Photos & Videos – Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce

Advocacy Success: Highway 97 Expansion

Sun, 28 May 2023 10:06:49 GMT

Advocacy Success: Highway 97 Expansion

Posted: August 26, 2018

As a key participant on the Okanagan Transportation Panel, The Chamber successfully lobbied the Provincial government to complete major capital works projects along highway 97 with the specific aim of increasing the flow of goods and travelers from the US border at Osoyoos through to the Shuswap. The movement of goods along this route significantly improves the economy, bringing millions of dollars to Penticton.

Advocacy Success: Municipal Economic Incentive Zones

Sun, 28 May 2023 10:06:47 GMT

Advocacy Success: Municipal Economic Incentive Zones

Posted: August 26, 2018

The Chamber was successful in lobbying the municipal government to create a bylaw which would offer incentives for new development and redevelopment in targeted areas of the city including the elimination of Building Permit Fees and property taxes for up to 5 years as well as reduced Development Cost Charges for qualified projects. This has led to the development of highly successful ‘Economic Incentive Zones’ stimulating economic growth throughout Penticton.

Advocacy Success: Removing the Interprovincial Barriers to the Sale of Wine Across Canada

Sun, 28 May 2023 10:06:45 GMT

Advocacy Success: Removing the Interprovincial Barriers to the Sale of Wine Across Canada

Posted: August 26, 2018

Through policy resolutions to the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce as well as direct lobbying of Members of Parliament locally and across Canada, The Penticton Chamber was successful in building a groundswell of support for our specific recommendations related to changes in federal laws which have restricted the interprovincial sale of wine. In 2012, the Federal government passed legislation on this issue removing said barriers, though work is not yet done as we continue to lobby individual provinces to open up their liquor distribution boards to allow BC wine to be sold in their jurisdictions.

2018 Year in Review

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:07:10 GMT

2018 Year in Review

Posted: March 26, 2019

Policies discussion hosted by BC Chamber aims to improve business climate in the region

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:07:08 GMT

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The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber and 10 additional Thompson-Okanagan Regional Chambers Meet with BC Government

On July 23rd, 11 chambers of commerce from the Thompson-Okanagan met with 18 government representatives—including Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputy Ministers across 12 ministries —to discuss both local and pan-provincial issues affecting businesses in the region.

The network presented its policies (adopted at the 2019 BC Chamber AGM), which contained specific recommendations to government.

Specifically, the consortium addressed the following:

Pan provincial issues including:

Taxation (Competitiveness)
Species-At-Risk Act legislation and considering the impacts on business
Transportation and Infrastructure
Emergency Preparedness

Thompson-Okanagan regional concerns, namely:

Developing a sufficient stock of accessible market and rental housing
Accelerating the development of transportation infrastructure
Supporting a prosperous tree fruit sector
Improving healthcare with physician extenders
Growing an aerospace innovation cluster

“Presenting our policies to government is a critical part of our network’s robust policy process,” says Nicole Clark, President, Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.. “We look forward to working collaboratively with government in the year ahead on numerous files for the betterment of all BC’s regional economies.”

The BC Chamber and its local chamber network will be meeting with government in regions across the province over the next three months. These consultations were created to enable the BC Chamber network to communicate directly with government and propose legislative and policy solutions that will expand opportunities for business, strengthen BC’s economy, and drive deeper consultations with government moving forward.

Business Excellence Awards 2019

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:07:07 GMT

Business Excellence Awards 2019

Posted: October 10, 2019

32nd Annual Business Excellence Awards | Mad About Plaid presented by McPhail Kilt Makers

October 3, 2019 | Penticton Lakeside Resort

Chamber Disappointed With City Business Tax Direction

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:07:06 GMT

Chamber Disappointed With City Business Tax Direction

Posted: February 4, 2020

Penticton, British Columbia, December 12, 2019 – The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce attended the December 10, 2019 City of Penticton Budget Meeting in order to express concerns with proposed increases to the Business Tax Multiplier.

“The Chamber is disappointed that the city staff recommendation and the council feedback seemed to express a lack of concern for the importance of keeping the cost of doing business affordable in Penticton.” Nicole Clark, President, Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.

Due to different tax rates, B.C.’s businesses pay multiple times the property tax bill that a resident would on an equivalent size of property. The amount by which a resident’s tax rate is multiplied to generate the business tax rate is called a business tax multiplier. The City of Penticton currently sets the Business Tax Multiplier at 1.81% and is proposing an increase to 1.83% in the coming year and to 1.91% in the following year. Businesses already pay increased rates for electricity, sewer and water.

