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Dear Readers,
Chamber Week is back! Held February 15 to 19, Chambers across BC will celebrate the impact we've been able to make on businesses and the economy. To celebrate, we have various events planned; We're sure there is something for everyone!
It's Official - Applications to sit on our Board have been flying in and we will be going to an election. Stay tuned for your electronic ballots later this month, and if you'd like to make any changes to your voting members prior, please let us know.
We are excited to introduce some new events for 2016;
- Leader Skills is a monthly series of afternoon seminars with International speakers advising leaders on a range of topics.
- Business with Bevvies will replace Business After Hours. Held the third Thursday of the month, and with one low-price for all, Business with Bevvies aims to be the business social to attend in Kelowna.
- Super Casual Coffee Social is an initiative by the Young People in Business Committee (YPIB), and will be held the first Wednesday of each month. The name says it all.
- Move over Oprah. The YPIB Book Club is here. Set in an environment that fosters discussion and brainstorming, the club will meet on a monthly basis. Don't miss out, reading starts now!
Advisory - We will be closed to spend time with our families, this Monday, February 8th (BC Family Day).
The Kelowna Chamber Team
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Turn Connections into Loyal
Referrers
And Eliminate the Competition!
"I wish every workday started with the dynamic people in The Sales Lead Network. We're a group of like-minded business people who share ideas, plans, visions and reciprocate referrals while enjoying breakfast in a relaxed and engaging environment. There is a diplomacy where fun and friendships can be used for productive outcomes. Over breakfast we foster new relationships, open doors, and launch new ideas that create business opportunities for each member. You may not have imagined that a meeting at 7am could turn out to be so valuable."
- Darci Sellers, Chair, SLN
Join the KCC Sales Lead Network and watch your business (and your personal network) grow. Each week from 7:00am-8:30am we meet to exchange meaningful referrals and to get to know one another over coffee and a delicious hot meal, compliments of
Cora.
We are currently looking to grow our
Tuesday morning group.
Here are some industries we're looking for:
- Recruitment and HR services
- Contractor, Plumber, Cabinet Maker and Flooring Specialist
- Mechanic
- Radio Marketer
- Winery
- Hotel and Accommodation
- AND MORE...
Each member is the EXCLUSIVE representative of their industry. No sharing with your competition! Come give us a try -
your first breakfast is on us!
RSVP
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The Employee-Search Solution is here
Kelowna Chamber Embraces New Matchmaking Service
It's a paradox that saps the economic strength of Kelowna and communities right across Canada: unemployment, particularly among youth, is persistently high, yet businesses commonly experience difficulties in finding the talent they need.
The inability to quickly identify and communicate with job candidates with the right skill sets and aptitudes is, by far, the most common human resource concern expressed by Kelowna small-and-medium-size enterprises (SMEs).
An effective response to this inconsistency from stakeholders engaged in the job-seeking marketplace - educators, government, labour, not-for-profit groups and industry sectors - is critical to our economic strength and addressing unemployment.
Read More
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Fishing in Haida Gwaii
The Kelowna Chamber takes to the water
July seemed a long way off when we announced the Kelowna Chamber's "Fishing Experience in Haida Gwaii", but it is getting closer by the day, and
tickets are only on sale until March 31! F
or all those armchair fishing enthusiasts who are considering taking the trip, it
is more than half full.
Boarding a chartered jet from Kelowna on Sunday July 3 we'll
fly direct to Sandspit. There, we board a succession of Helijet twin-engine Sikorsky 76s, and go direct to the floating lodge at Englefield Bay.
Our dry suits will have been pre-sized and are waiting along with our guides. Our fishing trip begins right in the middle of one of the most productive fishing grounds on the west coast for all species of trophy sized salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish.
Like all the Chamber's Travel & Learn Programs, this one has an extra twist that makes it unique. Tony Stewart, Proprietor of
Quails' Gate Winery will be onboard and will be fishing with us. He'll also be bringing cases of different wines from
his cellar. Every evening, we'll relax after fishing and a post-exercise massage, with appetizers and Tony's signature wine tastings.
Read More
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Not-For-Profit News
Grants & Special Insurance Available Now
The Chamber is pleased to announce a new benefit for our NFPs. We've partnered with Spark Insurance to offer discounts on the following insurance coverages:
-Nonprofit Directors and Officers Liability
-General Liability
-Contents and Assets Coverage
-Crime Liability
-Volunteer Injury (AD&D)
-Legal Expense
-Media Liability
-Host Liquor Events Umbrella Liability
-Cyber Liability Get a Quote
Some more great news is the announcement made by City of Kelowna that Central Okanagan Foundation will administer $102,000 in Community Social Development Grants on their behalf this year. These grants fund innovative, prevention-oriented programs designed to improve the quality of life for residents in Kelowna.
