Dear Readers,

The City of Kelowna, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, the City of Kasugai, and the Kasugai Chamber of Commerce and Industry engaged in the official signing of the Sister City Agreement at our Agricultural Expo last month. This agreement aims to promote the development of both cities toward sister city friendship and aims to further the development by tackling economic activity and other new exchanges.

We sent out a short survey to all of our membership last week on the impact the proposed Federal taxation policy will have on small businesses. There is still time to complete it  here. Please read further for more information on how the Kelowna Chamber is responding.

Our BDO Top 40 Under 40 program is officially underway with our first Honouree published in the Daily Courier this week. Nominate someone deserving of this recognition today!

Read our Executive Director Dan Rogers', column, September Marks Shift Into High(er) Gear for Kelowna Chamber  in this month's Business Examiner . Dan covers all of the hot policy topics in which the Chamber is proactively involved.

Warmest Regards,

The Kelowna Chamber Team

Tues, Sept 19 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Chamber Boardroom

Thurs, Sept 21 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | 3rd Floor - 1665 Ellis Street

Chamber Luncheon Series with Keynote Speaker

Charles Duncan, New President WestJet Encore

Sept 29 | 11:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Coast Capri Hotel

A chance to win 2 tickets to a WestJet destination with each registration!

Did you know that the proposed corporate tax policy changes by the federal government are the most significant in fifty years?

We know the proposed changes will impact hundreds of thousands of small business owners across the country, but we want to hear from you. Are you aware of the proposed changes? Do you have an opinion as to whether they will impact you and if so, to what degree?

If you haven't completed our special membership survey on this issue please do, or simply send a quick email with your thoughts to hello@kelownachamber.org. You are also encouraged to communicate directly with your local MP whether that is Kelowna -Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr or Central Okanagan MP Dan Albas.

Your Chamber, of course, continues to raise this issue with as many elected officials as possible and that means working with both our Kelowna area MPs. We are also thankful that we've secured access to both the Federal Finance Minister and the Prime Minister in order to make our case directly to them; asking them to either shelve these proposals or at the very least extent the consultation period so there is a better understanding on all sides of the ramifications of these massive changes.

The government's consultation period remains open until early October, so you are encouraged to submit your concerns. It will also be the subject of a special resolution that will go to the floor of the Canadian Chamber AGM at the end of next month in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Stay tuned for more!

• Picture Perfect is hosting their Second Annual Special Ladies Only event on Friday, September 29th from 5-8pm. This event will be with popular Alberta artist Kathy Meaney at Gray Monk Winery.

• Okanagan College's Enactus team purchased and installed two iPads in Interior Health's mobile unit and safe injection site. Access to the iPads will be free and is open to all visitors as a resource to connect with their loved ones. 

• The Kelowna Art Gallery is seeking volunteers for their school tour program. Please call the Gallery at 250-762-2226 for more information.

• CMHA Kelowna will be hosting their annual Mental Health Voices Awards Breakfast in November. Nominations are now open for the 2017 Mentally Healthy Workplace Awards. Submit here.

• The 3rd Annual On the Lawn powered by BDO Canada was able to raise $23,100 towards Elevation Outdoors, a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the lives of underprivileged youth by teaching them outdoor sports.

• This October 19th, on International Credit Union Day, Interior Savings is once again celebrating its annual Day of Difference, a day to recognize its cooperative values and celebrate those who are making a difference in their community.

Considering membership with the Chamber? Not sure of the benefits we offer?

CONNECTION

The Chamber's role is to act as a  catalyst for business development.  We generate opportunities to  connect with other businesses and to  network throughout our region.

Over 65 events per year give you  ample opportunity to pick and  choose: network after hours, attend  an educational breakfast or listen to  business and government leaders

over lunch with your colleagues and  customers.

* Access our 3,000 newsletter  subscribers with ads.

* Share with our 7,400 twitter  followers.

* Our home page reaches 2,300  viewers per week.

ADVANTAGE

Members of the Kelowna Chamber  save money. Business discount plans  save you cash on health insurance,  fuel, merchant bank fees and office  supplies, among many other benefits.

* Business and industry-specific  expos.

* Advertising incentives with  KelownaNow / Capital News.

* Operating discounts.

* Dozens of coupons and savings on  your mobile device.

* Refer a member and receive a  restaurant gift card.

INFLUENCE

We're large. 1,300+ voting members  makes us one of the largest chambers  in the province. Plus, we're the  powerhouse of the B.C. interior, and  especially of the Okanagan Valley.  Our membership base has a strong  voice - and we carry influence at all  levels of government. It's inherent in  our mission to promote local business  interests and promote business  growth.

* Being a member provides instant  credibility with your customer base.

* 63% of potential purchasers are  more likely to buy from a Chamber  member than from anyone else.