June 2 | 2020
UPDATE FROM THE PROVINCE
BC Government Places Temporary Freeze on Business Evictions
BC Finance Minister Carole James announced on Monday that landlords who are eligible but don’t apply for CECRA will be prevented from evicting tenants for at least the next month. This temporary measure will hopefully encourage more landlords to apply for the federal program, providing temporary reprieve so businesses can catch their breath.

A joint letter late last month from the Canadian Chamber network called on provincial and territorial governments to consider this measure. BC Chamber CEO Val Litwin also referenced this issue in an op-ed in the Vancouver Sun recently that called for more landlord participation in the program. The article referenced an eviction freeze as a way to buy time for small businesses until money starts flowing (from CEWS and other sources). 
While we acknowledge the CECRA program is not perfect, we support the eviction ban as a  temporary  tool to bring landlords and tenants together giving much needed support for small businesses.
New BC Chamber Board Chair from Kamloops
The BC Chamber made history in May by holding its AGM and Policy Discussions entirely online. The virtual conference drew delegates from across the province including a strong contingent that represented the Kelowna Chamber.

The BC Chamber also elected Aleece Laird of Kamloops as Chair of the Board. Watch her inspirational video that speaks to the power of the chamber crowd. She also gives a shout out to our Executive Director Dan Rogers who served on the BC Chamber Board over the last year.
Critical Policies Pass at BC Chamber AGM
67 chambers and boards of trade from across B.C. gathered online on May 22-23, to discuss and debate key policy issues at the BC Chamber of Commerce 68 th Annual General Meeting & Conference.

Key Policy Areas Included:
  • Investment in Transportation & Infrastructure
  • Increasing Employment Opportunities
  • Support for Future & Traditional Sectors
  • Creation of a Competitive Taxation Framework
This marked a banner year for the BC Chamber with 70 policies submitted by 30 local chambers. A total of 62 policies passed and will be added to the BC Chamber’s 2020 Policy & Positions Manual.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us Tuesday June 16 from 11:00am - 12:00pm for a conversation with Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination BC, and Michael J. Ballingall , Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd. Through this difficult time we will take big steps forward, rally together, and kick open new doors of opportunity.
 
The panel will discuss the impact of the tourism industry within BC's economy and the recovery efforts taking place within our region. As we ask our local market to carry the load to keep our tourism industry alive, preparing your business using post COVID-19 safety practices will be key to re-opening and regaining consumer confidence.
 
GUEST SPEAKERS:
MARSHA WALDEN - President and Chief Executive Officer - Destination BC.
JENNIFER HORSNELL - Director of Business & Destination Development - Tourism Kelowna
MICHAEL J. BALLINGALL - Senior Vice President – Big White Ski Resort Ltd.   
Save the Date - Business Smarts Online with the Retail Council of Canada

Thursday June 11 @ 9:30am we chat with the Retail Council of Canada in our Business Smarts Online series about safely opening your business and protecting your customers and employees in the process.
TOP FORTY UNDER 40 - THIS WEEK'S HONOUREES
TYLER ROBSON - Valens

A forward-thinking mentality and passion for the cannabis industry led Tyler Robson to find a niche business in the extraction sector. As CEO & Co-Founder Tyler's success has been rooted in his humble approach, as he brings a family and team-mentality to the culture at Valens. Community outreach and support is a foundation of the company's core values. Tyler continuously donates to local charities such as August Motorcars Toys for Kids, KGH Christmas toys for kids, the SPCA, and more.

Tyler has been recognized as Top 100 Healthcare Leaders in the world for 2019 presented by the Intentional Forum on Advancements in Healthcare. In 2019, Tyler was recognized as Young Entrepreneur of the year and Valens as Large Business of the year by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.
RUSS LATIMER - Black Mountain Golf Club

After receiving his Business Degree from Wilfred Laurier University, Russ moved to Kelowna and quickly realized he could combine his passions for both golf and business. After working at Gallagher's Canyon, Russ accepted the Head Professional position at Black Mountain Golf Club, where he was later promoted to General Manager in 2014 at the age of 32. Russ also holds a position as co-commissioner of the Interior PGA Tour.

Russ and his team have the opportunity to give back to the community as Black Mountain Golf Club supports multiple fundraising events throughout the year; contributing to over $100,000+ in funds raised for charities.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
NOMINATE A DESERVING INDIVIDUAL TODAY!

We are still accepting nominations to be recognized as one of the Central Okanagan's Top 40 Under 40, but time is running out.

Get your nominations in. Information can be found on our WEBSITE HERE.
MEMBER UPDATES
Coming Together to Support the Arts: The Pink Unicorn, for Three Nights Only
In the face of great challenge comes innovation and collaboration. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Vintage Theatre has had to cancel nearly all of their live shows this year. In partnership with the Okanagan Society for Independent Film, the theatre will produce their one woman show 'The Pink Unicorn', online and for three nights only.

" The Pink Unicorn " is a one woman play Directed by Bonnie Gratz and performed by the talented actress Kendra Hesketh.

You can watch it streamed on one of three evenings of June 3-5 at 7:00pm for only $10 , and you can also join a live post show Zoom chat after the show each night.
Member Milestones - Way to go!
Welcome to our New Members!
UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST
Webinar: Build Your Online Presence, with Facebook
Join the Canadian Business Resilience Network Wednesday, June 3 @ 10:00 am to learn how to build your business's online presence with a Facebook Business Page and find out about the free Facebook tools that can help to jumpstart your business online. Topics of discussion include building your Facebook business page, communicating with your customers, and managing and measuring your page. 
Kelowna Community Resources: Not-for-Profit Town Hall
Thursday, June 4 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm join Norm Letnick as he meets with Non-Profit Leaders in Arts & Culture, Sports and community sectors. Kelowna Chamber Executive Director Dan Rogers will be among the panelists.

With over 700 non-profit organizations in the Central Okanagan, these organizations deliver critical services that benefit our community in a variety of sectors. This town hall will help you gain insight into how non-profit organizations function, the impact that they make, and how they will be transitioning along with the rest of the community.
KELOWNA CHAMBER UPDATE
Introducing The Chamber's Newest Team Member
We wanted to introduce you to Dawn Sheldon, who joined our team a few weeks back as our new Communications Lead. Yes, she took on a new job just as COVID-19 was ramping up and we are thrilled to have her with us. Dawn has a vast amount of communications and marketing experience, including most recently in a business development role with our friends at Predator Ridge. 

As a critical part of our team, she’ll be handling our external communications and will be engaging members who want to take advantage of their directory listing or simply want to access their membership credits towards advertising.  Please join us in welcoming Dawn to the Kelowna Chamber team and make sure you connect with her on any of our social media channels or email her at dawn@kelownachamber.org .
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS AT GLANCE

  • Thursday June 11 - Business Smarts Online - The Retail Council of Canada on Opening Your Business while Protecting Customers & Employees @ 9:30am

  • Tuesday June 16 - Okanagan School of Business Speaker Series - Rebuilding Tourism in BC @ 11:00am


AND SAVE THE DATE FOR:

  • Thursday Sept. 17 - Chamber Annual Golf Classic @ The Harvest Golf Club
Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Drop us a line!
KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org