TODAY, Join us for Back-to-Back-to-Back Forums with Your Local Candidates |
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TODAY, the Kelowna Chamber is gathering local candidates for the upcoming election in three back-to-back-to-back forums. The event will be live streamed, on our website at the link below, and recordings will be posted to the Kelowna Chamber's YouTube page later in the day.
Today's schedule is as follows:
- Kelowna - West (9:00am)
- Kelowna - Mission (12:00 Noon)
- Kelowna - Lake Country (3:00pm)
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Ensure Your Voice is Heard, Take the BC Chamber Provincial Election Survey Today |
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The televised Leaders' Debate is over, and we're approaching the final stretch of the 2020 provincial election. You've heard from the Leaders, and now we want to hear from you. What are the most important issues your business is facing this election? This is your opportunity to be heard and share what's on your mind. Your voice matters. Take the latest BC Election Survey. (Even if you voted early, we want to hear your voice.)
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TOMORROW: Forging the Way Forward, a Roundtable with BDC's Michael Denham |
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Join Kelowna's business leaders for a round table discussion TOMORROW, Wednesday October 21 at 12:00 Noon with Michael Denham, President & CEO of BDC. He will highlight how the 2020 crisis is changing consumer habits and what the entrepreneurs are doing to adapt and position themselves for growth and success.
This year for Small Business Week, we are taking the time to recognize small businesses' resilience, trying to understand what has changed for Canadian businesses and what to look to build for the future. BDC was the originator of this special week.
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Build Your Business Toolbox with Community Futures Okanagan |
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Are you a small business looking for targeted resources on Financials, Marketing and HR? Community Futures organizations across the Okanagan are coming together to host a one of a kind virtual small business week event. Come build your business tool box on October 20th to the 22nd for Small Business Week. Topics include small business financials, marketing and cyber security, as well as HR & workplace culture.
There is no cost to attend the events, but pre-registration is required.
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Inclusivity & Your Business: How to Harness the Power of an Untapped Talent Pool |
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Do you want to explore strategic employment opportunities through accessing a largely untapped talent pool? In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we give the floor to accessibility experts about removing barriers and how intentionally hiring people with disabilities can help your business create new opportunities and adapt to the pressures of COVID-19.
Join us next week, on Tuesday October 27 at 12:00 Noon for a conversation with the Presidents Group and the Neil Squire Society. There is no cost to attend the event; however pre-registration is required.
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Kelowna Chamber Welcomes Rogers Communications to our President's Circle |
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The Kelowna Chamber is excited to announce a new partnership with Rogers Communications, which has joined the Chamber as one of only a handful of President’s Circle members. We are delighted to welcome Rogers to the Chamber, and work closely with them to accelerate our mission of creating a positive economic environment where all can prosper.
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Congratulations are in Order for West Kelowna & Vernon Chambers! |
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The Kelowna Chamber would like to send congratulations to both Dan Proulx, new General Manager of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce as well as Heather Robinson, new Executive Director at the Greater Westside Board of Trade.
We look forward to working with you both in creating a positive business environment for all within our region.
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Winter Street Market Cancelled for 2020 |
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For the last 3 years, the Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA) has presented a unique, fun, family experience at the annual Winter Street Market the first weekend of December. This unique event included family skating, diverse vendors, children’s visits with Santa Claus, and live entertainment.
The priority of the DKA is the health and safety of staff and all who visit Downtown Kelowna. Current Public Health Orders include the prohibition of any event that would create a gathering of 50 or more persons. In accordance with Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Order dated October 9, 2020, the Downtown Kelowna Association is cancelling the 2020 edition of the Winter Street Market. We hope to see this event return in 2021.
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On The Blog: Ways You Can Support Our Local Small Businesses |
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It's important now more than ever to continue to support our small business community as they navigate through these difficult economic times. In recognition of Small Business Week, we've compiled some ideas and ways you can support our local businesses here in Kelowna. Click through and be a supportive part of getting us through our current challenges. |
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Simplified Social Helps Local Businesses Grow with Strategy, Execution & Training
[Read this if you are afraid of Social Media]
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New Kelowna Chamber member Simplified Social is a digital communications agency dedicated to supporting business owners, marketing employees and executives to move their social media marketing efforts forward. This week we sat down with entrepreneur and owner Alexandra Carnio to chat about her journey to growing her business, recently moving it to Kelowna, and her advice for fellow entrepreneurs. |
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What led you to start Simplified Social, and was there anything you wish you had known before you started the business?
I have always had a passion for social media - it was always a task I volunteered to take on in any role but even 5-10 years ago, social media was a pretty uncommon full-time job. I started Simplified Social in 2015 when I was working as a Facilitator for a non-profit organization that helped entrepreneurs create their business and marketing plans. During this time, I noticed a huge knowledge gap with many entrepreneurs when it came to social media for their business. Many felt overwhelmed so they were either ignoring it (and all of the benefits of being active on social media) or they were paying large agencies way too much money to run their accounts. I knew there had to be a better way to solve the market gap and that's when my business was born. I felt lucky to start a business while working in an entrepreneurial organization; however one thing I tell everyone is don't undervalue yourself! It's so common for entrepreneurs to do this in the beginning, so make sure you account for all of your time, your training and your skills when pricing your offerings.
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What do you find businesses struggle with most when it comes to their social media?
I find that most businesses struggle with consistency when it comes to social media. A lot of businesses will start out strong but fall off the bandwagon when things get busy or they get stuck in the content trap of what to post. The best thing you can do is pick one or two platforms and do them really well versus trying to spread yourself too thin. You don't need to be active on every platform, just the ones that will reach the right customers for your business. It's all about quality over quantity.
What is the team at Simplified Social looking forward to or planning for the future?
We recently launched our online learning platform, SocialU, where employees and business owners can take a variety of online courses on social media for business. We are looking forward to continuing to scale our e-learning business and helping individuals and organizations from across the country learn more about social media. You can learn more at www.socialu.ca
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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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