THE VOICE OF BUSINESS

The City of Kelowna has initiated a Comprehensive Development Zoning (CD Zone) process for the four block area of the downtown core bounded by Harvey Avenue, Water Street, Abbott Street, and Mill Street.  Through this CD Zone process, the City intends to jump start development in this area by enhancing the regulatory environment and by providing incentives for developers.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce approves of the use of the CD Zoning process to accomplish these objectives in the downtown.  It is an aggressive and bold treatment of this critical area of Kelowna’s downtown core which is in need of revitalization.  This approach makes effective and innovative use of land, creating new housing, and generating new public space.  Read more…

Bar Flush Strategy Addresses Downtown Concerns

Kelowna RCMP have been dealing with the bar flush concerns in Kelowna’s downtown for a number of years and have engaged key stakeholders to help curb the problem.  The Kelowna Chamber and Downtown Kelowna Association are working with the RCMP and City of Kelowna staff to identify solutions.  Recently, the RCMP announced the creation of a nine-point plan to curtail the problem, a move that the Kelowna Chamber endorses.

The early morning bar flush occurs between Leon and Lawrence Avenue in the downtown core and causes a number of problems relating to crime and safety.  According to the 2007 Membership Survey, 70% of respondents reported that crime and safety was a top priority.  It is for this reason that the Kelowna Chamber has taken an interest in this issue.  To read more, see page 4 of the Chamber’s 2008 Municipal Brief.

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Chamber President James Paterson with
Hon. Colin Hansen, BC Minister of Finance (right).

Carbon Tax Discussed with BC Finance Minister

The Honourable Colin Hansen, Provincial Minister of Finance, met with Board Members of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce on July 8th to discuss the Carbon Tax and other priorities of the Kelowna Chamber.  The Kelowna Chamber expressed concern regarding the impact that the Carbon Tax will have on the business community.  Specifically, the Carbon Tax will increase costs of businesses operations, but it is unknown if the proposed tax cuts will offset these increased costs.

The Chamber’s concerns are outlined in a February media release.  To read about other provincial issues addressed by the Kelowna Chamber, view the Provincial Policy Brief prepared by the Kelowna Chamber’s Provincial Affairs Committee.

Chamber Meets with Federal Minister of Public Safety

On July 16th, representatives of the Kelowna Chamber met with Federal Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Stockwell Day, and Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan to discuss issues of priority to Chamber members. 

The topics discussed included the establishment of an Organized Crime Task Force in the Okanagan region, transportation infrastructure needs, homelessness, and affordable housing.  All of the issues discussed are presented in full in the  2008 Federal Issues Brief.

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Minister Bell Responds to Chamber Concerns Over Bill 43

The Honourable Pat Bell, BC Minister of Forests and Range, responded to the Kelowna Chamber’s concerns regarding Section 32 of Bill 43, which contains legislation enabling government to expropriate property without compensation. 

Spearheaded by the Vancouver Board of Trade, the Kelowna Chamber along with a number of other Chambers in BC called for the removal of this clause and cited that economic growth could be crippled if the business community and investors lost confidence that their property rights are protected.  Click here to read Minister Bell’s letter.

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Submit Your Issues and Concerns

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is a membership based business organization representing 1,700  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  (250) 469-7354 or email jan@kelownachamber.org

Join us at The Club at Tower Ranch (2300 Day Road – follow McCurdy Road to the far end) for Business After Hours on August 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  Don’t miss this great opportunity to network with your colleagues, meet  fellow members and make new contacts at the new Thomas McBroom designed 18-hole championship golf course with dramatic valley, city and lake views.

Purchase tickets at the door:  $7 for members; $12 for non-members.  Location map is available online on the Business After Hours events page.

Event Sponsors to date: Arrowleaf Cellars and SW Audiovisual. 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

DEREK GAGNÉ
Talent Edge Solutions Inc.

Breakfast Education – Friday, September 5
"STRATEGIES TO RECRUIT/RETAIN HIGH PERFORMANCE EMPLOYEES"

With the ongoing skilled labour crunch, it is more important than ever to know how to attract and to keep key staff members.  Join us for breakfast at the Capri Hotel on September 5 for an enlightening education session with Derek Gagné, CEO of Talent Edge Solutions Inc., who will discuss “Strategies to Recruit/Retain High Performing Employees”.

In order to recruit and retain high performing employees, becoming an employer of choice has become a common objective for many business owners but they are not exactly sure how to get there.  In reality, the journey is different for every employer. Derek will present key strategies to become an employer of choice, and improve recruitment and retention.

Derek has been helping organizations with their planning, people and process strategies for over 10 years.   Talent Edge Solutions Inc. has worked with many complex and diverse organizations in both provincially and federally regulated environments.

Tickets:  $30 for members and $40 for non-members – plus applicable service charges. For more details and ticket information, visit the Breakfast Education events page online. To purchase tickets, visit our Upcoming Events page on TicketWeb.

Networking – Thursday, September 18
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT PUSHOR MITCHELL LLP

Join us at  Pushor Mitchell LLP (4th Floor, 1665 Ellis Street Ellis Street) for Business After Hours on September 18 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  Don’t miss this great opportunity to make new contacts, network with your colleagues and meet fellow members at the firm’s conference room and spacious outside deck overlooking the downtown with a view of the lake.

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

Two-Night Workshops - September 24 & 25
SUPERHOST FUNDAMENTALS AT CHAMBER

The next SuperHost ® Fundamentals course is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24th and Thursday, September 25th. The seven-hour workshop is conducted over two nights at the Kelowna Chamber/Tourism Kelowna office (544 Harvey Avenue) from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. 

Cost for this interactive workshop is $75 plus GST per person.  To register, please contact  Diana Dors at (250) 861-1515, Ext. 207 or email her at  superhost@tourismkelowna.com.

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

 Event Sponsorship Opportunities Online
RAISE YOUR CORPORATE PROFILE!

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 Sponsored Events page in the new Sponsorship Info menu on the Chamber website for general information about a variety of event sponsorships.  The 2008 Sponsorship Package is now available online along with an Application Form.

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EVENT FOLLOW-UP

Fill Out an Evaulation Form
GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK!

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.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

EDC Releases Positive Economic Profile
REGIONAL ECONOMY GREW BY 13% IN 2007

The Economic Development Commission released its annual growth rate indicator for 2007 in July.  The index showed the Central Okanagan regional economy grew at a rate of 13.2% as compared to 2.6% in 2006 due to the diversified economy combined with steady growth in population.

The growth indicator is released ahead of the Commission’s Economic Profile which provides a detailed overview of the Region’s economy and will be available in August 2008.  Click here for more information.

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Conference for Employers - September 29 & 30
"SHIFTING DIRECTIONS: INSIDE THE WORKPLACE"

If you are looking for employees or trying to keep your workers, make room on your calendar for the upcoming “Shifting Directions: Inside the Workplace” Conference in Vernon on September 29 and 30.

The Community Futures North Okanagan conference will provide delegates with proven strategies and practical solutions for effective management and improved efficiency in their workplaces. Expert speakers will address the economic context of the British Columbian labour supply, proven productivity models, new workplace management practices, and strategies to fully engage employees for win-win working relationships.

Click here for details or visit www.shiftingdirections.ca for more conference information.

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GREEN  EVENTS

Promoting Sustainability Events
CALL FOR GREEN SUBMISSIONS

In keeping with the Chamber’s position to promote sustainability, members and government agencies are encouraged to send us information regarding upcoming events, activities and workshops focusing on sustainability (economic, environmental and social). Please keep your information brief (one page) and supply a PDF to link to the e-newsletter. 

Your submissions must be received at least a week before the end of the month to appear in the upcoming issue  –  by August 25 for the September issue.  Please email your file to Jan Bauman at  jan@kelownachamber.org or call
(250) 469-7354 for more information.

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MEMBER BENEFITS

Partnerships adding value to your membership...

Latest Update Online
MEMBER BENEFTIS AT A GLANCE

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. 

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Merchant Services Program
PAYMENT SOLUTIONS YOU CAN COUNT ON

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 Kelowna Chamber members competitive rates – regardless of sales volumes.

The new TD Merchant Services and First Data 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. 

Are you interested in building a group insurance plan to meet your company’s and employees’ needs?  Your options have never been easier! 

The 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 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.

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 Your Payroll, Your Way
FLEXIBLE SERVICES FROM PAYWORKS

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 (250) 764-6237 or 866-678-6237 (Toll-Free) or email rob@payworks.ca.

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New Page Online
SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MEMBERS

As a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, you will have the opportunity to benefit from various Special Offers at a discounted rate for Chamber Members like business phone and wireless services, and gas discount programs.  

For current offers, click here.  You’ll find this page on our website at www.kelownachamber.org – Membership Info / Special Offers.   

The Kelowna Chamber does not assume any responsibility for the delivery of these services.  Please contact the Special Offers Providers directly for details.  Contact  Lyn Maire at 469-7352 or lyn@kelownachamber.org for application forms that will allow you to participate.

2008 Capital News Promotion
ADVERTISING DISCOUNTS & TASTY REWARDS!

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 Continues With New Restaurants for 2008-09!   New members continue to 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 for the new 2008-09 referral program, click here. 

