October 5 | 2021
CHAMBER UPDATES & EVENTS
IN-PERSON EVENT: B.C.'s Natural Resources Key to Economic Recovery
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM | COAST CAPRI HOTEL
After years of challenges and delays, new access to growing international markets for Canadian commodities is under construction in the form of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion, LNG Canada and the Coastal Gaslink pipeline.

BC is now poised to be a major player in the international LNG business by exporting natural gas to markets in China, India and elsewhere. This means jobs and economic opportunities for businesses and individuals in the central Okanagan and across the province.

It also means there are opportunities for Canadian natural gas to make a better world. Join Tim McMillan, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, for an insightful discussion of the resource industry’s role in Canada’s economic recovery and what this will mean to communities like Kelowna. This in-person event will have limited seating - register now to secure your spot.
Nominate Your Favourite Business for a Business Excellence Award
Show local some love by nominating them today!
The Kelowna Chamber salutes all businesses in the central Okanagan and how they have responded to the many challenges they've faced over the past year.  Our 34th Annual Business Excellence Awards will celebrate that resiliency but we need your help.

This is a great chance for you to show how much you appreciate the efforts of your favourite local business by nominating them for one of our sixteen different awards from Young Entrepreneur of the Year to Agriculture Excellence . Show local some love by clicking on the link below and spend a minute to nominate someone today!
Recording Now Available: How to Invite the World with Rick Antonson
Last week, former Tourism Vancouver President & CEO Rick Antonson reflected on his life experiences from the launching of BC’s bid for the 2010 Olympics to the benefits of Cathedral Thinking, and shared his insights into how to “invite the world” to visit your city. 

Thank you to all those who attended the event. If you missed the event or would like to watch the replay, head to the webinars page on our website at the link below.
Kelowna Chamber Ensures Business Voice is Heard by BC Finance Committee
The Kelowna Chamber made sure the voice of local business was heard by members of B.C.'s Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. Executive Director Dan Rogers spoke to the government committee during their stop in Kelowna last Wednesday expanding on the need for continued support for struggling businesses while also encouraging the province to take greater action in addressing the need for attainable housing. Read the full news release on our website at the link below.
Kelowna Chamber Team Reflects on National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Last week, the team that runs the Kelowna Chamber took time to reflect on what Truth & Reconciliation means, and what we want to learn and what actions we can take as an organization, and as individuals, moving forward.

On the blog, you can also read last week's message from the Kelowna Chamber's Chair of the Board, Jeffrey Robinson.
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NEWS & UPDATES IN OUR NETWORK
2040 Transportation Master Plan: Our Kelowna as We Move
As part of the City of Kelowna’s final phase of public and stakeholder engagement they have a survey open to the public and the Chamber encourages our members to take the time to complete. This is critically important so your voice is heard.

Participate in City questionnaire open for public comments until October 20th.

The input received will guide final refinements to the plan. The final 2040 Transportation Master Plan will be presented to Council for endorsement later this year.
1-800 Line Available for Businesses to Help with Vaccine Card Verification System
Some events, services and businesses are required to check a person's proof of vaccination (PoV) for access to their venue or space. The requirements are made by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). 

If your business is required to check for PoV but you are facing some challenges, the province has set up a specific help line and additional communication tools to assist you. You can also find proof of vaccination information for businesses HERE.

The call-in number to support business is 1-833-838-2323. 
Destination BC Seeks Members for Tourism Marketing Committee
Destination BC is seeking five representatives for its Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2022. Tourism Marketing Committee members work with Destination BC, their CEO and Board to develop a successful, dynamic, and sustainable tourism sector for British Columbia. Destination BC works in partnership with tourism stakeholders across the province to coordinate tourism marketing at the international, provincial, regional and local levels.
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NEWS & UPDATES IN OUR NETWORK
Calling All Canadian Tax Practitioners: Survey on Tax Administrative Process
The Canadian Chamber is on a mission to modernize and simplify tax administrative processes for Canadian employers. They are asking tax professionals to respond to a survey so they can produce a report of case studies to articulate modernization and simplification opportunities. Please share with tax practitioners you may know.
Canadian Cannabis: A Growing Economic Sector at Home and Abroad
November 10 | 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM | Virtual 
The Canadian Chamber will be hosting the first Executive Summit geared specifically to the growing cannabis sector in Canada. From licensed producers to retailers to ancillary businesses, this event will feature experts from across the industry who will discuss the opportunities, impacts and challenges associated with business in the cannabis sector. Full agenda and speaker announcements coming soon.
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NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Recently our team chatted with new member MAVAN Capital Partners to learn more about their business, and what they're looking forward to in the future.

What is something you wish you knew when you first began?
Think that we didn't really truly understand the growth potential Kelowna had as one of Canada's leading technology hubs. Had we known that I feel we would have made Kelowna MAVAN's head office a couple years earlier.

What is something people might not know about Mavan Capital Partners?
We have developed a fantastic relationship with BC's Venture Capital Branch and through their VCC Tax Credit program and the MAVAN Backyard Venture Funds have raised $3.1M to date. This means we have distributed $900k in refundable tax credits to our investors since 2019

What are you looking forward to/planning for the future?
We are really looking forward to the continued growth in the technology sector in Kelowna and BC, with MAVAN being an integral part of that growth.
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COVID-19 UPDATES
Province Extends Order Capping Fees Charged by Food Delivery Services
Restaurants facing unprecedented challenges from COVID-19 will continue to be supported through the extension of the food delivery fee cap, which limits the total fees food delivery companies can charge.

The food delivery service fee cap is being extended under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act. The order will continue to cap fees charged to restaurants from food delivery companies at 15%. An additional cap of 5% will also be extended for other related fees associated with use of the service, such as online ordering and processing fees. The revised order is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2021, at which point it will be reviewed, taking into account the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  
REMINDER: Vaccine Card with QR code now Only Way to Enter Some Businesses
As of the end of September, the BC Vaccine Card is the only acceptable proof of vaccination for British Columbians to enjoy certain businesses and recreational events.

The transition period, which allowed people to present their paper record of immunization received at the time of their vaccination appointment, ended on Sept. 26. The Vaccine Card requirement is applied in certain discretionary settings, including most restaurants and indoor events, through provincial health officer orders. The Province says this requirement helps ensure that businesses can stay open and people can feel safe in these settings, while continuing to increase vaccinations throughout the province. People can get their BC Vaccine Card online at gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard 
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org