Cabinet ministers hear directly from Chamber
VERNON – Economic renewal and supporting the local community were high on the agenda as the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce went one-on-one with high-level provincial representatives.
On Feb. 19, the Chamber hosted a town hall with Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation; Lana Popham, minister of agriculture; and Harwinder Sandhu, Vernon-Monashee MLA
“Advocating on behalf of our members is fundamental to our organization and we thank Minister Kahlon, Minister Popham and MLA Sandhu for providing an opportunity for us to raise issues important to our members, particularly as we continue to navigate the pandemic,” said Dan Proulx, Greater Vernon Chamber general manager.
Among the topics covered were the looming deadline for the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program, the real estate speculation tax, government spending on agriculture, how B.C. will pay for recovery programs and a new cultural centre in Greater Vernon.
All questions submitted by Chamber members during the town hall will be forwarded to Kahlon, Popham and Sandhu for a response.
Beyond business owners and non-profit organizations, those listening to the town hall included elected representatives from the City of Vernon and the Regional District of North Okanagan as well as Mel Arnold, North Okanagan-Shuswap MP.
“It is appropriate that our first major town hall of 2021 occurred during Chamber of Commerce Week in B.C. as chambers play a significant role in promoting vibrant economies and resilient communities. In the case of our chamber, we have been the leading voice of business and Greater Vernon since 1897,” said Proulx.
The Greater Vernon Chamber has three upcoming town halls that will be of interest to its members.
March 3 – Mel Arnold, North Okanagan-Shuswap MP; and Pat Kelly, Conservative shadow cabinet minister for small business and Western economic diversification
March 31 - Sam Samaddar, airport director, Kelowna International Airport
April 7 - Greg Kyllo, B.C. Liberal critic for labour, and Todd Stone, critic for jobs, economic recovery and innovation
For more information and to register for the town halls and webinars, Chamber members can go to https://www.vernonchamber.ca/events/
Greater Vernon businesses and non-profits wanting information on how to join the Chamber can contact 250-545-0771 or go to https://www.vernonchamber.ca/top-10-reasons-to-join
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dan Proulx, General Manager
Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce
P: 250-545-0771 E: manager@vernonchamber.ca
