October 13, 2016
Dear Readers, 
 
We are into full swing with activities & events for Small Business Month, which is celebrated around B.C.

Small businesses are the backbone of Chambers and Boards of Trade across the province. In fact, small businesses represent 98% of all businesses in B.C., employ over 1 million British Columbians and account for 33% of the province's GDP. There is no doubt that small business is a really big deal in B.C.

To recognize this special month we will be honouring 30 finalists at our Annual Business Excellence Awards this week, ten of whom will walk away with an award for being the top in their category. If you aren't able to attend in person, watch for the announcement on Friday. 

Next week, in recognition of Small Business Week, a nationally observed occasion, we have four events planned; we are sure that every small business can attend at least one to become engaged, enlightened and/or educated. 

Best Regards,

September's Membership Activity
Click on each name to learn more

New Members
Upgraded Members
Free 1-Day Conference to support small Businesses
MyBizDay stops in Kelowna

Join Small Business BC for their  FREE MyBizDay event on October 19, 2016 at The Laurel Packinghouse. 

Enjoy a full-day of education, networking, and exhibits to discover resources and programs available to help you start and grow your small business. 

This year's workshops include:

* Financing and Start-Up Money - Presented by TD Bank Group
* Market Research Hacks- Presented by Small Business BC
* Introduction to TaxSense for Your Business - Presenter TBA
* Protecting Your Business - Presented by TruShield Insurance
* Getting Your Business Ahead in International Trade - Presented by UPS      Canada
* Maximize Your Digital Presence and Reach More Customers - Presented    by Yellow Pages

Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided, and there will be a ton of door prizes from our partners. Seating is limited, so register now.


Direct Market to our New Members
Do you have Swag for our Bag?

Our Volunteer Ambassador Team work tirelessly to ensure all of our new members receive a personal warm welcome. 

When they visit them in-person they deliver a plaque for their wall, and a bag full of Membership benefits and goodies - provided by members like you! 

If you would like to contribute some of your promotional knick-knacks to our New Member Welcome Bags, please contact Diana.


$50 M Provincial Gov't Trust Invests in Local Biz
Business Advisory Service is Here

The Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust (SIDIT), a $50+ million trust fund, supporting Southern Interior initiatives over the past 10 years, has launched a new Business Advisory Service (BAS). SIDIT's goal is to give small and mid-sized businesses located in the Southern Interior region the levels of business competence, confidence and contacts needed to accelerate growth.
 
Small business owners will agree, running a small business isn't easy! Shouldering a business's operational weight while navigating a path to success is a lonely battle, often waged without the benefit of informed guidance or the core business skills necessary to succeed. This is where BAS intends to fill the gaps, with a team of powerful advisors to help navigate the inherent challenges of running a small business.      Read More


Upcoming Events
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P.M. Business Smarts:
Bad Press: 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
Women 2 Watch:
Reception & Live Panel

 This event is one not to be missed!
 Join us as we celebrate the 20 incredible women that were featured in this year's Women 2 Watch Program, as they each share a bit about what makes them tick, during this intimate cocktail reception and gathering.
Tuesday October 18th   
4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Prestige Beach House
Lunch: The Challenges of Leading the 
 Millennial  Workforce

 Join this 3-course Lunch & Learn where the demographic shift of today's population and its profound effect on the workplace will be examined. Rapid and continuous changes in technology have created a perfect storm - one requiring deep understanding of the Millennial persona as well as the generational differences they bring.  
Wednesday October 19th   
11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Coast Capri Hotel
Chamber Luncheon:
New President of UBC 

   Professor Santa Ono officially stepped into his role as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia on August 15, 2016. Join other members of the community for a three-course luncheon to hear his address.
Friday October 28th   
(corrected date)
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Coast Capri Hotel
Chamber Luncheon:
MLAs & MPs Update 

   Join your business community at this 3-course luncheon to hear updates from your provincial and federal government representatives on issues that matter to your business.
Wednesday November 9th   
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Delta Grand
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AM Business Smarts:
The Challenges of Change; The Riches of Transition

   Learn the three major catalysts of change as well as the four phases of transition and the meaning they offer to your professional and personal experience.
Tuesday November 22nd   
8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Chamber Boardroom
  
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      Kelowna BC V1Y 6C9
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