What's Happening?
Upcoming Chamber Events

  

  
  
Apr. 3 Power Hour: Social Media Marketing for Business 101 -SOLD OUT-
  
Apr. 16 Speaker Series: Sales 101 - Selling without "Selling" -3 SPOTS LEFT-
  
  
  
  
  
If you are interested in sponsoring a Chamber Event please contact:
Caroline Miller at 250-469-7358
 

Our focus on building value for our members is a source of pride for staff. We have made changes to our on-line event registrations, provided options for membership renewals to align with your peak cash flow times, bundled even more value into membership tier levels.

 

Most importantly, in the past twelve months, your business and every Chamber member has had personal contact by our staff on one and more occasions to ask "Who do you want to meet?" and "Can we show you how to maximize your membership value?"

 

Thank you to our members for letting us know that you appreciate our team's efforts; we look forward to playing an active role in your business development goals.

 

2012 Annual Highlights

  
How Well Do You Read?
John Glennon

Ever been hit by a situation completely out of 'left field'? Yes, there is a lot of repetition in customer care, but there are also situations that are so completely 'out there' that we have to touch our fingers to our chins to close our own mouths.   
 
One of the most important skills a customer care provider can have is the ability to read, evaluate and act on a situation. And we must do this as if it's a normal occurrence quickly, and with confidence and grace.

Customer care providers use their understanding of people and psychology to size up things like sincerity, honesty, and seriousness to first assess the people involved. Next they use their broad knowledge of the company's guidelines, products and services to see if and how they can address the issue. And finally, they read the overall situation and clearly communicate a solution to a customer. That's a lot of reading.
 

If your 'reading' skills can use some sharpening, the first step may be to become a keen observer of human nature, a great listener and an empathetic help to people... no matter what the situation, or how strange and different it may sound.

 

Read the rest of the article

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is coming to the Okanagan Valley this Fall...
Marketing Opportunity

At the end of September, delegates and spouses are traveling from across Canada to Kelowna & the spectacular Okanagan, for the national Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting and associated events.

 

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is delighted to act as host, and show our beautiful valley to these visitors; visitors who have an informed appreciation of what it takes to support and maintain business and advocacy in our community.

 

We are partnering in promoting this busy week with some of our collegial chambers in the Okanagan region, as well as all Okanagan chamber members.

 

If you want to plug into this local, provincial and national marketing opportunity, raise awareness, make money and do business, you need to get involved. There are four distinct ways you can "buy in."


  
250-469-7358  
  
Added Member Exposure

 As of Wednesday, Feb. 27 the Chamber is pleased to provide a value added feature to all of our members. We have linked our information management system to our Facebook account and the result is increased exposer for our members.
 
New member information and media releases will automatically be posted to Facebook once we post them internally. Events (both Chamber Events and Community Events) will be promoted seven days prior to the event.
 
Check out our Facebook page to like, comment, share and support YOUR business network.
Fortis BC

This year, FortisBC wants to turn every hour into Earth Hour. To get businesses involved, FortisBC is offering a chance to win up to $4,000 in energy efficient upgrades. Think lighting, HVAC, boilers... if it saves energy, it will probably qualify. All businesses have to do  is register after March 4th and complete their pledge(s) by March 23rd. The more pledges they make, the more chances they have to win.

 

 Here's how  businesses can pledge to win:

  • Switch their lights off for Earth Hour (between 8:30-9:30pm)
  • Host an Earth Hour activity
  • Book a LiveSmart BC Energy Assessment 
  • Complete an action that qualifies for a FortisBC rebate
  • Encourage employees to pledge to support Earth Hour
  • Complete 3 energy saving behavior changes
Questions or concerns? [email protected] 
In the news
Business, Technology, Economy

 

The Pod - Accelerate Okanagan has announced the opening of The Pod, a coworking space located at 1334 St. Paul Street in downtown Kelowna. The Pod will offer a full service coworking environment for innovative startup and early stage companies and technology entrepreneurs.
  
Be Mobile with YLW! - The official YLW mobile web app puts the airport in your pocket. Travel planning tools, parking information, retail services and more - it will help travellers experience an easy journey to and through YLW.
 
Real Estate Board and Fire Department Launch Smoke Alarm Awareness Campaign - The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) and the Kelowna Fire Department are pleased to declare March as "Smoke Alarm Awareness Month."
 
Micro-Business Training Program - The BC Chamber of Commerce Micro Business Training (MBT) Program is 100% funded by the government, and offers courses such as Bookkeeping, Marketing & Sales, Management, Computing, Websites & Social Media.
 
Waterfront promenade affected by construction - The Water Street Senior Centre is being demolished today to make way for Phase 2 of Stuart Park. Park construction is scheduled for the autumn of 2013 and will carry over into 2014.
 
Lawrence Avenue Utility & Streetscape Improvements - Beginning Monday, March 4 Lawrence Avenue from Richter to Ethel streets will be closed to thru traffic until the end of July.
 
Kasugai Gardens to Reopen for the Season - Kasugai Gardens provides a tranquil environment featuring traditional elements of a Japanese garden such as stone lanterns, pine trees and a waterfall and pond. The gardens were completed in 1987 to symbolize the friendship between Kelowna and Kasugai, Japan, sister cities since 1981.
 
Click here to view all Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Media Releases.

544 Harvey Ave. 
Kelowna BC V1Y 6C9
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