Newcome Workforce Integration Event
2023-09-12 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver) | Accelerate Okanagan Technology Association, 201-460 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0C2, Canada
IGNITE OKANGAN 2023, Attention Employers! Newcomer Workforce Integration Event in Kelowna.
Attention Local Employers! Come join us for our event to connect, share, and learn about how employers are building welcoming and inclusive workplaces for new immigrant workers. This employer and community event includes a panel of guest speakers from the Central Okanagan business community and employment support organizations that will share experiences, resources, and supports related to aspects of immigrant workforce integration. This event is hosted by the Central Okanagan Local Immigration Partnership and Kelowna Community Resources and co-hosted by Kelowna WorkBC Centre, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, and Accelerate Okanagan.

Valleywide Business Expo
2023-09-14 04:30 - 19:00 | Swalwell Park, 10050 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC, V4V 1S7, Canada
About this event

The Valleywide Business Expo is an opportunity for you to promote your business to a larger audience than just your community. Vendors from all over the valley join together in one place so that the public from all over the valley will have an opportunity to explore businesses in other communities.

Building your Business Plan: Formalize Your Ideas | Session 1 - Success Test: Is Your Idea Viable
2023-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Launching a business can be an exciting time, and WeBC is here to provide guided support to make planning your business easier!
Starting September 14, we’re hosting, “Building your Business Plan: Formalize Your Ideas” a three-part series designed to help women transform their entrepreneurial ideas into a viable business venture.
There are many pieces to consider beyond just creating a name and logo, and it can be overwhelming to work through each one on your own. This series will walk you through useful resources and templates that you can use to create your business plan, while connecting you with a group of women who are in the early stages of their business.
Led by WeBC Business Advisor Archana Singhania, we’ll work through the basic steps of starting a new business, from determining your business workflow, to gathering resources, developing an effective marketing strategy and more. Together, you’ll receive support, share new ideas, gain insight, opinions and gather feedback in a welcoming environment.
Discover how to create a business that works for you, so you feel confident sharing your business with the world!
Connect with a group of women entrepreneurs, meeting over three, 2-hour virtual sessions to learn how to develop your business in a supportive environment.

Session 1 | Success Test: Is Your Idea Viable?
Do you have an entrepreneurial idea but are unsure how to turn it into a business? Every business concept needs to be tested for viability before you jump in with both feet. Creating a viable business means not only making a profit, but also structuring it in a way that fits your life and aligns with your goals and values. We’ll introduce you to the Creating Your Business Plan Workbook, which we’ll use throughout the series to refine your business ideas. In this session, you’ll get curious: Who will buy your product? What does a typical day look like running the business? Is your idea unique? Using hands-on activities, we’ll:

Explore what motivates you;
Define your business idea, who you serve and what problem you solve; and
Identify the research that will assist in refining your business idea.

Session 2 | Pen to Paper: Developing Your Business Plan
You have your idea, and have defined your business concept; now it’s time to map out your plan. Your business plan is a roadmap for how you will structure, run, and grow your business. It can help with decision-making, long-term planning, getting funding, or bringing on new business partners.
Creating a business plan is a big job, so this session will give hands-on guidance as you work through each section. Using group activities, you will:

Develop your own goals and work through key planning areas, including market research, resources, pricing, operations and cash flow.
Gain a strong understanding of how each piece of your business plan will come together to bring your idea to life!

Session 3 | Smooth Operator: Preparing for the Future
What are some of the mistakes new business owners make and how can you avoid them? In this session, we’ll show you how the proper planning and procedures can help you achieve smooth sailing. From ‘whoops’ to ‘what if,’ Archana will identify typical mistakes and risks in running a business, and help you to envision the best case scenarios for you to work towards. You’ll hear from other women entrepreneurs about their real life experiences and how they were able to adapt to changing circumstances. Together, we will:

Explore processes that you can use to avoid mistakes, including workflows, templates and procedures.
Imagine possible risks to your own business and come up with plausible solutions so you can be confident in your future.
Identify key operational decisions that need to be made.

SERIES DETAILS
Thursdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm PT

September 14 | Session 1: Success Test: Is Your Idea Viable
September 21 | Session 2: Pen to Paper: Developing Your Business Plan
September 28 | Session 3: Smooth Operator: Preparing for the Future

Where Virtual – Zoom
Pricing
3 Sessions: September 14-28 – $50
Who is this for?
This series is designed for women who are ready to commit to turning their business idea into a workable plan. We also welcome women entrepreneurs who have launched their business, and would like to create a business plan to refine their idea and processes.

Meet the Facilitator

Archana Samtani Singhania, WeBC Business Advisor
With 10+ years of experience in business development & growth in food production, retail and real estate, Archana is no stranger to hard work. An immigrant to Canada, Archana is a dedicated strategist who has driven entry and growth into new markets worldwide and has worked with culturally diverse customers & different target market profiles. As a FITT-certified Business Advisor for WeBC, Archana she can help women with their import/export queries as well. She shares her real-world experience with women Entrepreneurs helping them to navigate all phases of organizational growth. She is passionate about harbouring open, creative and inclusive work culture and is an advocate of creative expression and intellectual rigor. A dedicated learner, she is resilient and driven – “Put me in any new situation – I will figure out all aspects of the how, why and what.”

Navigating Barrier to Return-to-Work
2023-09-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
DID YOU KNOW THAT ACCORDING TO THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONALS IN DISABILITY MANAGEMENT THAT AFTER A YEAR ON SHORT-TERM DISABILITY, ONLY 20% OF INJURED WORKERS EVER RETURN TO THE JOB? LEARN ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP FACILITATE AND MANAGE RETURN-TO-WORK FOR YOUR WORKERS.

Research by Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board has shown that if a worker is not back on the job within 90 days of an injury, the chances they will ever return to work drop by 50 percent. After a year, notes the Canadian Society of Professionals in Disability Management, only 20% return to the job.
That’s why it is so critical to design a plan for supporting a smooth and timely transition back to work. Kirstin Sieben, Return to Work Team Manager from TeksMed Services, will be helping us understand and navigate the barriers to successful return to work to keep claims costs in check and strengthen employee engagement and culture.

In this webinar you will learn

New strategies to support and effectively manage return to work
Practical ways to address physical, mental, and logistical hurdles
About a proven approach to reducing the length of employee absences

With this insight, design a plan for supporting a smooth transition back to work to strengthen employee engagement and culture

Disability Employment Month with WorkBC
2023-09-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Many businesses in our community are facing workforce shortages. Yet, there remains a pool of talent that is often over-looked due to misconceptions, stigma, uncertainty and bias (conscious or not) and that’s the persons with disabilities talent pool.
Join the newly expanded Canadian Partners in Workforce Innovation team and learn how their employer-focused inclusive recruitment, retention, training and consulting services makes it easy for businesses to increase workforce inclusion of people with disabilities.
Please click the link below to register for the webinar to learn how to expand your candidate pool!
REGISTER

Cohere - Gather, Imagine and Collaborate
2023-09-19 12:00 - 13:30, 2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Okanagan coLab, 201-1405 St Paul Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2E4, Canada
Use your creative tension to move ideas into action! Join a group of skilled collaborators, all with an intrepid mission of conscious learning, sustainability, and transformation for a flourishing future.
In 2023, our monthly themes are:

June – Sustainable Development & SDGs
July – Inner Development & IDGs
August – Community Resiliency & Well-being
September – Community Innovation for a Flourishing Future

Cohere Conversations focus on building a vibrant network, sharing wisdom, peer support, and amplifying ideation.
Community Innovation for a Flourishing Future is Cohere’s September Theme
Join us for our September Cohere Community Conversations, where we will continue our journey of exploration into the intersections of sustainable development, inner development, and community resiliency for well-being. This month’s theme is “Community Innovation for a Flourishing Future”, focusing on the visionary community projects. 🌍
Our Presenters

September 5th – Retrospective and Plan Forward
September 12th – Angela Nagy
September 19th – Shane Lapp and Barri Harris
September 26th – Jamie Stevens and Stefan Montalbetti

Stay tuned for announcements of expert presenters who will share their insights and experiences on building community resilience and well-being.
Secure your spot and be part of this transformative conversation on community resilience and well-being. Let’s link everyday actions to greater community goals and work together to create a positive impact on the well-being of our communities.
We look forward to your presence and active participation in these empowering Cohere Community events. Together, let’s shape a sustainable and resilient future for our communities.

Cohere Overview
Generally, Cohere focuses on 4 key areas:
Building a vibrant network: members are not just ‘connections’; they are your community of supports who are invested in each other’s success and well-being.
Sharing wisdom: every gathering is filled with gifts of learning, challenge, growth and gratitude.
Getting and giving support: present your issues to find clarity and get unstuck with the guidance of mentors, coaches and experts.
Amplifying ideations: pitch your impactful ideas for feedback, guidance, and possible collaboration.
Every meeting is facilitated and resources are made available to participants where applicable.
Who’s this for? Cohere will resonate for you if:

You love to meet new people who are living creatively and authentically in an entrepreneurial path
You are a self-disciplined learner always adding new tools to your toolbelt
You align your goals with actions that build your discipline and habits
You seek out community spaces that provide inclusive social environments to build relationships
You favour diversity of thinking and learn from a variety of sources that stimulate learning and creativity
Your business/organizational activities are expressed through purpose, mission, vision, and values

Cohere runs weekly and is open and free to the community.
Questions? Contact the organizer.

About the Organizer Okanagan coLab
coLab is reimagining how community lives, works, and plays. A community built around five core values: Community, Collaboration, Creativity, Purposefulness, and Celebration.
By becoming a coLab Community Member, you’re joining a network of leaders, innovators, and collaborators. Take part in a thriving, local community dedicated to bringing out the best in one another!
Be our guest and meet the community

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce - September Member 101
2023-09-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, 544 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6C9, Canada
As a member of the Kelowna Chamber there are many opportunities for you and your business. However, learning to navigate and take advantage of those opportunities can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming.
Join us for a introductory seminar to meet the Kelowna Chamber team and understand what’s available and how you can get the most out of your membership.
Learn about:

Membership benefits and discounts
Policy & Advocacy work
Events
Advertising opportunities
Navigating our website so you can easily book events and find what you are looking for

Women in Hospitality & Tourism | Startup Women
2023-09-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
​
As part of the Startup Women 2023 program, Startup Canada will facilitate industry-specific advisory circles once a month between February and November. Hosted by Isabel Nolan, Program Lead for Startup Women, these sessions will feature expert talks from late-stage founders, a panel discussion with support organizations within the industry and networking breakout rooms with attendees and speakers. This close-door, virtual meetup will give women all across Canada a sense of community and support.

​ABOUT
Our mission with Industry Advisory Circles is to give women-identifying entrepreneurs the chance to connect with and learn from industry experts and later stage founders in the Hospitality & Tourism space, share resources in real time, and learn about ecosystem support.
​This session will be hosted on Zoom meetings. We encourage all attendees to have their camera on and engage throughout the session and we will provide space for attendees to ask their questions.
​​EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
9 – 11 AM PT | 12 – 2 PM ET
​​SPEAKERS
TBC
​​AGENDA
12:00 PM ET | Opening Remarks & Introductions (speakers & attendees)
12:20 PM ET | Entrepreneur Expert Talk #1
12:25 PM ET | Entrepreneur Expert Talk #2
12:30 PM ET | Panel Discussion & Q&A from Attendees
01:35 PM ET | Networking breakout Rooms with attendees & speakers
01:55 PM ET | Closing Remarks
​WHO IS THIS INDUSTRY ADVISORY CIRCLE FOR?
Early stage, women-identifying entrepreneurs in the Hospitality & Tourism space.
​​PLEASE NOTE:
In order for us to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for attendees, the session recording will not be shared.
The Industry Advisory Circle is limited to 35 attendees. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

​​PARTNERS
The Startup Women program is powered by Startup Canada, co-presented by The Scotiabank Women Initiative and UPS, and in partnership with EDC and Mastercard and and our community of ecosystem partners including BDC, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), North Forge, Invest Ottawa, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, The Shepreneur Project, Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC).

