Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Kelowna B.C. Business in the Okanagan

Kelowna is the third least costly place to conduct business in the Pacific Northwest according to “Competitive Alternatives Study: KPMG’ s Guide to International Business Location 2008”, released in late March.

The Okanagan communities of Penticton and Vernon are least expensive, making the Valley competitive for new business investment. Compared to Vancouver, Kelowna holds a 5.2% cost advantage. To find out more, click here.

To access a copy of the full report, please go to: www.competitivealternatives.com

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is a membership based business organization representing more than 1,660 members. As “The Voice of Business” for our membership, we welcome the opportunity to address a number of issues relevant to our organization and the business community at large.

Our mission is to foster a positive business environment by providing members with leadership, advocacy and services of value. We invite members to submit issues and concerns affecting their business sectors. Please call Jan Bauman at 469-7354 or email jan@kelownachamber.org.

COFI Tickets Sold Out for April 17
COMMUNITY LEADERS LUNCHEON
WITH PREMIER CAMPBELL

Members of the Kelowna Chamber have been invited to join delegates at the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Convention — the largest gathering of the forest industry in British Columbia — for a “Community Leaders” luncheon with Premier Gordon Campbell on April 17 (reception at noon and lunch 12:30 to 1:45 pm) at The Grand Okanagan.

The Premier’s message will focus on the forest industry — the current issues and government actions directed to support the province’s economic engine.

Join us at the Wild Apple at Manteo Resort (3762 Lakeshore Road) for our business after hours event on April 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Don’t miss this great opportunity to network with your colleagues and meet fellow members in the crisp, contemporary lakeside lounge with tapas-style cuisine.

Sponsors to date for this evening event are Summerhill Pyramid Estate Winery, Tree Brewing and SW Audiovisual.

Purchase tickets at the door: $7 for members; $12 for non-members. More information and location map are available online on the Business After Hours
events page.

Tickets Now Available for April 23
33RD ANNUAL CIVIC & COMMUNITY AWARDS

The annual Civic and Community Awards celebrating the outstanding athletes, artists, volunteers and businesses who make Kelowna a better place to live will take place on April 23 at the Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort.

Starting April 2, the $35 tickets for the gala dinner and ceremony are available by phone through the Chamber or can be purchased online via Castanet.net. To reserve your tickets by phone, call Genevieve Murphy at the Chamber (469-7350) for payment and ticket pick-up. Visit the Chamber's Special Events page for information about ticket purchase options.

_____________________________________________

April 30 & May 1 –Two-Night Workshop
SUPERHOST FUNDAMENTALS AT CHAMBER

The seven-hour SuperHost ® Fundamentals course will be conducted over two nights on Wednesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 1 from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm (both nights) at the Kelowna Chamber/Tourism Kelowna office (544 Harvey Avenue).

Cost for this interactive workshop is only $75 plus GST per person. Please contact Diana Dors at 861-1515, Ext. 207or email
superhost@tourismkelowna.com to register.

Customized sessions are also available. For more details, click here.

_____________________________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS

Breakfast Education – Thursday, May 1
"INTERNET MARKETING: FORGET PERFECTION"
WITH DUANE BENTLEY, ACRO MEDIA

Successful internet marketers have figured out that in order to attract and retain customers, companies need to be good at a number of things in order to be successful online. Don’t get stuck spinning your wheels trying to perfect one thing only!

Duane Bentley, Marketing Director of Acro Media Inc. will present “Internet Marketing: Forget Perfection” at the next breakfast event in the Chamber’s Sales & Marketing series on May 1 (7:00 to 9:00 am) at the Best Western Inn Kelowna (2402 Highway 97 North). He will focus on the importance of doing a dozen things well, rather than one thing perfectly. For more details and ticket information, click here.

Series Sponsor – Unifirst Canada Inc.; Breakfast Sponsor – Acro Media Inc.

_____________________________________________

Luncheon – Wednesday, May 14
"SUCCEEDING IN A BRAVE NEW WORLD"
WITH CANADIAN CHAMBER PRESIDENT JOHN PELLER

Join us on May 14 for a luncheon with John Peller, Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, at the Okanagan Golf Club (3200 Via Centrale – at Quail Ridge near Kelowna Airport). The President and CEO of Andrew Peller Limited, Canada’s leading vintner of quality wines, will speak about “Succeeding in a Brave New World”.

Canadian businesses face unprecedented challenges that grow daily. Advances in information technology, trade and investment liberalization, and emerging competitors like China and India are redefining the world’s economy. Mr. Peller will address three critical areas of focus: Cross-Border Trade, Competitiveness in Global Markets, and the Skills Shortage in Canada.

Tickets: $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Deadline for ticket purchase is Noon on Monday, May 12. Visit the Luncheon Meetings
events page for more information.

Series Sponsor – Okanagan College

Networking with Chambers – Thursday, May 15
10TH ANNUAL VALLEY-WIDE AFTER HOURS

The popular Annual Valley-Wide After Hours hosted by the Kelowna, Westbank, Vernon, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton and Oliver chambers will celebrate 10 years at The Cove Lakeside Resort (4205 Gellatly Road ) in Westbank on May 15 from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. The theme this year is “A New Beginning”.

Tickets: Tickets are $15 each (includes food and two drink tickets) and will be available in mid-March (tentatively March 17) for purchase in person at the Kelowna Chamber office (544 Harvey Avenue). Visit the Special Events and Business After Hours pages online for location map and ticket availability info for this popular annual networking event. Don’t miss out on the chance to get together with Chamber members from throughout the Okanagan Valley!

Trade Show: A limited number of booths are available for the Valley. See Vendor Registration form for details. Booth space is approximately 10’ x 10’, and rental cost is $40 without table and $60 with table. Chairs are not provided with either option. Interested vendors will be wait-listed once the available spaces have been filled. Available spaces have been filled, so interested vendors will be wait-listed. Kelowna Chamber members can call Dicky Dack at 469-7355 to inquire about booth availability.

_____________________________________________

Networking – Thursday, May 22
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
AT GOURMET OUTFITTERS

Join us at Gourmet Outfitters (100 - 2602 Enterprise Way) for Business After Hours on May 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Don’t miss this great opportunity to network with your colleagues and meet fellow members at Kelowna's premiere kitchen gadget and culinary store focusing on unique and innovative tools for the "home gourmet".

Sponsors to date for this evening event: SW Audiovisual.

Purchase tickets at the door: $7 for members; $12 for non-members. More information and location map will be available online on the Business After Hours events page prior to the event.

_____________________________________________

Networking on the Links – Friday, June 13
REGISTER NOW FOR ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT!

Registration forms are now available for the Kelowna Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament at Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club (5101 Upper Booth Road South - at Anderson) on June 13.

Golf and Dinner (includes two carts per foursome) $135 plus GST; Dinner Only $45 plus GST. Click here for registration form or visit the Special Events page online!

Promote Your Business: A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available to promote your business. Hole sponsorships are limited so don’t delay! ! Contact Carolyn Martin at 469-7353 or email carolyn@kelownachamber.org for details.

If you wish to donate prizes for this event, please contact Marilyn Johnson at 469-7351 or marilyn@kelownachamber.org.

Premier Event Sponsor: Waste Management of Canada Corporation

If you are interested in sponsoring a Chamber breakfast education session or luncheon in 2008, various sponsorship levels are available. You can choose the breakfast or luncheon according to speaker or topic that is a good match for your business.

Visit the Sponsor Opportunities page on the Chamber website for a variety of event sponsorships. Sponsorships for a number of special events will be promoted soon. Contact Carolyn Martin at 469-7353 or email carolyn@kelownachamber.org for details.

Attention members! Don’t forget to fill out an Event Evaluation Form at the next breakfast or luncheon to provide your feedback on the speaker, topic and venue. Your comments and suggestions are needed to help plan future events that are even more informative and worthwhile.

Luncheon – April 8
MCINNES SHEDS THE LIGHT
ON "CLEAN/GREEN ELECTRICITY"

At the April 8 luncheon, Donald A. McInnes, CEO of Plutonic Power Corporation, shed the light on the benefits of run-of-river hydro-electric projects – highlighting their low environmental and visual impacts. His vision about energy conservation using technology and developing other alternative energies was inspiring.

