May 19 | 2020
IN THE NEWS
Sector Specific Protocols Now Available
Late last week WorkSafeBC released sector specific guidelines and protocols for those businesses looking to resume operations following COVID-19 related work stoppages or interruptions. They have provided employers with information and resources to assist in ensuring the risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 is minimized.

Employers are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of transmission. You do not need a formal plan in place to begin operation, but you are expected to develop it while protecting the safety of your workers. WorkSafeBC will not be reviewing or approving the plans of individual employers, but in accordance with the order of the Provincial Health Officer, this plan must be posted at the worksite. 
Federal Government Announces Expansion of Canada Emergency Business Account
This morning the Government of Canada announced changes that expand the eligibility criteria for the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA). This welcome change now allows more owner-operated businesses and those with contract workers into the program.

This is something we, along with the rest of the chamber network have been pushing the government to move forward with, and we are pleased to hear this announcement. Every little bit helps.

For more information on the eligibility criteria, read the full news release below:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR - UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us Thursday May 21 @ 9:30 - 10:30 am as we discuss protecting yourself from fraud. This session will inform you on the latest scams and more importantly, the actions you can take to keep your personal information safe and your finances in order. This session will cover:
  • How to identify the different types of fraud and the latest scams
  • Actions you can take to protect yourself
  • Steps you can take if you have fallen victim to fraud

Guest Speakers:
  • Brett Kryskow, Business Development Manager, Business Banking, CIBC
  • Jackie Wheeler, Imperial Service Advisor, CIBC

No charge to participate but registration is required.
Join us Monday May 25 @ 12:00 - 1:00 pm for a conversation with the Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance . Minister Fortier will be discussing the measures that have been brought forward by the government to support Canadians and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

No charge to participate but registration is required.
Wednesday May 27 @ 9:30 - 10:30 am
Business Smarts Online: Essential Considerations for Adapting to the New Normal

Topics of Discussion:
  • Business Modelling and the New Reality
  • Digital Solutions and Collaborating from Home
  • Business Continuity Plan – A Case Study
Friday May 29 @ 9:00 - 10:00 am
New to the Chamber? Or maybe you are looking for a refresher on the details of your membership and what being part of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce can do for you. Join us for our monthly new member meet and greet, now online!

Membership 101 - Register Here
UPDATES
Government of Canada Extends Wage Subsidy Program
The federal government announced more details of the Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program extension late last week. The wage subsidy will be extended to August 29 and additional types of organizations are now eligible to apply. Neither the 30% drop in revenue requirement nor the allowed types of payroll used in calculations have changed. 
National Survey: Businesses Hit 50% Harder By COVID-19
The Canadian Survey on Business Conditions demonstrates some surprising resilience of small- and medium-sized businesses despite having outsized disadvantages when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
TOP FORTY UNDER 40 - THIS WEEK'S HONOUREES
JAMES LITTLEY - Okanagan Water Basin Board

James Littley's fourteen year career in the Canadian Forces shaped his strong leadership style, and led him to receive the Canadian Forces Decoration. Most notably, James served on the Standard party for the Queen's Golden Jubilee visit in 2002, and later was an Operations Officer for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics .

In 2012 James joined the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB). As the staff lead on the valley-wide control program for invasive milfoil , he formed partnerships with other organizations, lobbied senior governments for more funding, and created action items for all levels of government. He also represents the OBWB on the BC Waters Funders Collaborative Steering Committee as a Board Director to Environment Funders Canada.
RANDY THERRIN - Candel Custom Homes

Transplant and Red Seal carpenter from the lower mainland, Randy Therrin relocated Candel Custom Homes to the Okanagan in 2004. Since that time, Randy has invested in multiple developments in and around Kelowna.

In addition to developments, Randy demonstrates loyalty to his community in supporting local business. His leadership extends past his daily duties and flows into his personal life with sports coaching within minor organizations. His volunteer efforts include the Kelowna Father Daughter Dance as head sponsor, donating to his children's elementary school and playground development, and he volunteers weekly as a Kelowna Minor Hockey Coach.
RESOURCES
Have you missed a webinar? Watch it in our Resource Center.
There's a lot of information out there. As a part of our #OK We Got This initiative, we have compiled up-to-date government resources, recorded past webinars, and provided information to help your business get back on its feet. You can find it in our resource center.
UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST
Learn how to Sell Products to Support Canada's Response & Recovery
The federal government’s Office of Small And Medium Enterprises (OSME) is hosting a series of free webinars to help businesses find federal bid opportunities and related procurement information in the current context of COVID-19. The next available seminar is scheduled for May 27.
Member Webinar: Smart Manufacturing - Modern Concepts and Tool s
This coming Thursday May 21 @ 9:00 - 11:30 am , join manufacturing industry leaders in discussing next steps to stay prepared and efficient in your business and in the manufacturing industry.
Join this free webinar and learn how your company can attain unprecedented growth as we move past COVID-19 and into the new normal.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT GLANCE

  • Thurs. May 21 - Business Smarts Online - CIBC Cyber Security @ 9:30am

  • Mon. May 25 - Okanagan School of Business Speaker Series - Hon. Mona Fortier @ Noon

  • Wed. May 27 - Business Smarts Online - BDO: Essential Considerations for Adapting to the New Normal @ 9:30am

  • Fri. May 29 - Maximizing your Membership Investment (members only) - @ 9:30am

  • Tues. June 16 (tentative) - Okanagan School of Business Speaker Series - Rebuilding Tourism in BC


AND SAVE THE DATE FOR:

  • Thurs. Sept. 17 - Chamber Annual Golf Classic @ The Harvest
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org