May 2, 2016
Dear Readers, 

Mayor Colin Basran has proclaimed May 1 - 7, 2016 as BC Water Week in Kelowna.

BC Water Week is a public awareness campaign organized by the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA). The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the value of our water and the need to protect, conserve and support our water resources and systems.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has been an active advocate for protecting our waters with our 2015 provincial and federal policies put forward to stop invasive mussels. The campaign has been a success with BC recently announcing an increase to their commitment in the fight; from a few roving inspection stations last year -  to 8 new permanent inspection stations founded this year. 

Additionally, the federal government has responded to our resolution by developing and implemented regulations that give border patrol authority to stop, inspect and refuse entry into Canada those water-crafts infected with invasive species. 
What a wonderful way to celebrate BC's Water Week! 
     
The Kelowna Chamber Team
   
Take a quick getaway to Victoria on Pacific Coastal Airlines. Use the Promo Code:  ILOVEPCA and find seats starting at $79 including taxes, per direction between Kelowna & Victoria. Book by April 30 and fly between May 1-June 30. 
31st Annual Golf Tournament
4th decade of popular event introduces more philanthropy

The Annual Kelowna Chamber Golf Tournament is always a fave. This year, the planning committee got together early to implement some fresh ideas.

The tournament has always had a giving component, facilitated by a couple of different fundraisers going to different charities. This year the committee has added in a third fundraiser; a 50/50 at dinner. Instead of choosing separate charities for each contest, as in the past, the committee will choose one children's charity that all the funds raised will go to support, creating a larger impact!

What else is different this year? Well the course of course! We will be at stunning Harvest Golf Club this year. We are looking forward to the scenery and service that this fabulous Club has to offer.

Another notable improvement this year? We have changed the day of the week this tournament falls on. Instead of cutting into your weekend on a Friday night, this tournament will be on a Wednesday, breaking up the week after a long weekend. The 3rd week of May is shaping up to a pretty stellar week! You might also notice a theme at this year's tournament, but to find out what it is - you'll just have to join us.

Some aspects that won't change - the chance to win quality prizes and the fun times this day always brings! Mark it in your calendar - May 25th!! Oh, and if you  sign up by Wednesday May 4th, you'll be entered in a draw for a future round of golf & carts for you and 3 pals at The Harvest!                 Learn More

 
Members in the News 
Recognizing our Members' outstanding achievements
  • Raghwa Gopal of  Accelerate Okanagan  has been honoured with a  2016 B.C. Community Achievement Award as well as named  Man of the Year at the  2015 Civic Awards! WOW!
     
  • Shelagh Turner,  Canadian Mental Health Association  and current Kelowna Chamber Board Member was also honoured at the 2016 B.C. Community Achievement Awards
     
  • Rosemary Thomson , Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and
    Valley First Credit Union also received civic awards at last week's ceremony
     
  • St Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery, CedarCreek Estate Winery, Mission Hill, Arrowleaf Cellars and Gray Monk Estate Winery were each awarded at the  Best of Varietal Awards ceremony last week
     
  • PrairieCoast Equipment has pledged $50,000 toward the Bright Horizons Building for Skills campaign in support of the new Trades Training Complex at Okanagan College's Kelowna campus
     
  • QHR Technologies had record breaking revenue in fourth quarter 
     
  • 1-800-GOT-JUNK and Graycon have made the list of Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers 2016 & Urban Systems, TD Bank Group, RBC, Grant Thornton LLP, and Cactus Restaurants have all made the list of Best Workplaces in Canada this year
     
  • Omega Communications is celebrating 40 years in business
     
  • Kelowna Art Gallery is celebrating the 30th annual Art in Action exhibition this year showcasing local students' work  
     
  • QuestUpon has made history by merging with First Nations to bring the storytelling quest "The Tireless Runner"
Congrats to all!
Government Resources for your Small Biz
Free Info Expo in Kelowna

You are invited to our next Small Business Information Expo on May 4th.

Small Business Information Expos (SBIE) bring together government programs, and non-government organizations that support small business in British Columbia in a trade show setting. The SBIE is hosted by the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) and community partners.       Learn More

Event Details
  • Participants (est): 100 - 200 participants
  • Exhibitors: 25 - 30 programs that support small business
  • Date / Time: Wednesday May 4th, 2016 / 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location: Laurel Packing House, 1304 Ellis St, Kelowna   
The Chamber will have a booth set up, we hope to see you there!

Audi R8 Breathes Better. 
 Dave came to us with his gorgeous R8 V10.  Click to watch   how we boosted horsepower and torque with a performance exhaust and software tune.  
Upcoming Events

Kelowna Small Business Information Expo
   
The 2016 Kelowna Small Business Information Expo (SBIE) is a FREE tradeshow that connects your business with government support services. 

Wednesday May 4th 
 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Laurel Packinghouse
  BDO Leadercast:
Kelowna 2016
Only 10 tickets left!
  
Leadercast is the largest one-day leadership event in the world, bringing together some of the most recognized and respected global leaders to create a leadership experience unlike any other. Speakers this year include Kat Cole (President @ FOCUS Brands), James Brown (CBS News), Steve Wozniak (Co-Founder of Apple) and many more. 

Friday May 6th 
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
UBC Okanagan
 
 @ The Cove Lakeside Resort
  
 Join hundreds of business leaders from across the Valley from Osoyoos to Vernon. The event features a business expo component with over 75 exhibitors as well as appetizers and beverages from local wineries and breweries.

Thursday May 12th 
4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
The Cove Lakeside Resort      
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Business Smarts: Preparing your business for sale or transition

 Regardless of the industry, stage of business or size, every business needs an exit strategy (eventually).  However, business owners often neglect to consider this until they make the decision to sell. 
Tuesday May 17th   
8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Kelowna Chamber Boardroom
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   The Art of Inventing & Reinventing: Stories of Change

Join Kelowna Women in Business and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce's Women's Leadership Network for an interactive panel discussion featuring 4 local women who will share their candid stories of change.

Wednesday May 18th 
 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Hotel Eldorado
   31st Annual Golf Tournament

It's a "hole" new golf-ball game this year at the Harvest Golf Club...Register before Wednesday May 4th, 2016 and be entered into a draw to win a future round of golf for four - including cart, courtesy of Harvest Golf Club!

Wednesday May 25th 
 1:30 to 7:00 p.m.
The Harvest
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!
Campaigns For Cause
  
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      544 Harvey Ave
      Kelowna BC V1Y 6C9
      250.861.3627