Kelowna's Voice for Businesses Clearly Heard at BC Chamber AGM |
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The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce submitted nine policies aimed at improving the local economy to the BC Chamber AGM held over the weekend and all of them received support. Thanks to the continued investment of our loyal members we were able to commit significant resources in developing a strong business case for each policy we submitted.
We also know that gaining the endorsement of business leaders from across the province speaks volumes for the importance of action on the issues we have identified.
The policies that were endorsed by business leaders from across the province included one that calls on the Province to address the issues raised earlier this year by the B.C. Urban Mayors Caucus co-chaired by Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran.
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HOLD THE DATE: Federal Opposition Leader Erin O'Toole Joins Regional Townhall |
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The Kelowna Chamber is pleased to announce that we will be joining with our regional Chambers and Boards of Trade in hosting MP Erin O'Toole for a regional townhall.
There will be limited spaces available for this event. Watch our social media feeds for more information this week.
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June Business Smarts: Women in Business Initiative - Strategic Investing
Tuesday, June 15 | 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM | Virtual
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The Sisterhood of Business Women is a one hour interactive workshop geared to women business owners.
The unique financial challenge these women face is twofold: balance running their business with personal obligations like preparing for retirement. This workshop will bridge the two by working participants through the beginning stages of an integrated financial plan that will lay the foundation for accelerated business and personal growth.
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FOCUSED DIRECTORS - BETTER OUTCOMES -STRONGER ORGANIZATIONS
Saturday, June 12 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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BOARD GOVERNANCE TRAINING with Deb McClelland
Join us for a special virtual training session designed specifically for those volunteering on a Board of Directors (or for those considering running for a position on a non-profit Board). Deb McClelland from ON-BOARD Training has three decades of experience in governance to share with participants. She will lead this workshop that will cover the roles and responsibilities of the board and individual Directors while also providing you with an overview of the benefits that flow with good governance. This workshop is open to everyone though there is a special discount rate for Kelowna Chamber members.
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On the Blog: What Is Your Marketing Value Proposition? |
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As a business owner, are you in touch with the needs of your target demographic group? Do you have an understanding of what they're looking for and how your brand can meet their needs? Do you have a clear statement that outlines why the goods or services you offer are of better value and will solve your customers' problems more effectively than a competitor's offerings? Read this week's blog to learn more about what things you should consider when writing your organization's marketing value proposition.
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UPDATES & EVENTS IN OUR NETWORK |
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Thurnheer Named Associate Dean of School of Business at Okanagan College |
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Okanagan College’s School of Business will welcome back a familiar face in a new role as Laura Thurnheer will commence duties as an Associate Dean on August 16. Thurnheer began at the College as a Professor in the School of Business in 2007, and also served as Business Department Chair for six years, before taking up her current post as Associate Dean of Science, Technology and Health in 2018. She will succeed Dr. Barry McGillivray, who will retire this year after more than 35 years with Okanagan College, and 12 as Associate Dean of the School of Business.
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Rainmaking@Okanagan: Future of Socio-Economic Change in Emerging Cities |
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Rainmaking@Okanagan invites participants to co-explore innovative solutions to address issues such as community resilience, smart cities, future skills training through higher education, and research innovation with community partners. This 2-evening event co-hosted by the Social and Economic Change Lab (SE-Change Lab) at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus and the Good City Foundation, aims to showcase recent as well as future socio-economic changes in the Okanagan region.
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Help Reduce Poverty and Increase Community Wellness |
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The Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy (COPAWS) team is spearheading the Lived Experience Survey. It encourages people who have current or past experience with poverty to share their ideas on how Central Okanagan communities can do more to raise families, couples and individuals out of poverty and into wellness.
The Lived Experience Survey is available online at the link below.
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Former Kelowna Chamber Board Member Donna Markin Retires |
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After 30 years in the industry and nine years in Kelowna, Donna Markin, General Manager of Orchard Park Shopping Centre is retiring. Congrats Donna from all your fellow Chamber members and alumni.
She has seen a lot of change in her industry over the years, demonstrating the resilience of shopping centres and how they have adapted to business trends. Donna was proud of how they kept their retailers and customers safe and in business during the pandemic. SOURCE: Straight from DeHart - May 26, 2021.
Read more good news stories in our community from the Straight from DeHart at the link.
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Property Tax Notices are Out: Due July 2 |
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Property owners in Kelowna can expect to receive their 2021 tax notices in the mail over the next few weeks. Property tax payments are due on Friday, July 2. Kelowna City Council approved a 4.04 per cent taxation demand increase for 2021 though the actual increase any property holder will be required to pay is influenced by the BC Assessment valuation of the property and the variable tax rate for the class of property (i.e. residential or commercial).
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Wednesday, June 2 | 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Virtual
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This full day forum and career fair will bring together CEOs, C suite executives, public sector leaders, international speakers and thought leaders to have conversations on the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how we can change the mindset and culture of an organization. The benefits of organizations having diversity and inclusion in the workplace are: increased employee retention, attraction of millennials, talent pool expansion, elevated innovation and productivity, better returns, and enhanced corporate branding.
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Thursday, June 3 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Virtual
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Throughout this pandemic storm, all of us have been impacted differently. Navigating these times means personal care, as well as ensuring you have the tools to have conversations with others. Join KPMG for a fireside chat with its Chief Mental Health Officer, Dennis Trottier to learn about tools and resources that will assist in supporting your own mental health and that of those around you.
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BDO's Top 40 Over 40 program celebrates remarkable individuals in our community over the age of 40 as a means to showcase mentors, champions and role models who encourage and foster the future leaders of our community.
The program is now closed for both nominations and applications. We thank all participants for their support – stay tuned for our Top 40 Honourees’ Profiles which will run through the week of July 26, 2021.
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LUCAS GRIFFIN | Secure-Rite Mobile Storage
Kelowna born and raised, Lucas Griffin founded Secure-Rite Mobile Storage in 2005 and he has seen it expand to Calgary in 2009, and Surrey in 2020. He has been closely involved in the startup of all five Secure-Rite locations in BC and Alberta, and is excited to establish more in the future.
Lucas believes in giving back to the community through donations of time, products, and finances. Secure-Rite focuses on a number of important social and environmental causes including ending homelessness by working towards affordable housing solutions, minimizing the company's carbon footprint, providing opportunities for students and youth to learn applied skills, and creating access to resources or commodities for those in need.
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EWAN LILFORD | Kelowna House of Floors Ltd.
Ewan is the President and founder of Kelowna House of Floors Ltd. and has been in the flooring industry since 2009 and in the construction industry since 1997.
Shortly after beginning his career Ewan quickly gained a reputation for his attention to detail, solid work ethic, and dedication to excellence in customer service. As a natural leader and someone who is eager to step in where needed, he has coached rugby for many years. Ewan also leads his staff in participating in many community volunteer programs and encouraging them to think about giving back to the community.
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Canadian Chamber Roadmap to Recovery: 9 Areas for Sharp & Lasting Recovery |
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In the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic, it is difficult for Canadians, their families, businesses and governments to look beyond confronting the immediate effects of COVID-19. However, even as Canadians continue supporting each other today, we must also begin looking over the horizon to the post-COVID-19 world to start planning how our country and economy can emerge stronger.
Recovery starts with resilience. Supporting business and employees through the COVID-19 pandemic is helping to ensure they will be able propel our economic recovery.
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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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