May 18 | 2021
CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES
TODAY: Canada's Priorities - A Conversation with Hon. Ahmed Hussen
Deeper Dive into Federal Budget 2021
This afternoon at 1:30PM the Kelowna Chamber will welcome Federal Minister Ahmed Hussen to discuss the recent federal budget and what it means to the Okanagan. The Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development will speak to initiatives aimed at helping families, addressing affordable housing, and he'll also shed light on Canada's long-term fiscal situation. A Q&A session will follow a short presentation. No charge to attend though registration is required.
Only 1 Foursome Remains! Parke Pacific Projects July Golf Tournament Near Sell Out
Only four spots remain for the Kelowna Chamber day of golf at the Harvest Golf Club. A special thanks to our fantastic sponsors who are ready to welcome all participants on Wednesday July 21.

Did we mention that aside from the great team and individual prizes, there are also four $10,000 hole in one prizes up for grabs.
HOLD THE DATE: Board Governance Training Returns
Saturday, June 12 @ 9:30AM
Join us Saturday June 12 at 9:30am for a special virtual training session designed specifically for those volunteering on a Board of Directors (or for those considering running for a position on a non-profit Board).

Deb McClelland from ON-BOARD Training will lead this online workshop that will cover the roles and responsibilities of the board and individual Directors while also providing you with an overview of the benefits that flow with good governance.  Limited space so don't delay - register now. Special rate for Kelowna Chamber not-for-profit members.
June Business Smarts: Scotiabank Women's Initiative - Strategic Investing
Tuesday June 15 - 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM 
The Sisterhood of Business Women is a one hour interactive workshop geared to women business owners. The unique financial challenge these women face is twofold: balance running their business with personal obligations like preparing for retirement. This workshop will bridge the two by working participants through the beginning stages of an integrated financial plan. 
Maximizing Your Investment - Membership 101 (Members only)
As a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce there are many opportunities for you and your business to grow with the Chamber.

Join us Friday May 28 at 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM for a (virtual) special briefing for you and your team to learn how you can get the most out of your investment in membership. 
UPDATES IN OUR NETWORK
First Quarter Economic Indicators Show Early Signs of Economic Recovery
The Central Okanagan Economic Indicators compiled by COEDC for quarter one of 2021 have been released and provide a snapshot of the Region’s economy from January to March 2021. Some of the highlights include:
  • Q1 Economic Indicators show signs of economic recovery and rising business confidence in many sectors. 
  • The number of business licenses issued in the region increased 4.7% over the past year 
  • Businesses have shown strong hiring growth with an increase of 14.5% in job postings compared Q1 2020.
  • Many sectors continue to experience significant impact and long-term recovery challenges with airport passenger traffic down 80.4% and job postings in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector down 91% compared to Q1 2021.
Tourism Kelowna Elects New Board & Gets Set for Post COVID Tourism
Tourism Kelowna held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week and has elected a new Board of Directors and also reflected on the past year in Tourism.

Through the uncertainty of 2020, Tourism Kelowna has remained focused on helping local businesses persevere, stated TK Board Chair Joseph Clohessy, Chair of Tourism Kelowna’s Board. With our industry facing challenges unlike anything before, the board’s focus has been on managing and mitigating oncoming risk and planning for recovery.”

The 2021-22 Tourism Kelowna Board of Directors includes current Chamber Director Annika Betts of Sandhill Wines. Congrats to all those elected to serve on the TK Board. To read Tourism Kelowna’s 2020 Report to the Community, CLICK HERE
Industrial Revolution 4.0: Accounting for Crypto
May 26 | 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM | Virtual
The pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of payments and the proliferation of digital currencies on Main Street and Bay Street. Has a currency disruption tipped into a currency revolution? This discussion will examine the rise of digital currencies and consider how the shift will affect consumers, businesses, investors and governments.
Industrial Revolution 4.0: Getting Canadians Back to Work
June 3 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. ET | Virtual
Canada’s workforce will not be the same when it comes time for recovery. Through the course of the pandemic, we went from one of the tightest job markets in decades to record job loss to strong initial recovery, to flagging job growth through the fall and winter months. Even as recovery starts, employment will not return to pre-crisis levels at any point soon. Available jobs and the skills required will shift. Employers are increasingly looking to automation to maintain operations during future crises and reduce risk.
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.
KEVIN SPIESS | Aquatech Luxury Flooring

Kevin arrived in the Okanagan in the fall of 2010. He lived in Edmonton for almost 40 years. He owns a large transport company in Edmonton which gave him the opportunity to move to the Okanagan. During the last 11 years Kevin opened multiple businesses within the Okanagan Valley: Indulge Beauty Lounge in West Kelowna; Cibo & Vines in Peachland; Dakota Towing in Kelowna; Aquatech luxury flooring in Kelowna and Eagle Eye holdings in West Kelowna. Kevin feels both humble and proud to say that the community support he, his family and his businesses get in the Okanogan Valley is absolutely amazing and none of this would have been possible without such a strong community.
KELLY WATT | Sandman Hotel Group

For the past four decades Kelly has been involved in the hospitality industry, initially to fund her Education Degree and then realized her passion lay in the opportunities hotels offered. Once she became involved with Sandman Hotel Group in the lower mainland, she was offered the opportunity to transfer to Kelowna 15 years ago and participate in expanding the Kelowna hotel from 120 rooms to 220. Following this expansion she became Regional Director overseeing the six properties in the Southern BC Interior. Being involved in the community both from a tourism industry perspective and as a committed resident is both rewarding and educational.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Governments Need a Travel Restart Strategy Now
Recently, the Canadian Chamber issued a statement about resetting plans for travel post-COVID. Along with their statement, they outlined key elements that need to be included in any strategy, such as clear metrics for targeted travel restrictions, coherent rules across all modes of transportation and replacing broad quarantine measures with regulations based on a combination of testing, vaccination and other actions to protect public health.
Guidance for Outside Dining Spaces
The Ministry of Health has now published a new document clarifying use of patios for outdoor dining. This guidance provides information on ways to comply with the Provincial Health Officer’s Order on Food and Liquor Serving Premises, specifically the requirements for providing outside food and drink services (e.g., on a patio). As an owner or operator, this guidance will support you when preparing or amending your COVID-19 Safety Plan and outside dining set up. 
Canadian Chamber Announces Vaccine Resource Hub
While the choice to get vaccinated is ultimately up to individuals, the Canadian Chamber's new vaccine resource hub’s goal is to equip businesses of all sizes to play their part to get Canada to herd immunity. Consider it a one-stop-shop for vaccine information and resources. The resource page is organized so that the level of information you need is available. You can view: 
  • Vaccine 101
  • Vaccine Distribution 
  • Business Tips 
  • Talking to Your Employees
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org