News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Fiona Famulak
The BC Chamber of Commerce has announced that President and CEO Fiona Famulak will be leaving the organization on June 13, 2025, after four years in leadership, to pursue the next chapter of her career.
Monica McAlduff has been named by the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Board of Directors as the organization’s next CEO, with effect from March 1, 2025.
Kathryn Ponka has started a new position as Staff Accountant at Emil Anderson Group in Kelowna.
Ntityix Development has taken over its partners’ interest in the Okanagan Lake Shopping Centre, located at 525 Highway 97 South, Westbank.
Frind Winery Ltd. has selected Industra to construct a greenfield raw water high-lift pump station on Lake Okanagan
Hilton Hampton Inn and Suites Kelowna Airport celebrates its fifth anniversary.
BoostBC, an IT and marketing company that specializes in small businesses, will be officially launched in the city of Kelowna.
A definitive purchase agreement has been finalized by Novem Pharmaceuticals for the former BC Tree Fruit cold storage facility located on Sexsmith Road.
Pulse Marketing, an award winning sales-focused marketing firm based in Vancouver, announce collaboration with Daily Ecom, an agency based in Kelowna, dedicated to helping creators build consistent income streams through e-commerce without upfront inventory.
Site has acquired BlackBean – Industrial Marketing, a specialized B2B Industrial Marketing Agency in Kelowna.
ASK Wellness Society is now offering drug checking services in Kelowna, using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.
The Alzheimer’s Society of BC will be hosting its annual fundraising and educational event, Breakfast to Remember, at the Coast Capri Hotel on February 27, 2025
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival will be held at Metro Hub in Kelowna by Elevation Outdoors, on February 28th.
The Minister of Transport and Internal Trade of the Government of Canada has announced an investment of up to $33.1 million in the National Trade Corridors Fund for six initiatives in Alberta and British Columbia. These initiatives will facilitate economic expansion and enhance the connectivity of communities and regions throughout Canada.
The Southgate strip mall owners on Pandosy Street are trying to obtain a Pandosy Urban Centre development permit for their land, and will be subject to the opinions of the Kelowna City Council.
Kelowna Women in Business Bootcamp is happening February 22nd.
Commerce ConneX is happening on Feb 27 @ UBCO where you will have an opportunity to Network with industry leaders, explore AI in business, and connect with top talent.
KAMLOOPS
Cheyenne Scott has been appointed as the new artistic associate at Western Canada Theatre, while Laura Michel takes on the role of Indigenous community engagement coordinator.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has released a professionally-made short video and launched a new webpage as part of the “Where Community Meets Adventure” economic development promotional campaign. This project highlights the community of Blue River and its endless opportunities for four-season adventure, its vast wilderness, its close-knit welcoming community, and why people should consider small town living.
The Thompson-Nicola Film Commission (TNFC), in partnership with the Kamloops Film Society and Creative BC, is thrilled to present Learn About Film 2025—a two-day immersive event designed to equip filmmakers with the knowledge, connections, and tools they need to succeed in the industry taking place March 7 and 8, 2025 at the Paramount Theatre.
The Tourism & Hospitality Career Fair will be held at TRU on February 25.
Sun Peaks will host its first-ever Savour Culinary Festival, drawing chefs, brewers, wineries, and foodies from throughout the area, from March 27 to 30.
Twenty local startups and small businesses will get the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of local business professionals at the Big Pitch event at Kelson Hall on March 1. The event is designed to provide assistance and a chance to win $5,000 in cash.
The second annual YKA Hot Chocolate Festival is underway, raising funds for the Mount Paul Community Food Centre. The event will continue until the end of the month.
The City of Kamloops has announced plans for an upgrade to the Aberdeen highway off-ramp. Construction is scheduled to start next month, which will expand the westbound Highway 1 off-ramp at Pacific Way to include an additional left-turn lane.
The feasibility of building a transitional housing complex for vulnerable people in downtown Kamloops is being assessed by BC Housing. The proposed location is close to the Yacht Club and directly east of the River Street Community Garden.
Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is having their March Chamber Social at Andre’s Electronics Experts Kamloops on March 5 from 5-7 pm.
The Mighty Molar opens at #3-724 Sydney Ave. offering dental hygiene care.
Noran Printing, a full-service marketing company and one stop shop for printing, has relocated to 102-1139 12th Street.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Omland Heal Chartered Professional Accountants celebrate their grand opening at 185 Padmore Ave on February 21st from 4-6 pm.
Sun City Exteriors, located at 283 Brunswick Street, Penticton, is celebrating 10 years in business.
The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is seeking local professionals for its board of directors ahead of its annual general meeting next month. Candidates for three-year terms must be chamber members in good standing and apply by noon on Thursday, Feb. 20.
Okanagan College is set to introduce its inaugural Spring Break kids’ camps, featuring three unique educational opportunities for local youth during the upcoming break.
Penticton appointed members for the Public Safety Advisory Committee, tasked with advising the city council on community safety matters. The first meeting will take place on February 26 at 3 p.m. in Committee Room A at City Hall, with Zoom access available as well. New committee member announced: Tia Carlesimo, Loki Croft, Cheyanne Fath, Cherry Fernandez, Scott Jacobsen, Jeff Leonard, Michael Magnusson, Heather Montgomery, James Palanio, Alex Waddington, and Holly Wakeman.
Starfish Pack Program received a $2,400 donation from South Okanagan Vintage Car Club.
Tickleberry’s, an ice cream shop in Okanagan Falls, is celebrating 35 years in business.
Hair by Ashley celebrates their grand opening on March 3rd at 3 pm.
SALMON ARM
The City of Salmon Arm is launching a new Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) a two-year pilot program aimed at promoting Salmon Arm as a must-visit, year-round destination!
The Sewing Machine Doctors are now available at Fabricland in Salmon Arm every Tuesday.
The Westgate Cafe Breakfast & Bakery is celebrating one year in business.
Chamber member, Shuswap Children’s Association is a non-profit child development centre offering a wide variety of services focused on supporting local children, youth and families. Established in 1982, they just celebrated our 43rd Anniversary!
VERNON
Jambo Africa: Celebrating Africa’s Rich Diversity, the coming Embrace the Nations event hosted by the Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society (VDICSS), will be held at the Coldstream Community Hall on March 8.
On Saturday, February 22nd, Chicken Little will be closed to make room for a new flooring improvement.
A resource page has been launched by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce to assist local businesses in navigating the potential US tariffs. Additionally, the Growth Accelerator Program has been launched as an initiative to assist businesses in scaling and succeeding. This program provides mentorship, strategic planning, and support to companies that aim for rapid growth.
Predator Ridge is set to hold its annual Hiring Fair on February 22 in the Commonage Ballroom, for the upcoming summer season.
The Okanagan Indian Band set to hold elections for new council and chief on March 31.
The City of Armstrong is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Trevor Seibel as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Mr. Seibel brings 25 years of leadership experience in local government, most recently serving as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the City of West Kelowna.
SSUMMERLAND
The District of Summerland is requesting long-term financing permission for the following projects through the Alternative Approval Process (AAP): 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬, Bylaw No. 2024-035 and 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬, Bylaw No. 2024-036.
Shaughnessy’s Cove, located at 12817 Lakeshore Drive South, is hosting its grand opening on March 17th.
Sage Hills Estate Winery, a premium boutique winery located in Summerland, has been listed for sale at nearly $13 million.
At the beginning of next month, the Friends of the Summerland Ornamental Gardens Society (FOG) will be conducting a volunteer open house in their search for enthusiastic gardeners to join their team of dedicated volunteers.
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