News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Raghwa Gopal
Raghwa Gopal has been appointed as the new chair of the Jim Pattison Centre for Health Systems Learning + Innovation.
Venger Group, a Chicago-based organization, was acquired by Decisive Dividends Corporation of Kelowna for $4.3 million.
Senior partners of Pushor Mitchell LLP Ron Solmer, K.C., Alf Kempf, and Theresa Arsenault recently celebrated their retirement.
The Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative of Natural Resources Canada has granted $2.3 million in funding to the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS) in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, Okanagan (UBCO).
The Modern Languages Department was discontinued by Okanagan College due to a budget deficit of $8.3 million.
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is organizing the 2025 Charity Golf Classic on September 5 at Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club.
Mission Group, founded by Jonathan Friesen, is celebrating 20 years in business.
M&P Boat Centre has expanded to Kelowna, setting up at the Aqua Boat Club in the Aqua Waterfront Village community.
WeBC is currently accepting applications for the Peer Mentoring Model, a mentoring program for new female entrepreneurs. The program is scheduled to commence in late September and conclude in early November.
Kelowna Power Sports has finished a mural on the fence facing Highway 97 and the rail trail, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area surrounding their business on McCurdy Place.
The provincial government has launched the Vintage 2024 Relief and Support Program aimed at supporting Okanagan wineries such as Grey Monk Estate Winery, Sandhill Wines, Tinhorn Creek, and Red Rooster. These wineries are importing grapes from Washington, Oregon, and Ontario, and have recently unveiled their 2024 vintages, showcasing a distinct B.C. flair.
The construction on the Youth Recovery House Phase II, a purpose-built, trauma-informed facility that will expand addiction and recovery services for youth in the region, will be marked by the groundbreaking celebration of Bridge Youth & Family Services on September 19, 2025, at 202 Valley Road N.
KAMLOOPS
The City of Kamloops and Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc are advancing two significant projects aimed at addressing climate change impacts on the watershed, thanks to more than $550,000 in new provincial funding. Decreased summer water flows are increasingly common, threatening drinking water supplies, fire safety, infrastructure, and local ecosystems.
A new water treatment plant for the Savona Community Water System will be constructed with $1,040,000 in Canada Community Building Fund grant financing, according to a vote by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board.
Venture Kamloops‘ VK Pivot+ program allowed Inspired Eats with Amanda founder Amanda McKeen to launch the business full-time.
The grand opening of the brand new Monte Creek fire hall at 1257 Hook Rd. takes place on September 13.
The North Kamloops Yew Street Food Hall and the Prestige Aberdeen Lodge on Rogers Way will now be able to host entertainment choices, thanks to votes taken at Tuesday’s city council meeting. A resolution endorsing Smashville Burger Bar‘s request to amend its Yew Street Food Hall food and primary liquor license to allow dancing, karaoke, small music events, artistic performances, quiz, and other similar activities was approved by council.
YKA Drop Zone, a refundable recycling program, has been implemented by the Kamloops Airport. This initiative empowers local charitable organizations, youth sports teams, and non-profits by encouraging recycling.
Cascades Casino initiated a month long celebration on August 1 with the debut of the $10K Ball Grab Tornado promotion, marking its 10th anniversary in Kamloops.
Atlas Steak + Fish, a Gateway restaurant brand, is celebrating its tenth anniversary.
The City of Kamloops has announced the successful recipients of the Reaching Home funding for the 2025–2028 Designated Communities stream. The Government of Canada is providing funding to Ask Wellness Society, A Way Home Kamloops, Blue House Recovery Society, Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops Branch, Connective Support Society Kamloops, Elizabeth Fry Society, and The Mustard Seed, through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, a community-focused effort designed to prevent and reduce homelessness nationwide.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Urs Grob, the chief of the Anarchist Mountain Fire Department, celebrates his tenth anniversary in charge.
Cannery Brewing in Penticton has released its Wildfire Dark Lager to celebrate and support wildland firefighters in British Columbia.
The director of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is scheduled to meet with the provincial minister in order to discuss the upgrade of the water infrastructure near Penticton, which is estimated to cost $33 million
The Town of Osoyoos is seeking a $200,000 grant from the Union of B.C. Municipalities through the Community Resiliency Investment program to bring on a FireSmart coordinator.
Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia will be gathering in Penticton for the 2026 BIABC Conference from May 24 – 27, 2026.
SALMON ARM
Mismack Clean Cosmetics, a local cosmetics company, is reintroducing its award-winning Art Shadow product line as part of the Rooted in B.C.: Where I’m From campaign.
The Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce‘s 2025 Business Excellence Awards will take place at Song Sparrow Hall on November 28, 2025. Nominations are accepted fr om August 15 to September 19, 2025.
The Salmon Arm Rotary Club has donated $20,000 in matching funds to the Shuswap Area Family Emergency (SAFE) Society and the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Urban Appeal Landscaping has been awarded a $400,000 contract by the village council to construct a cremation garden in Chase Cemetery.
Starting September 16, Salmon Arm residents can join Shuswap Launch-a-Preneur at Okanagan College‘s Salmon Arm campus on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to set up their own business.
The 2025 SIRES program’s tickets are currently available for Early Bird Savings through August 29.
The Innovation Centre, powered by SASCU, will host the Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce‘s Business After Business on September 9.
VERNON
Roger Parenteau was appointed as the new Executive Director of the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan, succeeding Annette Sharkey, who had led the organization for many years.
The Greater Vernon Chamber welcomes new members Venter Accounting & Tax and Setanta Landscapes.
The Aquatic Centre and Fitness Gym will be closed for annual maintenance from August 25 to September 14.
The Funtastic Slo Pitch and Music Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary from June 26 to June 29, 2026.
The construction licence for the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre is now being charged at a rate of $10 per year, a significant reduction from the original $15,600 that was proposed to the council.
Vernon Comic Con is set to host RetroMania on November 8 at the Vernon Recreation Centre.
Upper BX Creek Campground at SilverStar Mountain is officially open for bookings.
SUMMERLAND
The Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre will be closed from August 25 to September 7 for its annual maintenance.
The Ryga Arts Festival, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, will take place during Culture Days from September 19 to October 12.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE
