The sun was shining on another successful Kelowna Chamber golf tourney at the Harvest last week. More than 140 golfers from businesses and organizations across the Okanagan took some time out of the office to network and engage in a little friendly competition. 

And now for your dose of glory... here are all the winners from the day. Note that this wasn't just for bragging rights:

• 1st Place Team (-15) - Jarrett Yamaoka, Steve Pavelich & Jeff Chipchase of Wilson M. Beck Insurance won Kelowna Rockets tickets in the Prospera Credit Union VIP Suite
• 2nd Place Team (-14) - Mark Bowland, Matthew Webber, Kevin Schmidt & Jacob Almey of CIBC won rounds of golf at the Harvest and gift cards to the harvest pro shop
• Most Honest - Clayton Richert, Ray Warren, Riley Darke and Mike Houghton of RBC won gift cards to Golf Town and Parke Pacific Swag Bag
• Women's KP (Hole 16) - Wendy Foley won a golf bag courtesy of Pacific Brewing
• Women's Long Drive (Hole 17) - Jess Orlowski won a 50" TV
• Men's KP (Hole 23) - Jacob Almey won a Golf Bag courtesy of CIBC
• Men's Long Drive (Hole 9) - Maxwell Shaw won a 50" TV
• Putting Contest Winner - John Onslow won a loaded beer fridge courtesy of TD Benefits

It was another successful showing as we went eight for eight in getting support for the policy resolutions we tabled at the BC AGM in Burnaby May 23-25.

Among those resolutions was calling for a complete end to the BC Speculation Tax and building an aviation innovation cluster in the Okanagan which would include specialized training. 

You can read the full story  here. T he complete list of our adopted policies is available on our  website . 

Onward to the Canadian Chamber AGM this fall in St. John, NB! 

Member Services Manager Heather Kalman stopped by the United Way of Southern Interior BC to pass a cheque to Jeremy Lugowy, Manager, Corporate Giving. The funds were raised at a recent Kelowna Chamber event via our Community Connections program. If you are a non-profit interested in participating in the program, please check out our website. 

PAID ADVERTISING

Started in 2013, Okanagan Counselling Services is a comprehensive clinic in Kelowna that offers a wide range of services to help their clients deal with any challenging life circumstances or mental health concerns. We popped by this week to get an update from owner Nicole Ripley.

Q: What is something you wish you knew when you first began?

NR: I would say a better knowledge about business. I studied psychology for 7 years, however in those 7 years I didn't take a single business course. I found power in connecting with mentors, which is how I got the business side started. 

Q: What is something people might not know about Okanagan Counselling Services?

NR:  We have master level physicians that specialize in a broad range of services. We even offer specialized training for front line staff of businesses and organizations in how to manage crisis and react to difficult situations. 

Q: What are you looking forward to in the future?

NR: We're looking forward to possibly expanding into a new city and to offer more subsidy options for people who qualify for assistance. 

Check out Okanagan Clinical Counselling's website to learn more about their services. 

Thank you to the following member who hit recently hit significant milestones in their membership with us. We appreciate you and are honoured to serve as your Chamber!

A lot has been learned since Canada legalized cannabis last October and brought an entire multi-billion dollar industry out of the shadows.  On June 25, we're back with an expert panel for another look at the Business of Cannabis. 

Panelist include: 

• Dr Terry Lake ,  VP Corporate & Social Responsibility, HEXO Corp. S ixteen years of political experience in public health policy, past Mayor of Kamloops, MLA and BC Minister 2009-2017.  Current federal Liberal candidate for Kamloops. 
• Chantel Popoff ,  COO Valens GroWorks. With experience in retail pharmacy marketing and health food operations, Chantel now looks after growth and HR for Valens. 
• Dr Lyle Oberg ,  Chief Policy & Medical Officer, Director, Flowr Corp.  Fourteen years as an independent medical practitioner; MLA & Alberta Minister 1993-2008.  
• Dan Winer ,  Director of Marketing Starbuds/Compass.  Bringing the retail view, Dan is committed to cannabis improving the lives of Canadians.  
• Peter Guo ,  MNP's BC Leader, BC Cannabis Advisory team. 25 years risk management & consulting services to organizations; MNP has worked with licensed producers, entrepreneurs & investors to the Canadian Cannabis Sector.  

Chamber Sponsorship Opportunities

With close to 1200 members, 50+ events annually, and access to one of BC's fastest growing business communities, working with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce makes sense. Through sponsorship, members gain access to senior level audiences and benefit from enhanced visibility that results in new business, higher profile and overall increased brand recognition. Contact  brett@kelownachamber.org for more info.