Chamber Welcomes Interior Savings as Co-Presenting Sponsor; Nominate Today! |
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This week, the Chamber welcomes Interior Savings Credit Union as co-presenting sponsor alongside Farris LLP for the Chamber’s 33rd Annual Business Excellence Awards. We are excited to have two long-time Chamber members and community supporters as sponsors for this year's awards which will be a unique celebration of excellence and resiliency within our community.
Nominations for this year's awards will be accepted until Monday, August 24. Awards are clustered across three societal pillars: the environment; arts and culture; and economic growth. Anyone in the Kelowna area, whether or not a member business or not-for-profit organization may be nominated or self-nominate.
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BC Chamber of Commerce CEO Val Litwin Announces Resignation |
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BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) CEO Val Litwin will be stepping down after a four year tenure, effective August 28th. Throughout his time with the organization Val has been an incredible support to the BC Chamber network, providing positive transformation to not only the BCCC, but delivering crucial wins to BC's business community.
Kelowna Chamber President Jeffrey Robinson noted, "We're particularly appreciative of the way Val engaged with the highest levels of the provincial government, ensuring that all our Chambers had a seat the table when decisions were being made. His contributions have ensured the voice of BC's businesses continues to be heard. As Val moves on to explore new opportunities, and spend time with his growing family, we want to thank him for his tireless effort and commitment to our network."
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Property Tax Deadline Fast Approaching; Late Fees Loom |
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The extended deadline is coming up quickly for payments of City of Kelowna property tax. The late penalty deferral date of September 1 was designed for those who needed a bit more breathing room before submitting their taxes. For more information on how to avoid late fees, contact your financial institution, or CLICK HERE for more information.
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Canada's Job Market sees Increase as Businesses Re-Open |
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As the economy began to re-open, Canada saw an increase of jobs available in the marketplace. In July alone, 419,000 jobs were created, alongside an unemployment rate of 11%. This gradual return to work is shown throughout the country; in Kelowna, 3,600 of these new jobs meant the local unemployment rate dropped from 10.2% to 10% as restrictions were eased and more people sought work. |
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On the Blog: Five Critical Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Business
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As the owner of a small-to-medium size business, chances are good that you already spend your time answering countless questions every single day from employees, suppliers, customers, and prospects.
The issue here is this - how much time do you spend asking yourself questions about your business?
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Monthly Central Downtown Parking Passes Now Available in Kelowna Chamber Lot |
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Monthly parking passes are now available in the Kelowna Chamber lot at the corner of Harvey and Ellis, centrally located in downtown Kelowna.
Parking permits are $100 per month + applicable taxes.
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BDO TOP FORTY UNDER 40 - THIS WEEK'S HONOUREES |
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NATHAN MATIS | Canada Flex Realty Group Ltd.
Nathan became an entrepreneur at the age of 25 and at the age of 28, he co-founded Canada Flex Realty Group, also known as Flex Realty. He saw the need to introduce an innovative business model that allows clients/consumers to be in the ‘driver’s seat’ and have flexible solutions when it comes selling/buying their home. Flex Realty is quickly expanding throughout the Okanagan.
Nathan has served with the Canadian Forces as an Armoured Reconnaissance Soldier (Reserve Member) and is proud of his time there. Since 2013, he has been a member of two non-profit organizations: MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Kelowna Gospel Mission. Among countless awards recognizing his own personal tireless efforts within the community, Nathan and his business were nominated in seven different categories for ‘Best of Kelowna 2020’, including Best Realtor, Best Young Entrepreneur, Best Realtor Team, and Best New Business!
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TINA WALCZAK | Hiilite
A champion for women in the workforce, Tina Walczak has been a speaker at TEDxKelowna Women 2018 and a founder of the Creative Career Formula. Tina is also the Chief Brand Officer and Partner at Hiilite Creative Group Inc. She and her husband William started Hiilite to help ambitious entrepreneurs get in front of their customers through creative strategy, and support creatives who were told they could never make art and design their career.
Tina volunteers her time with Creative Career Formula, mentoring over 30 students. She has also dedicated over 200+ hours to Opera Kelowna and from 2016 to 2018 she served as the Vice president of the Kelowna Women in Business (KWIB). Tina was the recipient in the 2020 Canadian Business Excellence Awards. In 2018 Tina was given an opportunity to speak on the TEDx stage (Connecting to the Global Creative Community); for the past 10 years she had dreamt of that moment but only believed it to be a fantasy.
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Hypo-Guard Disinfectants: A Safe & Natural Solution for Personal, Commercial Use |
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Hypo-Guard Disinfectants was started by Rodney and Doug, right here in Kelowna. With the partners' hearts set on the well-being of people, family and community, they both had been serving their community over the past several years in different capacities. Their new joint business venture opened just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with simple automobile and phone disinfectants.
What led to the creation of Hypo-Guard Disinfectants?
Rodney and Doug quickly realized that there was a call in the market for a larger range of disinfectant products, and ones that were more natural, safe, and locally sourced. Through the process, they became aware of the education needed by consumers on their product, (they recommend you Google 'Hypochlorous acid' and its many uses) and the effects of some of the toxic, commercial grade products in use today. They now provide options that are safe to use commercially, in your car, on your phone, or when you're at home with your pets – without a worry about the long term health effects from overuse.
What is it that sets Hypo-Guard apart?
Hypo-Guard is one of nature’s own safe and natural solutions. As it is a natural product, which is Health Board Canada approved and hospital grade, it can be used in so many different ways without worrying about any harmful or lasting effects.
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What does the future look like for the company?
While they are local to Kelowna, the company has been expanding both in area coverage and product lines. Their multi purpose sanitizers, disinfectant, and mobile phone cleaners were just the start and have opened up the opportunities for vegetable wash, auto upholstery stain remover, RV sanitizer and more. The pair strongly believes in continuing to support local; recently, Hypo-Guard donated products to the RCMP. They look forward to expanding throughout the Okanagan, and hope to become your commercial and home product of choice.
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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