Welcome new Chamber members 

Summerland Drop in Recreation Centre Association : Summerland Drop in Recreation Centre offers a variety of drop in activities for all ages.

iKhaya Day Spa: iKhaya Day Spa strives to create a piece of paradise on Earth by ensuring their clients experience a feeling of reflective meditation and positive personal transformation.
There are a whole host of things planned for April, including events, special blogs, highlighted media content, prize givaways and more highlight the spectacular wine industry in BC.

Visit the BC Wine Institute's new website for information on how you can get involved.
#BCWineMonth

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As we inch closer to the 2018 summer season, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is taking a series of steps to better understand the economic impacts of the 2017 spring and summer season that was so heavily impacted by flooding and wildfires. After the wildfires had subsided, TOTA took immediate steps to invigorate tourism marketing efforts throughout the region with both fall and winter campaigns and is currently launching a spring campaign to further enhance marketing efforts to our region.

TOTA is asking for your help to fill out this 5-7 minute survey which will provide valuable information to:
  • Accurately reflect the economic impacts of the 2017 wildfires on the tourism industry in the TOTA region
  • Assist in the creation of a legacy plan that will support mitigation measures in future natural disaster situations
  • Help direct marketing efforts
  • Provide key information to assist in managing media communications and messaging
  • Assist in informing government decisions

Strong participation is critical to ensuring that the economic estimates are accurate and planning insights reflect member views. 

As an added incentive to filling out the survey, we will be awarding a $200 Air Canada Voucher to one lucky winner. Only those who complete the survey will be eligible to win the voucher.
Click the link below to complete the survey:

Roch Fortin, Maple Roch Pure Canadian Maple has been shortlisted as one of three finalists for the BC Food and Beverage Rising Star Award.  This is one of eight awards that will be presented at this year's Gala Awards Dinner at FoodProWest on June 21, 2018 at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver. The final award winner will be selected by a panel of judges, and be based on information provided in the nomination as well as the two minute video produced. 

"Join us from in downtown Summerland on May 4 from 6pm – 9pm for an evening of wine and shopping! Enjoy wine from some of Summerland’s finest wineries, great food and of course, shopping at Summerland’s unique boutiques and stores. Downtown Summerland—it’s everything but ordinary!"
Call for Models

We are currently seeking models for a content production team coming to Summerland on May 9th. If you are available and interested, please contact us as soon as possible.
250-494-2686 or email membership@summerlandchamber.com

Have you claimed your Google Business Listing yet? This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure that your customers know where to find you and how to contact you.

Post basic information like hours of operation and contact information. Customers are able to leave reviews and post photos of your business, helping to enhance your listing further. This also increases the trustworthiness of your business and makes you stand out.

So what are you waiting for?

If you would like assistance claiming your listing, please contact us.
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Export Navigator Workshop / Market Expansion Information Session
May 1st @ 1:00pm
Summerland Chamber Boardroom

This session is aimed at the aspiring small or medium-sized business owner looking to expand into the international marketplace. Led by Community Futures North Okanagan, you will recieve information on various export factors such as market research, international product coding, distribution concerns and any agencies you might need to connect with.

The benefits of exporting are multi-tiered, including the diversifying of your customer base, increasing profitability and fostering innovation just to name a few. Join us to learn more. RSVP in advance to reserve your spot.
Getting involved in the community

Earth Week -  April 16 - 22
There are lots of events happening throughout the community for Earth Week. Visit the District of Summerland website for events times and get involved!

National Volunteering Week - April 15 - 21
Summerland has many organizations that could use an extra pair of hands. Volunteer your time, skills and expertise to keep this community moving forward.

Neighbourlink Week - May 7 -11
Neighbourlink Summerland is planning a number of events from May 7 - 11, visit their website to learn more.
UNISUS International School is offering a special one-time bursary program for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 students for the 2018-2019 academic year. Bursary applications may be made for one year or more to a maximum of seven years or the child reaches Grade 6.
Contact admission@unisus.ca or call (250) 404-3232 before May 1 for further information.
Funding is available for April, May and June hires. The Program, funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Job Fund, offers employers a $2,800 wage subsidy to hire and train eligible youth 15 to 29 years of age. The funding helps BC Youth improve existing skills and gain new ones through practical experience and on-the-job-training.

"For 25 years, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards has recognized the achievements of Canada’s entrepreneurial trailblazers.
Why? Entrepreneurs drive growth. Entrepreneurs live outside the box. Entrepreneurs disrupt with purpose. Entrepreneurs take Canadian businesses to the next level. We think that’s worth celebrating"

Upcoming Events
Did you know? Business Buzz is published in the Summerland Review and the Thompson Okanagan Business Examiner - Another reason to email us your latest news!