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    Economic
    Results Found: 31
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    Chamber calls for tax equity for dist...
    Tuesday, December 22, 2020
    Chamber calls for tax equity for distilleries

    VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is urging the federal government to create an environment that allows craft distilleries to thrive, create jobs and compete with their U.S. counterparts.In a Dec. 21 letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Small Business Minister Mary Ng and Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Chamber indicates that the U.S. Congress has approved the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which will shift a 2017 excise tax reduction from a trial

    Chamber survey highlights need for ac...
    Thursday, November 19, 2020
    Chamber survey highlights need for action

    VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is ensuring that the concerns of business and non-profits are heard by governments at all levels. The Chamber recently circulated a survey asking members and non-members what factors are inhibiting their ability to operate and what actions are needed from federal, provincial and local authorities to improve conditions. “There was no surprise that much of the feedback revolved around the pandemic and shutdowns, but other issues are also top of mind for

    Public urged to support Canadian dist...
    Monday, August 10, 2020
    Public urged to support Canadian distilleries

    VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is urging North Okanagan residents to contact the federal government and demand tax reform that promotes job growth and local economies.  On Aug. 12, Canadian distilleries initiated a petition campaign that calls on all political parties to lobby the federal government to immediately match excise parity with the 2017 small distillers excise agreement in the U.S. “We must allow entrepreneurs the opportunity to not only survive but to thrive. And in turn, they

    Chamber wants extension on temporary ...
    Monday, June 22, 2020
    Chamber wants extension on temporary layoff timeline

    VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to take immediate steps that support business owners and workers in B.C.  In a letter to Labour Minister Harry Bains, the Chamber requests that the government amend the Employment Standards Act to include a further extension to the period employees can be laid off before they are considered terminated.  “Presently, many businesses – primarily in the accommodations and tourism sectors – have been unable to reopen and

    Chamber urges government to help busi...
    Wednesday, June 10, 2020
    Chamber urges government to help businesses with protective equipment

    VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to take immediate action to ensure businesses have the needed equipment to protect employees and customers.  In a letter to Premier John Horgan, the Chamber thanks the government for moving the economy towards recovery from Covid-19 but indicates that more could be done to encourage a successful transition.  “Specifically, we are hearing from businesses in the North Okanagan who are struggling to reopen their doors

    Chamber presents to Legislative Finan...
    Tuesday, June 02, 2020
    Chamber presents to Legislative Finance Committee

    VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is urging the provincial government to make child care, economic development and mental health funding priorities in the coming year.   On June 2, the Chamber presented to B.C.’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, which is conducting consultation on the proposed 2021 provincial budget.   “We thank the members of the Select Standing Committee for providing the Chamber an opportunity to highlight what we believe are essential

    Chamber connects young entrepreneurs ...
    Monday, January 06, 2020
    Chamber connects young entrepreneurs with mentors

    JAN. 6, 2019 – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce wants to ensure that young entrepreneurs have a solid foundation moving into 2020.  On Jan. 30, the Chamber is hosting speed mentoring for entrepreneurs under the age of 40 in partnership with Futurpreneur.  “A significant challenge for a new business owner or someone who has a vision is pulling together all of the information needed for those initial first steps and preparing for long-term success,” said Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber general

    Greater Vernon Chamber supports Kelow...
    Wednesday, November 06, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber supports Kelowna International Airport

    VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce endorses measures that will permit Kelowna International Airport to respond to growth and continue to serve as the gateway to the Okanagan.On Nov. 4, Kelowna city council gave three readings to bylaw amendments that will increase the airport improvement fee from $20 to $25 March 1, 2020, while it’s proposed that landing and terminal fees will increase two per cent.“YLW is critical to the economy of the North Okanagan as it allows investors and visitors to

    Greater Vernon Chamber partners with ...
    Thursday, October 24, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber partners with The Local Gift Card

    VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is excited to participate in a new initiative that promotes small business while encouraging residents to shop local. As part of Small Business Week, the Chamber has partnered with The Local Gift Card, an Okanagan-based program that can be used at local, participating businesses.“Gift cards have been around for a long time, but Sarah Coffey had the vision to embrace the growing desire of local residents to support small entrepreneurs right here at home,” said

    Chamber resolution on distillery taxe...
    Tuesday, September 24, 2019
    Chamber resolution on distillery taxes endorsed nationally

    Momentum is increasing to have Canada’s distilleries placed on an equal footing with other alcohol producers.Delegates at the recent Canadian Chamber of Commerce conference in Saint John, N.B. gave 99 per cent support to a resolution from the Greater Vernon Chamber that urges the federal government to reduce the excise tax on distilled spirits to $1.77 per litre on the first 150,000 litres of absolute alcohol, and to match the excise rate in the U.S. on an ongoing basis on an ongoing basis.“Chambers of

