INFORMATION BULLETIN
COVID Update from your Chamber of Commerce
March 17 | 2020
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHAMBER REGARDING COVID 19
COVID-19 is top of mind in the community, with our members and of course it is top of mind here at the Kelowna Chamber. We must all do our part to protect our loved ones, neighbours and communities from the health and economic risks we are facing.  

As your Chamber, we are listening carefully to the advice of Health Care Professionals including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and taking what action is recommended. We are also continuing to advocate on your behalf to ensure government relief and support is there when you need it. The good news is we have a strong national network, vibrant communities and experts who are willing to help at a variety of levels.

The three areas of focus here at the Chamber are:

1.       Advocating on behalf of our members through our provincial and national network to ensure the help is there when you need it. Links to critical information and funding programs are provided below.

2.       Adjusting our programs and events to ensure we follow recommendations from the health experts and that includes cancelling some events such as this Thursday’s planned Business After Hours event at the Prestige. We have also postponed other events and meetings including our Annual General Meeting and Luncheon that was scheduled for this Wednesday.  March’s Membership Orientation session and The President’s Dinner scheduled for April 2 nd have also been postponed. Once we have new dates for those events – we’ll let you know. We are also making further modifications on other programs to make online participation possible and/or to find news ways to connect but in smaller groups and in a manner that respects public spacing and health safety.

3.       Modifying our work environment to ensure our team, volunteers, and members have a safe environment to work within and are well positioned to weather this storm. 

During these uncertain times, if you are able get out, please show your support of our local businesses and community. If you are shopping online please shop online locally and if you aren’t able to attend a fund raiser for one of our local charities perhaps consider helping them out with a donation online.
Please also take care of your own mental health. Stay informed but take time for your personal health by getting out for a walk or a bike ride and enjoy our beautiful city and region. We will get through this together.

Sincerely Yours,

DAN ROGERS
Executive Director
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
Helping grow the people who power Kelowna.
SPOTLIGHT
Upcoming Chamber Events Cancelled, Postponed, Revised for online participation.
Following the advice of health authorities, we have postponed the following Chamber events to a later date:

Wed., Mar. 18 - Okanagan College Speaker Series - AGM (Postponed)

Fri. Mar 27 - Membership 101 light breakfast provided. (Postponed)

Thurs. Apr 2 - 2020 Presidents Dinner & Silent Auction (Postponed)

Thurs., Mar. 19 - Business After Hours (Cancelled)
WE NEED YOUR INPUT
Four minutes for survey on critical info
We are working with the BC Chamber to convey your concerns to government and advise the government how it can be helpful in mitigating the financial impact on your business. As such we are asking you to complete a short survey the BC Chamber is undertaking through MindReader.
Just so you know...
We have adopted a new policy at the Chamber that will guide us in the new norm including:
  • Requiring social spacing at all times.
  • Enhancing cleaning at all levels at the Chamber and at our host venues.
  • Making mandatory the requirement to stay home if feeling ill.
  • Requesting all those who travel outside the country (or who have just returned) to self isolate for two weeks.
Stat of the Week - Flattening the Curve
"Flattening the curve" is a public health message aimed at encouraging everyone to do their part to mitigate the negative impacts of the Coronavirus Pandemic on our healthcare system.

Canada has on average about 12 critical care beds per 100,000 residents. If we see a sudden, large uptick in critical cases (such as in Northern Italy), it will put tremendous strain on our healthcare system and force medical professionals to make very difficult decisions as to who can receive care. We can do our part by limiting exposure and "flattening the curve" to spread the rate of infections to a longer, more manageable time frame.
NEWS
Financial Support/Relief

 
  • BC Hydro: The COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program provides customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro's customer team at 1 800 BC HYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to discuss options. 
 

  • Export Development Canada (EDC). In partnership with the federal government and Canadian banks, EDC will ensure customers impacted by COVID-19 have access to credit.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes government's financial measures for COVID-19
Following advice that included recommendations from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this week measures to stabilize the Canadian economy in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

Such measure include:

  •  A cut by the Bank of Canada in its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 0.75 per cent. 

  • $10 billion in credit support to Canadian businesses through the Business Development Bank of Canada and the Export Development Bank of Canada.

