Newsletter
January 27, 2021
The most dangerous phrase in our language is
"we've always done it this way."
Admiral Grace Hopper
Recent News
Employment & Social Development Canada The Government of Canada is committed to improving workplace safety and equality and to protecting workers’ rights. That is why we are modernizing the Canada Labour Code and making changes to create work environments that are healthier, safer and fairer.

Canadian Chamber Objects to Further Buy American Restrictions On Monday, the Biden administration issued a new Buy America Executive Order. It confirmed our view that a lack of Canada-specific targeting in Buy America rules does not equate to a Canadian exemption from these unilateral restrictions by the U.S. government. 

Let's Talk Budget 2021 - Government Launches Pre-Budget Consultations The federal government has launched its public consultations ahead of the 2021 budget. Canadians, including businesses and organizations, can participate directly by completing an online questionnaire or uploading a submission. 

A Year of Business Insights - Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of Tax and Financial Policy, Patrick Gill, talks with Statistics Canada and Deloitte about the biggest business insights to come out of 2020’s Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC).

Nominate a small business for a Small Business BC Award 2021 - Nominations are Now Open!
Let's celebrate and recognize the many small businesses in our province who have been working tirelessly for our communities in an unprecedented 2020!

Canadian Tourism Professional (CTP) Program will prepare participants to work in various tourism and hospitality positions in the Thompson Okanagan region with a focus on serving domestic markets in traditional employment and/or self-employment. In this fully funded, full-time online program, participants will receive instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support delivered over 13 weeks. Virtual Classroom - February 8 - May 5, 2021 No Cost to Participate Apply Today

Expanded Eligibility Criteria for BC's Small Biz Recovery Grant Eligibility criteria for the Small Business Recovery Grant changed as of December 18, 2020. In addition to changing the required minimum revenue drop of 50% to a drop of 30%, the new criteria also reduces the previous three-year operation requirement to 18 months. If you applied to the program prior to December 18, 2020, you do not need to resubmit an application as applications received prior to changes will be reviewed under updated program criteria and grant amounts. Apply Today
Membership

What is your position/title and company, and what do you do there?
Group Benefits & Financial Services Broker with Brown Benefits Agency Ltd. We market the Chambers Plan in the South Okanagan.

How long have you been in the Okanagan? If you aren't originally from the valley, what led you to call the Okanagan home? I’ve lived in the Okanagan most of my life. I enjoy all the activities available in the region, and the opportunity to work with small & medium sizes businesses throughout the valley.

What do you enjoy most about your role with the Penticton Chamber?
I enjoy developing strategies to serve our members, as well as celebrating the business community (through events) and promoting connections. I found serving on the task force that led to hiring our current Executive Director both engaging and fulfilling.
Events

Learn how COVID-19 may impact 2020 Tax Filing -  In an effort to help you understand the tax implications before you file we invite you to join Tessa King with Omland Heal this Thursday! REGISTER HERE!

Jan 28 Industrial Revolution 4.0 Webinar Series: As businesses and consumers alike had to adapt how they interact in a new socially-distanced world, Canadians increasingly turned to eCommerce for everything from essential cleaning supplies, to holiday gifts, to groceries and even a snack from a favourite neighbourhood pub. REGISTER HERE

Jan 28 Bell Let's Talk - Starting the Conversation about Mental Health Sometimes it’s hard to talk about mental illness. Knowing what to say or how to say it isn’t obvious. To help you, we’ve created a Conversation Guide that can be used to lead your own discussion about mental health or talk with someone you might be concerned about. Download Tool Kit

Join Small Business BC for a fascinating panel discussion that gathers speakers from a wide variety of perspectives. Hear their insights, add your observations and expertise, and look forward to the coming year informed and optimistic about your future prospects. REGISTER HERE

Jan 31 The Canadian Mental Health Association South Okanagan Similkameen invites YOU to access LivingWorks Start Online Suicide Prevention Program for FREE! REGISTER HERE!

Why is branding important? How to execute proper branding. Branding tips & tricks. REGISTER HERE

SAVE the DATE!
April 16 Board Governance Workshop - Registration Now Open - Limited Spots Available