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Dear Readers, Happy Spring!
We are excited to share with you what the Chamber has been up to the last few weeks. To learn more on our AGM, upcoming events, and member news, please continue to read below.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce hosted its Quad-Level Elected Officials Meeting at the Chamber.
Joining the lively roundtable discussion, and presenting and hearing updates were representatives from the federal, provincial, municipal, and local business/educational level.
Stephen Fuhr commented on his productive and informative visit to Washington, D.C., and his meetings with his US counterparts and Dan Albas made in depth remarks on financial matters, in his role as opposition finance critic.
Norm Letnick (not in photo below) commented extensively on local infrastructure and service spends in his riding, and spoke passionately about the Rails and Trails project. Steve Thomson spoke particularly to the upcoming capital investments in health care projects in the Okanagan, and David Emerson's role in the softwood lumber discussions, as well as the quagga mussel prevention project.
Mayor Basran had a lot of news to impart about infrastructure projects nearing completion, and the water improvement announcement made later that day, while Professor Buszard updated the attendees on the Learning Factory, especially the aviation cluster and the exciting business park project. Gene Creelman spoke about the high cost of compliance issues for credit unions, and the cost of red tape, which is onerous for credit unions.
General discussion around many of these issues was a positive one for Chamber advocacy efforts and membership feedback.
Warmest Regards,
The Kelowna Chamber Team
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(Front Row from Left): Hon. Stephen Fuhr, MP, Kelowna-Lake Country; Ken Carmichael, Past President, Chamber; Colin Basran, Mayor, City of Kelowna; Una Gabie, Vice president, Chamber; Carmen Sparg, Executive Vice president, Chamber; Becky Harmata, Premier Representative; David Braumberger, BDO LLP, President's Circle. (back row): Martine Hickman, Vice president, Chamber; Trina Warren, MNP LLP, President's Circle; Steve Thomson, MLA Kelowna-Mission; Ken Bessason, Int Executive Director, Chamber; Hon. Dan Albas MP, Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola; Jeff Robinson, Vice president, Chamber; Professor Deborah Buszard, UBC Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Pesident's Circle; Gene Creelman, Sr. Vice president, Interior Savings Credit Union President's Circle; Tom Dyas, President, Chamber.
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- Quails' Gate Winery was designated as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for 2017! The 2017 Best Managed program recognizes the best-in-class of Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $15 million demonstrating strategy, capability and commitment to achieving sustainable growth.
- Peter's Your Independent Grocer was nominated as one of the winners of the 2017 Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment from the Government of Canada for its exemplary work to help newcomers to Canada find and retain jobs and enhance their employment skills.
- Summerhill Pyramid Winery won two medals at France's world's best Chardonnay contest. Summerhill's 2014 Chardonnay icewine won a gold medal and Summerhill's Cipes Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine, made with Chardonnay grapes, won silver. West Kelowna's Quails' Gate Winery won a silver for its Stewart Family Reserve 2015 Chardonnay.
- Congratulations to all Finalists in the 42nd Annual Civic & Community Awards! Volunteer Organization of the Year Finalists are members: CMHA and Kelowna Gospel Mission. Corporate Community of the Year Award Finalists are members: Moga Moms, Third Space Coffee, Volinspire, COSTCO and Winn Rentals. Champion for the Environment Finalist member: Value Village.
- New member, August Exotic Car Tours & Rentals, the Okanagan's only exotic car tour and rental provider, will now be known as Kelowna Exotic Car Tours & Rentals. They continue to offer our Scenic Sip Full Throttle guided tour into Lake Country and hourly rentals of exotic cars.
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Kelowna Chamber Marks 111th AGM with Full Slate of Directors
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The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual general meeting on Wednesday,
March 15,
2017
at the Delta Grand Hotel. A full slate of directors, including three new faces, was sworn in by Mayor Colin Basran.
Speaking about 2016-2017 as a 'transition year' for the Chamber, Board President Tom Dyas thanked the returning directors for continuing on the board for the coming year. "Stability," said Dyas, "is important for any
organization
, and for a business
organization
with a volunteer board, it is always a critical part of strategic planning and success."
The board executive remains unchanged in 2017, and Dyas will serve a second year as President, as will all the Executive, acclaimed by the directors. Executive vice-president Carmen Sparg of Associated Property Management will move into the President's Chair in March 2018.
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Transport Canada Introduces New Safety Regulations for Recreational Drones
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Flying your Drone Safely and Legally
On March 16th, Federal Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, introduced new federal laws for recreational drones.
More and more people are flying drones and UAVs. Transport Canada regulates their use to keep the public and other airspace users safe. According to Transport Canada, the number of incidents involving recreational drones has more than tripled since 2014. Before taking the skies, make sure to understand the rules and follow them. Not doing so could put lives at risk and cost you up to $25,000 in fines and/or jail time.
The 10 new laws pertain to recreational drones weighing between 250 grams and 30 kilograms. Some of the laws focus on prohibiting a certain height of flight, time of day, distance from objects or people, and not labelling your drone with your name and address.
See if you have permission to fly a drone here.
The new safety rules will be effective immediately and remain in effect for up to one year until permanent regulations are put in place.
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Nominations Now Open for the 2017 EY Entrepeneur of the year
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Our country's top entrepreneurs dare. They dare to dream, to innovate and to take big risks to bring their visions to life. That's why EY is proud to shine the spotlight on their achievements.
Nominations are open until 28 April, 2017. To learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, key dates, past winners and much more - and to nominate online - visit
ey.com/ca/EOY
.
Nominate an Entrepreneur today! We dare you.
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