MICHAEL MAGNUSSON
PENTICTON – The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Penticton, is proud to present the 2025 Business Climate Economic Forum, taking place on Friday, May 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Okanagan College’s Community Hall.
This insightful and engaging forum will begin with the public release of findings from the 2025 Penticton Business Climate Survey, which was distributed to all local business license holders on March 25. The results provide a timely snapshot of Penticton’s current economic landscape, shedding light on key challenges, emerging opportunities, and evolving trends shaping the region.
Businesses that have not yet completed the survey are encouraged to do so here.
Following the presentation of the survey results, a panel of esteemed business and economic leaders will explore the data in greater depth—offering expert insights into what Penticton and British Columbia can anticipate throughout the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Topics of discussion will include tourism, trade, tariffs, supply chain dynamics, and areas of emerging economic opportunity.
Panelists include:
• Parker Berry, President, Berry & Smith Trucking Ltd.
• Kim Blagborne, Retired President of Slimline Manufacturing Ltd.
• Jessica Dolan, General Manager, Balcomo (Ramada Penticton)
• Shaena Furlong, President & CEO, Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Lozelle Reed, Chair of Economics, Okanagan College
• Dale Wheeldon, CEO, BC Economic Development Association
• Bryan Yu, Chief Economist, Central 1 Credit Union
“We’re thrilled to bring together this caliber of expertise for a forward-thinking conversation about Penticton’s economic future,” says Michael Magnusson, Executive Director of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. “The insights from this forum will help guide strategic planning, policy development, and business decision-making across our community.”
Blake Laven, Director of Development Services for the City of Penticton, adds “This forum isn’t just about the data, it’s about what we do with it. By interpreting these trends with the help of regional and provincial experts, we can empower our business community to stay ahead of the curve, make proactive decisions, and better understand how local government can help in meaningful ways”
The event is free and open to the public, with a special invitation extended to local business leaders and entrepreneurs. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and guests will have the option to pre-purchase lunch, catered by Chef Abul Adame and his team from The Kitchen.
The forum will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Reserve your seat today at: https://bit.ly/BusinessClimateForum
Michael Magnusson is the Executive Director of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
