Valley Chambers release video campaign
VERNON: From Osoyoos to Armstrong, valley Chambers of Commerce joined together this week, releasing sparkling new videos highlighting remarkable local businesses and benefits. Seven chambers have been working on the project throughout the spring and look forward to locals’ reactions when they view the finished products.
The short videos were funded through a project to encourage shopping local with financial support from the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Canada. All contractors were paid fees or honoraria.
All the Chamber/Board of Trade managers of the project were ecstatic about the finished product. Local highlights are shown off in each video, but with the distinct advantages of the “next door” neighbours each separately displayed for locals and tourists alike, just in time for increased summer travel and shopping.
Artisans, recreation, wineries, restaurants, and good fun are all part of the mix of opportunities showcased in the short videos.
The Okanagan We Got This initiative launched as the pandemic took hold in 2020 as a way to share crucial information quickly to businesses and residents in the Okanagan Valley. Self-funded by seven chambers of commerce/boards of trade locally, collaboration and cooperation united the region around facts, issues and stories of resilience. The “Show Local Some Love” project evolved naturally from the partnership.
This video launch – which extends with one Chamber/Board of Trade releasing its video each week through the summer – wraps up two years of getting through business disruption with creativity, fun and plain hard work. The plan is that lots of residents and tourists alike will take a moment to watch a few of the videos and feel good about life and business in the Okanagan.
One video link will be released each week for seven weeks
Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
Release date: June 9, 2022
Video Link: https://www.okanaganwegotthis.com/love-local/
BACKGROUND
Participating organizations include:
South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Denise Blashko “We are happy to have been able to participate in this regional chamber collaboration and to encourage our neighbouring communities to 'Explore Next Door'. There are so many fun, interesting, and unique things to see and do throughout our valley and the businesses are ready to welcome you.”
Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Diane Kereluk “What excellent collaboration between the Okanagan chambers promoting each other’s communities by showcasing all the wonderful attractions and local shops each community has to offer. No long-distance travel required to enjoy incredible experiences, there is plenty here, up and down the valley.”
Peachland Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Patrick Van Minsel "The Peachland Chamber is proud to have collaborated with the other chambers on this promote next door video. It is essential that we all stick together and promote our wonderful valley. We have so many things to offer. The Chamber ambassadors representing us did an awesome job showcasing their town."
Greater Westside Board of Trade
Executive Director Heather Robinson “In times like this, shopping local can make all the difference in the world. It inspires local economic prosperity, creates jobs and supports local charities – making differences in people’s lives every day. By shopping local we can build community resiliency and pave paths to recovery.”
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Dan Rogers
“This has been a labour of love. We engaged the staff and students at CATO in Kelowna – the Centre for Arts and Technology – as well as local videographers in the participating chambers throughout the Okanagan. Exploring our own backyards is a great message for summer, an antidote to high fuel costs, and really underscores our message ‘Why Go Anywhere but Here?’”
Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Dan Proulx “The Greater Vernon Chamber is excited to partner with Chambers throughout the Okanagan Valley and to highlight the great day trips and extended stays that exist close to home for Okanagan residents. By exploring next door, we strengthen our region, our communities and our economy.”
Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Patti Noonan “The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce is proud to have been part of the #OKWeGotThis collaborative effort over the last few months. The culmination of this effort is the series of ‘Explore Next Door’ videos which we are both excited and proud to promote. Our valley has so much to offer and our communities have come together to showcase what makes us unique and what we have in common.”
One video link will be released each week for seven weeks
Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
Release date: June 9, 2022
Video Link: https://www.okanaganwegotthis.com/love-local/
