July 2 | 2020
CHAMBER NEWS & COVID-19 UPDATES
ON THE LOCAL FRONT
Kelowna Ready to Welcome Travelers in Phase 3 of BC's Restart Plan
As Phase 3 begins, Kelowna starts to welcome short-haul travelers. In a recent article, President & CEO of Tourism Kelowna Lisanne Ballantyne notes how businesses can position themselves to safely welcome visitors, and how locals can play their part to welcome visiting friends and family to the area.
Two Local Okanagan Businesses Awarded $10,000 CBRN Small Business Relief Grant
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce announced 62-$10,000 grant recipients from its Small Business Relief Fund on Monday. A special congratulations goes out to the two Okanagan Chamber members which were among the recipients of the grant, Hoodoo Adventure Company Ltd. in Penticton, and Invati Yoga & Wellness Inc. in Lake Country.

More than 1100 small businesses across Canada applied to the relief fund. The successful recipients best demonstrated their financial strain, how the business will use the grant to change or innovate, and how the grant will support the role each business plays in their community. Through our partnership with the Canadian Chamber, the Kelowna Chamber is better able to meet the needs of our members, and the business community in the central Okanagan.
UBC Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard Leaves Legacy For Future Students
While it may not be COVID-19 related, we wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UBC's Okanagan campus, Deborah Buszard. As she steps down from her role, she leaves an incredible legacy which includes the new Poppy Irvine Award. The award will reward the effort of young scholars and grow their spirit of learning as they navigate post-secondary. To learn more, and to donate, CLICK HERE.
Photo: UBC Okanagan
Banding Together Raises Over $11,000 for Food Bank, Next Concert Tonight
Banding Together, a fund raiser in support of the Central Okanagan Food Bank, recently raised over $11,000 during their online concert series on June 5th. The second concert streams tonight from 6:30 - 8:30pm and will feature local musicians from throughout the Okanagan.
We're Here for You: Quick Access to Helpful Business Resources
As we adjust to Phase 3 of the Province's Restart Plan, information is constantly changing. If you haven't visited yet, our #OK We Got This COVID-19 Resource Center is a hub of valuable information and offers critical links for business resources. The website also gives access to a large suite of past webinars that we have hosted, providing business insights and help you in your planning and re-opening efforts.
ON THE PROVINCIAL FRONT
WorkSafeBC Launches Safety Plan App for Businesses
Employers can now use a mobile device to develop their COVID-19 Safety Plan to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The new WorkSafeBC app will guide you through a six-step process to outline your policies, guidelines, and procedures to keep workers healthy and safe. Download the app HERE.

Across all industries, it is important to stay up to date on safety protocols as we begin to navigate Phase 3. The most up-to-date information can be accessed on the WorkSafeBC Website HERE.
Your Opinion Matters: British Columbians Invited to have their Say on Recovery
Now until July 21, you are invited to share your feedback as the province continues with its economic recovery program. BC has provided three ways you can share your ideas and priorities on topics such as health care, job security, and quality of life through the links below:

  • An online survey to provide answers to questions and give advice HERE.
  • Respond to the paper: Building B.C.'s Recovery, Together. Responses can be submitted to recoveryideas@gov.bc.ca
  • Participate in virtual townhalls. British Columbians can learn more about the virtual townhalls HERE.
ON THE FEDERAL FRONT
Expanded Canada Emergency Business Account now Partially Available
After a week’s delay, the expanded Canada Emergency Business Account loan program is now available, but can only be accessed through one of Canada’s six largest banks. Over the coming weeks, new lenders are expected to be announced. To apply for a CEBA contact your primary financial institution.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Q&A Sessions Available for Chamber Members
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will host interactive question and answer sessions for eligible employers regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). These online sessions are open exclusively to members of the Chamber; CRA officials will respond to general questions about the CEWS and provide the resources needed to apply.

Available dates are as follows:
  • Session #1 - July 7 at 11:00am
  • Session #2 - July 9 at 1:00pm
  • Session #3 - July 15 at 10:00am

If you are interested in participating, EMAIL US for registration information.
The Business of Business: Canada’s Economic Recovery with CBRN
On the latest edition of The Business of Business, Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beatty speaks with Canadian Western Bank President and CEO Chris Fowler in a discussion around timelines for the Canadian economy to recover, and how we gain traction towards a proactive recovery.
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org