News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Matthew Campese
Matthew Campese has been promoted to Associate Financial Advisor at CIBC Orchard Park in Kelowna.
Dr. Agnes Weighill has been appointed as the new Associate Dean of the Okanagan College School of Business effective August 5.
Adriana Cisneros has been named the new Fund Development Coordinator at Opera Kelowna.
Maxwell Castillo, IT Manager, has been recognized as the Team Member of the Month at Escora Engineering & Environmental Ltd.
Ingrid Jarrett has been appointed the new chair of the Board of Directors of Destination BC.
A $10 million donation, consisting of $6 million from the Barry Lapointe Foundation and $4 million from the RDCO’s part of the Growing Communities Fund, is facilitating the official process of building the new home of Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR).
Dr. Edward Hornibrook
Dr. Edward Hornibrook has been appointed Associate Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation at UBC Okanagan.
The second Lululemon market location in Kelowna is officially open at Orchard Park Mall.
Construction for the Okanagan College – Centre for Food, Wine, and Tourism project is currently in full swing, with the assistance of the PCL Construction team and trade partners.
Go Auto Kelowna celebrates its 3rd anniversary this year.
Pure Aesthetics & Micro-Pigmentation, owned by esthetician Donna Rabbit, and located at 102-532 Leon Avenue, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Lakehouse Homestore, a downtown Kelowna retail landmark for 15 years, has formally closed its doors.
A hiring job fair is scheduled for August 9th and 10th at Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual, which is set to open in the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre.
KAMLOOPS
Michele Santos has been named the newest member of the YMCA BC | YMCA BC Foundation Board of Trustees.
Comet Industries has received rezoning approval for Iron Mask Industrial Park, bringing Kamloops’ first industrial park in over 30 years one step closer to launch. This milestone clears the way for Phase 1a, which will feature seven shovel-ready lots ranging from one to five acres. Strategically located with access to Highways 1, 5, and the Coquihalla, Iron Mask is positioned to serve the growing demand for modern, serviced industrial land in the Interior of B.C.
The Responsible Tourism Institute has granted Kamloops Airport (YKA) the official certification of Biosphere Certification, a globally recognized sustainability certification.
The IKO Western Residential team announced that Tony’s Roofing from Kamloops has achieved their Roofpro Select status.
The Kamloops council has granted approval for a rezoning application and development permit for two Brocklehurst properties situated at 1774 and 1782 Parkcrest Ave. This approval will facilitate the construction of a 20-unit rental building.
Community Living BC (CLBC) has entered into a formal collaboration agreement with Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMO) to provide Métis adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities with improved access to culturally-safe supports.
Vancouver-based Sky River Homes is transforming a parcel of land on Talasa Way into a rental apartment structure, as per the Sun Rivers Development Corporation.
The renovation of the Kamloops Seniors Community Centre, located in Cottonwood Manor on the North Shore, will be funded by the City of Kamloops, with a contribution of $200,000.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Connor Stephens has been named Employee of the Month for July at Penticton Nissan.
Dr. Garnett Tarr, Chief of Staff at South Okanagan General Hospital, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence in Rural Medicine by RCCbc.
Interactive Counselling is now accepting clients at its new Penticton location, located at 302 Eckhardt Ave West.
Penticton’s Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, South Okanagan’s largest enclosed mall, is up for sale.
Chartwell Resource Group Ltd. is merging with DWB Consulting Services Ltd. For clients in the built and natural contexts, this organization will offer sustainable forest stewardship services, engineering, GIS, and environmental and resource management.
Vista Radio Ltd has secured a three-year agreement to serve as the official broadcasters for the Penticton Vees of the Western Hockey League.
EB Horsman is proud to announce that its Penticton and Williams Lake branches are the winners of the GM Lighting 2025 Amazing Application Image Contest.
SALMON ARM
Scott Hutchison
Scott Hutchison has joined Salmon Arm Toyota as its newest Product Advisor.
Salmon Arm will implement paid parking near City Hall and the Cenotaph area beginning August 15, 2025.
Sicamous Concrete & Gravel is proud to announce that Colton McCarthy has assumed ownership of the family business.
Huyter House – Sewing and Design is closing after 16 years.
The Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce has announced that the nominations for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards will be officially open on August 15th.
The Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes its new members, Shuswap Immigrant Services Society, Mismack Clean Cosmetics, Goldfingers Full Service Salon, Alderview Construction, and Miller Wealth.
VERNON
Erik Fassbind
Executive Chef Erik Fassbind has joined the team at Predator Ridge Resort.
Kevin Robertson has joined FH&P Lawyers, and will serve the North Okanagan region.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has announced that upgrades to Lumby’s Pat Duke Memorial Arena are now completed.
Simolo Customs, known for its electric golf carts, has acquired a 42,000 square foot manufacturing facility located at 4127 Palisades Place in the Spallumcheen Industrial Park.
The City of Enderby seeks voter approval to borrow as much as $4.1 million for upgrades to its water treatment plant, with repayment expected within a maximum of 30 years.
The District of Coldstream has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to support its emergency plan.
Kristin Holomis, Linsey Johannson, and five other people paddleboarded Kalamalka Lake (18 km) on Friday, July 25 in support of Foundry North Okanagan, a charity that has raised $36,431 in a few weeks.
SUMMERLAND
The Summerland Council addressed the possibility of cannabis sales, following an announcement from the provincial government’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) about reviewing market controls and considering the option of allowing cannabis sales at public events.
The District of Summerland is looking to fill the role of Director of Planning and Development.
Lightning Rock Winery has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Wineries in Canada by the 2025 National WineAlign Awards.
The District of Peachland, in collaboration with hcma architecture + design and the future operator Boys & Girls Club Okanagan (BGC Okanagan), collaborated to construct a purpose-built, inclusive childcare facility in order to alleviate the severe lack of local childcare spaces in the Okanagan region, which is prone to wildfires and floods.
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