Sept. 14 | 2021
COVID-19 UPDATES
Province Lifts Some Regional Restrictions
The Kelowna Chamber had been pushing the province to remove the extra tight restrictions in our region once the province decided to move forward with a vaccine card system and now Interior Health has taken that step. IH moved to roll back some of the regional restrictions that were put in place following the COVID outbreak in the central Okanagan.

The Province noted this change on Monday saying the regional restrictions can be lifted with the vaccine card verification system coming into play. This includes eliminating the early cut off (10pm) of liquor sales at restaurants. Click on the link below to see what the new restrictions look like.
BC Vaccine Card Rolls Out: Chamber Information & Tip Sheet Available
The Province has provided more details on their plans for the BC vaccine card program, and unveiled the provincial link where digital Vaccine Cards can now be downloaded and where the Vaccine Verifier App can be downloaded.

The vaccine card program began Monday and requires proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter restaurants, ticketed sporting events, movies, and other non-essential venues. To help businesses understand and implement the proof of vaccination (PoV) requirement, we put together a Tip Sheet to help you prepare. Click the link below to download tip sheet with valuable links and info.
Updated Health Orders for Food & Liquor Serving Premises & Gatherings & Events
The new vaccine card requirement is being implemented through orders from the provincial health officer. The below public health orders are currently in effect, as of Friday, September 10. Please note that these orders may be overridden with new public health orders.

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CHAMBER UPDATES & EVENTS
Countdown to the Federal Election: Virtual All-Candidates Forum Tonight
This week, the Kelowna Chamber is joining with area Chambers and other community partners to host two All-Candidate Forums for all registered candidates in both the Kelowna - Lake Country, and Central Okanagan - Similkameen - Nicola electoral ridings.

There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required. Register at the links below. For Election Info. CLICK HERE.
TONIGHT: Kelowna - Lake Country All Candidates Forum
Last Chance to Register - Forum Starts at 6:00 PM | Virtual
This forum is being presented by the Kelowna and Lake Country Chambers of Commerce and supported by BC Fruit Growers' Association and the Association of Interior Realtors. The forum will be co-moderated by Maxime Héroux-Legault, Assistant Professor of Political Science, UBC-Okanagan and Kelowna Chamber Executive Director Dan Rogers.
Central Okanagan - Similkameen - Nicola All Candidates Forum
Wednesday, September 15 | 6:00 PM | Virtual
This forum is presented by the Kelowna Chamber, the Greater Westside Board of Trade, the Peachland Chamber of Commerce and supported by BC Fruit Growers' Association and the Association of Interior Realtors.

Join us as we have a formal panel session moderated by Dan Rogers, Executive Director, Kelowna Chamber with additional business reps from Kelowna and West Kelowna. All five candidates have confirmed they will participate. No cost to join but pre-registration is required.
National Leaders Debate: Analysis and Insights from Nik Nanos of Nanos Research
Debates can be entertaining, informative and compelling events that can galvanize voters and shape the outcome of elections. The Leaders Debate in English was a demolition derby with collisions and smoke and overall it was an ugly experience. Lacking formal opening and closing statements, it even denied each of the federal party leaders the usual direct pitch to the nation. Read the blog post from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Nik Nanos of Nanos Research to learn more.
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Next Week: September Business Smarts: Boost Your Business with Happiness
Tuesday, September 21 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Virtual
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. Only a few spots remain for this popular session.
JOIN US FOR THIS IN-PERSON EVENT:
Okanagan College Luncheon Speaker Series: How to Invite The World with Rick Antonson
Join us as we return to the Coast Capri for this OC Speaker Series event on Tuesday Sept. 28. Former Tourism Vancouver President & CEO Rick Antonson (now a resident of the Okanagan, and a fan of the valley’s “reds, whites, and greens...”) will share insights and reflect on his life experiences from the launching of BC’s bid for the 2010 Olympics to expanding a convention facility. Rick promises to be candid about lessons learned and mistakes made along the way to being a world class destination.

Limited seating for this "in-person" event and as per government requirements, proof of vaccination will be required.
Maximizing Your Investment - Membership 101 (Members only)
Thursday, September 30 | 8:00 AM - 9:00AM | Virtual
Whether you are a new member or have been with us for awhile, you're free to join us on Thursday, September 30 from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM for a (virtual) briefing for you and your team on how you can get the most out of your investment in membership with the Kelowna Chamber. 
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NEWS & EVENTS IN OUR NETWORK
What's Your Favorite Business?
Show them some love by nominating them for a 2021 Business Excellence Award.
Looking to Volunteer? Visit the Okanagan Volunteer Fair This Weekend!
Saturday, September 18 | 10:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Parkinson Recreation Centre 
Join Kelowna Community Resources at the 24th annual Okanagan Volunteer Fair to learn more about over 50 local non-profit organizations and various types of opportunities they have available throughout the Central Okanagan. Connect with your community, network, gain experience, develop your skills, make an impact and get involved. This event is free to anyone who is interested in volunteering. Please note that proof of vaccination is required to attend the event.
Corporate Reputation: Purpose, Profit and Opportunity 
Tuesday, September 21 | 10:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Virtual 
Join the Canadian Chamber for a special panel on the role of reputation and purpose in driving business growth. Your organization's corporate purpose and your reputation are more important than ever before. From investors and employees, to customers, partners and other stakeholders, your audience wants to know why you do what you do. They’re making decisions about your business based on their perception of the kind of organization you are, the decisions you make and the values that drive them.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT A GLANCE
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