The Total Office Makeover Winner Is .....
 
The winner of this year's $5,000 Total Office Makeover by Total Interiors is Crown West Steel Fabricators, located at 1056 Gordon Street.
 
Thank you to all of our members who paid membership dues before December 31, 2013. Better luck next year!
 
Before:
 
 
 
 
We are very excited to see this office transformation! Stay tuned for the "After" photos. 
 
Business "After" Hours at Big White Ski Resort
Members only SPECIAL event + Bring a Guest!
    
Registration closes
Monday, January 13th @ 10:00am!
  
How does an afternoon of free skiing or snowboarding sound? And for the non-skiers, free mountain tours with Big White Snow Hosts guiding the groups around the mountain. Free equipment rentals and transportation to the mountain all included with your $10 BAH ticket!

 

THURSDAY JANUARY 16th, 2014

 

   11:00 am |First bus picks up in the parking lot behind Trinity Baptist Church 
     2:00 pm |Second bus picks up in the parking lot behind Trinity Baptist Church
4 - 6:30 pm |Apres ski event will take place at the Happy Valley Day Lodge
     6:45 pm |Both buses depart Happy Valley for return to Kelowna (Trinity Baptist)
  **Self-drive option also available
      
Pre-registration for this Business After Hours is mandatory as we have limited seats. Members are encouraged to bring a guest ($10 per person BAH pricing applies).
 
 
   
Call for Nominations
  
Nominations for the 2014-2015 Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are currently being sought.

 

Six (6)Director positions are available for the coming year. A proposed slate of five Directors for the 2014-2015 Board of Directors is presented by the Nominations Committee - names and companies are noted below.  

 

2014-2015 Proposed Slate of Directors:

  • Gladys Fraser, Scotiabank*
  • Carmen Sparg, Total Interiors*
  • Ben Pidskalny, SW Audio Visual*
  • Jeff Robinson, Rush Ihas Hardwick LLP*
  • Donna Markin, Orchard Park Shopping Centre

 

* Incumbent

 

If you have other names to add to the ballot, please click here for the nomination form.

If additional nominations are received, a ballot will be e-mailed to all voting members following the close of nominations for an electronic vote. For further information, contact Caroline Grover, CEO at 250-469-7356 or email [email protected].

In a volunteer capacity, members of the Board of Directors of the Kelowna Chamber provide a leadership role in determining the long-term direction and policy decisions of the Chamber. They provide expertise to maintain a high standard of advocacy, services, programs and opportunities delivered by the Kelowna Chamber.

To be eligible for nomination to the Board of Directors, members must be able to commit to a two-year term on the Board, and must be a member in good standing for at least 30 days prior to the date of the close of nominations. Nominations require the written endorsement of two other Kelowna Chamber members. Nominations must be received at the Kelowna Chamber office by 4:00 pm on Monday, February 3, 2014 at which point nominations will close.

  
The Dynamics of Employee Engagement
 

How engaged are your employees? How is it that one person will be invested in their work while another is less engaged? Find out, with cutting-edge research, in this month's people-focused article from BC Human Resources Management Association.

 

View full article here 

          
 

Chamber Luncheon

Economic Forecast 2014 - What it means for British Columbia

 

THURSDAY JANUARY 23 from 11:45am - 1:30pm

COAST CAPRI HOTEL - 1171 Harvey Avenue

  

Presented by Warren Jestin, Scotiabank's Senior Vice President and Chief Economist

 

Dr. Jestin will provide an overview of the key economics and financial market trends that are likely to influence the Canadian economy through 2014 and beyond.

 

In this global economic environment, Dr. Jestin will share his views on commodity prices, the loonie, and the growth forecast for Canada's resource provinces including British Columbia.

 

Admission Prices:

$40 each per Members; $55 for Future Members. Includes a delicious lunch

*Luncheon seats must be purchased in advance*

 

         
A very warm welcome to our newest members
December 2013              
 
Please take a moment to get to know them better by clicking on their names!
  
Member Referral Program
  
Refer a non-member to the Chamber and once they have signed up, we'll thank you by giving you $50 to spend at a featured restaurant (some stipulations apply).
 
This is a true win-win!  No limit to the amount of referrals you make.
  

MNP Business Survey

You may be receiving a phone call - heads up! 

 

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is partnering with MNP LLP, one of the largest national accounting and business consulting firms in Canada to conduct a survey of Kelowna business leaders. The survey focuses on the business confidence of local business leaders as well as other factors related to doing business in Kelowna. The survey of our members will be conducted through confidential phone calls in the next few weeks. This survey will provide the Chamber with important information to better service the needs of our members and will identify areas of focus for advocacy and training for 2014.

