May 25 | 2021
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NEWS & COVID-19 UPDATES
Announcement from Province Expected Today as BC Restaurants Get Set for Indoor Dining
British Columbia's current slate of so-called "circuit breaker" restrictions expired at 11:59 PM on Monday, May 24, including a ban imposed late in March on indoor dining at all restaurants in the province.

It is expected the Premier will announce the Province's restart plan this afternoon. We will provide a full recap of that announcement with a special insider e-news to members tomorrow.
Province Announces New Grant for Tourism
The province launched a $50 million grant program last week that is aimed at helping BC's major anchor tourist attractions and tour bus companies weather COVID-19 though some in the industry say it's not enough while others raise concern about those attractions that don’t qualify.  

Restrictions on travel and gatherings brought in under the province's emergency COVID-19 "circuit breaker" plan last month expired at midnight last night (May 24). The Premier is expected to announce more details today on reopening the province.
Kelowna Chamber joins Business Groups in Calling for National Re-Start Strategy
Kelowna Chamber joins the Canadian Chamber and other national business associations in calling for a National Re-Start Plan. The Canadian Chamber President & CEO Perrin Beatty is among those who signed off on a letter that went to the Prime Minister last week calling for immediate action to ensure public confidence in our economic strategy as we move out of the pandemic.   
CHAMBER UPDATES & EVENTS
Board Governance Training Returns
Join us Saturday June 12 at 9:00am for a special virtual training session designed specifically for those volunteering on a Board of Directors.

Deb McClelland from OnBOARD Training will lead this online workshop that will cover the roles and responsibilities of the board and individual Directors while also providing you with an overview of the benefits that flow with good governance.   Limited space so don't delay - register now for all non-profit boards. Special discount rate available for Kelowna Chamber members.
June Business Smarts: Scotiabank Women's Initiative
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM 
The Sisterhood of Business Women is a one hour interactive workshop geared to women business owners. The unique financial challenge these women face is twofold: balance running their business with personal obligations like preparing for retirement.

This workshop will bridge the two by working participants through the beginning stages of an integrated financial plan. 
Maximizing Your Investment - Membership 101 (Members only)
As a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce there are many opportunities for you and your business to grow with the Chamber.

Join us Friday May 28 at 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM for a (virtual) special briefing for you and your team to learn how you can get the most out of your investment in membership. 
Recording Now Available: Special Roundtable with Hon. Ahmed Hussen
Last week, the Kelowna Chamber met with the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development for a virtual roundtable discussion on federal budget 2021.

Minister Hussen provided an update summarizing key points of the budget for our members. The recording is now available on the Chamber's website.
NEWS & EVENTS IN OUR NETWORK
Farewell to Kelowna Business Leader
Courtesy Castanet
The City of Kelowna lost a longtime business and community leader recently with the passing of Lloyd Callahan. As a strong supporter of the Chamber, he founded the Callahan Property Group more than 50 years ago in the Okanagan.

The property company now constructs, leases, and manages commercial and residential projects in the Okanagan and across B.C. READ MORE ON CASTANET
Interior Health Encourages Registrations for Vaccine
In a prepared release last week Interior Health is stepping up its communications to encourage anyone aged 18 and older to register for a notification telling them when it is their turn to schedule their immunization. Vaccines are now being provided to those 12 and over. If you’ve registered once, you do not need to do so again. There are three ways to register for notifications:
 
For a list of all Interior Health COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other resources CLICK HERE
Okanagan Young Professionals (OYP) Monthly Coffee Social
Wednesday May 26, 2021 8:00AM - 9:00AM
It's hard to network in a pandemic! Meet new people at OYP's virtual Coffee Social for young professionals in the Okanagan. Connect with new friends and other young professionals, powered by the Okanagan Young Professionals and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC).
Women in Business Summit: Empowering and Inclusive Recovery
June 23, 2021
Ensuring women have opportunities to fully participate in Canada’s recovery is essential for widespread job creation and sustained economic growth. The Canadian business community has a key role to play in taking action, making the changes needed, empowering women and fostering stronger communities across the country.

From stories of resilience to conversations about upskilling and reskilling, diversity and mental health, our Women in Business Summit will focus on the ways the Canadian chamber of commerce network, businesses, female entrepreneurs and community leaders can work together to support women in the workforce through the pandemic and towards an inclusive recovery.
BDO's TOP 40 OVER 40
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 the week of July 26, 2021.
TRENT KITSCH | Kitsch Wines

Trent was born and raised in Kelowna, in 1979, and attended KSS (1997). He played Baseball for Team Canada and was drafted by MLB (1997); was NCAA student athlete (2001), MBA graduate Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario in 2007. Trent founded Saxx Underwear, co-founded Doja Cannabis Company, co-founded Kitsch Wines in 2015 and worked with wife Ria to build the brand. Lastly, Trent is co-founder of Stately Capital Corporation, which amalgamated with Gold Flora in 2021.
CHRISTINE MCWILLIS | City of Kelowna

Christine had the honour of serving within the Personnel Support Program with the Department of National Defence for more than a decade, holding the positions of Fitness Instructor, Health Promotions Manager and Fitness, Sports and Recreation Director. After making Kelowna her family’s forever home, her passion for work in the public service eventually won and she joined the City of Kelowna in late 2017. As Cultural Services Manager, along with the creative community, she launched and is now working hard on the implementation of the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan.
NEW MEMBERS & MILESTONES
Welcome New Members!
Congratulations to our Members on their Milestones!
MEET YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHRIS WILLS | Venture Commercial
What is your position/title and company and what do you do there?
I am the Managing Partner of Venture Commercial – a commercial real estate division of Venture Realty Corp., here in the Okanagan. In addition to being an active Commercial Realtor, I’m also responsible for the growth of our Brokerage, its direction and the ongoing ways we are elevating the industry.

How long have you been in the Okanagan? If you aren't originally from the valley, what led you to call the Okanagan home?
I am originally from Langley, but I have been living in Kelowna since 1997. My family and I made the move from the Lower Mainland after my father was recruited by a large Kelowna-based developer, and we haven’t looked back since. 

What do you enjoy most about your role with the Kelowna Chamber?
I love being involved in the conversation. I am eager to learn about the inner workings of the Chamber and to provide insight when the opportunity presents itself. 

What are you looking forward to/planning for the future?
I am very excited to see my Brokerage grow. We currently have seven agents and support members with a variety of skillsets and talents. Being a part of their growth is very rewarding. At our Brokerage, we are passionate about helping the community and we’re always searching for ways to give back. As for adventures, I can’t wait to get back to Hawaii! 
UPCOMING EVENTS AT A GLANCE
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS AT GLANCE
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org