BDO's Top 40 Over 40 program celebrates remarkable individuals in our community over the age of 40 as a means to showcase mentors, champions and role models who encourage and foster the future leaders of our community.
The program is now closed for both nominations and applications. We thank all participants for their support – stay tuned for our Top 40 Honourees’ Profiles which will run through to the end of July with a Community Recognition Celebration set for September.
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SHILO VERHAEGEN | Ashbury Bridal Couture
After 25 years of entrepreneurial endeavours, Ashbury Bridal is the dream come to fruition. Shilo has worked in the wedding industry for over 15 years in Kelowna, opening Ashbury Bridal in 2012. Filled with treasures that she's collected over the years, Ashbury Bridal caters to anyone who is eco-friendly, cost-savvy and committed to supporting the local economy. Shilo and her team strive to provide a full service, unique experience, that will leaves customers laughing with tears of joy...while saying "yes" to the dress!
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BRIAN WALTERS | Bricor Mechanical Ltd dba Ace Plumbing & Heating
Brian’s dad operated a successful plumbing & heating business in Radville, Saskatchewan until he fell ill. He sold the business and eventually recovered so that he could return to his trade; that’s when he decided working as a plumber in Kelowna would be much better than in Saskatchewan. After completing high school at KSS, Brian was hired by a neighbour who was the Superintendent at Crown Zellerbach plywood plant on Ellis. And, his dad started his own business again in 1978 with the name Ace Plumbing which he bought from a friend for $1. Brian became his apprentice in 1979.
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August Business Smarts: Goal Setting & Performance Management
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Virtual
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Are you the manager of a small business but aren’t sure how to move to the next step of development? Are you confused about KPIs, OKRs, metrics, Critical Success Factors, Goals, Targets and Initiatives?
Join us for our Business Smarts session with 2M Performance Measurement Specialist Robert Scott to find out why the largest and most successful companies use this essential skill to guarantee success and profitability.
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Countdown to Chamber Golf Tournament Underway |
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Our 36th Annual Day of Golf is sponsored by Parke Pacific Properties and is set for July 21st. We are of course SOLD OUT but there is a unique marketing opportunity available to your company. We are putting the final touches on the SWAG BAGS that go to each participant and this is a great way to get your brand in front of the central Okanagan's community and business leaders.
If you have something kicking around (i.e., branded golf balls, tees, etc.) just send us an email hello@kelownachamber.org. Sorry: this opportunity is available to Chamber members only.
PS: If you are golfing you should have your confirmed tee time communicated to you no later than the end of this week. If you haven't heard by noon Friday contact the Chamber office for the details.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: How 5G is Transforming Business and City Services |
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The recording of our July Okanagan College School of Business Speaker Series is now available. Last week we hosted an expert panel that discussed what opportunities 5G is bringing to the Okanagan. 5G is reshaping the business landscape with an ecosystem of connected intelligent devices capable of overhauling business processes and accelerating innovation.
The session’s subject matter experts offered insight into what those new technologies could be and how we are starting to see them come to life today.
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CERTIFIED CHAMBER MEMBER AD |
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UPDATES & EVENTS IN OUR NETWORK |
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Pulse Check Survey Closes July 16: Where Does Your Business Need Help during Pandemic Recovery? |
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Recently, the BC Chamber of Commerce launched its most recent COVID-19 ‘Pulse Check’ survey to understand what supports you need to navigate pandemic recovery.
We want to hear from businesses in the region - what does your business need for a successful recovery?
Your feedback will inform essential next steps for key stakeholders that are focused on helping business recovery and thrive beyond the pandemic.
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Top 10 Steps to Prepare Your Business for Evacuation from the BCEDA |
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Concerned about wildfires? Are you protected at home? How about your business preparation? The BC Economic Development Association has prepared a helpful document to aid in, and encourage, preparation for an evacuation scenario. It highlights the 10 steps necessary to prepare a business in advance of such a dire situation.
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The Rotary Club of Kelowna has Officially Installed its New President for 2021-22 |
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Former MLA Steve Thomson has been named as the new president for The Rotary Club of Kelowna.
Thomson assumed the position effective July 1, 2021 and will serve one year, taking over the role from past president Lenetta Parry who passed the gavel on to Thomson on June 30th.
Thomson said that he has been a member of the club since 1993 but travel and work commitments did not allow him to take this active role until now and he "is excited" about his leadership position.
Thomson is widely recognized for his work as Kelowna-Mission MLA for three terms."
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Harbour Air and Eldorado Resort Announce Partnership |
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Last week, Harbour Air and Eldorado Resort announced a new partnership. Starting July 23rd, the public will have access to weekly round trip flights from downtown Vancouver to a private dock situated in the Eldorado Resort Marina.
The partners have created a special package to combine air travel and accommodation at the Eldorado Resort with select rooms set aside for this special deal.
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CERTIFIED CHAMBER MEMBER AD |
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Communicable Disease Prevention: A Guide for Employers from WorkSafeBC |
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This guide from WorkSafeBC provides information for employers to develop a communicable disease plan. An effective plan includes general measures to reduce the risk of communicable disease and additional measures for when there is an elevated risk of communicable disease. It is not meant for employers who have an existing exposure control plan related to communicable disease, such as health care employers.
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Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) Q&A Session
Thursday, July 15, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Virtual
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With the recently announced Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP), hard-hit businesses will be able to hire the workers they need to recover as local economies reopen. The CRHP and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) both support the payroll of eligible employers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while the CEWS was designed to help eligible employers keep their employees on their payroll during the worst of the pandemic, the CRHP is designed to encourage businesses to (re)hire and grow as the economy recovers. Eligible employers will be able to apply for either of the two subsidies, based on whichever subsidy will provide the higher amount of support. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will host a series of interactive question and answer sessions for eligible employers. The final session is available this coming Thursday July 15.
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New Chamber Member Okanagan Adventure Park Launches into 2021 Season |
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What is Okanagan Adventure Park?
Okanagan Adventure Park is Kelowna's thrilling new outdoor adventure destination for all ages. This sprawling park has ziplines, aerial adventure courses and a giant swing that sends you soaring through a canyon at over 100km/hour.
What is something people might not know about Okanagan Adventure Park?
To celebrate the 2021 season launch, Okanagan Adventure Park is offering a limited time 2-for-1 special on all park activities with the code BOGOPOGO. The park is inviting visitors to bring their friends and family out this July for the adventure of a lifetime.
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What are you looking forward to/planning for the future?
The Canyon Swing is undergoing maintenance and won't be open for a few weeks time. We're looking forward to opening this activity and sending our guests soaring through the valley.
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Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Drop us a line!
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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