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News for Chamber
Wednesday, September 18, 2019VERNON – With the federal election just a month away, Greater Vernon residents and business owners will have an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and the party platforms.On Oct. 8, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society will host a federal all-candidates forum. The event is also sponsored by the B.C. Fruit Growers Association ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Political, Community, Press ReleaseTuesday, September 17, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling for B.C.’s elected officials to set aside their differences and collectively find solutions that support the forest sector and communities.The Chamber has written to Premier John Horgan, official opposition leader Andrew Wilkinson and Green Party leader Andrew Weaver.“Mill operations are either being shut down or curtailed, impacting ...read moreCategories: Economic, Press Release, Chamber, Political
Thursday, September 12, 2019VERNON – A new volunteer board of directors is at the helm of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce for 2019/20.During the sold-out President’s Dinner and annual general meeting at Durali Villa Sept. 11, Krystin Kempton, a partner with Nixon Wenger Lawyers, was confirmed as Chamber president for the next year as was a board of returning and new directors.“It is an honour to be selected as ...read moreCategories: Chamber
Thursday, September 05, 2019VERNON – The finalists have been revealed for the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious 2019 Business Excellence Awards.During a cocktail reception at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Sept. 4, the top three finalists in each of 11 categories were announced.“The energy was electrifying as the names were called, and while there are just three finalists per category, we believe all of the ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, Press ReleaseWednesday, August 07, 2019VERNON – With much anticipation, the nominees have been announced for the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Business Excellence Awards.Local residents went above and beyond, nominating close to 300 businesses, non-profits and individuals in 11 distinct categories.“We want to thank the public for their participation in the process, and the nominations clearly demonstrate the entrepreneurial ...read moreCategories: Community, Chamber, Press ReleaseWednesday, July 24, 2019The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce ensured that its members and a strong economy were a priority during a meeting with high-level provincial officials.On July 23, representatives from 11 Thompson-Okanagan chambers of commerce participated in a regional consultation with senior provincial civil servants from 12 government ministries.“This was a tremendous opportunity to provide the Interior ...read moreCategories: Economic, Press Release, Chamber, PoliticalThursday, July 04, 2019VERNON – Your favourite business could find itself in the spotlight but only if you act now. Nominations for the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious 2019 Business Excellence Awards presented by Valley First officially close Monday, July 15 at noon. For Kaarina Schrott, winning Small Business of the Year in 2018 was life-altering as it reaffirmed the vision she has for One Step Foot ...read moreCategories: Chamber, CommunityTuesday, June 04, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to recognize the best in business.Nominations are open for the 2019 Business Excellence Awards presented by Valley First until noon July 15, and the winners will be unveiled at a gala Oct. 18 at the Vernon Lodge Hotel.“The Business Excellence Awards are among the signature events in Vernon and we anticipate a lot of interest and ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, Human Interest, Press ReleaseMonday, May 27, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s campaign to have the distilled spirits sector treated progressively and fairly has been endorsed provincially.On May 25, delegates at the B.C. Chamber of Commerce conference in Burnaby approved a resolution from the Greater Vernon Chamber that calls on the federal government to reduce the excise tax on distilled spirits to $1.77 per litre on the ...read moreCategories: Economic, Press Release, Chamber, PoliticalThursday, May 23, 2019NORTH OKANAGAN – An infusion of federal funding and a renewed national focus on tourism is welcome news to the Armstrong Spallumcheen and Greater Vernon chambers of commerce. On May 23, Tourism Minister Melanie Joly participated in a sold-out roundtable discussion hosted by the chambers at Fairways Bistro in Armstrong. “We thank Minister Joly for taking the time to stop in our region and it was ...read moreCategories: Community, Political, Chamber, Economic, Press ReleaseFriday, May 17, 2019VERNON – Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce directors and staff met with Interior Health representatives May 17 to discuss plans to establish an overdose prevention site (OPS) in Vernon. Based on what the chamber is hearing from its members and the community, a key message to IH was that an overdose prevention site not be located in the downtown core of Vernon. “We appreciate that IH is ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Economic, Community, Press ReleaseWednesday, May 15, 2019VERNON – North Okanagan tourism operators, and particularly those in rural areas, will have an opportunity to discuss the future of the industry with federal Tourism Minister Mélanie Joly. On May 23, Joly will take part in a breakfast roundtable hosted by the Armstrong Spallumcheen and Greater Vernon chambers of commerce at Fairways Bistro in Armstrong. Joly will speak about the new federal ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Economic, Press Release, Community, PoliticalTuesday, May 14, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is pounding the pavement to hear directly from the organization’s grassroots.On May 28, board directors, staff and volunteers will take part in Chamber Check-In, an opportunity to meet one-on-one with its membership base.