Urgent: New Public Health Order for Bars, Nightclubs, Restaurants & Banquet Halls |
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On Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a number of new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 in BC. Effective immediately, all nightclubs and stand-alone banquet halls are ordered closed indefinitely. All liquor service at any establishment must cease at 10:00pm, and those who are not serving meals must close their establishment at 11:00pm. If the establishment provides food service, they may stay open until their regular closing time, however liquor service must conclude at 10:00pm. At all establishments, music or background sounds must be no louder than the volume of normal conversation.
The full orders have not yet been posted; we will be sure to update you as they become available on the BC PHO Website.
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BC's Meetings & Events Sector Introduces Re-Start Guidelines |
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Last week, the BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group (comprised of industry experts from across the province), released the British Columbia Meetings & Events COVID-19 Safe Restart Guidelines. These guidelines are set out to support the safe return of business meetings and events through providing a basis of comprehensive, high-level guidelines for events and operators. The document has been vetted by WorkSafe BC, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the Provincial Health Ministry.
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Media in the Age of a Pandemic, Exploring Media Relations & The 'Infodemic' Era |
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On Thursday September 24 at 12:00 Noon, we are pleased to be hosting a panel discussion with local media experts where we will explore how individuals, businesses, and the government have been sharing information and how this impacts local businesses and our economy. We'll be joined by two veteran reporters: Chris Walker of CBC Daybreak South and Doris Bregolisse of Global Okanagan along with award winning former journalists Chris Olsen and Cam McAlpine, both of whom are now communications consultants in the Okanagan. They will share their perspectives on media and how the 'infodemic' has impacted media relations.
The Okanagan School of Business Speaker Series is open to anyone interested though registration is required.
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Mental Health Support for Tourism Businesses Through COVID-19 Pandemic |
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The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has signed a formal agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna & District branch (CMHA Kelowna) and Thoughtfull Workplace Wellness Strategies. As an extension to TOTA's industry resiliency efforts, this planned collaborative initiative aims to mitigate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of tourism business operators and workers. This partnership represents a valuable resource for TOTA to relay knowledge and expertise in education, human resources, occupational health and safety, as well as crisis intervention to businesses in the tourism industry.
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Kelowna Chamber Seeking Local Stories of Resiliency |
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While 2020 has taken us through many unanticipated turns, we are surrounded by businesses and organizations that are enduring through these trying times. We have seen businesses pivot, explore a new business model by going online, open amidst a global pandemic, and we have also seen businesses go above and beyond for the betterment of our community.
We are here to help support you, as well as promote your business and re-opening efforts, and hope to do so by sharing these local stories of resilience in our communities and show the rest of the Okanagan that together ‘we’ve got this’!
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Public Sanitizer Stations and Safe Travel Tips Being Rolled Out in Kelowna |
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Tourism Kelowna and the Downtown Kelowna Association are proud to unveil new Community Safe Travel Tips & Hand Sanitizer Stations in four local public spaces. This community safety initiative, sponsored by FortisBC, will support the health and enhance the experience of some of Kelowna’s most popular public spaces. The stations will showcase 10 safe travel tips and provide free sanitizer to locals and travellers in the four locations.
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CECRA Final Extension Announced, Providing Rent Relief Through September |
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This week, the Government of Canada announced that Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses will be extended by one month to help eligible small businesses pay rent for September. This will be the final extension of this program as the government explores options to support small businesses as they face the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your BC & Canadian Chambers have urged the Government to reconsider extending the support, and include a delivery mechanism that is more direct to small business operators.
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APPLY NOW: Canada United Small Business Relief Fund Offers up to $5,000 in Grants |
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Local businesses from all over Canada can now apply for a Canada United Relief Grant of up to $5,000. The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund is being managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network in support of other chambers and partners to help small Canadian businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.
If awarded, a relief grant can be used to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), renovate physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines, or develop/improve e-commerce capabilities for your business.
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Growing Opportunities Webinar: Overcoming COVID's Impact on Agri-Food with EDC |
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Today at 11:00am, in collaboration with Farm Credit Canada, Export Development Canada is hosting a webinar to discuss how COVID-19 has affected the agriculture and agri-food sector, the economic outlook for the sector and key opportunities for recovery and growth.
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CRA Consultation: Work-Space-In-The-Home Expenses, Provide Your Input |
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The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is endeavouring to clarify and clearly communicate whether employees required to work from home during COVID-19 can claim work-space-in-the-home expenses.
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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