June 29 | 2021
CHAMBER UPDATES & EVENTS
OC Speaker Series Next Wed: Transforming Business and City Services
Wednesday July 7 | 11am - Noon | Virtual
5G in the Okanagan Valley offers a business landscape of the future with an ecosystem of connected intelligent devices capable of overhauling business processes and accelerating innovation.

Now is the time for businesses like yours to know what's coming, what's already here and how to leverage 5G.

This session’s subject matter experts will offer insight into what those new technologies could be and how we are starting to see them come to life today.
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: Professional Development Opportunity for Your Team
Resilience to Thrive - Business Foundations Training
Resiliency starts with a plan. Register today for the new Building Resilience to Thrive - Business Foundations course presented by the Kelowna Chamber in partnership with the BC Chamber Network. This 6-week course (one hour per week) runs each Wednesday from 11am to noon starting July 7 and will examine the fundamental building blocks of great businesses: strategy, marketing, people, and processes. Award-winning professor Dr. Mark Colgate will be returning to teach this series. A reduced rate is available for small businesses and their teams and special discount rate for Chamber members and any of your staff. is also available.
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday August 17 - Performance Management Workshop
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.
Countdown to Chamber Golf Tournament Underway
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 together the 200 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 but this opportunity is available to Chamber members only.
CERTIFIED CHAMBER MEMBER AD
Join Us to Power your Organization through Advocacy, Leadership & Services
Becoming a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce means joining one of British Columbia's largest and most influential business organizations. 

Our team works hard every day to provide our members and the business community with advocacy, leadership and services of value.  We help grow the people who power the Okanagan.
BDO's TOP FORTY 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 to the end of July with a Community Recognition Celebration set for September.
MARIO GEDICKE | Boulevard Magazines

Mario came to Kelowna about five years ago and launched the Boulevard Magazine in the Okanagan. He has extensive international business development knowledge and experience, and a history of introducing new products into the marketplaces via numerous media vehicles. His Boulevard Magazine has been recognized as a staple in the Central Okanagan Community and he plans to continue to highlight the Okanagan and its lifestyle in various beautiful ways.
COLLEEN FITZPATRICK | Rotary Centre of the Arts

Colleen Fitzpatrick is passionate about her role in bringing arts and cultural experiences and education to the Kelowna community at the Rotary Centre of the Arts as Executive Director – a role she has held since joining in March of 2020. She has nearly 30 years of experience in public relations as a “doer” and is a strong community engager building teams, connecting communities, volunteering, and organizing impactful community events. Colleen loves to travel and has visited 42 countries before recently choosing to make Kelowna her home. She hails from Waterloo, Ontario, and is the proud mother of three young adults, Patrick, Meaghan, and Liam, who have now launched their own educational and professional careers.
UPDATES & EVENTS IN OUR NETWORK
#MeetMeOnBernard is on its Way this Summer in City Centre
The transformation of four blocks of Bernard Avenue from a roadway to an animated public space for pedestrians is underway. Meet me on Bernard is a collaborative initiative presented by the Downtown Kelowna Association, City of Kelowna, and Tourism Kelowna and runs through to Labour Day.

Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran noted that it's exciting to see Bernard Avenue with more animated spaces. Bernard will be open to pedestrians, performances and artwork, providing ample space over the summer for the community to safely come together and provide a needed boost to our local economy. Meet me On Bernard opens Thursday July 1. 
BC Chamber Welcomes Federal Government’s $5.5million investment in Shop Local
The BC Chamber of Commerce welcomes the announcement made by the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government and M.P. for Vancouver Quadra, on June 24, 2021, that funding of up to $5.5 million is ear-marked for British Columbia as part of a national Shop Local initiative designed to encourage people to shop locally and support businesses as they reopen. The funds are part of a national investment of $33 million to support Shop Local campaigns across the country announced by the Federal Government on June 21.
MNP Thompson-Okanagan Welcomes New Team Members & Celebrates Client Service
CHAMBER MEMBER SUBMITTED CONTENT
MNP’s Thompson-Okanagan Region is pleased to welcome four new team members to the partnership in 2021. The Kelowna Partners & team members would like to congratulate; Camie Haggerty, Kyla Stewart, Ken Harvey, and Jeromy Spence on their commitment to leadership and exceptional client service. For more information on MNP’s accounting, consulting and tax services contact Regional Managing Partner, Trina Warren 250-763-8919 or trina.warren@mnp.ca 
Important Updates from the City of Kelowna
HEAT WAVE CONTINUES – Helping others.
With the high temperatures, the City of Kelowna has worked with the Central Okanagan Journey Home Society and other community partners to develop locations where residents sheltering outdoors can escape the heat. Cooling locations are spread across Kelowna. The City and Journey Home will be working with outreach groups to communicate these locations to the community of people in Kelowna experiencing homelessness. A variety of organizations from CMHA to Interior Health have already been helping people experiencing homelessness in Kelowna beat the heat this week, and we applaud their ongoing work.

