Member E-Newsletter - September 9, 2022

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

This year, September is the month when election season starts. Campaigns begin rolling and all of the candidates are announced.
 
Let me start by saying that this message is not meant to take any one political side. It is not meant to promote one candidate over another. It is certainly not meant to cause division. I simply want to emphasize the importance of being engaged.
 
Get engaged!
 
As a citizen of Summerland, it benefits the entire process if you, the general public, is engaged. As a business owner in Summerland, it matters that you have a say in the formation of our new Council and Mayor for the next four years. After all, a successful business climate is directly linked to a supportive Council and a successful Council is directly linked to a supportive business community. It is a win-win. The more engaged we all are, the healthier Summerland is.
 
How do you get engaged?
 
Take a look at each candidate's platform. Find the candidates on social media or in the newspaper. Take the time to read about their stance on local issues and get to know each candidate. You can also plan to attend the Chamber hosted, All Candidates Meeting on September 20th. This event will help you further engage with the process, it will give you more answers, and ultimately allow you to make a more educated vote.
 
Finally, I'd like to express (both mine and the Chamber's) appreciation to our outgoing Council and Mayor. You have done the most admirable job, in positions that most of us wouldn't dream of pursuing. You have all served the community of Summerland amazingly. Thank you for your partnership through the past four years with us at the Chamber. You all deserve thanks in what is mostly a "thankless" job.
 
Get engaged Summerland!

Luke Johnson
President, Summerland Chamber of Commerce
president@summerlandchamber.com
Have you joined the
Summerland Chamber of Commerce, yet?

Chambers of Commerce provide access to valuable resources, discounts, and relationships that help businesses save money and market their products. Joining a Chamber of Commerce can boost sales and significantly improve a local business' visibility and credibility.

Pros of Joining a Chamber of Commerce
Take a minute and consider why a Chamber of Commerce might be a good idea. There are a number of benefits that include:

More Exposure for Your Business
No one is going to know you exist if you don’t put yourself out there. People who are moving into the area or who are looking for something cool to check out in the community look to their Chamber of Commerce to provide suggestions. If you’re on their list, you’ll get free marketing as a result.

Networking Opportunities
You’re going to mix, mingle, and rub elbows with other members of the professional community at various events. This can lead to opportunities you never imagined.

Grants & Funding
If you’re part of a Chamber of Commerce, you’ll have a community with your best interests at heart. They may even be able to help you find business grants and funding that you otherwise wouldn’t have known existed.

Getting Your Voice Heard
United we stand. By being part of a Chamber, you’re with other like-minded business owners who want to succeed. You can bring concerns to your local government like regulations, taxes, or costs that negatively impact you.

Freebies & Discounts
Overall, Chambers of Commerce can be a ton of fun. They host events and sometimes even offer you promotional gifts or epic raffle prizes. Not only that, but networking might score you some coupons or deals from nearby businesses, whether it’s a tasty restaurant or a carpet cleaning service.

Give us a call today!
LeeAnn MacNeil
Manager of Member Services
250.494.2686
Developed in partnership with Prospera Credit Union, the Level Up Local grant supports entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Okanagan Valley upgrade technology and grow their online presence.

The Okanagan Valley is one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada. However, many of the small businesses located here continue to feel the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and the recent climate disasters. To support the recovery and continued growth of the Okanagan economy, Accelerate Okanagan and Prospera Credit Union are reopening applications for the Level Up Local grant to provide Okanagan-based businesses with digital guidance and grant funding to invest in technology upgrades.
CHAMBER MEMBER BENEFITS