Federal Affairs

As a growing region, Kelowna and the Okanagan are faced with significant issues such as organized crime, transportation infrastructure, retention and recruitment of employees, affordable housing and homelessness (and the associated issues of addictions and mental illness). This presentation will delve into these issues.

As the “Voice of Business”, we strive to work with government to reduce barriers to creating an entrepreneurial business climate. We welcome this opportunity to bring forward issues relevant to the Kelowna business community. In addition to working with our membership on a variety of issues, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce works closely with the BC Chamber and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to effectively lobby legislative changes on the provincial and federal levels.

With a population estimated at 106,707, Kelowna is the largest community in the Central Okanagan and continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in British Columbia. Kelowna’s economic growth is driven by increased activity in the manufacturing, technology and health care sectors in particular, which are attracting new businesses and residents to the area (Source: Economic Profile – Regional District of Central Okanagan, EDC August 2007).

The growth is fuelled by the recognition of Kelowna as being identified as the third most cost effective place to conduct business in the Pacific Northwest Region of North America in KPMG’s 2008 Competitive Alternatives Study. This study measured 27 cost components – such as labour, taxes and utilities –applied to business operations in a study of 136 cities in 10 countries. The city is known all over the world for its championship golf courses, extraordinary powder skiing and award-winning wineries. Arts and cultural amenities are rapidly evolving to meet a broad range of interests for both residents and tourists.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business and as the second largest Chamber of Commerce in British Columbia, our mission is to foster a positive business environment by providing members with leadership, advocacy and services of value. We are also involved in various external activities such as the Highway 97 Task Force and the Downtown Task Force.

2010

June