Registered charities and non-profit organizations interested in applying for a Community Social Development Grant can apply here.
Completed applications are due by 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 and should be dropped off at the Central Okanagan Foundation office located at #225-1889 Springfield Road. Questions? Contact Cheryl Miller, Director of Grants & Community Initiatives, 250-861-6160.
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Why the 'Little Things' Matter
Past Experiences Influence your customer
What do you look at as great customer service? Most likely it's not something huge, but some set of little things. Or it may even be just one little thing. Why are those little things so important?
When you look at your little things that matter, they really all have to do with expectations. And when it comes down to it, that has to do with past experiences.
Whenever we have experiences, we keep a mental recording of them. And from that point forward, we're always comparing against similar situations. That's how we come up with our expectations.
If we've experienced really good customer service, that can become our expectation with a particular business, or even an entire industry. And if we have a really bad experience, we may avoid the place altogether because our expectation is that it could easily happen again. Read more
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Have a Seasonal Business and an Artsy Youth?
Keeping the Kids Busy during your Busy Season
"Performer". "Loves the Spotlight". "Creative". If these terms of endearment describe the youth in your life, then the Summer Arts Scene For Youth might be just what they need. SASFY has opened its
early bird registration
for the 7th annual summer arts school, to be held once again at George Elliot Secondary School & Creekside Theatre August 8-13, 2016.
This unique, 6 day inter-connection of the a
rts workshops program,
creates a blending of performing, visual and language arts disciplines, and this year is centered on the theme "The Spirit in the Land of the Okanagan"... the nature-arts experience.
The exclusive Okanagan faculty team of top quality workshop presenters are keen to share their passion, knowledge and experience with youth ages 8-16. Workshop presenters along with youth participants will celebrate creativity in a diverse variety of arts expression at the culminating arts event, open to the general public, on the afternoon of the 6th day at Creekside Theatre. Read More
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When registering for events PLEASE only press the "Submit" button once - even if you get a "Timeout" message. If you don't get the confirmation email, then please call us to confirm your registration. We are working on a resolution to this issue.
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Chamber Luncheon:
Annual State of the City
Join us for a 3-course lunch at the Capri where our Mayor will speak about the accomplishments of the City of Kelowna over the past year and discuss future plans.
Thursday February 11th
11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Coast Capri Hotel
LAST CHANCE!
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YPIB: Book Club
Are you stuck on a book you've been reading for months? This year the Young People in Business Committee has formed a book club to help tackle this exact problem.
Register by:
Friday February 12th
1st Meeting:
Monday February 22nd
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Kelowna Chamber
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Leader Skills Series:
Dr. Gustavo Grodnitzky will be giving a power-hour of honest, tried &true advice, and providing suggestions you can implement in both your organization and your personal life. Drinks and appies will be served and great talks amongst like-minded leaders will be had.
Wednesday February 17th
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
W + A Bistro
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Noon Hour Business Smarts:
What went wrong with Workplace Wellness?
Dr. Jenkins will examine why these programs tend to fizzle, how to implement an effective one, and more!
Wednesday February 17th
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Kelowna Chamber
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Business with Bevvies @
In 2015, 968 animals were adopted from the Kelowna BC SPCA branch! Let's make a toast in their new space and celebrate this amazing achievement while building some valuable business connections.
Thursday February 18th
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
3785 Casorso Road
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Chamber Luncheon featuring Hon. Christy Clark
Join the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce for an official address by The Honourable Christy Clark, following the tabling of the 2016-17 Provincial Budget.
Thursday February 18th
11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Coast Capri Hotel
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Leader Skills Series:
Sandra Kochan, Cultural Services Manager of the City of Kelowna, will be sharing her lessons learned, the events that shaped her life, and the challenges she's faced along her journey into leadership.
Wednesday February 24th
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
W + A Bistro
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Check out ALL Chamber & Community Event Listings:
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Neil Squire Society: Have you ever heard of the technology @ work program? Designed to support employment for those with disabilities who are currently working, or just about to start working or volunteering. Interested to see if you or a member of your team qualify?
Factoring Solutions: Cash flow can often be a hindrance for growing companies. Contact factoring solutions to see how they can help you grow to your full potential.
Pomme Salon: Love is in the Hair - purchase any shampoo and conditioner to be entered to win a gift pack of goodies for you and a loved one worth over $100. Contact them for details!
Sunlife Financial: Everyone wants to be taxed less and save more. Interested in seeing what an RRSP might be able to do for you, or how you can meet your financial goals?
Payworks: Are you looking to streamline your payroll plan? Contact Payworks to see what they can do for you as a Chamber member.
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HSF Big Bike Call for Registrations
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