Volunteers P.C. Ron Cannan and Laura Thurnheer making their rounds in the Mission area for the Annual Small Business Walk.
Dear Readers,

We are gearing up for our 30th Annual Business Excellence Awards next week! There is still time to register for a table or ticket by the October 6th deadline at 4pm. Get tickets before it's too late!
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The Kelowna Chamber was proud to participate in the 6th annual Central Okanagan Small Business Walks yesterday. We joined the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and other partners throughout the region to hit the pavement and connect to nearly 400 local businesses. The feedback we received will be added to the responses from the hundreds of other businesses visited by the volunteers on the walk yesterday. 
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Stop Unfair Tax Changes:
The Federal Government's consultation deadline has come and gone but that does not mean our advocacy is over. Stop unfair tax changes by signing the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's petition.
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Our  Member Satisfaction Survey is still accepting feeback and we want yours! We would appreciate hearing from you about your experience. Contact  Brittney to receive a link to the survey. Deadline to submit your response is tomorrow, October 6th at 4pm. Be entered into our draw to win $250 cash or Chamber credit.
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Our BDO Top 40 Under 40 program is officially underway.  Nominate someone deserving of this recognition today!


Warmest Regards,
The Kelowna Chamber Team
Upcoming Events
30th Annual Business Excellence Awards
Ticket sales close TOMORROW, OCT 6TH at 4 pm!
Oct 12 | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Delta Grand Okanagan Resort
Thurs, Oct 19 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | 1001 Manhattan Dr.
Fri, Nov 3 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Hotel Eldorado
**DATE CHANGE including NEW SPECIAL GUEST**
Oct 17 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Chamber Boardroom
Only $10 or a Business Smarts Voucher!
Commerce ConnEXPO
The Kelowna Chamber Ambassadors present the first of it's kind, The Commerce ConnEXPO; a small business trade show in partnership with Regus in the Landmark 6 building. Members have the option of participating as an exhibitor or as a vendor, with the opportunity to sell your wares just in time for the holiday shopping season! Come one come all, buy local and "shop the chamber". #ShoptheChamber #BuyLocal, #ChristmasShopping
New Members
MTL | montREALfood
Proxime
Sony Real Estate Inc.
Terra West Environmental Inc.
Business Leader of the Year
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce announced that Lane Merrifield will be named 2017 Business Leader, in conjunction with their Business Excellence Award program.
 
The prestigious Award recognizes and celebrates Lane for his outstanding contributions to the business community in the Central Okanagan. 

Read more about Lane's accomplishments below. Register for a ticket before it's too late!
Member News
  • Odette's Skin Laser Wellness Clinic will be hosting an open house on Thursday, Oct 12th from 10 - 4 pm at their clinic. Find out more here.
  • Maxine DeHart at the Ramada will be hosting the 19th Annual United Way Drive Thru Breakfast on Oct 12th. Make sure to donate and drive on thru for your breakfast bag!
  • On October 14th Shoe Bank Canada will be holding its first fundraising event, called My Canvas Has Laces. Because no Canadian should go without a decent pair of shoes!.Tickets also available at Roy's Shoe Repair.
     
  • Futurpreneur Canada is bringing the free Rock My Business Plan workshop series to Kelowna. In just three weeks, you will learn how to build a strong business plan with real-life feedback to take your business from idea to reality. The series starts on Wednesday, October 11th at Okanagan coLab. Register here.
  • Points West - Audio Visual will be showcasing technology at their Tech Show at the Ramada Hotel on Oct 19th from 1-7 pm. They will be demonstrating the latest in commercial technology products that include projectors, flat-screen displays, microphones, speakers, sound absorption/proofing, safety systems for healthcare and much more. Register here.
  • Congrats to the Regional District of Central Okanagan's Economic Development Commission (COEDC) on being recognized by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities for its leadership and efforts to strengthen agriculture in the region through its Agriculture Support Program. 
  • Accelerate Okanagan will be hosting a 'Women in Technology Unwine'd' event today, October 5th. Join their Women in Tech Facebook group for more information.
  • Diversified Rehabilitation Group will be hosting a free Lunch and Learn on the Principles of Successful Return-to-Work programs on Nov 9th from 11:30 - 1:00 pm at their office on Gordon Dr. Register here.
Small Business Week
Small Business Week is from October 16, 2017 to October 20, 2017 and presents a welcome opportunity to acknowledge the contributions that entrepreneurs and small business owners make to the Canadian economy and our Kelowna community.

We are excited to be hosting several events during small business week including our Morning Business Smarts and our monthly networking event, Commerce ConneX.

Together with the Province of British Columbia, Small Business BC is offering both their education and Ask the Expert services for free, during this week. You can attend over 10 seminars, webinars, and Ask the Expert sessions. Very valuable resources for your small business!

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