News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Sandra Oldfield
Sandra Oldfield, co-founder of Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, has been appointed head of the board of directors of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.
Damien Moore, a chef at Jackknife Brewing in Kelowna, won first place in the International Cheese Slice category and second place overall in the World’s Best Cheese Slice Finals at the famous 2025 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
Christine and Blain Weber recently opened Folktale Cider’s new tasting facility at 3950 Irvine Road in Lake Country.
Andre Blanleil Jr., the new owner of the McCulloch Lake Resort, has successfully obtained a water license for the property’s non-potable water supply.
Genesis Kelowna has honoured Michael Wu as its Employee of the Month for March.
Bryan Drouin was awarded the title of employee of the month at Okanagan Dodge.
Antonio Graham, a sales consultant at Kelowna Hyundai, made history in March by selling 30 cars for the first time.
This week, Prospera, Sunshine Coast Credit Union, and Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union declared their intention to merge, making it the biggest purpose driven credit union in Canada.
Plans for JoeAnna’s House extension have been released by the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. The expansion would include a two-story, ten-unit addition to the current two-story structure located at the intersection of Royal Avenue and Abbott Street.
The most populated of Kelowna’s five urban centers, Pandosy, is expected to significantly outgrow the city’s Official Community Plan’s forecasts if it continues at its current rate.
Mission Group is applying for a tax exemption through the city’s Revitalization Tax Exemption (RTE) program for the 384-unit rental development on St. Paul, next to the downtown UBCO campus tower. If approved, the exemption would have a tax impact of approximately $4.078 million over ten years. The Kelowna city council will be asked to approve the exemption.
The Gopal Family Foundation raised $95,000 during the 7th annual Acera Insurance Bollywood Gala in Kelowna last month, which greatly supported the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
The well-known Red Barn, the Okanagan Mission Community Hall, which is situated at 4409 Lakeshore Road, will be open this weekend to host a big clothing event, bringing gently used items from high-end brands like Aritzia and Lululemon available for purchase.
Ford Salon will relocate from its present location at 1290 St. Paul Street to the newly renovated 310 Leon Ave. at the end of April.
KAMLOOPS
Jenny Brown
Jenny Brown has joined the Summit team as the new Commercial Account Associate.
Molycop announces a three-year commitment to support mental health services at the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation (RIHF) in Kamloops, with a $30 thousand donation.
The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan agreed to sell its 19.9 per cent free cash flow interest in the New Afton Mine in Kamloops to New Gold Inc. for US$300 million.
Bannister Chevrolet Cadillac Kamloops‘ sales team achieved a new volume record in March, selling 125 units!
The Barber Kamloops has officially opened at 394 Tranquille Rd.
Fancy Fur Babies pet grooming is now opened at 864-8th St.
The construction of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts has been funded by multi-million dollar contracts. WSP Canada Inc. was the sole recipient of the two largest contracts, which were for structural design and mechanical engineering services. These one-year agreements are valued at approximately $1.4 million apiece. Aercoustics Engineering Ltd. received $770,000 for acoustical engineering services and MCW Consultants Ltd. received $865,634 for electrical engineering services for a one-year contract.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Devon Guemos
Devon Guemos has been promoted from Project Supervisor to Project Manager at ABK Restoration Services.
Chris Crawford, a detailer at Penticton Nissan, has been recognized as the Employee of the Month for March.
Shelley Webb is starting a new position as Finance Assistant at Penticton District Society of Community Living.
Cullen Diesel Power Ltd., with locations in Penticton, Kamloops, Surrey, Abbotsford, Nanaimo, and Cranbrook, celebrates its 100th anniversary.
The Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will host the 28th Annual Okanagan Fest of Ale on April 11-12.
Noodlebox, is expected to open his month in Penticton.
The Marine Heritage Society is honouring the 118th anniversary of the S.S. Okanagan Stern Saloon in Penticton.
The Downtown Penticton BIA invites business or commercial property owner to the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on May 7, 2025 at The Standard Space.
Soe Cafe, located at 285 Westminster Ave., celebrated its one year anniversary.
SALMON ARM
Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members: Florabella Decor & Design and Guided Heart Home Care.
The Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce is organizing an All Candidates Forum at Song Sparrow Hall on Monday, April 15th.
Lash Appeal Lash Studio is opening a new location at 110 Hudson Street in Salmon Arm.
Shuswap Cider Co. will be at Fort Langley Community Hall from April 12 – 13 for the iMade Pop Up Market.
VERNON
SilverStar Mountain Resort has wrapped up its season, and the property is still on the market, listed by its current owner, POWDR.
Sarah Smith, Senior Executive Coordinator to the Mayor and CAO, is celebrating 2 years with the City of Vernon.
Eric Jewell has been hired as a Store Manager with Trail Tire Commercial in Vernon.
Fairway Lookout, a luxurious showhome by Carrington Homes, is now accessible for tours in Wildsong at Predator Ridge.
The new RV sani-dump station located at 6401 Tronson Rd. in Vernon, near the Vernon Regional Airport, is now operational.
In honour of its 50th anniversary, Vernon’s Community Foundation’s North Okanagan will distribute 50 Neighbourhood Small Grants. Each grant represents one year in which the organization has contributed to the development of stronger communities through collaborative endeavours.
Frind Winery Ltd. will build a new raw water intake and pump station for Greater Vernon Water that will supply agricultural customers with untreated Okanagan Lake water. The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and the City of Vernon have approved the project.
Hillview Golf Course is scheduled to remain open until about the middle of October after opening on April 4.
On March 20, the Vernon Golf & Country Club officially opened to the public for the 2025 season.
Both courses at Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club were completely operational by March 7, 2025, making it one of the first to open for the season.
SUMMERLAND
The Summerland District Market will open on May 6th, and will run every Tuesdays, until September 30th at the Peach Orchard Beach Park.
One of Summerland’s finest boutique wineries, Sage Hills Estate, is up for sale.
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