“We are always looking for ways to connect with our members and learn what issues are important to them, and Chamber Check-In will ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Economic, Community, Press ReleaseTuesday, May 07, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is concerned that federal and provincial policies regarding milfoil control will negatively impact our community and economy. The chamber recently wrote the federal and provincial governments and urged them to permit the control of invasive Eurasian milfoil as the control mechanism has occurred in Okanagan lakes since the 1970s. “Our chamber ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, Economic, Political, Press ReleaseMonday, April 29, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes a provincial strategy that will provide regional districts legislative mechanisms to link rural areas to high-speed internet.On April 26, the provincial government announced changes that allow regional districts to provide financing for capital costs to internet service providers where it may not otherwise make sense from a business ...read moreCategories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, EconomicMonday, April 15, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is bringing together the region’s elected leaders to share their vision for the future. The Local Leaders Lunch, presented by BDO, takes place June 26 and it features Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis, Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming, Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick and Kevin Acton, Chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan.“We are extremely ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Economic, Press Release, Community, PoliticalTuesday, April 09, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Interior Health for pausing the request for proposal process on an overdose prevention site in the community. The chamber had recently requested that IH consult with businesses and commercial property owners regarding where an overdose prevention site is located, and that the chamber and representation from the business ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Political, Community, Press ReleaseTuesday, March 26, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce fully supports the City of Vernon in its call for enhanced community engagement for a proposed overdose prevention site. Interior Health is issuing a request for proposals for a contractor to deliver overdose prevention services in Vernon, including a fixed overdose prevention site. “We appreciate that a public health emergency has been declared in ...read moreCategories: Community, Political, Chamber, Economic, Press ReleaseTuesday, March 19, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce supports the federal budget’s focus on bolstering the economy and easing pressure on young families and seniors, but concerns exist about the country’s overall financial condition. Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s budget makes significant investments in the forestry, tourism and oil and gas sectors, while employees will be able to take paid leave ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Political, Economic, Press ReleaseWednesday, March 13, 2019MARCH 13, 14, 2019 – North Okanagan residents have officially kicked off spring and provided much needed support for vital community services.During the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Expo March 8 and 9, about 1,200 people passed through the doors at Kal Tire Place North and donated $2,140 to United Way.“We are extremely impressed with the generosity of everyone who attended the ...read moreCategories: Community, Chamber, Press Release
Monday, March 11, 2019VERNON – Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has heard firsthand how crucial agriculture is to the economy of the North Okanagan.Bibeau took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Tuesday that included food producers, processors and local government representatives.“I’m ready to jump in for the whole country,” said the Quebec MP who was ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Political, Economic, Press Release
Monday, March 04, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome a new member to its board of directors. Greg Stevens, a commercial account manager at TD Commercial Bank, has agreed to join the volunteer board in the capacity of treasurer. “Greg has considerable professional experience and a commitment to the community, and I know that he will be a tremendous addition to our board,” said ...read moreCategories: Community, Press Release, Chamber, Human InterestMonday, February 25, 2019VERNON – KPMG and The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the final five recipients of the Top 20 under 40.The annual Top 20 Under 40, brought to you by KPMG, Community Futures, City of Vernon-Economic Development and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, recognizes the next generation of leaders in the North Okanagan, those under the age of 40 years of age who are making ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Press Release, CommunityWednesday, February 20, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes a City of Vernon program that will target discarded needles. The city’s Folks on Spokes pilot program begins March 1 to provide the community with a hotline to report improperly discarded needles. Also, with the North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society weekly deep clean, teams of peers will be recruited to provide a daily clean-up ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Political, Community, Press ReleaseTuesday, February 19, 2019VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the provincial budget’s focus on affordability for average British Columbians, but there’s a concern about the growing financial burden facing business. Small and medium-sized enterprises are facing $5 billion in cumulative cost increases over the next three years.