 
The results will be analyzed and communicated back to the business community at a Chamber Luncheon on April 10th. Thank you in advance for your valuable input and participation.

                             
  

Kick in the new year with W. Brett Wilson

 

Global Fitness & Racquet Centre will be hosting what is anticipated to be Kelowna's largest indoor fitness class that will be lead by our amazing fitness team and owner, W. Brett Wilson.

 

Date: Monday, January 13th

Time: 5:30 - 6:30pm

Every participant of the class will receive an autographed copy of his latest book, 'Redefining Success.'

 

The Open House will be taking place from 5 - 8pm. Non-Global members are not only welcome, but encouraged to come down and see what Global is all about!

                               
Crowe Mackay LLP 
  

"We have made an exciting change at MacKay LLP, and on January 1, 2014 we added Crowe to our name becoming Crowe Mackay LLP. This new and exciting change is a result of joining the Crowe Horwath International network of firms.

 Joining the Crowe Horwath Network enhances our abilities to more effectively serve as a trusted advisor for our clients and our professionals are excited about the additional resources and knowledge base available through the network.

The network includes over 150 independent accounting and advisory services firms around the world. In the field of assurance, the Crowe Horwath Network ranks among the 10 largest worldwide networks. This network allows independent firms, just like us, to help their clients succeed in both local and global markets.

At Crowe MacKay, our first priority will continue to be providing the best service possible to our clients. Our clients can count on the same engagement team members they have come to trust. They will experience the same quality service they expected from their MacKay team. We look forward to serving you for many years to come. Thank you for being a part of our journey."

   

 
In the News...
BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMY
 
39th Annual Civic & Community Awards - Please help recognize the amazing people and organizations who help make Kelowna a great place to live!
 
Vibrant Wine and Packaging -  The Vibrant Vine has garnered international acclaim at the 2014 World Beverage Competition in Geneva, Switzerland securing two awards including Platinum "Best of Show" (White Wine) and Bronze medal for packaging.
  
Northern Gateway receives Joint Review Panel approval - The BC Chamber welcomes Joint Review Panel approval of Northern Gateway pipeline project.

Province Announces Further Liquor recommendations - It is anticipated that the full report on the review will be publicly released prior to February 15.
 
Kelowna Hotel's Green Steps Bring Gold Award The BEST WESTERN PLUS Kelowna Hotel & Suites has just earned the highest certification from Green Tourism Canada, the most reputable and recognized eco-rating label in the world.

New Chamber Benefits - We have added some valuable benefits for our Chamber members. More details to come.

  

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Media Releases              City of Kelowna Council Highlights
  
What else is happening around town?
Community Announcements, Events & Endeavours

Jan 8 -
Mar 26
|
 
Lunchbox Series - The Kelowna Art Gallery is proud to be a part of a new free noon-hour speaker series in the Cultural District
Jan 10| 
The 2014 Okanagan Technology Community New Year Kick Off Party - Join the tech community event of the year. Theme: Retro Video Game
Jan 20 | Centre for Arts and Technology Open House  - Explore the campus, meet the team, and learn about the many digital arts career programs offered here!
Jan 21| 
Speaker Series - Financial First Aid for Managers and HR - Presentation by Ben Neiland, Credit Counselling Society.
Jan 22| 
Free Lymphedema Information Session - Colette Swain RMT, will answer questions such as "what is lymphedema", "who does it affect", "how does it present" and "how can it be treated".
Jan 29
|
 
Workshop: Diversity Profit Chain to Grow Your Business  - Diversity is more than a human rights or an inclusion issue. It's a profitable business strategy. 
Feb 1|
CHBA TOMMIE Gold Gala Awards - Announcing this year's winners
Feb 4
|
Social Media Bootcamp - A four week/eight night course which will help your business get ready to connect and engage with the world of Social Media.
Feb 13
|
 
Luncheon - Annual State of the City AddressMayor Walter Gray to speak about the accomplishments of the City of Kelowna over the past year and discuss future plans for the City. 
Feb 19
|
 
Chamber Breakfast Workshop - Resolving Disputes Quickly & Effectively: How Mediation can help your Business. Panalists: Kari D. Boyle, Bob Groves, Ronald J. Smith.
 
    
 

544 Harvey Ave. 
Kelowna BC V1Y 6C9
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