August 25, 2016
Dear Readers, 
 
This week, in partnership with the City, we welcomed delegates on a visit from our Sister City, Kasugai. The delegates experienced a truly Okanagan experience, visiting golf courses and wineries, the Kasugai Gardens and Univeristy of British Columbia, Okanagan. 

We worked on fostering our business relationship with Japan, and are looking forward to their return next year during Canada's 150th, when they plan to bring another delegation. 

Next month, our Vice President will head to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Annual General Meeting and conference to get plugged into the latest developments, trends and issues that are important to the Canadian business community. 

She will take part in developing solutions that will break down the barriers holding Canadian businesses back and gain insight in order to set our policy agenda for the upcoming year.


Best Regards,

Conference on the future of Kelowna
Get involved on building our future city

A first of its kind, half-day real estate development-focused conference is taking September 9th, which will examine future growth and direction of Kelowna and the Okanagan. 

With topics ranging from the " Density Debate" to the cultural shift our society is seeing, this conference features developers, municipal planners, architects, engineers, consultants, and many others as speakers.

If you are interested in coming together to hear a vision of the future of Kelowna and the Okanagan from various community leaders and actively participate in the discussions, sign up now.     Learn More


Discover new markets for your product or service 
Canada-China Business Council introduces your biz to China

Our Chamber met with the BC Director of the CCBC this month to give an overview of Kelowna's business community.   The Canada China Business Council (CCBC) is a bilateral non-profit organization with six offices in both Canada and China and have been the leading voice of Canadian businesses in China for over 37 years, providing the knowledge and connections business people need to succeed in China and Canada.
 
The Kelowna Chamber can assist local businesses with questions about China markets and make connections with the BC Special Representative in Asia for Government of British Columbia, International Trade and Development, Ben Stewart, as well as with the British Columbia Trade and Investment office.  

The office in Beijing is the provincial hub for programs in the capital and northern China, including Tianjin and Dalian, as well as Mongolia.  The Chamber has hosted trips for Okanagan residents, including Chamber members and business people to Beijing and Shanghai, touring 300 travelers there since 2013.        Read More


Six Reasons To Offer A Flexible Work Environment

Recent research reveals why this is key

It may come as no surprise that new research by global workplace provider  Regus found the key driver in the rise of flexible work is employees desire for improve work : life balance.

female_yoga_pose_on_mat.jpgAccording to the research, canvassing the opinions of more than 44,000 business people from more than 100 different countries, 66 per cent of Canadian professionals say the need to improve work-life balance is driving up the increase in flexible working, while over half (51%) say the wish to work closer to home is also a key factor.

However, it isn't just the employee that stands to gain from a flexible work environment, the employer does too.   Read More

Upcoming Events
TONIGHT!
Business & Bevvies

Come by the Kelowna Yacht Club for some networking with a great view!

Thursday August 25th 
 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
1370 Water Street
TICKETS AT THE DOOR
woman_chatting_coffee.jpg
YPIB: Super-Casual
Coffee Social

Just a low-key gathering Wednesday morning to do some pre-hours networking!

Wednesday September 7th 
 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Third Space Cafe
A.M. Business Smarts:
Leveling the Playing Field with Big Business

 Small businesses face unique challenges - learn how you can design your business to make the best use of the resources we have to create a more level playing field.
Tuesday September 20th   
8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Kelowna Chamber Boardroom
Photo: Jessica&Andy
2nd Annual Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Wedding Expo

Does your business offer a product or service that grooms & brides-to-be could benefit from? There are still some booths left to participate in this opportunity to directly market to them!

Tuesday September 27th    
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Okanagan College

Bring your team and celebrate this year's finalists for a fun evening event!

Thursday October 13th   
5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Delta Grand Okanagan

P.M. Business Smarts:
Surviving a Crisis - Turning Disaster into Opportunity

  Chris Olsen will guide you through what to do when a crisis hits and cover everything you need to know on how to handle the media coverage that will ensue.
Tuesday October 18th   
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Kelowna Chamber Boardroom
Campaigns for Cause
CALL FOR TEAMS!
benefitting   for kids with Cancer!
  
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      544 Harvey Ave
      Kelowna BC V1Y 6C9
      250.861.3627