Chamber Director Daryl Clarke attended the December 10 meeting and rose to support the Penticton Industrial Development Association point that with the increases small businesses in Penticton will see an annual increase of $529 in taxes and $869 in fees in general.

“We have already seen some significant business closures in the community in recent weeks. The Chamber is concerned that this increase is taking the city in the wrong direction. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the community. They are the employers, the community supporters, the service providers that we all count on and increases like this will have serious impact on their ability to hire, or in some cases, stay in business.” Jason Cox, Chair, Penticton and Wine Country Chamber Advocacy Committee.

As City Council moves forward with budget deliberations, the Chamber is hopeful that they will consider that what the business sector really needs is some tangible relief from its tax and administrative burden. The Chamber is urging the city to show their support for small businesses in ways that count in the budget: through spending restraint, low business taxes and by adopting policies that encourage economic growth.

For more information:

Nicole Clark, President

Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce

Diane Kereluk, Executive Director

Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce

Penticton Herald Chamber Articles

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:07:02 GMT

Penticton Herald Chamber Articles

Posted: March 5, 2020

The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce has a track record of advocating on behalf of its membership businesses of Penticton. Grounded in a grassroots analysis of business issues from their members, the Penticton Chamber develops progressive policy solutions and champions them to municipal, provincial and federal levels of government.

Chamber News Releases

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:07:01 GMT

Chamber News Releases

Posted: May 8, 2020

Penticton Chamber Announces New Board of Directors March 17, 2022

Penticton Chamber Announce Board of Directors Nominees Feb 28, 2022

Penticton Chamber Nomination Committee is seeking nominations for exceptional leaders to join the BOD for a two-year term Feb 9, 2022

Penticton Chamber Response to Health Minister Announcement Jan 19, 2022

Penticton Chamber Response to Business Leader of the Year Nov 22, 2021

Penticton Chamber Respond to BC Proof of Vaccine (Vaccine Card) Sept 9, 2021 Survey Results Here

Penticton Chamber 435 Green Avenue West Property Development July 23, 2021

Penticton Chamber Announces Nominees for the 34th Annual Business Excellence Award s July 9, 2021

Penticton Chamber hosts Virtual Town Hall with Erin O’Toole , Leader of the Official Opposition April 1, 2021 Securing our Future: Getting Canadians Back to Work! Watch the Virtual Town Hall

Penticton Chamber Announces 2021 Board of Directors – March 25, 2021

The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the newly elected Board of Directors for 2021-2022.

The 2021 AGM was held on March 24th virtually via Zoom. With 7 directors returning for the second year of a two-year term, an online election took place to fill the other 7 vacancies on the board. Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber Announces Board of Directors Nominees – Feb 26, 2021

The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the nominees for the Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 terms. Members of the Penticton Chamber are invited to attend our virtual Nominees Fireside Meet & Greet Thursday, March 11 at 5:30pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the nominees. Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber Letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs: Supportive Housing Feb 5, 2021

The Board of Directors of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce fully supports Penticton City Council’s call for a complete and independent audit of the existing Compass House, Burdock House, and Fairhaven supportive housing projects to determine if sufficient actions have been taken to support those in need of housing and what the impact of the housing projects have been on the community. Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber Nominations Now Open for Chamber Board of Directors – Feb 2, 2021

The Penticton Chamber nominations committee is seeking nominations from members to let their name stand for election to the Board of Directors for 2021/2022 positions for a two-year term. All positions are confirmed annually by the membership present at the Annual General Meeting. Chamber members in good standing (annual dues and other purchases are paid) are eligible to submit their name or the name of a current employee who would represent their membership. Read the Full News Release Here

Okanagan Chambers of Commerce – Okanagan We Got This Loves Local – Nov 30, 2020

OKANAGAN – Okanagan Chambers of Commerce are making sure some lucky residents can relax and explore the region when travelled is encouraged. Through the Okanagan We Got This coalition, Chambers of Commerce from Enderby to Osoyoos hosted the Experience Okanagan contest and hundreds of entries were received from across the valley. Read the Full News Release Here

Okanagan Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Small Business Week – Oct 19, 2020

Chambers of Commerce throughout the Okanagan have joined forces in celebrating Small Business Week in Canada with a host of events, webinars, messages, and support for small business October 19-23, 2020. Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber & Total Restoration Services Announces 2020 Business Excellence Awards Winners Oct 5, 2020

The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 33rd Annual Business Excellence Awards. Winners in each of our 10 categories have demonstrated success, innovation and passion in their respective fields.

