IGNITE OKANAGAN 2019 EMPLOYER SYMPOSIUM
Wednesday, March 6 2019 | 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Coast Capri 
Are you an employer looking to gain insight into recruiting, hiring and retaining diverse and immigrant talent?

We're pleased to support the Central Okanagan Local Immigrant Partnership (COLIP) for this year's Ignite Okanagan, where we'll also be welcoming Cicely Blain as our very special Luncheon Series keynote speaker from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  
About Keynote Speaker Cicely Blain

Award-winning writer and activist Cicely Belle Blain is also the CEO of Cicely Blain Consulting, a consulting firm committed to making organizations more inclusive and more diverse. 
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
Important Update Regarding Stephen Harper Event
 - Location change and additional tickets
Tuesday, March 12 2019 | 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Delta Grand Resort
Due to a high demand for tickets, we've moved venues for this event.

In Conversation with Stephen J. Harper, Former Prime Minister of Canada will now take place at the Delta Grand Hotel at 1310 Water St. All other details including the time and ticket prices will remain the same. 

We made this decision because we felt the need to expand our ability to include more members of the community in this unique opportunity.

A reminder to please arrive early to ensure you find parking. You must be in your seat before the event begins.  Once again, we thank sponsors JDS Energy and Mining and Troika Developments Inc. for making this event possible.

Additional tickets are now available on our website:
 
Presenters for the 2019 Kelowna Economic Scorecard Luncheon - (left to right) Dr. Heather Banham, Dean (retired), Okanagan School of Business;  Robert Fine, Director of Business and Entrepreneurial Development, City of Kelowna;  Kelowna Chamber President Carmen Sparg,  Kelowna Chamber Executive Director Dan Rogers;  Dr. Lynn Sparling, Chair, Business Administration, Okanagan College 
The results are in...

Over 170 Kelowna residents, business owners and stakeholders gathered on Feb. 11 at the Coast Capri Hotel to be the first to hear the results of the first-ever Kelowna Economic Scorecard.  Find out how we ranked, where we're succeeding and where we need to improve by reading or downloading the full report. 
IS BC LOSING ITS EDGE?
 Mike Jacobs, CEO Of Emil Anderson Construction weighs in 
Is BC losing its edge? That's the question posed in the feature story of the latest issue of BCBusiness.  Be sure to check out the article and hear what Mike Jacobs, CEO of Emil Anderson Construction, has to say about the new Employer Health Tax and more.  Read more
MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEY - 
Here's where we tell you what you told us!
The results are in...

We measured seven indicators against 2017 as a comparison - asked two new questions - and asked for your suggestions for how we can do more for you in 2019. Ratings went up or stayed the same in most categories.

Some key findings:
  • Establishing a business profile remains a key driver of Why membership is important to me
  • Value of Chamber Membership relative to investment went up significantly
  • Value of Chamber programs such as lunches and Commerce Connex went up
  • Scrapping the Speculation Tax and Removing Interprovincial Trade Barriers scored the highest on Advocacy Issues
  • Some great feedback for how we operate including asking for longer lead times on events listed on our website, continuing meetings with Chamber staff to review programs and benefits and a continuing emphasis on advocacy issues.
Thank you to everyone who contributed with their input. Please continue to reach out to us with your feedback and plan to participate in next year's survey.
We have a survey participation prize winner!

Shout out to Ross Marrington of BCgolfguide.com Golf Travel Services, winner of our draw for participating in this year's survey.

As promised, Ross wins a free ticket to any Kelowna Chamber event this year. He still hasn't decided but we'll keep you posted. 

Thanks again to all of our participants and we hope you keep your eyes and ears open for more chance to get involved and win some prizes.

CHAMBER BREAKFAST: POST-PROVINCIAL BUDGET
Wednesday, February 20 2019 | 7:30am - 9:15am | Coast Capri
What's in this year's provincial budget?

We're bringing the experts to the Coast Capri to help you better understand what's in the budget and how it affects your bottom line while you enjoy a delicious hot breakfast. 

Registration closes tomorrow at noon. Don't miss your chance!
COMMERCE CONNEX AT PROSPERA CREDIT UNION
Thursday, February 21 2019 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Prospera CU
Commerce Connex returns next Thursday. Come meet the team at Prospera Credit Union on Harvey and enjoy appies and beverages, win some door prizes and make some connections. We hope to see you there!
KCC POLICY UPDATE
Tax season is almost here...
The last time Canada undertook a comprehensive review of its tax system, humankind had yet to set foot on the moon. In the five decades since, repeated cutting and pasting has left Canadian taxation uncompetitive, cumbersome and inefficient. 

Hot off the press, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has released their report, 50 Years of Cutting and Pasting: Modernizing Canada's Tax System. Learn more
SPONSORSHIP NEWS
We're pleased to announce Parke Pacific Projects Ltd. as the title sponsor for the 34th Annual Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament! 

We hit the links on May 29, 2019 at the Harvest Golf Club. 

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please confirm by Feb. 22, and your business will be entered into a draw for a free newsletter ad. 

Please contact Brett Kryskow at brett@kelownchamber.org. Limited sponsorship opportunities remain.

He does it all!
Chamber Executive Director Dan Rogers took a shift digging our office out of the snow this week.

Is it summer yet?

Stay safe out there everyone.
Watch for the next issue of Connexions on Feb 28, 2019.
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