In the early 1900s, when Penticton was in its infancy, a group of local citizens decided a formal organization was needed to deal with the issues faced by a fledgling community. This led to the formation of the Board of Trade in 1907.

Comprised of merchants, brokers, tradespeople and bank managers, the actions of this civic-minded group have impacted not only the business sector, but also our local infrastructure for industry, recreation, education and the arts.

Their influence can still be seen throughout the community. For example, the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre located south of Summerland was established by the Dominion Government at the urging of the Board in 1908. The work done at this experimental farm has been of tremendous benefit to the fruit industry for decades.

This industrious group of volunteers was also integral in establishing a public cemetery, local sports fields and fire service, as well as developing townsites in Oliver and Osoyoos.

And the creation of Penticton as a top tourist destination can be credited, in large part, to the efforts of the Board, who realized early on how appealing our attractive valley, climate and amenities would be to visitors. 

A look back through the archives reveals that tourism has been on the agenda for decades. It was a concern for the Board of Trade in the first half of the century and later when the Board of Trade became the Chamber of Commerce in 1960.

Even today, the addition of "Wine Country" to our name reflects an interest in promoting another appealing aspect of our community.

Other issues that have resurfaced over the years include improving air service to and from Penticton, protecting our agricultural land and attracting new business to the area.

In "A Short History of The Penticton Board of Trade", published in 1947, the Board is described as "a useful and cogent factor, the spearhead of practically every forward movement; at all times striving for the welfare and advancement of the community and the district."

I'd like to think that while the times have changed-as well as the name-the mandate has not. The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is still heavily involved in community affairs and developing a legacy for future generations.

This May, as the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce celebrates its centennial, I will be looking back with pride on the achievements of this organization and looking forward to many future contributions and further community involvement.

Westworld Spring 2007 Issue features Naramata - Bikin'the Bench

For the second time in as many editions, Penticton & Wine Country has received coverage in Westworld magazine.  This coverage is the result of targeted media relation efforts as identified within the 5-year destination marketing strategy. 

Goals for 2007 include pitching stories to influential wine and culinary journalists and to lifestyle publications that have wide distribution in our primary markets, such as Westworld and Western Living. 

Editorial coverage is very cost effective and has high credibility among readers.  Coverage of Penticton's increasingly sophisticated wine and food tourism product will help attract more affluent travellers outside the peak summer season, without in any way diminishing its current appeal as a summer destination.

As visitors from Greater Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton make up the lion's share of Penticton visitors, they are the primary target of proactive media relations activities.

Penticton & Wine Country Tourism has achieved substantial coverage in the past two years from general, travel and wine media; the challenge going forward will be to present fresh new story angles that reinforce Penticton's established strengths as a family destination and its emerging position as a year-round wine and food tourism destination.

Given limited time and resources, Penticton & Wine Country Tourism will focus its efforts around the area's primary tourism products and those identified as having the greatest potential to reinforce Penticton's desired positioning.

Upcoming

The deadline for application for the Festivals and Events Funding Assistance Pilot Project is April 28, 2007.  Successful applicants will be contacted after May 30, 2007.  The pilot project will run from July 1, 2007 to October 31, 2008.

The next regular TAC meeting is Wednesday, May 2, 2007, 3:00 p.m. at the Wine Country Visitor Centre Board Room.

VANCOUVER -The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce congratulates the provincial and federal governments and the Lheidli T'enneh Band for taking a leadership role for the benefit of the province and the country with the initialing of a Final Agreement, the first under the BC Treaty process.

"Chamber members across the province have been clear, the lack of certainty around the land base is a huge impediment to communities' ability to grow and prosper," states John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. "This agreement represents a partnership between the parties that provides real promise for the province and the country regarding the approval of treaties in BC."