Newsletter
January 13, 2021
"Don't count the days, make the days count"
Muhammad Ali
Recent News
Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market. Applications for funding are open until Jan. 29.

Canada’s next Census of Population will take place in Spring 2021. Statistics Canada will be hiring across the country in every community, big and small, in preparation for the 2021 Census. Against the current context of COVID-19, we are committed to hiring locally and ensuring the safety of our employees and your community members at all times. Applications are currently being accepted at www.census.gc.ca/jobs

BC Provincial Government makes changes to simplify, clarify emergency orders. The Province is fine-tuning compliance and enforcement provisions for orders on face coverings, gatherings, events, food and liquor serving premises.

Canadian Chamber President and CEO joined BNN Bloomberg's Amanda Lang to discuss the current situation facing Canadians amid rising case numbers.

Tourism Businesses Eligible for up to $45,000 in a Non-Repayable Grant The B.C. government has enhanced the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program to make it easier for businesses to qualify and has increased support for those in the hard-hit tourism sector. The revised application process and eligibility criteria are now in place. Small- and medium-sized businesses are encouraged to apply.

The CBRN and Canadian Chamber of Commerce provides webinars and resources on COVID-19 programs and resources. Visit CBRN website to stay updated and informed.



CHAMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Please describe your organization? Penticton Women in Business meets monthly for a luncheon event (currently via zoom) for education, sharing and networking purposes. Although our name reflects PENTICTON, our organization is open to all interested women from throughout the South Okanagan and beyond. PWIB welcomes members from every age range and area of business - professional, tourism, sports, medical, home based, industry, financial, .. and more.

Do you have personal or professional motto? Penticton Women in Business - where women connect, empower, and inspire, through networking, leadership and education. 

How does being involved in the community affect PWIB? Participating in the community allows us to connect with like minded businesses and organizations, and make meaningful connections that benefit all. 

What are your biggest challenges as an organization? Current challenges for our networking organization revolve around being able to meet together - we are addressing these by being creative via zoom. 

What are the biggest rewards? PWIB offers networking and educational opportunities to women from all levels and types of business. Everyone is welcome. Every meeting offers another occasion to meet new business people, to exchange ideas, to ask questions, to mentor others. Community building. 

What's one piece of advise you would give someone starting a business in Penticton and area?
Be open to new ideas and know that there will always be challenges and they can be overcome. And be sure to join the Chamber of Commerce. 

How can people keep up to date on what's happening at PWIB? We offer a monthly email update on activities (add your contact info by messaging pwib@telus.net. You can find PWIB on Facebook, and via our website.

How many years have you been an organization? A few women in business were discussing opportunities for educational development and networking - we reached out to others and PWIB was born. Formed in 2001- Penticton Women In Business 20 years in 2021.

Who are the people in the background of your organization? The Board of Directors is elected annually by the membership. Marlene Trenholm has served as the administrator since inception.

Anything else you want the community to know about PWIB? We are proud of our annual PWIB Bursary commitment, which helps a returning Business Program student at Okanagan College. 
Membership

What is your position/title and company, and what do you do there? I am the Branch Manager at the Prospera Credit Union in town. My team and I assist members of our community with all of their financial needs and Prospera’s vision is to be the best financial institution for all of your small business banking needs. My passion for community involvement along with Prospera’s vision line up perfectly with what the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce stands for. 

How long have you been in the Okanagan? If you aren't originally from the valley, what led you to call the Okanagan home? I am an Okanagan boy born and raised. I spent my entire life in Kelowna until June of 2018 when I made the transition to Penticton and my fiancé and I are lucky to call this place home!

What do you enjoy most about your role with the Penticton Chamber? I love being a part of the Chamber because I have the opportunity to meet and work with all kinds of businesses and business owners. Sitting on the Advocacy committee has taught me a lot about different ongoing problems in our area and what we as an organization can do to help influence change in our community for the better. I also really enjoy the networking and volunteering events and can’t wait until we get to a place where we can start doing that again! 
----
Canadian Mental Health Association South Okanagan Similkameen LivingWorks Online Suicide Prevention Training. Register Here

Okanagan College to Host Virtual Job Fair - Empowering Employment Businesses looking to tap into the next wave of Okanagan College graduates will want to know about a job fair Thursday, Feb 4 10am - 2:30pm.
Events
Join us as we chat with local experts Anita & Jens with Technica Systems to learn 6 simple proven email marketing and list building strategies that drive conversion and boost sales. You'll walk away with powerful knowledge that will help you increase your customer retention and grow your business. REGISTER HERE

When it comes to commercial insurance, many business owners are seeing their premiums rise and may be finding it increasingly difficult to get the appropriate insurance to meet their needs in certain regions. While there are no easy solutions to the problem, Canada’s insurers are pulling together to find creative solutions to support businesses across all sectors in accessing the insurance they need.

In this FREE live webinar, BDC experts will offer practical advice for optimizing your cash flow, effectively controlling costs and managing your financial needs.

Join us for a discussion with industry leaders who will share important insights and recommendations on structuring our economic recovery to benefit all Canadians —long after the pandemic has passed

Join Women’s Enterprise Centre for a conversation with Emily Given from Indigenous Services Canada who will share details about the opportunities available for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The Cannabis Act, which came into force on October 17, 2018, requires that the Minister of Health initiate a review of the Act by October 17, 2021, three years following the legalization of recreational cannabis for adult use. In advance of the federal government’s review of the Act, the National Cannabis Working Group will be leading an industry-led review of the legislation. This webinar will focus on medical cannabis and cannabis health products.  

2021 brings with it new hope, but many of the same challenges as 2020 for businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry. 45-minute strategy Webinar followed by a Q&A session, Devin Rubadeau of Okanagan College will introduce techniques that every tourism business can use to pivot towards success. 

Presented by Okanagan College businesses who hire co-op students can benefit in a variety of ways including gaining fresh ideas from the students, filling workforce needs for temporary or short-term projects, developing and training students who turn into future employees.

Learn how to attract and keep great employees - FREE Interactive Webinars
Jan 26 Recruiting 101: Tools to Find the Right Person for Your Team
Feb 2 Employee Retention Toolkit for Business Owners
Feb 9 Managing HR: Tools to Unite Your Team

Tax season is right around the corner and with all of the changes in the last year, we want to keep you up to date on the changes that will affect your tax filings - presented by Omland Heal

Join Small Business BC for a fascinating panel discussion that gathers speakers from a wide variety of perspectives. Hear their insights, add your observations and expertise, and look forward to the coming year informed and optimistic about your future prospects.