June 11 | 2020
CHAMBER COVID-19 UPDATES
ON THE LOCAL FRONT
TODAY, Business Smarts Online with the Retail Council of Canada
Today from 9:30am- 1 0:30am we chat with the Retail Council of Canada and Downtown Kelowna Association in our Business Smarts Online series. The conversation will centre around those in the retail industry who now must reconsider their operations and policies; including steps they can take to ensure a strong and safe recovery.
Next Week on Business Smarts: A Conversation with WorkSafeBC, Human Resources & Employment Law Professionals
Join us next Thursday June 18 from 10:00am - 11:30am for a special edition Webinar as we team up with Okaganan Young Professionals Collective (OYP)!

As our organizations transition back into the workplace, there are a lot of facets to consider. We will be getting updates from WorkSafeBC, an employment law expert at Pushor Mitchell LLP. and a human resources professional from The Other Coaching, followed by an extended Q&A session. 
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On the Blog... Designing the First 15 Feet of Your Store
They say that you only get one chance to make a first impression, and nowhere is that more important than in the retail industry. You'll need to draw customers into your store from the moment they step foot inside, and this requires care and attention to detail when planning the entrance to your shop. Here's what you'll need to consider.
Exceptional Collaboration on Regional COVID-19 Roundtable
Thank you to MLAs Steve Thomson, Norm Letnick and Ben Stewart along with MPs Tracy Gray and Dan Albas who all joined the Kelowna Chamber’s roundtable discussion last month on key local issues and COVID-19 impacts on the region. This type of collaboration and communication is essential as we move to better days ahead. Your Chamber is committed to ensuring your voice is heard in Victoria, Ottawa and of course at City Hall. #OKwegotthis
The United Way Provides PPE to Local Charities in Need in Second Day of Caring
On Friday, June 12, 2020, the United Way Southern Interior BC team will host another Day of Caring® for local charities in need of personal protective equipment. Packages of PPE will be provided to charities in Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon that include protective masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and, in some cases, feminine hygiene products. In the last few weeks, United Way has announced over $300k in relief funding to 35 local charities.
ON THE FEDERAL FRONT
Chambers Send Joint Letter to Minister Bibeau on Securing Canada's Food Industry
Along with provincial and territorial Chambers of Commerce, the Canadian Chamber has issued a letter to Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, urging the federal government to ensure Canada's food security by continuing to assist the agriculture and agri-food sector as it begins to recover from COVID-19.
Time is Running out to Apply for the CBRN Small Business Relief Fund
The application period for our Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) Small Business Relief Fund will close this Friday June 12, 2020 at 5:00pm. The fund provides grants to Canadian small businesses that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting them in their recovery. Made possible by Salesforce, these grants will be award $10,000 to 62 businesses across the country. Applications are open to businesses that are members of the associations and chambers that form the CBRN.
Tender Opportunities Available for PPE Suppliers
Are you a business that can supply products and services in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19? If so, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wants to hear from you. They continue to have a requirement for PPE and in support of the Government of Canada’s response to COVID-19, are asking suppliers about their ability to provide products and services.
Government of Canada Launches Second Call For Proposals Under The Local Food Infrastructure Fund
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) is a five-year, $50 million initiative supporting community-based, not-for-profit organizations to improve their food systems through investments in infrastructure and more. The second call for proposals under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund is now open, and applications will be accepted until funding has been allocated.
You are Invited to Participate in the ICC Global Survey of Business for the WHO
In the fight against COVID-19, actions and contributions taken by our teams and businesses help to shape our recovery. It is important that we track these efforts to understand how we've responded in this crisis.

As a member of our larger business community the International Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in this short survey while will ultimately provide us with new data and insights, but also reinforce and develop solutions that will help your company to tackle the consequences of the pandemic. The survey is open until June 15, TAKE THE SURVEY.
Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Email us.