BE WATER WISE – You are asked to conserve water.
Citizens are reminded to keep water conservation top of mind as we continue to experience record-breaking heat.  After an exceptionally dry spring and temperatures expected to continue to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days, added pressure will be put on our water supply system. While residents are asked to limit outdoor water use where possible, people and pets need to stay sufficiently hydrated through extended heat wave conditions. Should the hot, dry weather and high-water demand continue through the next few weeks, the City Utility may need to consider Stage 1 restrictions, which target additional water reduction. 
 
PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE – You must pay by July 2 or face penalty.
Just a reminder despite the heat wave, the deadline for submitting your property taxes remains unchanged.  You must submit to the City of Kelowna by end of day July 2nd or face a significant penalty. Making an online payment through your bank is the fastest and easiest method but remember to allow a couple business days for the bank to process the payment and forward to the City. This can mean your payment will be posted a day or two after you make it; so, please make it early enough for it to reach the City on time.
 
For more information on any of these updates, visit kelowna.ca

The City of Kelowna is looking for community input on the types of shows residents want to see at Kelowna Community Theatre (KCT). Understanding the preferences of Theatre patrons, residents and visitors helps to maximize the potential of the current facility and determine how well the programming fits the needs and artistic appetite of the community. Okanagan residents can take the “What to See at KCT” survey until July 16.

Kelowna Community Theatre has been in operation since 1962, offering a variety of enriching cultural experiences for residents of Kelowna and surrounding areas. You are encouraged to share your thoughts through the online survey. As a thank you for participating, respondents will have the opportunity to win one of four gift cards for Opus Art Supplies.
CERTIFIED CHAMBER MEMBER AD
COVID-19 UPDATES
Businesses Prepare to Enter Phase 3 of BC's Restart Plan
With July 1 right around the corner, businesses in BC prepare to enter Phase 3 of BC's Restart Plan. As businesses anticipate restrictions adjusting, it is recommended businesses review the upcoming Phase 3 plan to prepare for changes to their business operations:

Phase 3 Includes:
  • Masks are recommended in public indoor settings
  • Engage in careful social contact
  • If you or anyone n your family feels sick stay home and get tested immediately

More details will be provided to you via a special Chamber e-news once the government and WorkSafeBC provide specific details.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Releases Travel Toolkit
If you’re wondering what it means to travel now, PHAC has released a travel toolkit that covers what the new rules mean for travellers (unvaccinated, partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated), what the fines are and more. There are also additional downloadable one-pagers on a per-topic basis. 
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Chamber Member Aqurus Solutions delivers Functionality, Streamlined Processes & Continuous Improvement in ERP Software Solutions
What and Who is Aqurus Solutions?
Aqurus Solutions delivers Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solutions to growing businesses in Western Canada. Aqurus Solutions is a Gold Certified Acumatica Cloud ERP Partner, with offices in Calgary, Kelowna, and Burnaby. Aqurus specializes in Distribution, eCommerce, and Manufacturing solutions, with a deep, experienced team of implementation resources.
 
Acumatica Cloud ERP is a leading provider of cloud business management software that empowers small and mid-size businesses to reach their potential and drive growth. Built on the world’s best cloud and mobile technology, Acumatica delivers a suite of fully-integrated ERP applications powered by a robust and flexible platform.
Aqurus Solutions President Murray Quibell
With Aqurus and Acumatica, we deliver 3 outcomes:
  1. Core business functionality up and running. We empower our customers with self-service resources towards a streamlined Phase 1 implementation. Our Agile implementation methodology can get you up and running in as little as 30 days.
  2. Streamlined Business Processes. Once the core is running, now we optimize for efficiency. No more spreadsheets, manual processes, or disconnected systems to manage multiple companies, branches, business units, and reporting. Automate using scanning devices, automated processing, and workflows.
  3. Continuous Improvement. Like the Acumatica platform, we never sit still, and are always looking for ways to improve business efficiency, and deliver more business value every day through advanced technology, data, analytics, automation, or custom solutions.
 
What sets Aqurus Solutions apart?
Our commitment to Continuous Improvement is what sets us apart. Getting up and running with a streamlined ERP system is just the beginning. We passionately look for areas to streamline business processes, and learn how we can use advanced technologies to enable real solutions.  
 
What is the team at Aqurus Solutions looking forward to/planning for the future? 
Integrated eCommerce:
The world has experienced an accelerated digital transformation over the last years. We have just scratched the surface of the power of fully integrated eCommerce solutions. We are excited to work with small-mid sized businesses to develop and enhance their online customer experience, through integrated eCommerce solutions featuring Acumatica ERP and Shopify.
 
Advanced Technologies:
Advanced technologies include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, and advanced data and analytics. While these are trending business technology topics, they are not widely adopted with small-mid sized businesses. We are excited to help our customers improve their bottom line, and deliver more value to their customers everyday, using practical applications of these technologies.

Want to learn more about Aqurus? Visit their website or email their team.
Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Drop us a line!
KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org