Downtown After 5
2023-09-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Tourism Kelowna Visitor Centre, 238 Queensway, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6S4, Canada
Arguably Kelowna’s best business casual mixer, Downtown Kelowna After 5 turns traditional networking into a chance to unwind and get to know your neighbours. These events routinely draw 250+ guests looking to socialize, network, share ideas, and have a great time ‘After 5’.
Admission to the hottest post-work party in town is only $15/person*, which includes appies and two (2) complimentary drink tickets. The more, the merrier – pay just $40 for each group of 3.**

See you ‘After 5’!

Uride’s Safe Ride Program: Keep your evening going and make sure to get a safe ride home by using Uride’s ‘DKA50’ code when attending a Downtown After 5 event. You’ll get 50% off your ride (max. $10 off)!
*Ticket price does not include GST or applicable ticketing fees.
**Group Pricing (3 for $40) available only in limited quantities.
Note: Additional drink tickets are not available for sale and are non-transferrable. Tickets can only be redeemed at the event venue during the during the event.

JOIN US AT THE NEXT AFTER 5

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | 5pm-7pm
Tourism Kelowna Visitor Centre (238 Queensway)
Hosted by Tourism Kelowna

GET TICKETS

Upcoming ‘After 5’ Events in 2023:

September 20, 2023 – Hosted by Pushor Mitchell LLP
October 18, 2023 – Hosted by Playtime Casino
November 22, 2023 – Hosted by DKA

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Contact kris@downtownkelowna.com or call 250.862.3515 for more information.

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce: Quarterly Membership Meeting and Addressing Labour Challenges
2023-09-21 07:30 - 09:00 | Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna, 2130 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6G8, Canada
Join us on September 21 as the Board Committee Chairs provide an update of their committee’s progress to-date. The QGM is open to everyone though members do receive a member discount to attend. This initiative is meant to provide another opportunity for members to engage directly with their elected Board of Directors. Participants in this in-person event will get a better sense of the work their Chamber is doing to help businesses.
Following the update from the Board Committee, Dr. Philipp Reichert, Director Global Engagement at UBCO and Ms. Hana Petrone, Director, Academic and Career Advisin will join us and present on the supports being put in place to connect the international student population at UBCO with the massive labour needs we have as a growing economy. is this an untapped labour market? Could this be the answer to our labour challenges? What are the challengegs and opportunities. Join us to learn more.

A reminder to members, there will be voting on a few business items. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote. All members are elgible to attend but if you are interested in joining us for breakfast you must register in advance.
Purchase deadline: Tickets MUST be purchased before Noon on Friday, September 15.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 5 business days prior to the event to be subject for a refund.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Regular Rate
Sep 21, 2023

$45.00

Member Discounted Rate
Sep 21, 2023

$30.00

Greater Westside Board of Trade - Business After Hours
2023-09-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Manchester Signs Printing & Graphics, 5-1718 Byland Rd, West Kelowna, BC, V1Z 1A9, Canada
Join us on Thursday, September 21 from 5-7pm at Manchester SPG for a great evening of networking, local food and drink and some great prizes.
Advance registration is recommended.

Register Now!

Building your Business Plan: Formalize Your Ideas | Session 2 - Pen to Paper: Developing Your Business Plan
2023-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual

Situating Art in Public Space
2023-09-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Kelowna Art Gallery, 1315 Water Street, Kelowna, BC, Canada

Board Governance Training with Deb McClelland
2023-09-23 09:00 - 14:30 | Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, 544 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6C9, Canada
This session is essential for those who are managing th oversight of an organization, speficially board directors and CEOs. This three module session will provide you with an overview of the best practices in board governance. Theses sessions serve as both an orientation to good governance as well as a refresher for those who have preivously received governance training.
Join us for this Workshop where Deb McClelland will lead you through strategies and best practiced that will help you and your board function better than ever before.Workbooks are provided to help you navigate through each module.
Please note that space is very limited for this event. Please register early.

Admission Prices: $99 Member Discount Rate or $125 Regular Rate. Price includes a light breakfast and lunch.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 5 business days prior to the event to be eligible for a refund.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Governance Training Workshop – Regular Rate
Sep 23, 2023

$125.00

Governance Training Workshop – Member Discount Rate
Sep 23, 2023

UDI Okanagan Luncheon - Economic Outlook
2023-09-26 11:30 - 13:30 | Delta Grand Hotel, 1310 Water Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9P3, Canada
UDI Okanagan is pleased to welcome Doug Porter, Chief Economist and Managing Director, BMO Financial for our luncheon on September 26, 2023.

REGISTER

How I Raised My First 100K – And What I Did Next
2023-09-27 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
​This is the fourth of five webinars Startup Canada will host, as part of the Startup Women 2023 program. These webinars aim to support the business development of women-identifying entrepreneurs and give them the tools and know-how to navigate the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

​​ABOUT
Learn from women founders about how they secured their first $100k, from building their pitch deck to getting the signature on the cheque! Learn how they achieved their funding goals and how you can apply what they learned in your own fundraising journey.
​​EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
9 – 10 AM PT | 12 – 1 PM ET
​​SPEAKERS
TBC
​​WHO IS THIS WEBINAR FOR?
Early-stage, women-identifying entrepreneurs wanting to learn from fellow women-identifying entrepreneurs on how they navigated their fundraising journey and how they put that money to use in their business.

​​PARTNERS
The Startup Women program is powered by Startup Canada, co-presented by The Scotiabank Women Initiative and UPS, and in partnership with EDC and Mastercard and a community of ecosystem partners.

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce - Commerce ConneX - MNP
2023-09-27 17:00 - 19:00 | MNP, 600-1628 Dickson Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0L5, Canada
We are kicking off our fall Commerce ConneX hosted at MNP brought to you by Canadian Western Bank! Join us on September 27th to welcome you back from summer with great food, drinks and networking. Register now to reserve your ticket!

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 5 business days prior to the event to be subject for a refund.
Open to members and non-members. All membership networking vouchers must be redeemed online.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Commerce ConneX Admission – Regular Rate
Sep 13, 2023

$19.05

Commerce ConneX Admission – Member Discounted Rate
Sep 13, 2023

$9.52

Complimentary Commerce ConneX e-voucher (Value $10)
Sep 27, 2023

$9.52

What Exporters Need to Know About the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations
2023-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Course Description

Are you up-to-date with the latest food safety regulations? If you are an agri-food business looking to export, you’ll need to be in compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). Discover the key SFCR elements and the export requirement updates for countries in the European Union (TRACES) and China (CIFER) in our presentation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Join this informative webinar on Thursday, September 28, to learn more about SFCR and participate in a Q&A session. Whether you’re importing, exporting, or selling agri-food products inter-provincially, SFCR plays an important role in the process.

What Will I Learn?

Review key SFCR elements and export requirements
Understand export requirement updates for the European Union (TRACES) and China (CIFER)
Connect with CFIA to answer any questions related to SFCR

Presented By

Chelsea Sang

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. A few tips to accessing your webinar content:

Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link for the webinar twice: 24 hours before the start time and 1 hour before.
Registration closes 2 hours before webinar start time.
Missed the live webinar? No problem. All registrants will receive access to the recording for seven days after the live session.

Questions? Contact info@exportnavigator.ca or visit exportnavigator.ca

Building your Business Plan: Formalize Your Ideas | Session 3 - Smooth Operator: Preparing for the Future
2023-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual

Employment Services Info Session
2023-09-28 10:00 - 2023-09-30 11:00 | Virtual
Struggling to find work in your field? Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants provides services to help you find skilled employment in BC that uses the education and experience that you bring to Canada.
You will gain insight about the employment services of KCR, and more specifically about the Career Paths Program for Skilled Immigrants. Attendees will find out about the criteria and eligibility for the program and what it can offer to qualified candidates. An overview of the types of professions that the program supports will be introduced along with the industries in which professionals align with best in each of these streams will be discussed.
This workshop is for you if you are:
Permanent Residents (in the last 10 years)
Minimum 1- 2 years of prearrival experience in the desired occupation
Minimum CLB 5 for English Proficiency
REGISTER TODAY!
The Workshop is offered on zoom. Please register to receive the zoom link.
This event is hosted by the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrant Program at KCR Community Resources.
https://kcr.ca/employment-services/career-paths-for-skilled-immigrants/

