November 3 | 2020
NEWS & UPDATES
Join us Next Week as we Explore Financial Security & Implications for Your Business
Are you aware of the role demographics and consumer spending play in the markets, and how market cycles will impact your business in the future?

A lot has changed over the past year, and this includes how we look at our future financial plans. Financial security plays a large role in our future planning and ensuring you are informed as a business owner/operator, or consumer will help you to succeed in predicting your business' moves for the future. During this event, we meet with Financial Security expert Rhona Stanislaus from ITI Financial to discuss how the power to predict can impact your business' future.
Space is Limited! Registration for November's Board Governance Training is Open
A must-have for Board Directors, CEOs and those interested in becoming Directors; this workshop offers you the essential strategies and best practices of Boards who have discovered how to govern effectively, efficiently, and in a manner that is results-oriented.
 
Join us Saturday November 21 from 9:00am - 2:00pm for this workshop where Deb McClelland will lead you through strategies and best practices that will help you and your board function better than ever before.
Kelowna Chamber Golf Tourney Provides Financial Support for Local Organizations
Last Friday we came together to celebrate some of the charities who took part in our 35th annual Chamber Golf Tournament.

#WEcreateBC Launched to Celebrate Female Entrepreneurs
The Womens Enterprise Centre has launched a fun initiative in partnership with the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, called #WEcreateBC. The initiative is an online campaign to celebrate female entrepreneurs and the communities that support them. From October 26 - November 19, you are encouraged to tell your story, shout out your favourite woman-owned business, thank your mentor, or share how you support women entrepreneurs.
Request for Updated Information from Kelowna Chamber Members
To ensure accurate and effective communication with our members, we like to keep up to date on contacts within your organization. If new team members have joined your organization, moved on from your organization, or any current team members have updated contact information, please email our Member Services Coordinator Jenna to be sure we have the correct information on file.
Exciting Practicum Opportunities Available with Sprott Shaw Students
The practicum opportunities available for students with Sprott Shaw College consist of a supervised practicum experience at one of their affiliated employers. The practicum allows their students to gain real-world, hands-on experience using the theory, methods and skills gained in their program. Sprott Shaw College offers monthly intakes, meaning they have practicum students working across the province year-round. To find out more about practicum placement opportunities for your business, call Giovanna at 250-860-8884 or email giovanna.pegoretti@sprottshaw.com.
Social Issues Top Public Agenda in Latest Citizen Survey
Last week, City Council reviewed results of the 2020 Citizen Survey at their regular Council meeting. Although citizens believe Kelowna’s overall quality of life is good, indicators point to a continued focus on addressing homelessness, transportation, and crime and safety. The public agenda continues to see social issues (46%) and transportation (22%) as the top mentions.  The COVID pandemic (8%), growth and development (7%), and the economy (7%) are secondary mentions. 
Tourism Kelowna puts on Winter Mini Market Series to Support Local Businesses
Tourism Kelowna has announced their Winter Mini Market Series; a series of small events designed to help support as many small businesses as possible. These businesses would normally rely on revenue generated from large scale craft and holiday markets, which are not able to take place due to COVID-19. The markets will take place every Saturday and Sunday from November 7 to December 20 in the Kelowna Visitor Centre and will consist of 2-3 vendors set up each day.
United Way Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Stay at Home Gala
Robert Fine hosts an inspiring & entertaining evening of live music and colourful stories of our valley’s history, and those who've helped shape this place we call home. Gather together safely, to celebrate & be inspired by seven decades in our valley. The goal: to raise $70,000 for vital local programs that help our communities thrive, and support our most vulnerable neighbours. Proceeds from this event help ensure vital support for vulnerable children, youth, families & seniors is there when they need it, and that United Way’s focus on addressing the root causes of those issues continues for decades to come. 
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Local Non-Profit Adapting to Serve the Needs of Community Members who Need it Most
The YMCA of Okanagan was established nearly 40 years ago as a cause-driven charity with a mission to build healthy individuals and communities. The organization provides a wide range of programs and services for all ages, abilities and backgrounds, and all stages of life. This week, we (virtually) sat down with the team at the YMCA of Okanagan to learn more about how they're inviting guests back to their centres, and what's on the horizon.
How has the YMCA of Okanagan approached the recent pandemic, and how are you welcoming guests back?
We are lucky to be able to continue making a positive impact on our community throughout this pandemic. Like most organizations, we had to close our doors for a period of time, but our teams were quick to adapt our programs, delivering them virtually to ensure those who depend on our services could access them. We provided child care to essential service workers and offered free online resources focused on personal development, and mental and physical health, such as virtual fitness classes, youth employment and mental wellness services. We were also able to provide food hampers and lunch-and-learn kits for our young parents and some of our most at-risk families isolated at home. 
 
Since reopening our centres in June, we have made the safety of our staff, members and participants our number one priority and have welcomed back many of our members — though there is still room for more. It is incredible to hear how happy our members are to be back. As a community hub, there are many who rely on us for social connections, rehabilitation, routines and their overall physical and mental health. 
What is something our readers might be surprised to know about the YMCA of Okanagan?
We’re so much more than a gym and swim – Last year, our YMCA distributed over $1 Million, providing financial assistance to those in need and funding vital programs that would not run without donor support. Not everyone knows this, but 100% of funds donated to the Y go to those in need, and as a charity any revenue we earn goes back into building a healthier community. You can feel good about being a part of the Y — whether as a donor, volunteer, member or participant. And our programs and services encompass much more than fitness; they help young parents graduate from high school, aging adults prevent and manage chronic disease, and young people not only prepare to enter the workforce but also support their mental wellness. 

What is the team at the YMCA looking forward to/planning for the future? 
I think we are all looking forward to putting this pandemic behind us and returning to a bustling, social and connected community once again. We also cannot wait to welcome back more of our valued members and program participants, many of whom call the YMCA their second home. In the near future, we will be working on enhancing our virtual service options for our Y community members, and we look forward to opening two new child care sites located on Dilworth Mountain and in Lake Country, in partnership with Central Okanagan Public Schools, that will serve nearly 200 more families needing care for their children while they work hard to keep our economy stable.
Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Drop us a line!