One restaurant will be featured each month until May 2009.  August 2008 feature: Christopher’s Seafood, Steak & Ultra Lounge

Electronic online forms with PayPal integration for renewals and new memberships are now available online (see story above in Chamber News). 

You can renew your membership at www.kelownachamber.org > Membership Info > Renew Membership and potential new members can sign-up via
Become A Member or download a faxable application form.

Winners for July - Gift certificates for Yellow House Restaurant have been awarded to:

• Donna Ellsay of Donna Ellsay Antiques for referring new member Amanda Kazakoff of Scrapbooking & Papercrafts
• Gord Turner of Gord Turner Renovations for referring new member Rob Hanington of Hanington Painting Inc.
  

For more information, click here for Capital News promo or here for Chamber letter outlining benefit to members.  Click here for sample profile.

Your profile will be professionally written by the Capital News editorial department and will reach over 54,000 homes and 100,000 readers.  Space is limited so don’t miss out!   Contact  Darlene Niska or John Yetman at (250) 763-3212, or dniska@kelownacapnews.com or  jletman@kelownacapnews.com.

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28 new members who joined the Chamber since the last issue of FLASH.  Click here for a list of new members for July 2008.  

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2008 Daily Courier Promo
DRAWS FOR FREE ADS & SPECIAL 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.

New Draw Period:  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 May 17, 2008 to November 12, 2008 with draws in late spring and fall.  Click here for entry rules.

Online forms with PayPal integration are now available on the Chamber website under Membership Info > Become A Member and Renew Membership.

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 Monthly e-Newsletter
ADVERTISE TO FELLOW MEMBERS IN A FLASH...

Book now to place your ad inserts in the upcoming issues of the Chamber’s newsletter, the e-FLASH.  Advertise to 1,700 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.

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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.

Besides the monthly e-FLASH, our website www.kelownachamber.org offers:

• Access to monthly New Member list (includes contact info)
• Member to Member deals (posted by members for members)
• Online Business Directory (enhanced listings and web links available)
• Member Profile posted online each month (drawn at Business After Hours)
• New Member Spotlight posted online each month (drawn from new member list)
• The monthly e-FLASH newsletter posted online (featuring member ad inserts)

For information about these marketing opportunities, click here or contact Carolyn Martin at (250) 469-7353 or email carolyn@kelownachamber.org.

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 For Advertising Use
"MEMBER OF" LOGOS AVAILABLE

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 (250) 469-7354 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.

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Email Distribution
ADD YOUR EMPLOYEES TO THE LIST!

If  you wish to include your employees and associates on the email distribution list for Member Updates (announcements and event reminders, etc.) and the monthly e-FLASH newsletter, please contact Jan Bauman at  (250) 469-7354 or jan@kelownachamber.org.

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Did You Know?
JOBWAVE ARTICLES AVAILABLE ONLINE

Did you know that monthly JobWave articles are posted on the Chamber website (Communications > JobWave) and archived for reference purposes?  These articles provide a wealth of information and valuable tips for employers. To review, click here.   Visit the JobWave website for more information.

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MORE EVENT INFORMATION

Click on links below to visit Chamber website for details and ticket information.

• Luncheon Meetings –  Next Luncheon: Speaker and topic to be announced (September 10 at Ramada Lodge).

• Special Events –  2008 Business Excellence Awards (October 22 at The Grand); 2008 Presidents’ Dinner (November 27 at The Grand).

• Business After Hours –  Networking at The Club at Tower Ranch (August 21);  Networking at Pushor Mitchell LLP (September 18).
  

• Breakfast Education Series – HR Session: “Strategies to Recruit/Retain High Performing Employees” with Derek Gagné of Talent Edge Solutions (September 5 at the Coast Capri).

• SuperHost® Workshops – SuperHost Fundamentals:  Stay tuned for upcoming dates (Chamber/Tourism Kelowna Office).   

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Directory Updates – Keep Your Information Current!

Members are reminded to check their online listings in the Business Directory on the Chamber website to keep information current so that prospective clients/customers can find you.   Please keep the Chamber advised of any changes or moves – new contact info, emails, address or phone numbers – to prevent bounced back emails and returned mail.   Contact  Am Grewal  at (250) 469-7350 or email  am@kelownachamber.org.   For details on how to update your listing yourself, click here.

Post Your “Member-to-Member” Deals Online

Take advantage of the free marketing option available to member businesses wishing to offer discounts to fellow members via online Member-to-Member deals! 

“Prosperity for Purpose” Charity Spotlight

Member charities can apply to the Chamber if they wish to be profiled as the “Prosperity for Purpose” Charity Spotlight at a future luncheon. More information and application forms are available online - click here.  

 
Member Profiles

• New Member Spotlight for August – Blake Fitzpatrick, Netropolis Business Centre (drawn from new members for June 2008).