Accelerating Housing in the Okanagan: Moving the Dial on Large Scale Solutions
2023-09-28 12:00 - 13:30 | Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport, 5505 Airport Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 2Z7, Canada
Join us on Thursday, September 28 as we hear from some local professionals n the current state of housing in this fastest growing CMA in Canada where demand is far outstripping supply. Our three speakers will cover new options for purchasing (YeYe Housing Society/MLA Norm Letnick); Ryan Smith, Divisional Director of Planning and Development Services at City of Kelowna; Brad Klassen, Co-CEO Troika Management Corp.
This powerful combination of information, including updates on recent funding to the City of Kelowna for housing from the province will be moderated by another specialist in the local Kelowna market, Cassidy deVeer, Owner/Operator 3rd Generation Homes.
We all know there is no magic wand that any one of us can wave over the enormously complicated issue of providing adequate housing at a cost affordable to our young workforce, the swelling immigrant population, and those residents already housed, but wanting to change from rental to ownership or vice versa – and housing is extricably tied to labour issues, especially as the Okanagan explodes as a desirable centre for work and permanent residency.
Attendees will learn some new information, and have the opportunity to ask the panelists specific questions.

Panelists
Cassidy DeVeer, Owner/Operator at 3rd Generation Homes
Cassidy deVeer, a Kelowna native, is the driving force behind 3rd Generation Homes. Established in 2010, 3rd Generation Homes builds single-family custom and spec homes, as well as townhomes and multiplexes. Beyond the construction business, Cassidy has volunteered with the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA), including becoming the first female president of the Central Okanagan before eventually moving on to become the President of CHBA BC. During this period, she actively participated in a number of stakeholder engagement sessions with the provincial government and held meetings with Premier David Eby when he served as Minister of Housing, current Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon, and the new Federal Minister of Housing Sean Fraser. Cassidy has been a long-time advocate for home ownership and endeavors to enhance its accessibility for all Canadians.

Brad Klassen, CFO and Co-CEO at Troika Management Corp.
Brad is the CFO and Co-CEO of Troika Management Corp, a leader in the construction and development industry in Kelowna and across Western Canada. Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Brad graduated from UBC in 1986 and moved to Kelowna in 1988. Joining Troika in 2005, Brad oversees the accounting and financing functions of the Troika Group as well as directing the Senior Leadership Team in strategic planning and development. Community involvement has included Kelowna Sunrise Rotary, Kelowna Yacht Club, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, and Kelowna’s Gospel Mission.

Norm Letnick, MLA Kelowna – Lake Country
Norm Letnick was re-elected to a fourth term as MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country in 2020. He currently serves on numerous Select Standing Committees. Letnick has served on the Banff Housing Corporation which successfully built over 200 non-profit homes and the Kelowna Affordable Housing Task Force. He is the president of the YeYe Housing Society dedicated to building quality entry level housing for first time home buyers at approximately 25% below market price. Letnick holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Rhodes Scholarship nomination from the University of Calgary, a Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University and achieved candidacy status for a PhD. in Health Economics from the University of British Columbia.

Ryan Smith, Divisional Director of Planning and Development Services at City of Kelowna
Ryan has worked with the City of Kelowna for 19 years, first as a development planner, then Subdivision Approving Officer, Urban Planning Manager, Department Manager of Community Planning and now Divisional Director of Planning and Development Services. Ryan has also spent time working for a private real estate development company where he collaborated on the development of townhouse and resort projects. Ryan has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Certificates in Urban Design and Community Economic Development from Simon Fraser University and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. He has been a member of the provincial Subdivision Approving Officer’s Committee since 2010 and Co-Chair of this committee since 2016. He was instrumental in the development of the School for Subdivision Approving Officers and has been helping teach Subdivision since 2010. Ryan also helps teach modules as part of the MATI Community Planning Course and Capilano University Courses and is an avid cyclist, trail runner and skier.

