Volume CXL  |  January 12 2017
Chamber News & Updates
Dear Readers,

Happy New Year!

2016 was a year of new milestones for the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Not only did we accomplish membership growth, but increasingly, members saw the value of being connected and being part of an organization that contributes to the good of the community.

Some of our notable accomplishments this year:  
  • Accredited Chamber of Commerce 2016/2019 – with Distinction
  • More members – 1,352 – than at any time in our history
  • 110th anniversary as a Chamber of Commerce
  • Hosted all BC Chambers in Kelowna at their annual conference and AGM
  • A successful year, financially
  • The most attendees at our Business Excellence Awards
  • A historic trip with the Kelowna mayor and the Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association to Japan
  • Hosted an exceptional Travel & Learn experience for members on a trip to Iceland
  • Hosted round tables with a Catalyst for Growth Fund grant with Women’s Enterprise Centre and Status of Women Canada
  • Launched new programs for Young People in Business
We’re particularly proud of our Accreditation: to quote, “This Chamber has demonstrated that it meets a high standard of excellence in service to its members through strict adherence to a prescribed set of programs, services, management and governance principles, and policy and advocacy initiatives.  This Chamber is a leader and ‘the Voice of Business” within its community.” Our departing CEO, Caroline Grover, was a driving force behind our recognition for organizational excellence and initiation of new programs.

We are looking forward to a prosperous 2017 in our community and invite you to join our members at many of our thought-provoking events this year.

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Congratulations to our Membership Renewal Contest Winner!

Just Ink Services

Because they had renewed their membership before Dec 31st, they were entered into a draw and won tickets for up to 20 members of their team to attend our All-Inclusive Ski Day @ Silver Star Mountain Resort! There is still time to register for this event on January 25th. We will see you on the hill!

Congrats to our Western Business & Food Sector Outlook Seminar Winner!

Scott Simpson of BDO Canada

There is still time to join us for an informative morning session January 26th at the Coast Capri Hotel where one of Canada's renowned economists gives attendees the opportunity to take a deep dive into the numbers that continue to drive the Kelowna and B.C. economy for 2017 and beyond. Find more info here.


The Kelowna Chamber Team
Upcoming Events
December's New Members

Click on each one to learn more about our newest members!
Call for Chamber Board Directors
Nominations for the 2017-2018 Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are currently being sought.

In a volunteer capacity, members of the Board of Directors of the Kelowna Chamber provide a leadership role in determining the long-term direction and policy decisions of the Chamber. They provide expertise to maintain a high standard of advocacy, services, programs and opportunities delivered by the Kelowna Chamber.

To be eligible to sit on the Board of Directors, members must be able to commit to a two-year term on the Board and must be a member in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the date of the close of nominations. Applicants require the written endorsement of two other Kelowna Chamber members.

If you are interested in serving on the board, please click here for the application form.

Applications must be typewritten, and submitted with a professional head shot. These must be received at the Kelowna Chamber office by 4:00 pm on Monday, February 6, 2017 at which point nominations will close.

If additional applications are received exceeding the number of eligible positions, a ballot will be e-mailed to all voting members following the close of nominations for an electronic vote. 

Successful applicants will be sworn in at our Annual General Meeting , which will be held at the Delta Grand Okanagan on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm, where we will also be seeking approval of audited financial statements. This meeting is free to attend, however immediately following will be a luncheon event featuring keynote Brad Bennett.

To Register for one or both of these, click here.

 

Volunteer Ambassador Spotlight

Shawna & Kailey McCrea
The Chamber benefits greatly from the priceless contributions of our volunteers in making a difference in our business community. Volunteers are crucial to our organization in enhancing the connectivity, engagement, and value of our Chamber members.

            We are happy to honour and spotlight two of our dedicated volunteers:
                                 Mother-Daughter team, Shawna & Kailey!

Collectively these two ladies are a force to be reckoned with. Shawna and Kailey both  truly exemplify the heart of the ambassador program. The Chamber is truly grateful for their service!

Shawna continuously offers her time and service to make the newest members of the Kelowna Chamber feel celebrated and connected to a greater community. Shawna has volunteered with us for over 10 years and has graciously taken on the role of Ambassador Committee Chair. She has deservedly won the Ambassador of the Year award in 2015 for her dedication, helpfulness, and going above and beyond her volunteer description.

Kailey has been an excellent Jr. Ambassador with the Chamber for over three years now. She is the first Junior Ambassador to serve with the Chamber, as she is currently a high school student. We couldn't be more happy to have her join us and receive her input and energy at our events. We appreciated Kailey's contribution in exceptionally managing and executing our 2016 Wedding Expo fashion show. 

Thank you for all you do!

Look for Shawna & Kailey on Volinpsire next week for their Volunteer Spotlight!


As a committee of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, this group will serve in a front line role by welcoming members to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassadors Committee and how to get involved please contact the Chamber or committee chair Shawna McCrea .
Volinspire: Volunteer. Inspire Your Community


Volinspire  is a Community Engagement platform that brings volunteers, charitable organizations and businesses together to build more connected communities.

For Businesses, t his is where  doing good really is good business! Volinspire is a corporate giving solution that helps you engage employees and inspire your customers.  Volinspire helps you manage and showcase your corporate goodness and increase employee engagement all on one community-based online platform. 

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce | 250.861.3627 | www.kelownachamber.org