– Karen Beaubier is the Executive Director at the Greater Westside Board of Trade. She Can be reached at 250.768.3378 or admin@gwboardoftrade.com.
WEST KELOWNA – Attending the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Regina, Sept 16-20, the Greater Westside Board of Trade (GWBOT) was pleased to present its first federal policy, Supporting Canada’s Air Travel Industry Through Lower Fees, and have it approved with a 99.4% in favour vote was a real coup.
The focus of this policy was to recommend to the federal government to reduce various fees and taxes relating to the air travel industry, impacting airlines, airports and most importantly, travelling Canadians. The next step in the process is to raise this key issue directly with Transport Canada, specifically Minister Garneau.
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In celebration of Small Business Week, Oct. 17-22, we hosted a luncheon with Keynote Speaker Nick Arkle, Co-CEO Gorman Group who provided a very comprehensive overview of Gorman Bros. Lumber and its impact on the Westside. As the largest employer (375 employees), the economic impact this has for West Kelowna alone is staggering – $75 million remains in the local economy.
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The first-ever Westside Small Business Roundtable was held Oct. 21 with Westside businesses owners Craig Garries (PostNet), Das Kandola (City Furniture), Norm Parent (GRM – Global Roadway Maintenance) and Dr. Susan Holroyd (Holroyd Family Chiropractic) sitting on the panel.
Krista Mallory from the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission moderated. Some great tips (create a marketing plan in addition to a business plan), anecdotes and personal stories were shared.
The Hatch Winery hosted an outstanding Business After Hours in early October – please visit as it has terrific character and charm.
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September was our month to honour excellence within the Greater Westside business community with two events – the Key Business Awards Finalist Reception (Sept 15) and the Key Business Awards Gala (Sept 29). With eleven categories, more than 30 businesses, individuals and organizations were recognized. The event was hosted at 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar at Two Eagles Golf Course.
In honour of West Kelowna resident, farmer and business person, Geoffrey Paynter, who recently passed away, the Greater Westside Board of Trade was pleased to launch a new award called the Geoffrey Paynter Citizen of The Year.
Other event winners include: the Community & Public Service Award: Westside Health Network Society, Tourism & Hospitality: Distinctly Kelowna Tours, Small Business: Manchester Signs, Performing Arts: Craig Thomson, Aboriginal Business: Sncewips Heritage Museum, Young Entrepreneur: Scott Moran, Professional Forager, Sustainable Green Business: L’Oven Farm Fresh Food, Large Business: Global Roadway Maintenance, New Business: Stickle & Strawn Optometry, Platinum Service Provider: Fifth Avenue Auto, Business of the Year: Global Roadway Maintenance.