Registration opens at 11:30AM with the event to begin at Noon.
Purchase Deadline: Tickets MUST be purchased before NOON on Friday, September 22.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 5 business days prior to the event to be subject for a refund.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Regular Ticket
Sep 28, 2023

$67.00

Member Discounted Rate
Sep 28, 2023

$52.00

Electronic Luncheon Voucher (Membership Benefit)
Sep 28, 2023

$52.00

Speaker Series - Housing in the Okanagan
2023-09-28 12:00 - 13:30 | Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport, 5505 Airport Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 2Z7, Canada

Uptown Rutland Business Association After Hours
2023-10-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Interior Savings Credit Union, 185 Rutland Rd S, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1X 2Z3
Click Here to Register Now

Retirement Planning of Solopreneurs
2023-10-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
If you’re a solopreneur, you likely spend most of your time thinking of the short- and long-term needs of your business. When it comes to your retirement, have you made the same considerations?
Many solopreneurs think they don’t have the time to plan, or perhaps they don’t think they have enough profit to put some away for the future. Yet, there are always actions you can take now to set yourself up for retirement.
Join us on October 11 for a free WeCafé to learn different strategies and have your questions answered from the team at Vancity. We’ll cover

What to consider when planning your retirement as a solopreneur
What types of tools are available
Where to learn more, from Vancity and other service providers

October 11 | 1pm to 2pm PT | Free Webinar
Open to everyone!
Presented in partnership with Vancity
REGISTER

Unveiling the Future: Advanced Applications of AI
2023-10-17 13:00 - 17:00 | The Innovation Centre
Over the last 10 years, Nick has worked for Fortune 500 companies around the world on multi-billion dollar projects in strategy, finance, design, and marketing. Nick realized he could visualize, design, and communicate intangible concepts: how the logic behind AI works, how process X saved a company time, what does the competitive landscape look like for industry Y – a task that most people weren’t good at, or interested in.
Learn more here: https://nicholasning.com/

Agenda

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Registration

1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Workshop: Leveraging AI

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Wrap-Up & Network

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce - October Member 101
2023-10-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, 544 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6C9, Canada
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM PST

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
544 Harvey Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y6C9

As a member of the Kelowna Chamber there are many opportunities for you and your business. However, learning to navigate and take advantage of those opportunities can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming.
Join us for a introductory seminar to meet the Kelowna Chamber team and understand what’s available and how you can get the most out of your membership.
Learn about:

Membership benefits and discounts
Policy & Advocacy work
Events
Advertising opportunities
Navigating our website so you can easily book events and find what you are looking for

This is a complimentary session for any Kelowna Chamber Members. Pre-registration is required.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Member 101 (Members Only – Complimentary)
Oct 18, 2023

$0.00

Greater Westside Board of Trade - October Business After Hours
2023-10-19 17:00 - 19:00 | City Furniture
Join Greater Westside Board of Trade on Thursday, October 19 from 5-7pm at City Furniture for a great evening of networking, local food and drink and some great prizes.
Advance registration is recommended.

Register Now!

Grow Your Food Business
2023-10-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
2023 Workshops Are Open!
All workshops are online from 9am – 3pm.
4 dates to join: Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, September 7; Friday, October 20; and Monday, December 4.

REGISTER HERE

If you’re starting a new food and beverage business, the Grow Your Food Business workshop is essential to keeping your business out of the weeds and growing to success.
You have a great idea or product, but before you dig into business, ask yourself these questions:

Can I scale it up?
Are my margins high enough?
Am I certain the market will accept my product?
What are the true costs of starting a successful food business?
Do I understand the labeling rules and regulations?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and you don’t have all of the answers, don’t let that discourage you. Register for our one-day Grow Your Food Business workshop to understand your product’s true potential and know your metrics for success.
We’ll cover:
Business planning
Financial planning
Market access
Product development
Distribution
Trade, consumer & digital marketing

Peachland Chamber 2023 Business Excellence Awards
2023-10-21 17:00 - 23:00 | Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6th street, Peachland, BC, V0H 1X6, Canada
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