The founder of the rapidly emerging British Columbia based green hydroelectric power company talked about clean/green electricity and how non-traditional facilities "borrow" (divert) water from a river above a waterfall and feed it downhill to a generating station where the natural force of gravity creates the energy required to spin the turbines that in turn generate electricity – and return it to the source with the least amount of environmental and visual impacts. Visit the Plutonic website for Green Power Facts and Frequently Asked Questions.

We thank the luncheon sponsors pictured above with speaker Donald McInnes (second from right) and Chamber President James Paterson (far right): Rob Stupka (far left) of EBA Engineering Consultants (Business Sponsor), and Jim Hamilton (second from left) of Okanagan College (Luncheon Series Sponsor).

During the March 12 luncheon, U.S. Ambassador David H. Wilkins spoke candidly about the unique trading relationship and strong allied friendship between the United States and Canada. His forthright answers about NAFTA, passports, the economy, global warming, OPEC and the price of gas, and the effects of both currencies’ exchange rates were well received by those in attendance.

We thank the luncheon sponsors pictured above with speaker Ambassador Wilkins (left of centre), Chamber President James Paterson (left) and U.S. Consul General Lewis Lukens (right): Sam Samaddar (far left of speaker) of Kelowna International Airport (Luncheon Sponsor), Mayor Sharon Shepherd, and Andrew Hay (second from right) of Okanagan College (Series Sponsor).

Surrounded by the latest patio furniture and the promise of Spring in the air, the Business After Hours at Sun Country Furniture drew a crowd with outdoor living in mind. Host Carol Dodge (pictured above with Chamber President James Paterson) welcomed everyone to the colourful showroom at Spall Plaza and her staff proudly showcased the unique line of teak furniture and items from around the world.

Thank you to sponsors Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Tree Brewing and SW Audiovisual for their contributions to this successful event.

Rack your brochures at the Visitor Information Kiosk at the Kelowna International Airport and be among the tourism-related businesses to greet visitors as they step off the plane! This Information Kiosk is located in the arrivals terminal and is staffed seven days per week by volunteers trained in providing tourism information.

Rates are based on a 4” by 9” pocket. Space is limited and sold on a per-year basis only. Oversize brochures will be charged for two or more pockets – depending on size.

For more information, to determine availability or to reserve your space, please contact Diana Dors at 861-1515, ext 207 or diana@tourismkelowna.com.

Why not host your next meeting or conference right here in Kelowna and showcase our city’s natural beauty and urban amenities?

Tourism Kelowna can assist your company or association plan fabulous events with the Host at Home program. We work with you to create professional bid packages to submit to your Board of Directors or head office. Resources include activity and venue contacts all around the city, delegate and spousal programs, registration and marketing tools, site inspections and more.

To set up a personalized meeting with Tourism Kelowna, contact Jennifer Horsnell at 861-1515, ext 205 or email jennifer@tourismkelowna.com.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, TD Merchant Services and First Data have enjoyed a longstanding relationship in offering preferred Visa, MasterCard and Interac Direct Payment processing rates to members of local Chambers across the country. This comprehensive program offers Chamber members competitive rates – regardless of sales volumes.

TD Merchant Services and First Data launched a new offer to all Chamber members in December 2007. The new program provides even better merchant discount rates (1.69% Visa, 1.79% MasterCard) and reduced Interac transaction fees ($0.09), and introduces the Visa Corporate, Commercial and Business Card transaction fee (0.03% + 1.69% = 1.99% Note: 0.03% fee not applicable to Visa personal credit card transactions). The program includes free upgrades to the newest Freedom IV terminal for faster transaction processing, plus free on-site terminal installation and training.

Save your company money! As a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, you will have the opportunity to benefit from group insurance, merchant services and payroll programs offered at a discounted rate for Chamber Members.