“We had an impressive slate of nominees this year,” said Nicole Clark, President of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. “I know the selection committee had a difficult time narrowing down the finalists and then selecting the winner in each category. My congratulations to all the nominees, finalists and winners.” Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber & Total Restoration Services Announces 2020 Business Excellence Awards Finalists Sept 15, 2020

The Penticton Chamber of Commerce and Total Restoration Services announced their finalists this morning for the 33rd Annual Business Excellence Awards at a special event hosted by Total Restoration Services and virtually via Facebook live. Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber & Total Restoration Services Announces 33rd Annual Business Excellence Awards Nominees Sept 1, 2020

“We want to thank everyone for their participation in the nomination process. This year has been challenging for everyone. It is truly inspiring to see how each of the nominees contributes to the overall well-being of the community,” said Nicole Clark, Penticton & Wine Country Chamber President. “The selection committee has its work cut out for it!”

“Now, more than ever, it is important that we continue to celebrate and support our business community as they pivot and adapt to our changing world.” said Tracy Van Raes, Manager of Marketing and Community Relations at Total Restoration Services. “On behalf of all of us at Total Restoration, we congratulate the nominees on being recognized.” Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber Supports Ideas Around Legalizing Alcohol in some public places & closing down main street May 21, 2020

“We love the idea that people can support their favourite restaurant with a takeout order, pick up their favourite craft beer and enjoy it outside,” said Nicole Clark, President of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. “What a great way to help keep these businesses open”. Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber Shares Results of Local Business Community Survey May 8, 2020

“We really wanted to take the pulse of the affects of Coivd-19 on local businesses, whether government programs were helping and what they need to know in order to move forward as the economy reopens,” said Nicole Clark, President of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. “The survey was sent beyond our membership to include the larger business community.” Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber Applauds Provincial Restart Plan May 7, 2020

“We know the path to recovery will take longer for some sectors than others and we are her to support everyone as we move forward,” said Nicole Clark, President of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. “There is no doubt that Wednesday’s news is what small- and medium-sized businesses have been waiting for.” Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber ValleyWide Chamber Alliance April 8, 2020

“It is exciting to come together and share ideas about how we can all work together”, said Clark.

Read the Full News Release Here

Penticton Chamber Supports Economic Recovery Task Force April 8, 2020

“It is great to see our business leaders come together to work on a path to recovery for Penticton generally and our business community specifically.” Read the Full News Release Here

What’s Happening at the Chamber

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:07:00 GMT

What’s Happening at the Chamber

Posted: January 7, 2021

The Chamber offers a weekly newsletter (eNews) with media updates, advocacy, member spotlights & events.

Chamber eNews 2023

Chamber eNews 2022

Chamber eNews 2021

Keep up with the latest news and happenings at the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce by subscribing to our newsletter. Join Our Mailing List

For more information about advertising in our eNews – Marketing & Networking

Business Excellence Awards 2021

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:06:58 GMT

Business Excellence Awards 2021

Posted: December 2, 2021

34th Annual Business Excellence Awards | Starry Nights presented by Total Restoration Services

November 19, 2021 Penticton Trade & Convention Centre

Business Excellence Awards 2022

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:06:57 GMT

Business Excellence Awards 2022

Posted: October 25, 2022

35th Annual Business Excellence Awards | Mardi Gras presented by Total Restoration Services Saturday, October 22, 2022 Penticton Trade & Convention Centre

Business Excellence Awards Full Gallery View – photographer Go Visible

Winner’s Circle Photographer – Douglas Drouin Photography

Mardi Gras Awards Gala Photographer – Go Visible

Business Excellence Awards 2018

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:06:15 GMT

Business Excellence Awards 2018

Posted: November 14, 2018

31st Annual Excellence Awards| Denim & Diamonds presented by TD Canada Trust

October 14, 2018 – Penticton Lakeside Resort

Member’s Appreciation Night (2018)

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:06:14 GMT

Member’s Appreciation Night (2018)

Posted: August 28, 2018

Some Kind of News Title

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:10:56 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:28:50 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:28:50 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.