January 22, 2015 

Dear Readers, 


 
It's been a busy couple of weeks in business. We learned of  the big merger between accounting firms MNP and KNV come

February 1; Mortgage Brokers are working overtime to 

accommodate Bank of Canada's announcement of the dropped interest rate to .75%; and the Kelowna Chamber welcomed Federal Minister Findlay to our office this week to participate in a discussion with our members regarding red tape reduction, enhancing services & ways to improve the relationship businesses have with the CRA. 


The government is again looking to our members for input, this time to join a round table discussion with Honourable Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism & Skills Training.

When: Wednesday, February 4th
Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Where: KPMG Boardroom

If the TFWP, Tourism or Skills Development are of interest to your business and you would like to participate , please RSVP

Kindly, 

 

The Kelowna Chamber Team

Call for Nominations

For the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board Directors

 

Nominations for the 2015-2016 Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are currently being sought.

  

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. Please 

click here for the application form.


Voting will be conducted following the close of nominations via e-ballot.  
For further information, contact Caroline Grover, CEO at 250-469-7356 or email  [email protected] 

 

Great News for Not For Profits
Funding available through the WDP Call for Proposals 

 

The Federal Government's Western Diversification Program Call for Proposals process is a widely accepted business process whereby interested parties develop project proposals and apply for funding. 

 

The WDP Call for Proposals process is now open. It will close on Thursday, February 19th, 2015 @ 1:00 p.m. PST.    Read More 

 

Additionally, Not-for-Profits are currently being called upon to participate in a local study by taking a survey to find solutions to 'conscious business' challenges. To participate click here.

 

February is Heart Month

A National Campaign for the Heart & Stroke Foundation

 

The Heart & Stroke Foundation is calling on you to get involved! The campaign draws awareness to heart disease, prevention and saving lives.

 

 

Y  The opportunities are easy and endless to raise awareness and funds this Heart Month! From volunteering as a canvasser, to dressing in red in your office, selling paper heart valentines or simply putting an HSF donation box in a prominent place. 

Together we can make it happen! 


Y  Please contact the Kelowna HSF office to get involved: phone 778-313-8090 or email Jessica Samuels.

Cracking the Code to Innovation

Opportunities vs. Ideas

 

Everyone says they want innovation in their organization. However, when an ambitious employee offers it to a CEO, for example, the idea is often shot down, says Dr. Neal Thornberry, faculty director for innovation initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School in California.

"Senior leaders often miss the value-creating potential of a new concept because they either don't take the time to really listen and delve into it, or the innovating employee presents it in the wrong way," says Thornberry, who recently published Innovation Judo"Innovation should be presented as opportunities, not ideas. Opportunities have gravitas while ideas do not."   Read more in this month's people-focused article from the Human Resources Management Association.

  

Upcoming Events

 

   Chamber Luncheon:

Fibre Optic: Revolutionizing Business in Kelowna

Friday January 30th 

11:45 to 1:30 p.m.

 Manteo Resort

 

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Webinar: Hiring Skilled Immigrants through Express Entry for Employers

Thursday February 5th

12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

FREE

 

   State of the City Address 

Wednesday February 11th 

11:45 to 1:30 p.m.

 Coast Capri Hotel

 

 

   Business After Hours: 

Tech Connect Business Expo 

Thursday February 12th 

4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

 Regus Business Centres

Get a booth or come as an attendee!

 

 

   Inspire Series: 

Pamela Thompson 

Tuesday February 17th 

5:00 to 8:30 p.m.

 The Italian Table, 2400 Hwy 97 N 

 

    

TEC Series presents John Kuypers "Leadership Capacity: 

The Key to Growth"

Thursday February 19th 

5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

 KPMG, 2002-3200 Richter St.

 

Check out ALL Chamber & Community Event Listings: