Dear colleagues, members, and friends,
As we begin a new season, I’d like to share some updates from your Chamber team. Though our event calendar was a bit easier over the summer months we were thrilled to see so much activity in our community. Thank you for supporting your business neighbours.
Over the summer we met and consulted with a diverse range of stakeholders in social enterprise, education, manufacturing, and agriculture as we look to the path forward. Our policy committee held roundtables on issues that impact members; labour and crime were the first, with housing later this month. The Board met to update the Chamber’s strategic plan to better reflect our shared values and position us for the future, and the team has been planning the delivery of more great programming this fall.
Heading into a busy autumn, activity at the Chamber increases. Steered by the Board hiring committee, recruitment is underway for a new CEO. In advance of the provincial election, we are hosting all-candidates forums for Kelowna Centre, Kelowna-Mission, and Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream. Please join us at one or more of these events as they are designed to be a place where your voice is heard. Our popular Policy Forum returns in November, and we continue to hold meetings with industry groups.
We are also in the nomination window for our 37th Annual Kelowna Chamber Business Excellence Awards, a program to recognize the remarkable people who drive business excellence in our region. I encourage you to nominate those who inspire, and I invite you to join us November 15 when we celebrate their achievements.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank you for your partnership in building a healthy and prosperous business community. If we didn't connect at our Quarterly General Meeting on Sept 26, I hope to see you at another event soon. If you have any questions on any of the above or there is anything else you would like to share, please feel free to reach out.
With my very best regards,
Maryse Harvey, President, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
