Chamber History

The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce was formed on May 7, 1907, as the Penticton Board of Trade. The formation document listed 46 individuals and their occupations, which included merchants, traders, brokers, mechanics, manufacturers, bank managers, insurance agents, realtors, bankers, as well as less commonly seen roles today that would include boat builders, blacksmiths, and saddlers.

The original area the Penticton Chamber served stretched from Peachland down to the U.S. border in Osoyoos, that included a total population of only 1,500 people. Early accomplishments included the establishment of a public cemetery, sports field, fire brigade, telegraph service, postal service, Main Street dock, and a small debts court.

Long standing members include the Royal Bank of Canada (since 1945), CIBC (1949), Hotel Penticton (1960), and the South Okanagan Events Centre Complex (1965).

One long-time member is Berry + Smith Trucking, which joined the Chamber back in 1968. Current President Matt Berry, the son of Stu Berry who started the company back in 1954, says his father and partner joined the Chamber for many of the same reasons individuals and organizations join today.

"Benefits such as networking, meeting other businesspeople in the community, a shared voice to review issues or concerns, and constructive discussion on problem solving," are all reason why Berry + Smith Trucking have remained members for so long says Berry.