News
Chamber surveys members on proof of vaccination
VERNON – A survey of Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce members reveals diverse opinions on vaccination passports for certain businesses and events in B.C. On Aug. 23, the provincial government announced plans to require individuals to prove vaccination to access a range of businesses as well as social and recreational events. “As a member-based organization, it is essential that we hear directly from our members so we have a sense of how government policies may impact their ability to operate. We thank
Chamber welcomes step three of restart plan
VERNON – A further reopening of B.C.’s economy and community activities is being endorsed by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. On June 29, provincial authorities announced the details of step three of B.C.’s restart plan, which begins July 1. “We are extremely excited to see the number of Covid-19 cases decreasing and vaccination rates increasing,” said Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president. “With increased indoor capacity and Canada-wide travel being encouraged, step three is good
Chamber responds to next phase of BC restart plan
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is hopeful a further easing of Covid-19 restrictions will move British Columbians, communities and the economy closer to recovery. The provincial government has announced that step two in B.C.’s restart plan is moving ahead as of Tuesday, June 15. “We are pleased to hear that the number of Covid cases in B.C. have decreased while hospitalizations have stabilized, and our thoughts continue to be with those individuals and families impacted by this virus,”
Chamber demands action on labour shortage
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is urging senior government to take bold and decisive action to address the labour shortage experienced by business owners.In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier John Horgan and their respective finance and economic development ministers, the Chamber insists there is an urgency to filling the employment gap if communities and the economy are to succeed.“We frequently hear from our membership that the most significant operational challenge is
Chamber responds to provincial budget
VERNON – There were few surprises in today’s provincial budget but the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the government’s commitment to continue supporting businesses and communities. Finance Minister Selina Robinson tabled the 2021 provincial budget in the Legislature April 20.“There is no question that the provincial government has provided significant support to B.C. businesses since the pandemic began more than a year ago and we appreciate the continued initiatives that will assist businesses
Chamber responds to federal budget
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes federal support for businesses and non-profits, but there is concern about taxpayers’ ability to absorb an unprecedented deficit.On April 19, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled the federal government’s first budget in two years, including $101.4 billion in new spending over three years.“We appreciate that the government faced a significant challenge in developing a budget as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create economic uncertainty and
Chamber calls for renewed support for local restaurants
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is urging residents to rally behind local businesses and particularly those in the restaurant sector.As of midnight tonight (March 29), dine-in service at restaurants and bars in B.C. must stop and these establishments can only provide take-out, delivery or patio service. Amended health orders are in place until April 15.“North Okanagan residents have done an amazing job of supporting their favourite restaurants and bars for the past year, and while the goal
Chamber calls for tax equity for distilleries
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is urging the federal government to create an environment that allows craft distilleries to thrive, create jobs and compete with their U.S. counterparts.In a Dec. 21 letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Small Business Minister Mary Ng and Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Chamber indicates that the U.S. Congress has approved the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which will shift a 2017 excise tax reduction from a trial
Chamber survey highlights need for action
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is ensuring that the concerns of business and non-profits are heard by governments at all levels. The Chamber recently circulated a survey asking members and non-members what factors are inhibiting their ability to operate and what actions are needed from federal, provincial and local authorities to improve conditions. “There was no surprise that much of the feedback revolved around the pandemic and shutdowns, but other issues are also top of mind for
Public urged to support Canadian distilleries
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is urging North Okanagan residents to contact the federal government and demand tax reform that promotes job growth and local economies. On Aug. 12, Canadian distilleries initiated a petition campaign that calls on all political parties to lobby the federal government to immediately match excise parity with the 2017 small distillers excise agreement in the U.S. “We must allow entrepreneurs the opportunity to not only survive but to thrive. And in turn, they
Chamber wants extension on temporary layoff timeline
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to take immediate steps that support business owners and workers in B.C. In a letter to Labour Minister Harry Bains, the Chamber requests that the government amend the Employment Standards Act to include a further extension to the period employees can be laid off before they are considered terminated. “Presently, many businesses – primarily in the accommodations and tourism sectors – have been unable to reopen and
Chamber urges government to help businesses with protective equipment
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling on the provincial government to take immediate action to ensure businesses have the needed equipment to protect employees and customers. In a letter to Premier John Horgan, the Chamber thanks the government for moving the economy towards recovery from Covid-19 but indicates that more could be done to encourage a successful transition. “Specifically, we are hearing from businesses in the North Okanagan who are struggling to reopen their doors
Chamber presents to Legislative Finance Committee
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is urging the provincial government to make child care, economic development and mental health funding priorities in the coming year. On June 2, the Chamber presented to B.C.’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, which is conducting consultation on the proposed 2021 provincial budget. “We thank the members of the Select Standing Committee for providing the Chamber an opportunity to highlight what we believe are essential
Chamber connects young entrepreneurs with mentors
JAN. 6, 2019 – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce wants to ensure that young entrepreneurs have a solid foundation moving into 2020. On Jan. 30, the Chamber is hosting speed mentoring for entrepreneurs under the age of 40 in partnership with Futurpreneur. “A significant challenge for a new business owner or someone who has a vision is pulling together all of the information needed for those initial first steps and preparing for long-term success,” said Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber general
Greater Vernon Chamber supports Kelowna International Airport
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce endorses measures that will permit Kelowna International Airport to respond to growth and continue to serve as the gateway to the Okanagan.On Nov. 4, Kelowna city council gave three readings to bylaw amendments that will increase the airport improvement fee from $20 to $25 March 1, 2020, while it’s proposed that landing and terminal fees will increase two per cent.“YLW is critical to the economy of the North Okanagan as it allows investors and visitors to
Greater Vernon Chamber partners with The Local Gift Card
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is excited to participate in a new initiative that promotes small business while encouraging residents to shop local. As part of Small Business Week, the Chamber has partnered with The Local Gift Card, an Okanagan-based program that can be used at local, participating businesses.“Gift cards have been around for a long time, but Sarah Coffey had the vision to embrace the growing desire of local residents to support small entrepreneurs right here at home,” said
Chamber resolution on distillery taxes endorsed nationally
Momentum is increasing to have Canada’s distilleries placed on an equal footing with other alcohol producers.Delegates at the recent Canadian Chamber of Commerce conference in Saint John, N.B. gave 99 per cent support to a resolution from the Greater Vernon Chamber that urges the federal government to reduce the excise tax on distilled spirits to $1.77 per litre on the first 150,000 litres of absolute alcohol, and to match the excise rate in the U.S. on an ongoing basis on an ongoing basis.“Chambers of
Cooperative approach needed to resolve forest crisis
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling for B.C.’s elected officials to set aside their differences and collectively find solutions that support the forest sector and communities.The Chamber has written to Premier John Horgan, official opposition leader Andrew Wilkinson and Green Party leader Andrew Weaver.“Mill operations are either being shut down or curtailed, impacting thousands of workers and their families as well as those associated with private contractors and suppliers. Given the
Greater Vernon Chamber advocates for members on provincial issues
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce ensured that its members and a strong economy were a priority during a meeting with high-level provincial officials.On July 23, representatives from 11 Thompson-Okanagan chambers of commerce participated in a regional consultation with senior provincial civil servants from 12 government ministries.“This was a tremendous opportunity to provide the Interior perspective on several critical matters that impact the ability to do business in our region, while we were also
Chamber resolution on distillery taxes endorsed provincially
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s campaign to have the distilled spirits sector treated progressively and fairly has been endorsed provincially.On May 25, delegates at the B.C. Chamber of Commerce conference in Burnaby approved a resolution from the Greater Vernon Chamber that calls on the federal government to reduce the excise tax on distilled spirits to $1.77 per litre on the first 150,000 litres of absolute alcohol, and to match the excise rate in the U.S. on an ongoing basis on an
North Okanagan chambers meet with tourism minister
NORTH OKANAGAN – An infusion of federal funding and a renewed national focus on tourism is welcome news to the Armstrong Spallumcheen and Greater Vernon chambers of commerce. On May 23, Tourism Minister Melanie Joly participated in a sold-out roundtable discussion hosted by the chambers at Fairways Bistro in Armstrong. “We thank Minister Joly for taking the time to stop in our region and it was exciting to learn more about the recently announced federal tourism strategy,” said Peter Rotzetter, Armstrong
Chamber doesn't want overdose prevention site downtown
VERNON – Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce directors and staff met with Interior Health representatives May 17 to discuss plans to establish an overdose prevention site (OPS) in Vernon. Based on what the chamber is hearing from its members and the community, a key message to IH was that an overdose prevention site not be located in the downtown core of Vernon. “We appreciate that IH is mandated by the provincial government to respond to overdose deaths, and the strategy includes an OPS. The
North Okanagan chambers host tourism minister
VERNON – North Okanagan tourism operators, and particularly those in rural areas, will have an opportunity to discuss the future of the industry with federal Tourism Minister Mélanie Joly. On May 23, Joly will take part in a breakfast roundtable hosted by the Armstrong Spallumcheen and Greater Vernon chambers of commerce at Fairways Bistro in Armstrong. Joly will speak about the new federal tourism strategy and how it will create new opportunities and jobs for the middle class in the tourism sector across
Greater Vernon Chamber connects with members
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is pounding the pavement to hear directly from the organization’s grassroots.On May 28, board directors, staff and volunteers will take part in Chamber Check-In, an opportunity to meet one-on-one with its membership base.“We are always looking for ways to connect with our members and learn what issues are important to them, and Chamber Check-In will provide a personal connection,” said Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber general manager.As part of the
Greater Vernon Chamber calls for ongoing milfoil control
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is concerned that federal and provincial policies regarding milfoil control will negatively impact our community and economy. The chamber recently wrote the federal and provincial governments and urged them to permit the control of invasive Eurasian milfoil as the control mechanism has occurred in Okanagan lakes since the 1970s. “Our chamber appreciates the need to protect aquatic species and specifically the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel (RMRM). However, we
Greater Vernon Chamber praises rural internet strategy
