– Dan Rogers is the General Manager at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at manager@vernonchamber.ca.
VERNON – When you think about what drives the economy seldom do you think about the impact of post- secondary education but a recent presentation from two of the Okanagan’s educational leaders shed some light on the actual numbers.
Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton and UBC-Okanagan Deputy Vice Chancellor Deborah Buszard were guests at a Chamber Breakfast Briefing in Vernon and among other advised the gathering that the combined operations of the college and university generates over $2 billion dollars in economic activity in the province with Okanagan College`s impact in the region at close to $600 million.
The student population at both institutions has grown substantially at both institutions over the last decade and now tops 18,000. That`s an increase of 50% since 2005. That growth is also expected to continue in the years to come assisted in part by new capital investments such as the new Vernon campus trades building. Opening 2018, the $6.21 million facility will cover close to 14,000 square feet and provide additional training space for 150 students.
It also became pretty clear to those attending the breakfast that the importance of post-secondary educational institutions such as UBC-Okanagan and Okanagan College is likely to increase in the years to come and they will play a critical role in enabling businesses in the region to grow and prosper.
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The official countdown is underway for the 2017 Business Excellence Awards, an event that showcases Greater Vernon`s premier businesses and community leaders. This year`s theme is ‘Birthdays, Balloons and Black Ties’ and builds off the excitement from last year`s gala.
The initiative recognizes the achievements of the past year in business but will also provide an opportunity to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, the City of Vernon’s 125th birthday and the Chamber’s 120th birthday.
“We’re really excited about the plans for the Gala and know it will be another fantastic evening of celebration as we recognize a variety of businesses, organizations and individuals for their outstanding achievements,” says Dauna Kennedy Grant, president of the Greater Vernon Chamber.
The Chamber is pleased to have Valley First – A Division of First West Credit Union back as the presenting sponsor of the long running awards program. The Excellence Awards Gala is scheduled for Friday March 10, 2017 at the Vernon Lodge and will feature 13 different awards ranging from Tourism Excellence to Community Leader of the Year.
A panel of independent business leaders will review all nominations and announce the three finalists in each category at the Nominee’s Luncheon with the winners revealed at the Awards Gala. Tickets for the Gala, which is a near sell out each year, are now on sale.
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Congrats to Vernon Tech and Learn, a local business that is making a name for itself on the provincial front. The former winner of the Small Business of the Year Award at the Vernon Chamber Business Excellence Awards (2012) is among the top five finalists for the Best Company award, as part of the Small Business BC Awards. The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of BC businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
Vernon Teach and Learn will find out if it earned top honours when the winners in ten different award categories are announced near the end February in Vancouver.
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Finally, the Greater Vernon Chamber is pleased to welcome a number of new members including Michael McLaughlin Consulting, Gwen Miller Skin Care, and New School Sales Consulting. Welcome to the Chamber network, the most influential business association in the country!