Virtual All-Candidates Forums for Federal Election
Tuesday, September 14 & Wednesday, September 15 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Virtual
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All elections are important and the Federal election on Monday, Sept. 20 is no exception. In keeping with past practice and despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Kelowna Chamber is joining with the Lake Country Chamber and the Greater Westside Board of Trade in hosting two All-Candidate Forums for all registered candidates in both the Kelowna - Lake Country, and Central Okanagan - Similkameen - Nicola. These virtual events are open to our membership and others who have an interest in getting to know their local candidates.
The virtual events will take place:
- Kelowna - Lake Country - Tues., Sept. 14 @ 6:00 PM
- Central Okanagan - Similkameen - Nicola - Wed., Sept. 15 @ 6:00 PM
There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required. Register at the links below to join us virtually at these events. Registered candidates are added to the links as information is received.
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Canadians everywhere want to look past the pandemic and know what comes next. While there have been many spending announcements, promises of jobs and boutique tax cuts during this election, what Canadians are looking for has been missing so far. Conspicuously absent in the election to date is a serious, sustainable and bold plan to grow our economy — despite the fact the economy is the number one concern for Canadians.
Our partners at the Canadian Chamber have outlined recommendations for what it takes to grow an economy and have challenged all parties to adopt them.
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September Business Smarts Online: Boost Your Business with Happiness
Tuesday, September 21 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Virtual
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Join us for this motivational and interactive session and bring every leader on your team. You will learn from Tia Graham, the Founder of Arrive At Happy and be inspired by the science of happiness. You will take away powerful strategies to increase your well-being and professional success.
Each participant will receive a worksheet and the Arrive At Happy Resource Kit.
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Okanagan College Speaker Series: How to Invite The World with Rick Antonson
Tuesday, September 28 | 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM | Coast Capri Hotel
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Former Tourism Vancouver President & CEO Rick Antonson (now a resident of the Okanagan, and a fan of the valley’s “reds, whites, and greens...”) reflects on his life experiences from the launching of BC’s bid for the 2010 Olympics to expanding a convention facility, and how to “invite the world” to visit your city. Limited seating for this "in-person" event. He’ll be candid about mistakes made and lessons learned.
Limited seating for this "in-person" event and we suspect vaccine cards may be required.
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NEWS & EVENTS IN OUR NETWORK |
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER - BREAK into New Global Markets Online with ICE
Tuesday, September 7 & Wednesday, September 8
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Want to UP YOUR GAME, expand your customer base, and increase revenue through exports? Now is the time to set aside a few hours and participate in ICE.
World class training for you and your team is only a click away as the Kelowna Chamber is working with World Trade Centre Vancouver to present Integrated e-Commerce Essentials (ICE), a two day workshop (few hours each day) that helps businesses discover, learn, and create an integrated online strategy to gain new customers and drive global sales.
Full Bursaries are available for Chamber members. Use the promo code: WTCCOMP to receive your bursary.
Contact the Kelowna Chamber to learn more or register directly.
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Ensuring a Safe Return to the Workplace: What Organizations Need to Know
Thursday, September 2 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | Virtual
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With vaccination rates on the rise and public health restrictions changing, planning a return to an in-person workplace has quickly become a top priority for non-essential businesses. However, what does the new normal look like when it comes to transitioning back into the workplace? How can organizations ensure their employees feel safe and comfortable? What about managing expectations of staff who have fully embraced a remote environment?
Presenters:
- Trevor Lawson, Partner, Labour & Employment Group, McCarthy Tétrault
- Gordon Frost, Partner, Ottawa Office Leader, Mercer Canada
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TEC Canada’s Webinar Series: Deeper Insights, Real Impact |
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Equip yourself with tools to strategically approach complex issues and uncertainty with confidence during TEC Canada’s upcoming webinar series.
Supported by the Canadian Chamber and hosted by industry experts with commendable business backgrounds, each webinar is focused on accelerating your ability to grow strategically and overcome hurdles faster. You can register for one or any of the following:
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September 9: Climate Change: A Strategic Imperative for Your Business
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September 23: 1.4 Billion Customers – Selling Canadian Brands and Services to China
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October 7: ESG – The Evolving Market Landscape
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Opportunity to Give Input to the BC Finance Committee |
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What are your priorities for 2022? The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, a parliamentary committee of the BC Legislative Assembly, holds an annual public consultation on the provincial budget.
The BC Finance Committee is accepting input on next year’s provincial budget now. Complete a quick survey or send a written, video or audio submission before September 30.
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CERTIFIED CHAMBER MEMBER AD |
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Kelowna Businesses React to Provincial Vaccine Verification Cards
Chamber calls for Province to delay implementation so businesses can better prepare.
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Recently, the Kelowna Chamber surveyed its 1,000 members on the issue of vaccine passports; 25% of members responded and the majority (57%) stated they were supportive of some sort of vaccine verification system for non-essential activities if it means getting back to normal business levels. More than a third (36%) were opposed and the rest (7%) were unsure.
Businesses that will be impacted by this decision want to know how it will be enforced and what support government will provide them. Employees cannot unfairly be put into conflict with customers so we would encourage government to re-examine the timeline for implementation so businesses can fully understand and reasonably plan for what it appears the government is going to ask them to do.
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Reminder: Mask Mandate to Reduce Transmission, Protect People in Public Spaces |
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As of Wednesday, August 25, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout B.C. to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 as B.C. prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.
A new order from the provincial health officer requires people 12 and older to wear masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.
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BC Launches New Fund for Community Events |
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The Province is accepting applications to support B.C.-based events through the new Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund.
The Government of BC is providing up to $12.9 million in one-time grants to eligible event organizers to support their efforts to resume safely. Grant amounts for each event will be up to 20% of the total event budget, to a maximum of $250,000 per application.
Eligible events include sport, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs, rodeos and exhibitions. Applications submitted by organizations will be required to demonstrate local or regional support and show the economic and social benefits for the community.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS & MEMBER MILESTONES |
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Welcome to our new members that joined us throughout June and July! We encourage everyone to check out these great organizations and as we continue to deal with the pandemic; don't forget to SHOW LOCAL SOME LOVE and keep our community strong.
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HEAL THE FEELING CONSULTANTS |
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Congratulations to our members on their recent Member Milestones! We are nothing without our loyal members and business leaders who are committed to creating a strong economy where all can prosper.
35 Years:
30 Years:
15 Years:
10 Years:
On behalf of the Board, Staff and our many volunteers, thank you for your continued investment in the Chamber. Celebrating 115 years of building a strong economy in the central Okanagan.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT A GLANCE |
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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS AT GLANCE
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Need to add someone in your organization to our mailing list?
Drop us a line!
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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