April 20 | 2021
CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES
Chamber to Advocate for Business Amid Extended Restrictions
On Monday, the provincial government announced that it will be extending its provincial health restrictions that came into effect on March 29th for another five weeks until midnight on May 25 and that includes:
  • Restaurants, pubs and bars are closed for indoor dining. Outdoor patio seating and take-out or delivery is allowed.
  • Indoor low intensity group exercise classes are cancelled.
  • Workplaces with a COVID-19 exposure may be ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days.
 
In addition, to curb transmission across the province over the coming weeks, non-essential travel will be limited to within health authorities. Just how that might work (and cost) will be explained later this week as Solicitor General Mike Farnworth is expected to release details of a supporting order on Friday.
 
Over the last year, businesses have worked hard to establish enhanced safety protocols to keep their employees and customers safe. Shouldering that responsibility for a further five weeks to help curb transmission will come at a further cost to business that will need to be addressed.
Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant Applications Still Open
The recently announced Business Relief Grant program is open for applications with only about 60% of expected applications received to date. Grants of $1,000 to $10,000 are available to hospitality and fitness businesses impacted by the March 30, 2021 PHO orders. The grant is to help with expenses like rent, insurance, employee wages, maintenance and utilities. Grants are available until June 4.
Did you miss our Federal Budget Briefing Breakfast with KPMG?
Don't worry if you missed our Budget Briefing Session with KPMG this morning as the recording will be available shortly.

We will let members know when it's ready or you can just send us an email that you are interested in watching the recap and we'll send you the direct link to watch. The session included an analysis from the KPMG team here in Kelowna as well as an overview from the Kelowna Chamber's perspective.

Want to watch the Budget Briefing? Just email: hello@kelownachamber.org
April Business Smarts: 8 Steps for Turning Your Service into A Product
Are you a service based company that has been hard hit by the pandemic? Over the past year, consumers and businesses have drastically cut their expenditures on services to conserve cash and avoid human contact. However, we're still buying products that meet immediate needs.

Join us this morning from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM to learn how to capitalize on this flight to purchase products and how as a service provider you can productize your service.
Registration is Filling Quickly for the Chamber's 36th Annual Day of Golf!
The clock is ticking towards  one of the valley’s most anticipated business events of the year, the 36th annual Chamber Golf Tourney Wednesday May 26 at the Harvest Golf Club. We know Bonnie is going to let us play....right?

Parke Pacific Projects Ltd. and the rest of our fantastic sponsors invite you to enjoy the day of golf, get in on the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes, and do some good will along the way in supporting a number of community non-profit organizations. Register your foursome now.
On the Chamber Blog - Meetings Suck: How to Run Effective Meetings
Cameron Herold, also known as the CEO Whisperer, has lots to say about running meetings. Although many in the business world complain about meetings, Herold claims that it is not the meetings themselves that are so horrible, but rather the inexperience of those running them. He recommends following these tips for memorable, effective meetings.
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UPDATES IN OUR NETWORK
Last Chance to Have Your Voice Heard - Impact Survey Closes TODAY
The Kelowna Chamber in partnership with the BC Chamber has launched a recent COVID Impact Survey, to track the workforce challenges and the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on BC businesses. 

We want to hear from business in the Okanagan – how is COVID affecting you? Have new BC pandemic restrictions impacted your business? Your feedback to this survey will help us understand how your business is doing and what supports we can advocate for in this critical time. The survey should take no more than 8 minutes to complete.
Stewart Family Invests in Health at Okanagan College
A tip of the hat to the Stewart family for donating $50,000 to support the education of health care professionals at Okanagan College. The gift will recognize Rosemary and Richard “Dick” Stewart. Dick, a founder of Quails’ Gate Estate Winery and Kelowna City Councillor, passed away nearly one year ago at the age of 94. The Stewart family gift will support a student study lounge on the third floor of the Health Sciences Centre.
UBC Sauder's New Virtual Mini-MBA Starts June 14 - Applications Now Open
UBC Sauder’s School of Business has announced a new virtual Mini-MBA, running over a 1 month period with 11 morning sessions. Open your mind to a bigger view of business and gain confidence in your business skills. Sessions Start May 26, 2021. 

The “Mini MBA” is a certificate program that is designed to strengthen your understanding of the business world and help you prepare for your future goals.
BDO's TOP FORTY OVER 40
BDO's Top 40 Over 40 program celebrates remarkable individuals in our community over the age of 40 as a means to showcase mentors, champions and role models who encourage and foster the future leaders of our community. 

Check out our website to nominate your favorite mentor or business coach CLICK HERE.
BECKY KRENZEL | Beloved & Bespoke Ltd.

Beloved & Bespoke curates handcrafted gift boxes with love for individuals and corporate clients to feel good about themselves, trusted and appreciated. Becky’s impact on the Central Okanagan has been significant. The company has been able to support over 25 different small businesses in and around the Okanagan. Starting a business during the pandemic was significant to her because they were able to support so many other local companies right here in the Okanagan. 
DUANE RUNZER | IG Wealth Management

Duane has worked for IG for 13 years as Senior Financial Consultant and as a Division Director for 10 years. As a Consultant he works with individuals and families to help them achieve their current and future financial goals. In terms of volunteerism, Duane is a member of the Rotary Downtown club; they give back to the community on many different levels. He’s also sponsored families in need at Christmastime and donates to the local foodbank throughout the year.
Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Drop us a line!
KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org