September Speaker Series: Media in the Age of a Pandemic |
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How do you as a business or organization get your message across during a pandemic? On Thursday September 24 at 12:00 Noon, we are pleased to be hosting a panel discussion with local media experts where we will explore how individuals, businesses, and the government have been sharing information and how this impacts local businesses and our economy. We'll be joined by two veteran reporters Chris Walker of CBC Daybreak South and Doris Bregolisse of Global Okanagan along with former award winning journalists Chris Olsen and Cam McAlpine, both of whom are now communications consultants in the Okanagan. They will share their perspectives on media and how the 'infodemic' has impacted media relations.
The Okanagan School of Business Speaker Series is open to anyone interested though registration is required.
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2020 Local Tourism Industry Performance and Forecast Summary |
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It has been over five months since COVID-19 impacted our businesses, and our tourism industries locally, provincially, and nationally, have taken a hit. As more research and data is received about how the local tourism industry has been impacted, Tourism Kelowna has outlined how the industry has performed, and signals as to what may lie ahead.
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Bernard Avenue Reopens Next Week, Preparations Underway |
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The last full day of the temporary Bernard Ave. closure is Labour Day (September 7). Over the following two days City of Kelowna personnel will prepare the road to re-open to vehicle traffic. On Tuesday September 8 fencing, alongside planters and benches will be removed and the City asks for patio space to be cleared by the end of the day. Wednesday morning, barricades will be removed. City officials say the re-opening of Bernard may take a half day, however normal vehicle traffic and parking will resume afterwards.
The Chamber supports and appreciates the work of Downtown Kelowna and the City on this initiative and looks forward to a full review of the program and potential consideration of a broader community wide approach to the initiative next year if there is interest among the larger business community. The Kelowna Chamber will be reaching out to our members and the business community to gauge interest and additional feedback. READ MORE
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Voyager RV Raises $100,000 in 35th Year Anniversary Mission Despite Pandemic |
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Voyager RV Centre, a local dealership in Lake Country has raised over $100,000 in donations for local charities as part of a goal set for their 35th anniversary. This past week, the staff at the dealership presented a cheque to the Child Advocacy Centre of Kelowna for $14,385 which caps off their total donations of $103,635 to a number of organizations throughout the Okanagan. This most recent donation cheque came as a result of record sales throughout July.
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Local YMCA Encourages You to Hit Restart Amid Cold & Flu Season |
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As we move into cold and flu season, it is more important than ever before that we maintain our personal health and boost our immune systems. As a charity with a mission to build a healthier community, the YMCA of Okanagan is reminding people to hit restart and to once again fall back into healthy routines and activity. There are safe ways to stay active, and resources available to help. Our collective health as a community remains a vital focus, however, the past 6 months have been difficult on us all. Isolation and inactivity have been on the rise, and it is important to remember that it is okay to get out, get moving and to remain connected while maintaining physical distance and health and safety measures.
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Temporary Layoff Extension Tops 500 Applications, Impacts 9,100 Employees |
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The recent variance application period for temporary layoff extensions closed last week on August 25. During this period, the province approved more than 500 variances which secured more than 9,100 jobs across a variety of economic sectors including tourism and hospitality, transportation, forestry, communication, entertainment and recreation.
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Province Confirms Tax Measure Implementation & Deferral Deadlines for Businesses |
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The Province is delaying implementation dates to April 2021 for changes to provincial sales tax (PST) and B.C.’s carbon tax, to help businesses and families through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. The carbon tax rate will remain at current levels until April 2021. Two other planned tax changes will also be delayed until April 2021, including the elimination of the PST exemption for carbonated beverages that contain sugar, natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners, and the addition of new PST registration and collection requirements for e-commerce businesses located outside B.C.
Further, the Employer Health Tax (EHT) 2020 quarterly instalment dates are being extended. These extensions will give businesses more access to cashflow during recovery and more time to determine their annual payroll and estimate the amount of EHT they will owe.
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Statistics Canada Releases Second Quarter 2020 Financial Statistics For Enterprises |
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In the second quarter, Canadian corporations reported a decline of 8.0% in net income before taxes, a decrease of $4.5 billion, to $52.3 billion. Operating revenue declined 11.6% to $940 billion during the quarter, with the decrease amplified by compounding weeks of confinement followed by a gradual reopening. These numbers reflect the very serious challenges that Canadian businesses are facing and underscore the need for a pro-growth agenda.
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Apply for the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund for up to $5,000 in Grants |
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Local businesses from all over Canada can now apply for a Canada United Relief Grant of up to $5,000. The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network in support of other chambers and partners to help small Canadian businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.
If awarded, a relief grant can be used to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), renovate physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines, or develop/improve e-commerce capabilities for your business.
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Canadian Chamber Launches 'Our Restaurants' Putting a Spotlight on Local Eateries |
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Recently, the Canadian Chamber launched OurRestaurants.ca, a campaign dedicated to sharing stories and updates of one of the hardest hit industries by the pandemic. With the support of 14 food service businesses, representing more than 60 brands, the Canadian Chamber is putting a spotlight on the current situation faced by Canada’s restaurants amidst COVID-19, and how you can help.
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EDC Opens Call Centre to Answer CEBA Questions |
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Export Development Canada, who is responsible for overseeing the execution of the CEBA program, has opened a call centre to help answer business owners’ questions about their application or eligibility for the program. The call centre can provide callers with information about the status of their application, the CEBA program and the document upload website. The call centre is open Monday - Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1-888-324-4201.
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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