    Cooperative approach needed to resolv...
    Tuesday, September 17, 2019
    Cooperative approach needed to resolve forest crisis

    VERNON – 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 thousands of workers and their families as well as those associated with private contractors and suppliers. Given the

    Greater Vernon Chamber advocates for ...
    Wednesday, July 24, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber advocates for members on provincial issues

    The 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 perspective on several critical matters that impact the ability to do business in our region, while we were also

    Chamber resolution on distillery taxe...
    Monday, May 27, 2019
    Chamber resolution on distillery taxes endorsed provincially

    VERNON – 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 first 150,000 litres of absolute alcohol, and to match the excise rate in the U.S. on an ongoing basis on an

    North Okanagan chambers meet with tou...
    Thursday, May 23, 2019
    North Okanagan chambers meet with tourism minister

    NORTH 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 exciting to learn more about the recently announced federal tourism strategy,” said Peter Rotzetter, Armstrong

    Chamber doesn't want overdose prevent...
    Friday, May 17, 2019
    Chamber doesn't want overdose prevention site downtown

    VERNON – 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 mandated by the provincial government to respond to overdose deaths, and the strategy includes an OPS. The

    North Okanagan chambers host tourism ...
    Wednesday, May 15, 2019
    North Okanagan chambers host tourism minister

    VERNON – 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 tourism strategy and how it will create new opportunities and jobs for the middle class in the tourism sector across

    Greater Vernon Chamber connects with ...
    Tuesday, May 14, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber connects with members

    VERNON – 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 provide a personal connection,” said Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber general manager.As part of the

    Greater Vernon Chamber calls for ongo...
    Tuesday, May 07, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber calls for ongoing milfoil control

    VERNON – 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 appreciates the need to protect aquatic species and specifically the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel (RMRM). However, we

    Greater Vernon Chamber praises rural ...
    Monday, April 29, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber praises rural internet strategy

    VERNON – 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 perspective. “The Chamber has long advocated for rural connectivity as the availability of high-speed internet will

    Greater Vernon Chamber hosts local le...
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber hosts local leaders

    VERNON – 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 excited to have all four Greater Vernon jurisdictions represented and this will be a tremendous opportunity to

    Greater Vernon Chamber responds to ov...
    Tuesday, March 26, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber responds to overdose prevention site

    VERNON – 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 B.C. and that Interior Health and other organizations are taking steps to save lives. However, we share the

    Greater Vernon Chamber responds to fe...
    Tuesday, March 19, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber responds to federal budget

    VERNON – 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 for training at 55 per cent of weekly earnings.   “These measures will go a long ways towards supporting

    Greater Vernon Chamber meets with agriculture minister
    Monday, March 11, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber meets with agriculture minister

    VERNON – 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 appointed agriculture minister by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau March 1.“Agriculture is a strong industry and

    Greater Vernon Chamber responds to pr...
    Tuesday, February 19, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber responds to provincial budget

    VERNON – 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 challenging for businesses in the North Okanagan and across the province to be competitive,” said Dione Chambers,

    Greater Vernon Chamber busy during Sm...
    Friday, February 15, 2019
    Greater Vernon Chamber busy during Small Business Week

    VERNON – 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 vibrant economy is good for everyone,” said Dione Chambers, Chamber general manager.Also on Tuesday, the Chamber’s

    Spring Expo showcases North Okanagan ...
    Monday, January 14, 2019
    Spring Expo showcases North Okanagan businesses

    JANUARY, 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, but one of the challenges for any business is making sure potential customers not only know of them, but

    Chamber calls for action on downtown ...
    Friday, November 23, 2018
    Chamber calls for action on downtown safety

    NOVEMBER 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 Health, BC Housing and the Turning Points Collaborative Society, which operates homeless shelters and low-income

    Small business focus of minister's vi...
    Tuesday, November 20, 2018
    Small business focus of minister's visit

    NOVEMBER 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 residents were succession planning for small business operators, provincial trade barriers, the need for more women

    Greater Vernon Chamber hosts small bu...
    Tuesday, November 06, 2018
    Greater Vernon Chamber hosts small business minister

    NOVEMBER 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 meet with local business leaders,” said Diana Wilson, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce president.“We will be

    Chamber celebrates Small Business Wee...
    Wednesday, October 17, 2018
    Chamber celebrates Small Business Week

    OCT. 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 Commerce general manager. “Not only do these small business owners demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit, but

    Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
    Monday, May 14, 2018
    Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

    May 10, 20185 Minutes for Business, Canadian Chamber of CommerceSteel and Aluminum Tariffs Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps within a rolled steel coil), you have no doubt seen all the news these days about the looming threat of steel and aluminum tariffs being imposed by the United States. Last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated an investigation into whether steel and aluminum imports were impairing America’s national security. These investigations occurred under Section 232

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