REGISTER NOW:
Next for BC: Andrew Wilkinson on COVID-19, Economic Recovery
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You won't want to miss out on this month's exclusive digital town hall discussion on
Tuesday, July 28th at 12:00pm
, with BC's Legislative Official Opposition and BC Liberal Party Leader Andrew Wilkinson.
Join us to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on provincial politics and the economy as well as what the opposition leader believes British Columbia's recovery should look like and how we can be best positioned to succeed in the post-pandemic reality.
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The Kelowna Chamber Hosts First Ever Virtual 2020 Annual General Meeting
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We want to thank all those who attended our 115th AGM this past Thursday. Thank you to Past President Nikki Csek for her review of 2019 and all of her unrelenting work over the past year. Warm welcomes were extended to all of our new members, as well as to our new and returning members of the Board of Directors, and a big thank you to departing Directors, and to our dedicated and hard working Ambassadors.
The Mayor was in attendance to swear in new Chamber President Jeffrey Robinson and Vice President Dan Price. As we move through this new business environment in 2020 we anticipate an innovative and collaborative year ahead under their Board leadership.
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Will Now Be Extended Until December
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Yesterday the Government of Canada announced its
intention to extend the CEWS program until December.
Further details are expected to become available before the end of this week.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce suggests that while news of the extension is positive, a successful program update must also expand revenue eligibility and provide absolute clarity and consistency about the criteria for eligibility as too many businesses are still uncertain about their ability to qualify for the program.
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On the Blog:
Marketing - You'll Lose Customers the Same Way you Gain Them
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Marketing and advertising are only part of the equation when attracting new clients. Service is perhaps the single most important aspect of any business. If your business provides good service, but you are still losing clients, it is important to identify the reasons. We have identified some of the problems local businesses encounter when marketing to potential and existing clients and ways to mitigate miscommunication.
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Get Involved: City of Kelowna Seeks Input on Transit Exchange Improvements
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The City of Kelowna in partnership with BC Transit are
asking residents and transit riders in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan to share their input
on potential improvements at four transit exchange facilities in Kelowna at Midtown / Orchard Park Exchange, Rutland Exchange, Mission Recreation Exchange, and the Kelowna Airport Transit Station. This short online survey will help the City better understand which transit exchange features are important to riders and what areas could benefit from improvements and enhancements.
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BDO TOP FORTY UNDER 40 - THIS WEEK'S HONOUREES
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BRIAN
STEPHENSON |
Pushor Mitchell LLP
After graduating from UBCO, Brian moved to Vancouver to obtain his law degree from UBC Law before returning to Kelowna to work with Pushor Mitchell LLP, working his way to Associate in 2016 when he was called to the Bar. Brian divides his time between his legal practice and his role for the firm as Director of Business Development which has external brand promotion components, but is largely an internal mandate focused on assisting their lawyers in the growth of their practices.
Brian is currently Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program. He is also the Vice President of the Downtown Kelowna Association, having begun advocating for downtown in 2017. He has also been involved with the Okanagan Young Professionals as a Member of Influence supporting initiatives to attract and retain young professional talent to the region since 2015.
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FIONA
PATTERSON|
Fiona Patterson Counselling & Psychotherapy
After working as a clinician and educator for health authorities on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver, Fiona Patterson moved to Kelowna and transitioned into private practice quickly. She began establishing her expertise in the field of trauma; catering to adults who’ve experienced early childhood attachment wounds and to women who’ve experienced perinatal loss, infertility, or mood disorders.
Since her move to Kelowna, Fiona has shared her time with the Rotary Club, Mamas for Mamas, MOGA, and the KGH Foundation, and from time to time she will offer pro bono workshops of a specific nature to local organizations.
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4Less Disposal: Locally Owned & Operated Waste Management Since 2006
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Local waste management company 4Less Disposal has been in business in the Okanagan since 2006. Family owned and operated, they pride themselves on service, honesty, and communications, and providing solutions for all of your waste needs.
What is something people might not know about your business?
4Less Disposal Inc. is 100% locally owned and is the first Kelowna, BC disposal company to “go green” with trucks powered by natural gas instead of diesel. This eliminates huge amounts of emissions from the air in our valley.
What is something you wish you knew when you first began 4Less Disposal?
When we started 4Less Disposal Inc. in 2006 we were unaware most of the potential customers were in long term, self-renewing waste management contracts, which controlled any decisions they tried to make in regards to changing service providers. 4Less Disposal Inc. will provide whatever length of contract the customer is comfortable with; contract options we offer are year to year and / or month to month. Providing our customers with locally owned, fair, honest pricing and excellent customer service has proven to be what the customers are looking for in a waste disposal company. Our unrelenting commitment to quality and service ensures we are consistently top of mind.
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What is the company looking forward to/planning for the future?
4Less Disposal Inc. is looking forward to slowly expanding into the greater Okanagan regions. We want to continue to work with our customers to build long-term and trusting relationships within our community.
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Apply Now: W Venture - Committed to Advancing Entrepreneurial Women
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Accelerate Okanagan, University of Victoria and VIATEC have joined forces alongside the Digital Technology Supercluster
to advance innovative entrepreneurial women in British Columbia.
W Venture is a three-month pilot program for women in Victoria and the Okanagan who are ready to accelerate their business.
Participants will gain the necessary skills to confidently address their unique business challenges, giving these women-led companies the greatest chance of success. This is done through personalized, hands-on support from curated mentors and subject-matter experts while connecting with a community of peers from across the province.
Applications are open now until July 31st,
with the program kicking off in early September.
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Supporting Employees' Mental Health & Well-Being During COVID-19 & Beyond
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In a recent survey by Sun Life, over half (56%) of Canadians surveyed said COVID-19 is negatively affecting their mental health. On
Monday July 20 at 12:00pm,
join the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Carmen Bellows, Registered Psychologist and Director, Mental Health Solutions at Sun Life Financial to learn how to develop and maintain a positive mental health environment in your organization.
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Quick Survey - We Want to Know What Information is Most Important to You
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What is the TOP piece of information you want to see in our newsletters?
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COVID-19 Resources & Updates
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Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Drop us a line!
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org
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