WESTSIDE – The Greater Westside Board of Trade (GWBOT), and myself especially, are very pleased to be hosting the annual British Columbia Chamber Executives Society Conference and Annual General Meeting, September 9-12 at The Cove Lakeside Resort. So who are these people and why is hosting this event significant? These people are Chambers of Commerce Executive Directors and Managers from every corner of the province descending upon West Kelowna. There will be approximately 60 of them plus sponsors and speakers which will push attendance around 90 people. This is our opportunity to showcase West Kelowna in the best light possible as this will be the only time over the next couple of decades that this conference will be held here. Although this may seem like a small group of locally community minded business folks, they are a mighty group not to be underestimated. They are leaders in their home communities and play a valuable role shaping both local and provincial government policies, organizing community events and much more.
With the conference theme of “The Evolving Chamber – Fresh Thinking, Expediting Change” this year’s goal is to give executive directors and managers some easy to implement, ‘plug & play’ solutions upon their return to their communities. I am looking forward to the ‘Fresh Idea Greenhouse’ session which will have as many Chambers as possible present their one or two success stories of the past year with opportunity to ask questions and brainstorm. Another topic that will be addressed is how our communities’ economic development offices and Chambers of Commerce/Boards of Trade sometimes combine efforts and in other communities they are two distinct offices –what are the pros and cons? We will be looking at outside member organizations as what drives them and how they are successful – perhaps Chambers/Boards of Trade can glean something from them. There will be some valuable personal and professional development sessions too and with more than twenty first-year Chamber executive directors attending, a session will focus on their specific needs.
GWBOT will be hosting a Westside signature evening for delegates and sponsors, September 10 starting with a pontoon boat cruise where delegates will enjoy the many spectacular Westside vistas including a dormant volcano, orchards, beaches and wineries. They will then be whisked away to Rollingdale Winery, a farm gate organic winery, for a true Okanagan-style gourmet – yes, gourmet – BBQ featuring local & fresh Westside ingredients prepared by none other than Chef Martin, The Chef Instead. Guests will enjoy wine tasting and traditional First Nation appetizers, star-gazing and kick up their heels to some old-time rock n roll performed by The Journeymen. Tickets can be purchased by calling the GWBOT office 250.768.3378.
I would like to thank our sponsors and acknowledge them for their support and that they recognize the importance of the host community event: Platinum Sponsor – Gorman Bros; Gold Sponsors – Westbank First Nation, Kelowna International Airport, Dockside Marine and Let’s Go Transportation; Silver Sponsors – 24/7 Investigations, Global Roadway Maintenance, Kubera Payments Corporation, and Sandler Training; Bronze Sponsors – NichePlus Digital Media and the Sandman Hotel. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Many thanks goes to the following West Kelowna wineries will also be involved in the conference: Rollingdale Winery, Little Straw Vineyards, Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Quails’ Gate Winery and Indigenous World Winery.
We are pleased to welcome the following new members: Accent Kurb Appeal, Eagle View Financial, Empire Sonic Recording Studio, Karley Scott, Vital Alternative Healing Association and Angelique Wood.
– Karen Beaubier is the Executive Director for the Westside Board of Trade. She can be reached at 250-768-3378 or admin@gwboardoftrade.com.