The Chamber of Commerce has been leading the call to government to recognize and act upon the growing skills and labour shortage facing every sector and region of the province.

BC business and industry can become, and remain, competitive only by the continued investment in, and maintenance of, the highest standards in the development of our workers. These standards must effectively meet international levels of competitiveness, reflecting the changing needs of economic activity around the world.

At the local level, the importance of this issue is much more immediate. It is signified by both the ?For Hire? signs displayed in an increasing number of businesses and the businesses who are unable to grow due to a shortage of skilled employees.

From policy through to practical programs, such as the ?Skills Force Initiative? and the ?Small Business Certificate?, no other organization has been as active as the Chamber in bringing real, practical solutions to this critical issue.

The skill shortage is the single biggest determinant of Penticton?s economic prosperity. We owe it to ourselves and our community to ensure that education and training challenges are addressed.

Our Chamber exists to make Penticton a better place to live by providing an avenue for business people to play a leadership role in building a healthy, vibrant community. We don?t just recognize this network we also celebrate what makes the Chamber movement so special ? our members. These individuals make Penticton a special place to live, work and do business in.

Many communities, looking to take advantage of BC?s strong economy, are incorporating intergenerational growth into their long term plans. Here in Penticton, the Chamber of Commerce is looking to find ways to distinguish itself as somewhere to live and invest.

The 19th Annual Excellence Awards Banquet is on the evening of January 27 at the Trade and Convention Centre. We have received many great nominations from the community. Now the Selection Committee has the very difficult task of choosing a recipient from each category.

We now need you to come out and assist us in celebrating the excellence we have right here in Penticton. The theme for this celebration is ?Here?s Looking at You? which is our way of taking a look at some of the best movies and stars created in the 1940s. Remember the great dancing team of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and Cary Grant and Judy Garland...all great singers, dancers and actors of that era.

Tickets for this event are $55 or $400 for a table and can be reserved by calling the Chamber office at 492.4103.

Tickets are going fast! So get yours now.

Date: Wednesday, February 7th
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Days Inn & Conference Centre, 152 Riverside Drive

Additional info: Lunch is optional and will be served at 12:15 PM, followed by a special presentation by Jolene Palmer on the evolution of the BC wine industry. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased before Feb. 5th by calling 492-4103.

Members of the Penticton Hospitality Association and/or Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce are eligible to vote.

Bill C-257 - An Act to Amend the Canada Labour Code (replacement workers) - Call to Action Bill C-257, ?An Act to Amend the Canada Labour Code (replacement workers), has passed the second reading vote in the House of Commons and is now currently being studied by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities.

It is the Canadian Chamber?s opinion that any change to the Canada Labour Code, especially an amendment that alters the relationship between employers and employees, deserves extensive study in order to fully understand the impacts on Canadian society and the economy. As stated in section 2.4 of Bill C-257, the bill would prevent uninterrupted provision of services that affect seniors, families, small businesses and the Canadian economy - services such as 911; health and emergency services; transportation services (air, rail, marine, and road) and news and weather warnings in the event of a storm or tragedy.

Counterfeit credit cards can be easily identified by simply running your finger or fingernail across the numbers on the "signing stripe" on the back of the card. These numbers should feel raised. Counterfeiters, so far, have not been able to duplicate this feature.

Please take a bit of time to run this check when accepting credit cards for any of your transactions.

This Monday Morning Memo from the Wizard Academy is brought to you by 100.7 Giant FM Radio

Symbolic Thought: the Secret to Selling

Your customer will better understand the new and different when you relate it to the old and familiar.

To do this, you must employ Symbolic Thought.

According to Dr. Ricardo Gattass there are four kinds of thought:
Verbal Thought is hearing a voice in your mind.
Analytical Thought is deductive reasoning that seeks to forecast a result.
Abstract Thought embraces fantasy and all things intangible.
Symbolic Thought connects the pattern recognition of the right brain with the deductive reasoning of the left-brain to relate the unknown to the known

The Chamber of Commerce offers affordable extended health and dental plans to ALL Chamber Members!

One of the many advantages of belonging to the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is access to an affordable and comprehensive group health and dental plan!

D. Brown Financial
201-2141 Springfield Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 7X1
Phone: (250) 768.4285
Toll Free: 1.866.685.8366
Fax: 1.877.818.0904
Cell: (250) 878.1055
Email: dbfinancial@shawbiz.ca

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Tel 250.764.6237
Toll free 1.866.678.6237