News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Jasmine Somal
Jasmine Somal joins the Pushor Mitchell team as an Associate Lawyer.
The 2024 BC Food & Beverage Rise Awards have recognized Binny Boparai-Gill as the Women Entrepreneur of the Year.
Chef Dan Welte has started working as the new chef at Porter’s Restaurant,1851 Kirschner Road,
Proposals for several townhouses have emerged for Black Mountain Drive, adjacent to the Black Mountain Golf Course. Blue Sky at Black Mountain is moving forward with a development featuring eight buildings that will include 50 stacked townhouse modules. In total, 100 units are set to be delivered.
Argus Properties has put forward plans for a six-storey, mixed-use building located directly across from Kelowna General Hospital, which will feature 59 rental units.
The Kelowna Rockets‘ home arena will soon host a different sport, bringing a new vibe in under a month. Kelowna and Prospera Place are set to welcome the 2025 Montana’s Brier, scheduled from February 28 to March 9.
Graham Plant
Graham Plant has been hired as the new Sales & Business Development Manager at National Seating & Mobility Canada, in the Kelowna region.
The Kelowna’s Gospel Mission in search for the next Executive Director.
The Rotary Centre for the Arts is collaborating with Creative Okanagan to present two consecutive evenings of local talent from Kelowna. On February 7, the Graham Ord Blues Revue will take the stage, while Nightshades and Down the Lees will perform on February 8.
Valhalla Helicopters, a helicopter service in West Kelowna is now available to offer quick transport across Okanagan Lake, operating between 1100 Stevens Rd. and Kelowna International Airport.
The council has approved the rezoning of the former assisted living seniors home at 962 Laurier Ave, which will allow for the construction of a new child care centre with an outdoor play area that can accommodate 65 children.
A new 12-week online Agricultural Technology Program was introduced on January 2, 2025, by CanScribe Career College of Kelowna.
Codfather’s Seafood Market in Guisachan Village Centre at 2355 Gordon Drive has recently completed a significant refurbishment, enhancing its sustainable seafood offerings.
Southern Irrigation is opening in Kelowna on February1,2025. This new location at 3196 Appaloosa Road will have a full inventory, certified designer and custom support.
KAMLOOPS
Thompson Rivers University has secured significant funding to explore the possibility of awarding university credit for certain micro-credentials. The university has been awarded $321,359 for the third phase of its micro-credential assessment process, focusing on 50 different provincially-funded and independent micro-credentials to evaluate their potential for academic credit.
A new Starbucks has opened at Chief Louis Crossing on the Tk’emlups reserve, next to a new Petro-Canada gas station at the intersection of Shuswap Road and Highway 5.
Over 300 attendees and 43 vendors gathered at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre on Saturday for the second annual Bridal Expo. According to its organizer, attendance increased by approximately 20 percent compared to the previous year’s event.
Kamloops city council has given the green light for a six-storey, 128-unit rental apartment building on Notre Dame Drive, enabling the project to proceed. A&T Project Developments Inc. will be demolishing the current building at 925 Notre Dame Dr., home to Bianca Amor’s Liquidation Supercentre, to make way for the new apartment complex.
100 Women Who Care Kamloops is celebrating an incredible milestone in its 11th year, having raised more than $390,000 to support nonprofit organizations throughout the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD). The group, which was founded in 2014, invites local women to come together four times a year to make a significant impact on the community by donating $100 at each meeting.
Tenisci Piva is now Avanti CPA. While the name has changed, their commitment to expert accounting services and client success remains unchanged. Visit them at 261 Victoria Street.
Zen Wellness Massage & Esthetics is now offering Hair & Scalp Spa services—the only spa in Kamloops to do so.
Sun Peaks Resort was pleased to present Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) with a $5000 donation.
Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association in West Kelowna is requesting to build a community centre and day care facility at Shannon Woods Park.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Tim Hortons stores in the South Okanagan region will be offering $2 doughnuts from January 31 to February 2, reintroducing the Special Olympics doughnut. Proceeds from the event will be awarded to Special Olympics Canada‘s “FUNdamentals and Active Start Youth Programs,” which are designed to enhance the motor skills of intellectually disabled children in a supportive and enjoyable sports environment.
The Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise is set to hold its annual scotch tasting event at the Penticton Golf & Country Club on March 22. Silent and live auctions are on the agenda, along with a wine bottle draw and a 50/50 draw. Funds will be raised for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation during the event.
Headicure Headspa, the first head spa in Penticton, has recently opened at the Martin Street Hair Salon. The spa provides therapies that prioritize the health of the hair and scalp.
SALMON ARM
A five-year fee-for-service agreement with the Salmon Arm Arts Centre, which includes a small $4,000 budget increase, has been accepted by the municipal council of Salmon Arm.
In celebration of twenty years of trail development and maintenance in the region, the Shuswap Trail Alliance is planning a successful fundraiser to kick off the year. The funds raised will go toward the organization’s ongoing efforts to expand trail networks and maintain existing trails.
Goldfingers Beauty Salon, located at #5, 111 Lakeshore Drive in Salmon Arm, will be closed this weekend for renovations.
VERNON
Diane Fleming has been awarded the title of 2024 Good Citizen of the Year by JCI Vernon.
Erin Burgess has been appointed as the new leader of Vernon’s Cycling Without Age program.
Vernon City Council approved the expenditure of a $200,000 grant from the UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program to support the City’s 2025 FireSmart Program and further wildfire mitigation initiatives.
A record-breaking $51,000 was raised for Vernon’s North Okanagan Neurological Association through the NONA Lights for Kids with the John Christmas Light Tour.
The Vernon Elks Lodge is set to host a Mardi Gras party on March 1, featuring the New Orleans-themed band, Nouveau Funk, courtesy of LMS Entertainment.
The inaugural party for Physician Waffle House will take place in the cafeteria of Vernon Jubilee Hospital on January 30 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
The Accelerated Beverage Industry Training Program will be conducted at the Vernon campus of Okanagan College by OTA in collaboration with OC from February 3-14.
SUMMERLAND
Chantelle G. Meriam celebrates 19 years with Edward Jones as Financial Advisor.
The Rotary Club of Summerland is preparing for the Valentine’s Dinner and Dance scheduled for Saturday, February 15th, 2025.
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