May 21 | 2020
YOUR CHAMBER MID WEEK COVID-19 UPDATE
WEBINAR TODAY: Protecting Yourself from Fraud During COVID-19
Join us this morning from 9:30 - 10:30 am as special guest speakers with CIBC discuss different types of fraud, and how you can protect yourself against them. This session will inform you on the latest scams and more importantly, the actions you can take to keep your personal information safe and your finances in order. The session will also cover steps you can take if you have become a victim of fraud. There is n o charge to participate but registration is required.

GUEST SPEAKERS:
BRETT KRYSKOW,
 Business Development Manager,
Business Banking, CIBC
JACKIE WHEELER,
Imperial Service Advisor,
CIBC
Last Chance to Register - Okanagan School of Business Speaker Series on Monday
Join us Monday, May 25 @ 12:00 - 1:00 pm for a conversation with the Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance . Minister Fortier will be discussing the measures that have been brought forward by the government to support Canadians and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

No charge to participate but registration is required.
STAY CONNECTED & INFORMED
Chambers of Commerce from Osoyoos to Enderby have teamed up to help support our communities across the Okanagan Valley. We launched #OK We Got This as a means to share info and resources while also delivering the message that even a pandemic isn't going to destroy the entrepreneurial spirit that built this region into one of the best places to live on the face of the planet.

As a part of this initiative you have access to events throughout the valley, some of which we have noted below. To stay up to date on upcoming events with us, and throughout the Okanagan with our partner Chambers of Commerce, visit our COVID-19 resource center.

And make sure you post your re-opening news on our "OK we got this" Facebook page and share the good news with customers from across the valley!
Tonight: Penticton Chamber of Commerce hosts Virtual Business After Business
Tonight @ 5:30 pm join Okanagan business leaders in a virtual Business after Business event put on by the Penticton Chamber of Commerce. If you are a member of an Okanagan Chamber of Commerce, admission is $15 with the coupon code 'Penticton'.

Pre-registration is required for this event.
Vernon Chamber of Commerce Presents Brand Storytelling in the New Era
What stories and messages can your business share to stay connected with your audience in these unique times? How can you make the most of social media to inspire your tribe and stay competitive?

Wednesday June 3 @ 11:00 am - Noon join the Greater Vernon Chamber and brand storyteller Natalie Appleton, owner of Read Head Studio, as she answers your questions about marketing your business in a new era. 
Many Stores and Services Now Open at Orchard Park Mall
Tuesday morning, over 60 stores and services at the Orchard Park Shopping Centre opened again after weeks of closures. As Phase 2 of the BC Restart Plan starts to come to life, many businesses have begun to open their doors for purposeful shopping. The mall has extended their hours from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm daily, and has posted a full and updated list of open stores on their website, which you can view here.

TTM Events & The Tickle Trunk Have an Idea for Your Next Birthday Celebration
Birthdays look a little bit different this year as the COVID-19 pandemic puts a halt to celebrations everywhere. If your birthday is coming up you may awaken to a surprise outside your front door courtesy of TTM Events & The Tickle Trunk. They have been celebrating milestones in a unique way during this difficult time by sprinkling pink flamingos and balloons on lawns throughout the city; spreading joy and celebration in a time when it is much needed and appreciated.

To contact them for a surprise or celebration, visit their website.

Supporting Local Restaurants as In-House Dining Resumes
While things may look different, many restaurants in Kelowna will be reopening their doors to in-house dining in the coming days and weeks after nearly two months of mandated closures. Under Phase 2 of BC's Restart Plan, restaurants and pubs are now permitted to reopen provided they follow WorkSafeBC guidelines and new safety measures. To see a full list of local restaurants that are re-opening, read the full story below.

ON THE PROVINCIAL FRONT
TONIGHT: BC Government Hosts Virtual Townhall: COVID-19 & Workplace Safety
Tonight @ 7:15 - 8:15 pm join Minister of Labour Harry Bains, and Al Johnson, Vice President of Prevention Services for WorkSafeBC as they answer questions from British Columbians about COVID-19 and safely re-starting BC's businesses.

Hosted by: Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. Watch the event, and participate live on the Government of BC Facebook page , or watch on their YouTube channel.
ON THE FEDERAL FRONT
Regional Relief & Recovery Fund Announced by Western Economic Diversification Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced that businesses in western Canada that are unable to access other existing measures can now apply for the new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund through Western Economic Diversification Canada. This comes as part of a series of measures created by the Government of Canada to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) retain their employees, pay rent, and access capital to pay their bills. A total of $304 million will be available for western Canadian businesses with Community Futures charged with managing the process.
Government of Canada Announces Support for Female Entrepreneurs
Yesterday, Federal Minister Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade, announced that the Government of Canada will provide $15 million in additional funding to support female entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES). These funds will go directly to select organizations that are currently WES Ecosystem Fund recipients, and will help women entrepreneurs through the COVID-19 pandemic.
MORE FROM YOUR CHAMBER
Looking to Promote Your Reopening?
Chamber Members receive exclusive rates when advertising in our eNewsletters and on our website. These eNewsletters are sent to everyone who subscribes online, in addition to our 1000+ members; currently our subscription list tops 5,000+ subscribers.

We have developed special advertising rates during the current pandemic, and would be pleased to work with you to promote your business as you enter the recovery phase over the next while.

For any questions regarding advertising, contact: Caroline at cmiller@kelownachamber.org 
We Can't Do This Without You.
Now more than ever, your membership in the Chamber is critical for us to continue the work we do in providing business leaders and entrepreneurs like you with benefits that improve your bottom line, connections that drive growth, and advocacy that ensures your voice is heard in Victoria, Ottawa and at City Hall.

If you want to explore the potential benefits of membership just give us a call. You can also check out our various membership options on our website and learn how we help grow the people who power Kelowna.
Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Email us.
KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org