tech companies, and his journey to the top.
Wednesday March 23rd
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
The Curious Cafe
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Kelowna Chamber AGM
featuring speaker
Sylvia Bosa
Sylvia Bosa, Director, Bosa Properties and Bluesky Properties Charitable Foundations, will speak about how big business and the charitable sector can work hand in hand.
Tuesday April 19th
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Delta Grand
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Noon Business Smarts:
How to get in the top 25% of your industry & stay there
Presented by Tim Young, Author of
How Much Money Can I Make?, attendees will learn proven strategies for starting, managing and exiting a Canadian Small Business.
Wednesday April 20th
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Kelowna Chamber
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Check out ALL Chamber & Community Event Listings:
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