Give back to the community - join us at the next Chamber event
From left: Former Chamber President Tom Dyas; Kristal Parke (Parke Pacific Projects Ltd.); Cheryl Browne (KidSport); Tyler Bouck (KidSport); Kelowna Chamber President Nikki Csek.
Did you know that just by participating in Kelowna Chamber events, you are helping make a difference by raising funds for local charities and non-for-profits?
Our 34th Annual Golf Tournament at the Harvest in May wasn't just about fun and games (though there was plenty of that). Together, we also raised over six thousand dollars in support of KidSport, who stopped by the Chamber this week to pick up their cheque. 
Thank you to all who came out, participated and made this possible! You can learn more about supporting local non-for-profits through our events on our  Community Connections webpage .
 Chamber News
KCC Business Excellence Awards 2018 Large Business of the Year
2019 Business Excellence Awards 
What will a nomination mean for you and your business?
Since 1987 we've recognized local achievements in business with our high-profile Business Excellence Awards. While it's definitely nice to be recognized and our awards gala is a lot of fun, even being nominated can have a tremendous impact on getting the word out about you and your business. 

Check out this video from last year's 2018 Large Business of the Year - Strategic Aviation. Don't forget to get your nominations in. The deadline is July 28. 
The Okanagan is one of Canada's hottest destinations for summer tourists. 
Chamber Blog
How to capture your share of tourists
Local sights, conventions, activities- and of course the beautiful sunshine - draw visitors to Kelowna every summer, making this a market you should not overlook, even if you don't think your business traditionally caters to tourists. In this week's blog, we share some tips to help you optimize your return from tourism.  Read the full story.
BC Chamber's Dan Baxter, Director of Policy Development, Government & Stakeholder Relations
2020 Budget Submission
BC Chamber Focuses on a strong economy
Every year, we make budget recommendations to BC's Select Standing Committee on Finance. You can read our submission here. The BC chamber also makes recommendations - pulled from the rich development policy process that takes place throughout the BC Chamber network. 
We presented June 12; BC Chamber's submission for 2020 was finalized and submitted last week, and focuses on building a strong economy with recommendations on how to address challenges faced by BC businesses.  Read the full report .
COEDC 2020-2025 Strategic Plan
Business Survey helps chart course for prosperity in Central Okanagan
The Regional District of Central Okanagan's Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is developing a 2020 - 2025 Economic Development Strategy.
The strategy is intended to identify strategic directions that build off existing strengths, as well as identify new and emerging opportunities on which to base the future prosperity of our community. The strategy will also identify key challenges, gaps and barriers, and assess the local asset base, as well as an implementation plan for the COEDC. Make sure to add your voice and help grow our region by  taking the survey now .
Gladys Fraser
Okanagan College Foundations
Gladys Fraser named new Chair
Former Kelowna Chamber Board Director Gladys Fraser was named Chair of the Okanagan College Foundation Board of Directors. 
Gladys began hiring OC graduates in the 1990s in her role as branch manager of Scotiabank in Kelowna. She takes over the leadship position during the early stages of a new fundraising cmapaign for a Health Science Centre on the Kelowna campus.  Learn more about the Okanagan College Foundation .
Member News
30 Years for Weninger Construction & Design
Marlin Weninger began working in construction and drafting in his teens. In June 1989 Marlin started Weninger Construction & Design (WCD) with his parents, and his wife Pauline. Marlin and Pauline continued the business with sister-in-law Josette, and 5 years ago, their daughters Shauna and Robyn joined. 
Over the past 30 years, Weninger Construction & Design has made great industry relationships, many spanning decades. The company received awards for custom projects they designed and built working at Big White Ski Resort. They were also instrumental in developing Black Mountain Golf Community. 
We'd like to congratulate Weninger for three decades of success and wish them many more. If you want to learn more about Weninger and see some very cool project pics, make sure to check out their website. 
Upcoming Chamber Events
Okanagan College Series - The Future of the Canadian Oil and Gas Industry
Friday, Sept 13 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Ramada Hotel
We own a pipeline. Can we build it?
On Sept. 13, we'll be joined by Tim McMillan, former Saskatchewan MLA and currently the President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. 

Tim will be answering your questions on all things energy - from pipelines to Bill C-69 to the future of the oil & gas industry.
 
Tickets will be available soon on our website. Stay tuned!

Commerce ConneX today!

Reminder that we have a special Commerce ConneX at Tutt Street Square off Pandosy today from 5 - 7 p.m. The sun will be coming out and it will be a great event. Make sure to come by after work! Learn more.

Visit our website here for more upcoming events. 
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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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