Another Major Policy Win!

On Monday, November 5th 2012 the BC Government announced it is establishing a new structure to handle tourism marketing in the province. Destination BC will be a new industry-led crown corporation which will work directly with tourism sector professionals to market the province as a tourism destination. It will ultimately have protected funding through a legislature-based formula.

The creation of Destination BC is another direct policy success for the Chamber of Commerce network in BC and a feather in the cap for the Penticton Chamber. The policy Predictability for Provincial and Regional Destination Marketing Organizations, was written and submitted by Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce and adopted as a policy statement by the BC Chamber network in 2010.

The policy contained several recommendations which are being implemented in Destination BC such as a minimum set funding, a performance-based formula protected through legislation, and ensuring that the executive leadership of the organization be comprised of a majority of independent tourism professionals.

Destination BC will be formally created on April 1, 2013 with an initial budget of $48.87 million which will convert to a percentage of industry revenue starting the following year.

Nominate Your Favorite Businesses and/or Individuals for a 2012 Excellence Award

The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is once again proudly presenting the Annual Business Excellence Awards. These awards recognize businesses and persons in Penticton and area that have achieved excellence in the community through their own abilities, efforts and initiatives. Recipients of an award display a significant and sustained commitment to positive business development, economic growth and diversity within the region.

There are ten award categories in all. If you know of such a business or person, don't miss the chance to showcase them! Get all the details and the nomination form today at Nomination Form. Nomination deadline is Thursday December 6th. The awards gala takes place Saturday, February 9th, 2013 at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre. Early bird tickets until Noon December 31st are $70+HST each.

Chamber Members with Social Media Sites

Does your business have a presence on Facebook or Twitter? If so, send your account handles to admin@penticton.org so that we can add social media support through our Chamber sites. Tweets and Facebook posts will be at the discretion of Penticton Chamber of Commerce.

Are you a small business owner in need of some new skills?

Through your Chamber membership and the BC Chamber network, small business owners in can fill business-related skills gaps through a new micro-business training program. Kick-start learning today with funding of up to $1,500. Training includes bookkeeping, accounting, computing, web design and social media, management, leadership, marketing and sales available in e-learning, university, classroom, seminar and on-site formats. Call 1.877.582.9025 or visit bcmicrobusiness.com for details.

Discover Aboriginal Business Match 2013

A powerful aboriginal business development event is being co-hosted by the Penticton Indian Band in Penticton, February 18-21, 2013. This conference is designed to connect exhibitor businesses and First Nations for meaningful conversation. It is an opportunity to access Aboriginal leaders and to work directly on business opportunities. The conference features a trade show format of pre-scheduled appointments between qualified business matches. Registration deadline for exhibitors is December 14th, 2012. For more information go to aboriginalbusinessmatch.com

Budget Consultations Report Now Available

The Legislature's all-party Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has released their public consultations report calling on the BC government to meet its target of a balanced budget in the next fiscal year. The consultation paper identified how BC is in a state of economic transition and uncertainty due to global economic events and pointed out that difficult choices lie ahead if the province is to fulfill its commitment to return to a balanced budget in the 2013-14 fiscal year.

While not binding on government, the Committee makes several recommendations to the Minister of Finance in matters of competitiveness, jobs, economic growth, program and spending priorities and fiscal management. For the full report - Report on the Budget

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