  • A decrease in the domestic stability buffer that will add nearly $300 billion in liquidity to the banking system and reinforce the commercial banks’ ability to supply credit.
Preparing your Business for COVID-19
Should COVID-19 escalate in Canada, some of the things businesses need to plan for include:

  • Staff absences due to a number of reasons (personal illness, ill family members, looking after children if schools close, feeling of safety being at home etc.) In some cases employees may themselves elect to stay home; in other circumstances the government may authorize or require them to do so.
  • Disruption to essential services like information, telecommunications, financial services, energy supply, and logistics;
  • Disruption to supply of necessary materials or contractors;
  • A major increase or decrease in demand for products and services;
  • Cancellation or disruption of travel and cross-border movement of people and goods;
  • Cancellation of public meetings or gatherings like sports events, concerts or religious services;
  • Impact on the trade status of Canada, or of our trading partners; and
  • Increased public fear that causes citizens to avoid public places, including front line retail and tourist–related attractions, restaurants and leisure businesses.
 
To help businesses prepare for and manage through a potential COVID-19 escalation in Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has prepared several resources to help businesses deal with the crisis.
KELOWNA CHAMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Meals on Wheels:
50 years of nourishing the vulnerable in our community
This week has been an important reminder of how critical community organizations like Meals on Wheels are. Please consider donating t oday.

Meals on Wheels was started in the Okanagan by Mary Lou Roth, wife of then-mayor Bert Roth, in 1969. The program now serves over 250 meals each week to seniors and those unable to leave their homes due to their physical and/or mental disabilities. Meals on Wheels estimates their volunteers have served over 500,000 meals, driven over 1,000,000 kilometres and contributed over 250,000 hours of their time in their 50 years.

We caught up with Manager Marion Bremner (Chamber President, 1985) to learn more.

What is something about Meals on Wheels people might not know?

Our non-profit, charitable organization is almost entirely volunteer-driven. Our dependable and cheerful volunteers deliver nutritious 3-course meals prepared by our food partner, Beet'N Boo's Bistro and Catering, over the lunch hour six days a week. In my 20 years as Manager, we can proudly say we have never missed a delivery!

Why is the service Meals on Wheels is providing so important?
 
We believe that providing Meals on Wheels helps keep people in their own homes as long as possible. This contributes to a better quality of life and improved longevity of life. With proper support, we encourage individuals to remain in their homes where they are in familiar and comfortable surroundings while reducing pressure on our already over-crowded health facilities.

It also provides peace of mind for friends and families who can know that not only are their loved ones receiving regular healthy and nutritious meals but that they are being checked on regularly. We immediately notify family if we find anyone in any state of distress or concern. 
 
What gets you excited about the future?
 
A past study found that up to 59% of seniors over 70 entering our health facilities were suffering from malnutrition. We know that malnutrition can be cured. It is exciting to believe that it can be accomplished through our service, one meal at a time. I have personally observed the improvement in our clients' demeanour and health as we provide regular nourishing and flavourful meals.

Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization providing a hot meal delivery service available up to 3 times each week in the central Okanagan. This service is available to shut-ins due to physical or mental disabilities and seniors. Visit their website to learn more.
Member Milestones - Way to go!

30 years
  • Kelowna Springs Golf Club
  • Northern Computer Inc.
  • SW Event Technology
  • Waste Connections of Canada
 
20 years
  • Columbian Centennial Housing Society
  • Callahan Property Group Ltd.
 
15 years
  • Michael’s Beer and Wine Studio
 
10 years
  • Business Finders Canada
  • Insign.it.Inc.
  • IRIS – The Visual Group
  • Okanagan Restoration Services Ltd.
New Members Shout-out - Welcome to the Chamber!
Owner – Avi Gill
Manager – Nick Collins
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Thurs. Mar 19 - Business After Hours @ Prestige Beach House ( Cancelled)

Fri. Mar 27 - Membership 101 light breakfast provided. (Postponed)

Thurs. Apr 2 - 2020 Presidents Dinner & Silent Auction (Postponed)

Thurs. Apr 16 - Business After Hours @ Prospera Credit Union (Pandosy)

Wed. Apr 22 - Chamber Luncheon Keynote Speaker, Mayor Colin Basran

Sat. Apr 25 - Governance Training Presenter, Deb McClelland
Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Drop us a line! Email: communications@kelownachamber.org .
KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org