Dedicated to providing leadership and vision to support strategic economic growth within our community

March 2, 2026

March Notes

This time of year always feels energizing with false Spring making an appearance! So much happening, lots of connection, and plenty of opportunity to support one another. Thank you for being part of this Chamber community. It truly only works because of the businesses behind it.

A quick reminder that we still have a handful of outstanding membership renewals. If yours is still pending, please submit payment soon to keep your business active in our online directory as it’s one of the first places people look when seeking local referrals. While you’re there, take a moment to review your listing and ensure it’s current. If you didn’t receive your invoice, let us know. A few were filtered into spam and we’re happy to resend.

Our Chamber Arm-in-Arm Advantage program continues to grow, and I’d love to see even more members participating! This member-to-member discount initiative is about being intentional in supporting one another. If you can offer a small discount or perk to fellow members, please consider submitting it. It’s a simple way to strengthen relationships and keep business local.

Be sure to scroll through the events section below. There is so much happening across our community, and attending even one event can spark meaningful connections.

On the advocacy side, we’re beginning work on Keep It Local Salmon Arm. The vision is straightforward: when public tenders are issued using local taxpayer dollars, we would like to see greater encouragement for qualified local contractors and suppliers to win that work. This is about recognizing the capacity that already exists here and ensuring local businesses have a fair opportunity to compete. If you’d like to learn more, share input, or bring forward another advocacy idea, please reach out to advocacy@sachamber.bc.ca.

We’re also preparing for our upcoming Empowering Non-Profit Boards workshop series. If you’re interested in strengthening your governance knowledge — from fiduciary responsibilities and financial literacy to grant writing and fund development — send us an email. It’s designed to be practical, supportive, and useful for both new and experienced board members.



And finally, if you would like to be featured in our Thursday Spotlight on Business, we would love to hear from you. Celebrating our members is one of the highlights of this role.

Thank you for continuing to invest in your Chamber and in our local business community.

Sincerely,

Christine Jontz-Barbour

Executive Director

New Members in February

Welcome to our new members!

Upcoming Events

Board Leadership

Why Serving on a Board Matters

Strong communities don’t happen by accident. They’re built by people who are willing to step forward, share their experience, and help guide local organizations toward long-term success.

For members of the business community, joining a board is one of the most meaningful ways to give back. Your perspective as an employer, entrepreneur, or professional brings practical insight into governance, financial oversight, strategy, and sustainability. Non-profits, foundations, and community organizations rely on that real-world expertise to make thoughtful, responsible decisions that impact families, services, and local quality of life.

Board service is also an investment in your own leadership growth. It strengthens strategic thinking, builds confidence in understanding financial statements and fiduciary duties, and expands your network across sectors. You gain a deeper appreciation for the work happening behind the scenes — and a meaningful role in helping it thrive.



To support this work locally, we’re launching our Empowering Non-Profit Board Series, running on Saturdays in May through June and designed for both current and aspiring board members. This welcoming, practical series will cover fiduciary responsibilities, financial literacy, governance training, grant writing, and capacity building and fund development. Whether you are brand new to board service or looking to sharpen your skills, these sessions are designed to equip you with clear, applicable tools you can bring back to your organization right away.

When business leaders step into board service, our entire community benefits. Organizations grow stronger. Decisions become more sustainable. And together, we build a community that is resilient, collaborative, and prepared for the future.

Tax Season is Here!

Tax season has a way of sneaking up on people. One minute we’re celebrating the holidays, and the next we’re digging through drawers looking for receipts before the shoebox is ready to be moved out of your office and into our’s. As a local, small business accounting firm, we see firsthand how a bit of preparation can turn tax season from stressful to smooth and keep your accounting fees low.

Whether you’re an individual filer, or a small business owner, having the right documents ready not only speeds up the process, but can also help ensure you don’t miss valuable deductions or credits.

Start with the Basics: Income Documents

The foundation of any tax return is income reporting. Ensure your income documentation makes it to your accountant. 

Don’t Overlook Deduction Documentation

Deductions and credits are where good recordkeeping truly pays off. Bring documentation for:

• Charitable contributions (cash and non-cash)
• Medical expenses (if significant)
• Disability tax credit
• Student loan interest
• Tuition payments
• Childcare expenses
• RRSP contributions

For business owners, be prepared with categorized expense totals such as:

• Office supplies
• Equipment purchases
• Software subscriptions
• Mileage logs
• Home office details (square footage and utility costs)
• Payroll reports

The more clearly your expenses are organized, the easier it is for your accountant to identify legitimate deductions and ensure compliance.

Life Changes Matter—Even If They Don’t Feel “Tax-Related”

Certain life events can significantly impact your tax return. Be sure to inform your accountant if you:

• Got married or divorced
• Had or adopted a child
• Bought or sold a home
• Started or closed a business
• Moved
• Experienced a major change in income

Even changes that seem purely personal can have important tax implications.

The Value of Working with a Local Firm

Large, national tax preparation chains may process high volumes during peak season, but local firms offer something different: personalized guidance. We take the time to understand your goals, your business, and your long-term plans so that we can best assist you in understanding and deciding an ongoing accounting strategy.

A Final Thought: Preparation Reduces Stress

Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A simple checklist and a dedicated folder (physical or digital) can make all the difference. If you’re unsure whether something is relevant, bring it. It’s always better to have too much information than too little.

At the end of the day, our role as your local accounting partner is to provide clarity and confidence. 

Contact: info@arcadeaccounting.ca

(250) 803-6499