Chamber Blog Posts
Why We Need the TPP (“Trans-Pacific Partnership” or “Trade Is a Pain for Politicians”)
Aug 19, 2015Wouldn’t it be great to join a free trade agreement with 12 countries in the world’s fastest growing region— one that covers 40% of the world’s GDP and one-third of global trade? The Peterson Institute for Internationa...
Read MoreAugust Update @ The Chamber
Aug 13, 2015Here at the Chamber, we are gearing up for a VERY busy September. In partnership with our Ambassadors, we are hosting our very first Wedding Expo & Fashion Show. Those in the industry, or soon-to-be married, should not miss this! ...
Read MoreMark this Date on your Calendar as a Landmark for Canadian Businesses
Aug 5, 2015When Canadians go to the polls on Monday October 19, some results from this summer’s two major economic earthquakes will be known to us. Or at least, more clear. Greece: Is it still in the Euro community after the July emergency meetings? ...
Read MoreExport Revolution: When Zero Is Actually Pretty Good
Jul 31, 2015Economic weakness abounds! The country is in recession and exports are “stalled” according to the Bank of Canada. But if you dig into the numbers, something bigger is happening. The first five months of export data show a huge 31%...
Read MoreThe Return of Crisis: What it means for Canada's Economy
Jul 23, 2015Dark storms are gathering over the global economy. Greece is once again at the precipice, insolvent and in need of another €85 billion to stave off collapse and recapitalize its shattered banks. At the same time, China’s stock market i...
Read MoreCanada - Even better than Crest Toothpaste
Jul 8, 2015This week, we're going to channel Hendrik Brakel’s research on the Canadian “tourism economy” in the first quarter of 2015. Brakel, The Canadian Chamber’s Senior Director, Economic, Financial & Tax Policy, has turned h...
Read MoreThe Top 3 Issues in the Federal Election: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Jun 30, 2015Jobs are always a top issue in a federal election, but with this shaky economy, it’s fast becoming the number one priority. Opposition parties have made much of the recent bad news: in the first quarter, Canada’s GDP shrank by 0.6%, e...
Read MoreCommodity Wildcard: What is happening in China?
Jun 22, 2015When someone asks where commodity prices are headed, they’re really asking: what’s the outlook for China? Last year, China consumed more coal than the rest of the world combined and imported 70% of the world’s seaborne iron...
Read MoreBreaking Barriers to Employing in Multiple Provinces
Jun 16, 2015Many businesses in British Columbia's resource sector must grapple with differences between the employment standards legislation of British Columbia and Alberta. This places an undue burden on many small businesses, and may result in a competitiv...
Read MoreAdvocacy Update
Jun 8, 2015Recently, our CEO, Caroline Grover and myself travelled to Prince George for the BC Chamber AGM. We brought forward five resolutions from our membership and received support from our colleagues across the Province. The theme this year for four...
Read MoreRight Place, Right Time
Jun 2, 2015As spring races into summer, Kelowna’s economic numbers continue to reflect a sturdiness that makes us all feel optimistic. Our Chamber members are cautiously confident – not all businesses are enjoying growth, but optimism and ...
Read MoreAccess to Technology & Innovation a Key Economic Issue ahead of the Federal Election
May 26, 2015We've added our voice to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's, who released its electoral platform this morning in Ottawa. This document outlines a list of recommendations the Canadian business community has for the federal political parties as...
Read MoreNew awards a reflection of #trending business models
May 20, 2015Kelowna is home to world-renowned, nationally recognized, and otherwise excellent businesses. With each year that passes, more and more developers, entrepreneurs, corporations and the commerce-savvy are recognizing the economic viability ...
Read MoreBack in Black: What's so great about a surplus anyway?
May 13, 2015With the tabling of the federal budget, the curtain falls on the best spectacle we’ve seen for a while–the government’s fight to rescue its carefully orchestrated plan to balance the budget in time for the election. This...
Read MoreDays of May
May 7, 2015May is upon us- signifying flowers, a day for "mom" and the end of tax season (insert sigh of relief here). This month also holds meaning for some associations. All week, Mental Health awareness has been campaigned across t...
Read MoreBudget Analysis: Federal Budget 2015
May 5, 2015This is an election year, and this is undoubtedly an election budget. There is a strong emphasis on tax cuts for the (hardworking) Canadian families that will receive the bulk of federal largesse this year. Just the income splitting and the expanded ...
Read MoreWhat to do about Income InEquality
Apr 21, 2015Is it time to worry about the middle class and the rising gap between rich and poor? It’s not just academics anymore—even businesses like McKinsey and TD Bank are taking a hard look at income inequality and what it means for economic grow...
Read More6 Must Read Tips for Start-Up Businesses
Apr 15, 2015Chambers are often asked for advice on how to start a business. Building your own business from the ground up is no easy task. There is no template or formula to creating a hugely successful business. There is just sheer hard work, determination a...
Read MoreCanada's Oil Sands: The Truth Unveiled
Apr 10, 2015As a recognized business leader in Kelowna, I was invited to participate in a Canadian Chamber of Commerce Energy Tour that provided an in-depth opportunity to hear from a good cross section of energy companies and actually go on mine sites in Fort M...
Read MoreThe secret to a successful AGM
Apr 8, 2015Annual General Meeting. Just the sound of it can induce an unitentional mid-day nap. Yet, it is an imperitive event for most non-profit organizations. This is when the organization must present to its stakeholders and members the past year's audi...
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