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes a provincial strategy that will provide regional districts legislative mechanisms to link rural areas to high-speed internet.On April 26, the provincial government announced changes that allow regional districts to provide financing for capital costs to internet service providers where it may not otherwise make sense from a business perspective. “The Chamber has long advocated for rural connectivity as the availability of high-speed internet will
Greater Vernon Chamber hosts local leaders
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is bringing together the region’s elected leaders to share their vision for the future. The Local Leaders Lunch, presented by BDO, takes place June 26 and it features Okanagan Indian Band Chief Byron Louis, Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming, Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick and Kevin Acton, Chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan.“We are extremely excited to have all four Greater Vernon jurisdictions represented and this will be a tremendous opportunity to
Greater Vernon Chamber responds to overdose prevention site
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce fully supports the City of Vernon in its call for enhanced community engagement for a proposed overdose prevention site. Interior Health is issuing a request for proposals for a contractor to deliver overdose prevention services in Vernon, including a fixed overdose prevention site. “We appreciate that a public health emergency has been declared in B.C. and that Interior Health and other organizations are taking steps to save lives. However, we share the
Greater Vernon Chamber responds to federal budget
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce supports the federal budget’s focus on bolstering the economy and easing pressure on young families and seniors, but concerns exist about the country’s overall financial condition. Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s budget makes significant investments in the forestry, tourism and oil and gas sectors, while employees will be able to take paid leave for training at 55 per cent of weekly earnings. “These measures will go a long ways towards supporting
Greater Vernon Chamber meets with agriculture minister
VERNON – Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has heard firsthand how crucial agriculture is to the economy of the North Okanagan.Bibeau took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Tuesday that included food producers, processors and local government representatives.“I’m ready to jump in for the whole country,” said the Quebec MP who was appointed agriculture minister by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau March 1.“Agriculture is a strong industry and
Greater Vernon Chamber responds to provincial budget
VERNON – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the provincial budget’s focus on affordability for average British Columbians, but there’s a concern about the growing financial burden facing business. Small and medium-sized enterprises are facing $5 billion in cumulative cost increases over the next three years.“The layers of tax eat into the bottom line and increasingly make it challenging for businesses in the North Okanagan and across the province to be competitive,” said Dione Chambers,
Greater Vernon Chamber busy during Small Business Week
VERNON – Chamber Week kicks off Monday, Feb. 18, and there’s a full schedule for the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.On Tuesday, the Chamber will review the details of the provincial budget, which is being tabled that afternoon in the Legislature in Victoria.“We will be looking to see if the government’s second budget allows businesses to not only survive but thrive in B.C. as a healthy and vibrant economy is good for everyone,” said Dione Chambers, Chamber general manager.Also on Tuesday, the Chamber’s
Spring Expo showcases North Okanagan businesses
JANUARY, 14, 2019 – Thousands of people are anticipated to flock to Spring Expo and that ensures heightened awareness for North Okanagan products and services. The inaugural business and community showcase is March 8 and 9 at Kal Tire Place North and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting registrations for vendors. “The region’s business community is vast and diverse, but one of the challenges for any business is making sure potential customers not only know of them, but
Chamber calls for action on downtown safety
NOVEMBER 23, 2018 – The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling for increased dialogue to address street-level concerns in the downtown core. On Nov. 20, chamber representatives attended a meeting organized by business owners contending with drug use, litter, loitering, vandalism, property crime, aggressive behaviour and concerns about customer safety. Also at the meeting were Interior Health, BC Housing and the Turning Points Collaborative Society, which operates homeless shelters and low-income
Small business focus of minister's visit
NOVEMBER 17, 2018 – The federal government has been provided with the North Okanagan perspective on small business.On Nov. 17, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce hosted Mary Ng, minister of small business and export promotion, at Okanagan College.“I am here to listen,” said Ng, who is Member of Parliament for Markham-Thornhill, Ont.Among the issues raised by members of the chamber and residents were succession planning for small business operators, provincial trade barriers, the need for more women
Greater Vernon Chamber hosts small business minister
NOVEMBER 6, 2018 - Small business opportunities and challenges will be on the agenda as the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce hosts a federal cabinet minster.Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, will speak at a breakfast event at 9 a.m. Saturday Nov. 17 at Kal View room Okanagan College.“We are thrilled that the Honourable Minister will take time out of her busy schedule to meet with local business leaders,” said Diana Wilson, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce president.“We will be
Chamber celebrates Small Business Week
OCT. 17, 2018 – Small businesses are at the heart of a strong and vibrant economy in the North Okanagan. Small Business Week is being celebrated across British Columbia from Oct. 14 to 20. “Businesses of all sizes are important to a healthy economy but there is a realization that much of the catalyst comes from the grassroots, from small businesses,” said Dione Chambers, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce general manager. “Not only do these small business owners demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit, but
Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
May 10, 20185 Minutes for Business, Canadian Chamber of CommerceSteel and Aluminum Tariffs Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps within a rolled steel coil), you have no doubt seen all the news these days about the looming threat of steel and aluminum tariffs being imposed by the United States. Last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated an investigation into whether steel and aluminum imports were impairing America’s national security. These investigations occurred under Section 232
