New Benefits for Chamber Members
In case you haven't noticed them yet, we've just recently launched two new member benefit programs. We now have the Absolute Energy natural gas program from the BC Chamber offering a great rate of $2.95/GJ. This offer is time limited so if you want the savings sign up now. Then we teamed up with Mills Office Productivity to put together a special discount offer for members that covers all office supplies purchases and a great price for a carton of 81/2 x 11 copy paper.
Another way the chamber network supports small business is coming your way shortly with the launch of a new Micro Business Training Pilot Program available through our BC Chamber of Commerce connection. If you are a business owner with fewer than 5 employees you may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 through the program for general business training in a variety of areas such as bookkeeping, marketing & sales, management and more.
Call Andrea at 250.492.4103 for more details on these and the many other available benefits we have to offer and start saving your business money!
Penticton Dragon Boating Festival, September 8th and 9th
Ever been out to the Dragon Boat Races? It's a popular sport for many and teams come from all over. The Penticton festival which takes place at Skaha Beach has been quietly growing and growing. I heard through the Chamber grapevine that so far 85 teams out of the 100 maximum are already registered for this year's event. With at least 22 people per team and no doubt some tag along fans, that's a lot of people in town. So plan a show of welcome at your business and if you have the time, get out to watch the races and mingle with the crowd at the beach!
Join one of 5 policy priority working groups to improve the voice of business in BC
A task force to prioritize and advance the development of comprehensive policy papers on the five priority themes adopted at the 2012 AGM in Penticton is forming and as a Chamber member, you are invited to apply to be a participant in the process. The five themes are local government, skills and labour, finance and taxation, resources, and energy. Email admin@penticton.org for terms of reference and a signup sheet to complete and send in or if you have any questions or need further details on the working groups or their scope of focus, please contact Jon Garson at 604.638.8113 or by email at jgarson@bcchamber.org .
BC "Jobs Start Here" Job Fairs
As part of the Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, a series of job fairs will take place in 29 different BC communities, connecting British Columbians who are looking for work with employers who are looking for qualified employees. The job fairs are not targeted at a particular age group and employer participation across all sectors will be engaged. In addition to employers, post-secondary educational institutions, industry associations, training authorities and heath authorities will also be in attendance. The Province is trying to identify employers in each community that may be interested in participating. If you are interested contact Marina Knez at mknez@pacegroup.com or at 604.689.1808.
Member Surveys
These polls are an important mechanism used to gather member input on issues the Chamber is looking into. Your input is invaluable. Thanks to all who participated! Here are the results of the two recent surveys which have been referred to the Chamber Policy Committee for discussions:
- A proposed change in federal electoral boundaries would separate Summerland from Penticton moving Summerland to the Central-Coquihalla region. How do you see this impacting the economic health of Penticton and region? Of the 52 respondents, 67.3% felt it would have negative impact, 28.8% felt it would have no economic impact, and only 1.9% felt it would have positive impact.
- Does the standardized minimum wage for all ages of youth limit your incentive to employ first time workers under the age of 18? Of the 60 respondents, 66.6% said No, 25% said Yes, and 8.3% said Somewhat.
