News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Sean MacAvoy
Sean MacAvoy has joined the iA Auto Finance sales team and will be responsible for the Vancouver, Okanagan, and rural areas of British Columbia.
James Davison has been appointed as the new Branch Manager of the Scotiabank branch located at #101 – 1835 Dilworth Drive, Orchard Place.
Kate and Cindy Henderson‘s Globally Fair, located at 1789 Ross Road in West Kelowna, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Barbara Gregory is commemorating a decade of service with the Kelowna Hostess volunteer organization.
Appelt Properties, a developer based in Kelowna, has proposed a 41-story rental tower at 13585 95 Avenue in Surrey. The site is next to Surrey Memorial Hospital and is just south of King George Station.
Fripp Warehousing, owned and operated by Claire Fripp, is proud to announce their milestone of 40 years in business and 30 years serving the Kelowna and Okanagan communities.
Sunny patios will begin to extend out into the street as part of an early start to the Meet me on Bernard program next week starting Friday, May 17 in the afternoon. Bernard Avenue between Abbott and Water Street will become an open pedestrian corridor until Sept. 5 Learn more at meetmeonbernard.com.
A substantial donation of $100,000.00 has been graciously offered by Callahan Property Group to the Central Okanagan Food Bank to cover the organization’s fuel expenses for the upcoming three years.
ArtframeR, founded and operated by Roger Lee, is celebrating its 1st anniversary at 1125 Pacific Avenue.
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) has announced the renewal of proactive crisis communications support between marketing communications agency, Hatch Comms, and the representatives overseeing tourism responsibilities in their communities – known as Tourism Community Leads. This ongoing collaboration reaffirms the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors throughout the province.
The prestigious 2024 International Impact Company of the Year Award from Dotcom Magazine has been presented to CanScribe Career College.
More than $45,000.00 was raised in a single day from all nine of the West Kelowna to Lake Country McDonald’s outlets during McHappy Days.
The Annual General Meeting of the Downtown Kelowna Association will be held at the Kelowna Yacht Club on June 5.
On May 26th, the Laurel Packinghouse and Square will host the Okanagan Pet Expo, where all earnings will be donated to Paws It Forward.
Pushor Mitchell LLP announced its involvement in the upcoming YMCA of Southern Interior BC Cycle for Strong Kids event on June 2nd.
Dawson International Truck Centres is currently hiring commercial vehicle technicians at all levels, including journeyman and apprentice, for its locations in Kelowna, Kamloops and Vernon.
A construction permit application has been submitted to the City of Kelowna by Troika Management Corp. for their fourth purpose-built rental building, Troika Living, which will be situated in the newly designated Transit Oriented construction Area close to Orchard Park Exchange.
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) announced the winners of the 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. Winners were presented during an awards gala in Saint John, New Brunswick. Carrington Communities’ “Vista Condominiums at Predator Ridge” won Best Mid- to High-Rise Building (Planned) in the New Homes category.
In a display of commitment to environmental preservation, Wells Gray Tours announced their annual donation of $50,000.00 to the BC Parks Foundation. This contribution will support the acquisition of 28 acres on Okanagan Lake and the expansion of Okanagan Lake Provincial Park. Founded in May 1972 by Roland Neave, Wells Gray Tours emerged from a mission to protect the natural wonders of Wells Gray Park. Initially conceived to advocate against proposed dams on the Clearwater River, the company has since grown into a popular outbound tour operator in the B.C. Interior.
KAMLOOPS
Sian Lewis
Sian Lewis, executive director of Day One Society, received the esteemed Community Award from the BC Achievement Foundation.
Steve Kozuki, Executive Director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), is leaving public service to pursue other adventures, thus the organization is looking for a vibrant new director to take his place.
Derek Kozub has recently taken on the role of Health and Safety Administrator at Kruger Inc.
With the support of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), Tolko Industries will receive $8 million to support the construction of a new facility to house its Heffley Creek Engineered Wood Division and grow its Heffley Creek operation.
A new Carrier Neutral Data Center location has opened in Kamloops at 1460 Bunker Road.
North-Wood Environmental Ltd. has completed a new year-round residential domestic hazardous waste drop-off facility to serve Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD). The facility is now operational.
The winners of the 21st annual Community Award were announced by Premier David Eby and Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. The honorees include:
- Troy MacBeth Abromaitis, Richmond
- Nemkumar Banthia, Vancouver
- Devon Black, Victoria
- Earl Blacklock, Parksville
- Robin Dawes, Williams Lake
- Jane Devji, Delta
- Doreen & Wayne Hewitt, Salt Spring Island
- Christopher Lee, Vancouver
- Siân Lewis, Kamloops
- Brian McConaghy, Delta
- Connally McDougall, Vancouver
- Marcus Mosely, North Vancouver
- Coralie Nairn, Vernon
- Alison O’Toole, Prince Rupert
- Jazz Pabla, West Kelowna
- Len Pierre, Surrey
- Rishika Selvakumar, Richmond
- Wendy Toyer, Richmond
- Mary Trentadue, New Westminster
- Janna Wale, Gitanmaax/Hazelton
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
The BCASBO 2024 AGM and Conference will take place at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Center from May 22 to 24, 2024.
An annual art auction hosted by the Penticton Art Gallery, with the theme “A Solstice Soiree,” will take place on June 22.
On May 18, Penticton will host the Downtown Community Market, which will be located on Main Street between Wade Avenue and Lakeshore Drive. Eighty vendors will be present at this event.
Blippi: Join the Band Tour will be making its way to Penticton at the South Okanagan Events Centre on November 9th.
Okanagan Falls’ Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery is the country’s first winery to get accreditation from the “Biosphere Sustainable Commitment Program” run by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.
The Leapin Lizard’s Daycare Centre, located on the grounds of Columbia Elementary School in Penticton, has opened 34 additional spots for before- and after-school child care.
SALMON ARM
Sean Coubrough has been promoted to the position of Manager, Protective Services and Regional Fire Chief, as certified by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD).
The Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce will feature Business Coach Michelle Richardson at The Founder Freedom Formula workshop on June 5th at the Innovation Centre Powered by SASCU.
The 100 Days Torch Lighting Ceremony for the 55+ BC Games in Salmon Arm, will take place on June 7th, at Marine Peace Park.
The Micasa Home and Crafts has recently opened at 91 Hudson Ave NE, Salmon Arm.
VERNON
Doctor Moa Sugimoto
Doctor Moa Sugimoto, a physician based in Vernon, was honoured with a 2024 My Family Doctor award.
Karla Mitchell has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Vernon School District.
On May 27, Ian Cummings will take on a new position as fire chief for Peachland, after having stepped down as chief of the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fire Department.
The Towne Theatre at 2910 30th Ave is set to re-open this week following an extensive period of renovations.
A three-year collective agreement has been signed between the District of Coldstream and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), that will cover the 37 employees, both inside and outside the district, and will be effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
O’Keefe Ranch, run by the O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society, will receive a one-time grant of $70,000 from the Vernon city council.
On April 25, an off-market purchase achieved a price of $3.9 million for a collection of 28 townhomes located at 4502, 4504 & 4505 15 Avenue and 1805 45 Street in Vernon.
SUMMERLAND
Together with the Okanagan Treasure Club, the Summerland-based Critteraid Animal Sanctuary is hosting a WestJet ‘Fly Anywhere’ lottery in the hopes of raising money for their rescue initiatives.
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