– Christine Petkau is Executive Director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Summerland. She can be reached at cpetkau@summerlandchamber.com.
SUMMERLAND – The Summerland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted this month to create three task forces to address three key issues of importance to chamber and community members. These task forces will focus on Housing, Downtown Revitalization and Tourism.
Chamber President Erick Thompson says “housing and downtown revitalization are both issues that have been raised by our business members as keys to success in Summerland.
The task forces were created to address each of these areas. Task force members will be focusing on a limited number of key projects that they can take action on and see through to completion. The projects will be determined by each group during their initial meetings. The task forces efforts will complement the work of the District of Summerland, which is creating in-depth studies of these areas.”
“The tourism task force will be charged with developing the strategic plan for tourism for the next few years,” says Thompson. “This group was last active during the tourism branding project in 2012/2013 and is comprised of a cross-section of chamber members in all areas of the tourism sector.”
The task forces will be chaired by Chamber Board Directors as follows: Housing – Erick Thompson, et2media; Downtown Revitalization – Keri Harding, RSD Premium Apparel; Tourism – Marion Christian, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery. Task force participation will be at the invitation of the Chairs.
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As part of their work in tourism, Summerland Chamber staff are currently planning the 30th Anniversary of the Festival of Lights, to be held Friday, November 24th. Each year the festival attracts more than 7,000 guests from around the Okanagan region, lower Mainland and the Washington interior.
The festival features live entertainment from the Main Stage as well as a brand new Children’s stage, ice carvings, fireworks, numerous children’s activities, visits with Santa and terrific food. All activities are free for visitors.
Spend the whole weekend in Summerland. In honour of the 30th anniversary, the Kettle Valley Steam Railway will be running two special ‘Fall Festive Trains’ on Saturday, November 25th.
The annual Light Up the Vines event is also taking place November 25-26 at the 23-member winery and craft beverage producers of the Bottleneck Drive Association. Visit Summerlandlightup.com for information on all these events and where to spend the night. Summerland is the place to be from November 24-26th.