Chamber News
2019 Business Excellence Awards 
Nominate Your Business

Our community is filled with thriving business owners, not-for-profit organizations making a real difference, a booming tourism sector and savvy marketers launching innovative, engaging campaigns. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, nominations are open for the 32nd annual Business Excellence Awards.  The deadline to nominate is Friday, July 26th, 2019 and we would love to see more applications, especially for marketing campaigns, not-for-profit groups and tourism-related companies. 
2019 Golf BC Championship at  Gallagher's Canyon 
Another Successful Championship Week -  GolfBC in Kelowna
The Mackenzie Tour touched down in Kelowna and what a great week it was! From eagles and birdies, and the magical 59, to community engagement, to tasting the finest fruits from the Okangan valley, the GolfBC Championship had it all.  The Kelowna Chamber was proud to support this tournament in partnership with Chambers Group Insurance and we are thrilled to hear that the tournament is confirmed to return again next year.  Check out the highlights here
Automation Not Domination 
Building AI Policies That Win
AI-enabled systems are increasingly prevalent across all sectors, which is why the Canadian Chamber wants to ensure Canada's business competitiveness with policies that help businesses stay out front in the global Artificial Intelligence race.
The Canadian Chamber has published three reports following a cross-country roundtable tour which explored the range of policy options for investment, innovation, integration and workforce sustainability supporting AI. Click here  to learn about our exploration of public policy issues related to innovation, including AI.
Member Spotlight
Kelowna's KF Aerospace continues to take off
Julie Whittet, Communications Coordinator and Grant Stevens, Vice President of Corporate Services.  
A year away from their 50th anniversary, KF Aerospace has made a name for themselves across the globe. But here in Kelowna where the company is headquartered, "KF" is known as one of the largest employers in the city and a key player in recruiting and training young talent to fill their growing need for skilled workers. 
We recently took a quick tour with Grant Stevens, Vice President of Corporate Services, and Julie Whittet, Communications Coordinator, to see the facility just north of the Kelowna Airport and check out some of the projects they are working on.
Member Milestones
We've been around for some time now and that means we've built some pretty great relationships with some well-established businesses in the Central Okanagan. We'd like to take a moment to recognize some of those who have committed to the Kelowna Chamber for 10+ years! Thanks to you, we are able to offer programs, services and implement advocacy efforts to support our local business community. 

25 YEARS
  • Colliers International 
  • Beaver Lake Resort 
20 YEARS 
  • Border Plumbing, Heating & Electrical 
  • Great Way Martial Arts
  • Heart & Stroke Foundation Okanagan 
15 YEARS
  • Ashley Furniture HomeStore 
  • Credit Counselling Society of BC
10 YEARS
  • Argus Properties Ltd.
  • Comfort Suites Kelowna 
  • Kendall Property Management 
Upcoming Chamber Events

Okanagan College Series - HousingHub and Affordable Housing Solutions

Tuesday, July 23rd | 11:45am - 1:30pm | Coast Capri Hotel

Hard-working British Columbians, such as first responders, business people, teachers, healthcare works and others should have access to housing in the cities they serve. That's where HousingHub comes in. In 2018, the Province of British Columbia created the HousingHub to increase the supply of affordable housing for middle-income earners - many of whom have been priced out of the housing market. 

On July 23, BC Housing CEO Shayne Ramsay will be the Chamber's keynote luncheon speaker as part of our Okanagan College Speaker Series at the Coast Capri Hotel to introduce the HousingHub and to answer your questions about BC Housing initiatives. The audience will be invited to interact with Mr Ramsay through Sli.do, interactive Q&A software after his presentation. 
Visit our website here for more upcoming events. Spoiler... some of the best business is done on the golf course!
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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.
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