Please note that the Kelowna Chamber does not assume any responsibility for the delivery of these services. Contact the Member Benefit Providers directly to participate. For benefit summaries and contact information, visit the newly updated Benefits page online. You’ll find this page on our website at www.kelownachamber.org – Membership Info > Benefits.

The new www.bcbenefitplans.com website has been developed to market and promote the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan® in British Columbia for members who wish to look at purchasing group benefits.

Click here to link to the new TD Benefits Solutions / Tom Dyas’ advisor page (Kelowna area Chamber Plan Rep). For more information, click here or call (250) 861-8834 or 1-800-254-6162 Toll Free.

Spend less time managing your payroll and more time growing your business! As a member of the Kelowna Chamber, you can take advantage of the flexible and mobile payroll and HR services provided by Payworks – whether you choose their desktop software or new online tools. For more information, click here. For details, contact Rob Sterling at 764-6237 or 866-678-6237 (Toll-Free) or email rob@payworks.ca.

Capital News Promotion - New for 2008!
ADVERTISING DISCOUNTS FOR NEW MEMBERS
& TASTY REWARDS FOR REFERRALS...

The Kelowna Chamber has partnered with the Kelowna Capital News to bring members more outstanding benefits. To help grow your sales, every new member will be eligible for an exciting new promo package for 2008 with two “Buy One, Get One” offers and a discounted campaign package.

Referral Program: New members help our Chamber gain a stronger voice. You can “Be Tastefully Rewarded” for helping your Chamber grow! Refer a new member and receive a gift certificate to one of our 12 fine featured restaurants if they join the Chamber! For details and contest rules, click here. One restaurant will be featured each month until May 2008. April feature: Mekong.

Winners for March: Gift certificates for Kelly O’Bryan’s have been awarded to David Jurek of Royal LePage for referring new member Jamee Shepard of Royal LePage; and Dave Emerick of Top Choice Real Estate Agents for referring new member Ken Hutchinson of Your Body Health Inc.

Welcome to the 48 new members who joined the Chamber since the last issue of FLASH. Click here for a list of new members for March 2008.

Daily Courier Promo - New for 2008!
CONTEST FOR RENEWALS & NEW MEMBERS...
SUBSCRIPTION & ADVERTISING DISCOUNTS

The Kelowna Chamber and the Daily Courier have partnered to provide members with an advertising voice at discount prices! An all new promotion package has been launched with special discounts on newspaper advertising and subscription rates for Kelowna Chamber members only.

Renew your membership early or become a new member and you could win one of two free half-page full-colour ads in the Daily Courier’s Sunday Okanagan edition – a $3,230 value with Valley-wide coverage! The new draw period is November 23, 2007 to May 16, 2008 with draws in late spring and fall.
Click here for entry rules.

Click on the ad blocks and logos in the left column to view important information – member offers, events, announcements and web pages! Or click on the highlighted text below for the latest ad inserts or web links from our advertisers.

Book now to place your ad inserts in the upcoming issues of the Chamber’s newsletter, the e-FLASH. Advertise to 1,650+ members for under $400 per insertion (one month). Make announcements, provide invitations to special events, offer discounts, coupons, menus or simply showcase your business or services, or a link to your web site. The choice is up to you.

FLASH Ads have three (3) components (to be supplied by the advertiser): 1) Readers click on your Ad Block (jpeg) in the e-newsletter to open your 2) online Ad Insert (PDF), or link to a web page; 3) limited hardcopies (200) are distributed in new member kits and events. For 2008 deadlines and specs, click here. More information (plus sample ad blocks and inserts) is available online.

Electronic Advertising & Marketing
MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the economic growth of its members. We have streamlined communications to our members via electronic media and a user-friendly website to offer members various electronic and online advertising opportunities to promote their businesses.

Digital “Member of Kelowna Chamber of Commerce” logos for advertising use or for display on members’ websites are available from the Chamber. Please call Jan Bauman at 469-7354 (direct number) or email jan@kelownachamber.org
to request the new files.

Those wishing to use these logos must provide a letter or email stating that they will remain a “member in good standing” for as long as the Chamber logo appears. Please include this declaration in your request.

THE VOICE OF BUSINESS