“The layers of tax eat into the bottom line and increasingly make it ...read moreCategories: Economic, Press Release, Chamber, PoliticalMonday, February 18, 2019VERNON – KPMG and The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the third group of five recipients of the Top 20 under 40.The annual Top 20 Under 40, brought to you by KPMG, Community Futures, City of Vernon-Economic Development and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, recognizes the next generation of leaders in the North Okanagan, those under the age of 40 years of age who are ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Press Release, CommunityFriday, February 15, 2019VERNON – Chamber Week kicks off Monday, Feb. 18, and there’s a full schedule for the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.On Tuesday, the Chamber will review the details of the provincial budget, which is being tabled that afternoon in the Legislature in Victoria.“We will be looking to see if the government’s second budget allows businesses to not only survive but thrive in B.C. as a healthy and ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Economic, Community, Press ReleaseMonday, February 11, 2019VERNON – KPMG and The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the second group of five recipients of the Top 20 under 40.The annual Top 20 Under 40, brought to you by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, KPMG, Community Futures and City of Vernon-Economic Development, recognizes the next generation of leaders in the North Okanagan, those under the age of 40 years of age who are ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Human Interest, Community, Press ReleaseMonday, February 04, 2019VERNON – KPMG and The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the first five recipients of the Top 20 under 40.The annual Top 20 Under 40, brought to you by KPMG, Community Futures and City of Vernon-Economic Development, recognizes the next generation of leaders in the North Okanagan, those under the age of 40 years of age who are making their mark through business success and ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, Human Interest, Press ReleaseMonday, January 14, 2019JANUARY, 14, 2019 – Thousands of people are anticipated to flock to Spring Expo and that ensures heightened awareness for North Okanagan products and services. The inaugural business and community showcase is March 8 and 9 at Kal Tire Place North and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting registrations for vendors. “The region’s business community is vast and diverse, ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, Economic, Press ReleaseFriday, November 23, 2018NOVEMBER 23, 2018 – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling for increased dialogue to address street-level concerns in the downtown core. On Nov. 20, chamber representatives attended a meeting organized by business owners contending with drug use, litter, loitering, vandalism, property crime, aggressive behaviour and concerns about customer safety. Also at the meeting were Interior ...read moreCategories: Community, Political, Chamber, Economic, Press ReleaseTuesday, November 20, 2018NOVEMBER 17, 2018 – The federal government has been provided with the North Okanagan perspective on small business.On Nov. 17, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce hosted Mary Ng, minister of small business and export promotion, at Okanagan College.“I am here to listen,” said Ng, who is Member of Parliament for Markham-Thornhill, Ont.Among the issues raised by members of the chamber and ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Economic, Political, Press ReleaseTuesday, November 06, 2018NOVEMBER 6, 2018 - Small business opportunities and challenges will be on the agenda as the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce hosts a federal cabinet minster.Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, will speak at a breakfast event at 9 a.m. Saturday Nov. 17 at Kal View room Okanagan College.“We are thrilled that the Honourable Minister will take time out of her busy schedule to ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Economic, Political, Press ReleaseWednesday, October 17, 2018OCT. 17, 2018 – Small businesses are at the heart of a strong and vibrant economy in the North Okanagan. Small Business Week is being celebrated across British Columbia from Oct. 14 to 20. “Businesses of all sizes are important to a healthy economy but there is a realization that much of the catalyst comes from the grassroots, from small businesses,” said Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber of ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, Economic, Press ReleaseWednesday, October 17, 2018OCT. 17, 2018 - The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is uniting behind the vision for enhanced cultural opportunities. On Saturday, Oct. 20, voters of Vernon, Coldstream and Electoral Areas B and C will be asked to borrow up to $25 million for a cultural centre, including community space, a museum and public art gallery, with another $15 million to come from senior government grants and ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, Press Release
Thursday, April 26, 2018Greater Vernon Business Leaders Survey Results ReleasedThursday, April 26, 2018 - Vernon, B.C. – Despite some uncertainty about the future of the regional economy, more than half of local business leaders in the Greater Vernon area expect their businesses to perform better financially in 2018 with almost 40 percent planning to hire additional employees.These were among the key findings of the ...read moreCategories: Chamber, Community, Economic, General News Article, Press Release
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People's Choice Award
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