November 17 | 2020
CHAMBER NEWS AND EVENTS
Join us as we celebrate Excellence, Achievement and Resilience in Kelowna!
Registration is now open for the 2020 Business Excellence Awards presented by Farris LLP and Interior Savings. The finalists have been chosen in thirteen categories, and the judges have been busy interviewing and making their final selections.

On Thursday November 26 at 5pm, join community and business leaders from throughout the Central Okanagan as we shine the spotlight on the best of the best. Our virtual Awards program will feature profiles of our finalists and a special greeting from the Kelowna Business Leader of the Year.

Register now for a chance to win one of five fabulous wine experiences at Summerhill Winery each valued at $500.
It's Time to Empower Your Brand
Positioning is to marketing what a heartbeat is to life. Without relevant brand positioning, growth will be a long, costly and energy-draining road. Join best-selling author, tv host, and TedX speaker Isabelle Mercier to learn how to position yourself as a brand that customers want and love, and get the tools to empower your ideal customer to choose YOU!  Join us Wednesday November 25 at 12:00 Noon for this jam-packed learning opportunity. There is no cost to attend this event, but registration is required.
Have You Completed Your Member Satisfaction Survey?
We recognize this has been a challenging year for all of us, and while we continue our efforts to help you and the business community deal with the impact of COVID-19, we remain committed to long term improvement.  This is where we need your help. As a member of the Chamber, we want to hear from you through our annual member survey. Your input is vital in shaping our future programs, events and strategic goals.

As a small token of appreciation, we are providing those who participate a chance to win one of four $150 VISA cash cards. If you did not receive your link to complete the seven minute survey, or would like us to send you one directly, please EMAIL US. Deadline to provide your feedback is this Friday.
TOTA Receives Responsible Tourism Award for 3rd Consecutive Year
The World Travel Awards (WTA) revealed 2020's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands in North America during a virtual event earlier this month. The World Travel Awards announced that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been acknowledged with "North America's Responsible Tourism Award" for the third consecutive year.
Support Local & Get Involved in The Gift Certificate Trade-A-Thon
This December 3rd you can grow your business, spoil yourself, and reward your loyal employees by supporting the 'locals loving locals' movement. The Trade-A-Thon, put on by Kelowna Chamber member Trade Exchange Canada alongside LoLo Loves Local, allows you to contribute to the local business community, while gaining exposure for your business to new customers, and saves you cash through donating and receiving gift certificates.
Pulp Fiction Coffee House Celebrates One Year in The District on Bernard
Congratulations to proud Kelowna Chamber member Pulp Fiction Coffee House for celebrating their second location's one year anniversary at The District on Bernard. Swing by for fresh coffee and locally made treats. You can find the Pulp Fiction Coffee House in the center of The District on Bernard mall, in the food court. Congratulations on this milestone!
Chamber Members Can Save Big on Shipping
As a proud member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, we stand strongly with small and medium sized businesses across Canada as they strive to achieve business goals. As part of our commitment to help our members reduce expenses and enhance efficiency, we are pleased to announce the Chambers Shipping Program in partnership with Freightcom. 
COVID-19 UPDATES & RESOURCES
Canadian Chamber Appears Before Senate, Reiterates Gaps in Bill C-9
Last week, the Canadian Chamber's Director of Parliamentary Affairs and SME Policy, Alla Drigola, appeared at the Senate National Finance Committee which is studying Bill C-9. This bill includes new wage subsidy improvements and the new commercial rent program. The Chamber welcomes the changes introduced in C-9 on the whole, however, will continue to highlight specific gaps that need to be closed. 
BC Government Launches COVID-19 Local Business Posters
Re-engage customers, increase confidence, and encourage repeat business by displaying a COVID-19 Local Business Poster and promote your business's compliance with health and workplace guidelines. These posters serve as a uniform symbol for customers that a business has committed to creating and sharing their COVID-19 Safety Plan. The poster will highlight each business’ core commitments to ensuring the safety of their guests and employees and to following the Public Health Orders (PHO).
Invest in your Team and your Future with Online Training
The “Building Resilience to Thrive” online training program offers relief to businesses and will help mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by teaching you how to adapt business models, re-engage your customers and adjust your workplace culture.

This is a special certificate based course developed in partnership with the University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business. The program will have one hour seminars once per week for 6 weeks. Seminar topics include:
  • Power of Context – Unconscious Bias
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • The Power of Coaching in Business
  • Hire and manage a diverse team
  • Improve experiences for colleagues and customers
  • Adapt your service strategy for better outcomes
 
The program has two cohorts available now:
  • Tuesdays at 11am-12pm January 12 to February 16, 2021
  • Wednesdays at 11am-12pm February 24 to March 31, 2021

The program is open to anyone for just $70 though there is a 50% discount for those who are members of the Kelowna Chamber. 
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
IRIS Optical Celebrates Long Time Optician Ken Lantz & Looks to the Future
Manager Ken Lantz has been a driving force in Kelowna and the optical industry since he became part of IRIS in 2000. So often the real driving force of a business is not the franchise or the business owner but the people who are long time employees which Ken is. IRIS chose Ken to feature because he is passionate about eye health and making sure that all his patients experience the best vision possible using the most up to date technologies. He is warm, funny, friendly and loves what he does.
Can you tell us a bit about Ken's journey in optical and how it led him to IRIS?
Ken started in optical back in 1976 in Yellowknife, NWT. Arriving in Kelowna in 1993 from Edmonton, Ken worked at London Optical on Bernard. London Optical moved to Orchard Park Mall, and he continued to manage the store when IRIS bought the chain in 2000. One of his career defining moments was meeting and listening to Dr. Jean, who founded IRIS. Ken still works for IRIS to carry on what Dr. Jean started, and left behind.

What's Ken's top piece of advice for all patients?
As he's been saying for years, “Look after the health of your eyes. Wear proper sunglasses.” Then he likes to explain why and what to look for: wraps, coatings, and polarization. "It's a small investment that will pay off down the road.”

Why would someone choose IRIS?
All Chamber members and their families receive Advantage benefits which in addition to any extended benefits saves $150 on every eyewear purchase and $50 on annual contact lens purchases. Not to mention, when you step into the Harvey Ave location, you get to meet the incredible staff, including Ken and Dr. Clark who are focused on ensuring their customers needs are front and center. To access your IRIS Advantage Benefits, please go to www.iris.ca/advantage and use Access Code: KELCOC to start the registration process.

What is IRIS looking forward to, or planning for the future?
The team at IRIS are excited to soon offer custom fit, one of a kind tailored frames called Topology. By taking precise scans of a customer's entire head shape, the software will customize a frame to fit perfectly in unlimited choices of colour, size and shape. Members of the Chamber, who register for their Advantage Benefits will receive $150 towards the purchase of a complete pair of glasses.
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org