News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Brenda Josephs
Brenda Josephs has been named the new General Manager of PARC’s premier residence in Kelowna.
Marine Templar founder and CEO Mark Fry, a Kelowna electric boat builder who met a manufacturing barrier, developed a website to connect Canadian suppliers and manufacturers.
Ross Derrick‘s Globe Restaurant at Big White will transform into a Canadian-themed restaurant. The rebranding will take place before the next ski season.
Jody Lambert celebrates 25 years with Geotech Drilling.
Punit Sharma, a talented Okanagan, BC based photographer, has joined the Reeves Marketing team.
The Okanagan Athletics Club (OAC) is hosting a Charity Golf Tournament on May 31, 2025, at Sunset Ranch Golf Course in Kelowna.
Hydraloop’s innovative water reuse technology has launched in BC, with the first installation completed in Kelowna thanks to its partner, Tayco Water Solutions.
Kim Heizmann
Kim Heizmann, a Realtor at Oakwyn Realty, was elected chairwoman-elect of the BC Real Estate Association‘s board of directors.
Kelowna Auto Dealers Association has contributed $200,000 to a fundraiser for a new recreation and wellness centre at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus. This donation brings the total funds raised to $13 million, nearing the $14 million goal.
The Kelowna Curling Club will host the 11th annual Kelowna Spring Market from April 5–6, which features over 135 local businesses.
Daily service between YLW and Seattle will be discontinued by WestJet for the month of April. Service is expected to resume in May.
Big White will host the AltiTunes Music Fest from April 4–5, including 80 per cent Canadian artists and Canadian headliners, and will feature vendors from the Okanagan.
Okanagan College’s Enactus program has achieved notable success at the Western Canada Enactus Regionals event in Edmonton, bringing home a gold medal along with two bronze awards.
Okanagan Welders Ltd. and 360 Sandblasting and Painting Inc. have collaborated on the mechanical room for the Movala condominium complex in Kelowna, a project of Greyback Construction Ltd.
In order to optimize our transportation network and speed up the delivery of projects, the city has implemented the Transportation Accelerator Program (TAP). Road upgrades are receiving more funding from the City of Kelowna than in past years, and certain transportation projects in TAP are being expedited for design and delivery ahead of their respective 10-Year Capital Plan and Transportation Master Plan timelines.
The winners of the 50th annual Civic & Community Award categories will be presented at a gala on May 8 at the Delta Grand, with the top three finalists for each category being made public. Read on here.
In addition to the $3.8 million that has already been authorized, the Council has approved an additional $1.3 million for Prospera Place improvements, which include new ice-making equipment, a scoreboard, and a sound system. This investment is in preparation for the 2026 Memorial Cup and future events.
KAMLOOPS
Dr. Airini
Dr. Airini has been appointed as the new president of TRU, following her role as the former dean of education and social work.
After extensive renovations, Crossroads Inn, a supportive housing facility in downtown Kamloops, is anticipated to reopen to residents this fall.
Thompson Rivers University is receiving $1.7 million from the federal government to train hundreds of firefighters.
The development permits for two rental apartment buildings constructed with purpose have been approved by the Kamloops city council. The first building is located in Brocklehurst, while the second is in Dufferin.
This year, Tim Hortons‘ smile cookie campaign will assist A Way Home Kamloops, with money supporting initiatives to end youth homelessness and support youth.
Kamloops North Shore BIA is holding their April business mixer at The Standard Office Space. Lightning Rubbish Removal & Bin Rentals, owned by Joseph Simon, will provide beverages from Woodward Cider Co, food served by the Bamboo Inn and dessert by Mary Ann’s Macarons.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Cannery Brewing in Penticton marks 24 years of crafting beer.
Penticton Search and Rescue was granted approval to continue operating at a charge of $1 annually for five more years, at the local headquarters.
The Penticton Chamber has announced that it will be conducting an All Candidates Forum at the Cleland Theatre on April 9th to hear from candidates who are running in the Federal Election. The doors open at 5:30 pm.
Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizza and Subs will open its doors in the second week of April on Front Street in Penticton.
OneSky Community Resources is inviting South Okanagan-Similkameen residents to apply for positions on its board of directors for the year.
Elixir: The Revolution of Magic, a new “immersive theatrical experience” presented by the Tempest Theatre & Film Society, will take place at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards on April 5 and 6.
Barker Development and Fairview Mountain Golf Course will host the Barker Invitational golf event on October 4th to benefit the Field 96 project.
An expansion of 84 additional RV pads will be added to Twin Lakes Golf Course and RV Park for the 2025 season.
The Naramata Inn will be hosting a seasonal French bistro, with the announcement coming from Christopher Royal, owner of Pizzeria Tratto Napoletana and Chulo, and Michael Ziff, former manager of Vancouver’s award-winning St. Lawrence and the Restaurant at Poplar Grove.
15 Park Bistro is holding their Patio Season Kickoff on April 26th.
SALMON ARM
Daphane Nelson
Daphane Nelson will present at the upcoming BIG Connect scheduled for Monday, April 7th, at the Innovation Centre-Powered by SASCU.
Doreen Dreger joins Century 21 Assurance Realty in Salmon Arm.
Congratulations to Canoe Forest Products on the official opening of their new kiln. They are Salmon Arms largest private sector employer.
The Hub, a multi-family development situated on 28th Street NE in Salmon Arm, has officially begun construction by Crowne Pacific Development Corp.
On Monday, April 15th, the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an All Candidates Forum at Song Sparrow Hall.
The Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Myotherapeutics Performance and Recovery and Sunrise Business Development.
The City of Salmon Arm is looking for a Customer Services Representative to join its team.
VERNON
Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes new memeber Kura Digital.
The District of Lake Country joins the growing network of public sector executives using Euna Budget Professional to revolutionize budgeting.
The Okanagan Indian Band has elected Dan Wilson as its new chief, and the following individuals have been elected to the council: Floyd Oppenheimer, Allan Louis, Monica Louis, David Marchand, Mary Jack, Peggy Joe, Patrick Lawrence, Sarah Alexis, Jenelle Brewer, and Viola Brown.
On April 11, the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce will hold “The Big Cheese” at Odd Fellows Hall for the twelfth year in a row. The event will showcase the Local Food & Buyer Expo.
Premier David Eby and Solicitor General Garry Begg are being urged by Okanagan Spirits to move quickly to expedite modernizations that would see Government supporting B.C. spirits.
The yearly Seismic Spring Mountain Festival began last weekend and continues until April 6 at SilverStar.
The Community Expo is back on April 26 at Kal Tire Place North.
SUMMERLAND
The Garnet Valley Tourism Association has received $10,000 from the District of Summerland to assist in their fight against a controversial gravel mine at 27410 Garnet Valley, previously approved by the province.
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