URBA After Hours

Oct 4  PIZZA WARS Interior Savings Credit Union (joint host w/ Kelowna Chamber) 

185 Rutland Rd S / 5 - 7pm / $10

https://www.interiorsavings.com

Click Here to Register Now

Nov 1 Canco Petroleum

125 Hwy 33 E / 5 - 7pm / $10

https://cancopetroleum.ca

Click Here to Register Now

DID YOU KNOW …..Garry Benson was an integral part of the creation of URBA. He was a driving force as one of the original Board of Directors for URBA & served many years, advocating for Rutland businesses.

Did you have the lucky chance to work with Garry Benson on business or family matters?

Here’s your opportunity to show your gratitude for his service – please join us for the inaugural Garry Benson Memorial Golf Tournament! Join us to golf or as a hole sponsor - see below for more details.

URBA ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE

Annual Membership Fee: $199

Interested in becoming an Associate Member of the Uptown Rutland Business Improvement Association (URBIA)?

Associate memberships are perfect for professional individuals, businesses, property owners or organizations that are not located within the physical boundaries of the URBIA and would like to be part of the thriving and supportive business community URBA has to offer. Home-based and remote businesses will be accepted.

Associate Members do not receive a vote at the Annual General Meeting.

Benefits of Associate Membership:

• Listing on the URBA website with a reciprocal link on the associate member’s website

• Receive URBA e-newsletters and group emails

• Serve on URBA committees

• Attend URBA After Hours and other events (grow your business network)

• Advertising opportunities – to be involved in various advertising ventures URBA undertakes ie. various Kelowna print & digital media

For any inquiries, please contact Executive Director

Karen Beaubier at executivedirector@uptownrutland.com

Support Your Local Businesses - Every Cent Counts

Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, local businesses have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. They have come together, going the extra mile to provide support to emergency personnel, evacuees, and those affected by the fires, showcasing their deep love for the community.

Here are some ways you can support our extraordinary local businesses and our community:

Purchases

If you’re in a position to do so, visit local businesses and make purchases now, get gift cards to use in the future, or order online for products that can be delivered to you.

Social media support

Comment, like, share, or send a direct message to businesses thanking them for their hard work and contributions to our community.

Be patient

Many businesses have staff directly affected by the fires, so please be patient and kind as they work to give you the best experience possible. Businesses may also have adjusted hours, please check their social media and websites for the most up-to-date information.

Be Your Neighbourhood Block Connector

As wildfires swept through parts of our city, the strength of our community and the connections between neighbours has been nothing short of heroic. 

People across the Okanagan have stepped up to help their neighbours safely evacuate, offer accommodation to others, make free meals, care for pets and animals, and much more. The compassion in our community is shining brightly, even as there is still much loss to be reckoned with and healing to be done.

This is a time of renewed need to focus on connecting with our neighbours, supporting one another and even finding ways to celebrate with them. The City is looking for more Block Connectors to help strengthen these neighbourhood level activities. 

Block Connectors are residents committed to connecting face-to-face with the closest households on their block or apartment floor. This can mean doing things to animate your shared spaces, building connections with and among neighbours, hosting socials and helping neighbours to share their skills, passions and talents with one another. Residents interested in joining the Block Connector program can learn more by attending a free virtual

information session the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Block Connectors have access to Community of Practice (CoP) sessions where all Block connectors meet regularly to share experiences, tools, and ideas in order to connect and build community on their block. Block Connectors also receive information and training on how to enhance safety in their neighbourhood from members of the City’s Community Safety team.

Additionally, there are Neighbourhood Grants and Youth Development and Engagement Grants available to help support residents with neighbourhood initiatives and connection projects. 

To learn more about the Block Connector program, the role of the Block Connector and grants available, visit kelowna.ca/neighbourhoods. 

Nominations Now Open 36^th Annual Business Excellence Awards



The 36th Annual Business Excellence Awards program is currently accepting nominations. Business proprietors, entrepreneurs, and interested individuals are invited to engage in the nomination and application procedure, conveniently accessible via the Chamber's website.

Applicants have the flexibility to submit their applications for up to two out of the sixteen available categories. We extend a warm invitation to businesses and organizations both in Kelowna and throughout the central Okanagan region to participate.

In October, the judges will announce the top two finalists in each category, building anticipation for the Awards Gala scheduled for November 17 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, where the winners will be revealed.

Is the Four-day Work Week Right for Your Company?

Understand the risks and benefits before shortening your work week.

The four-day work week is gaining traction as more and more people are discussing the potential for the popular trend. Companies and employees alike are discovering many positive aspects when adopting the alternative schedule. The goal of a reduced work week is to achieve similar results with fewer hours so employees can use the time to pursue hobbies, spend time with friends and family, and take care of themselves.

Q2 2023 Economic and Job Market Indicators

In an effort to keep the public and business community informed on the economy of the region, the COEDC releases the publicly available quarterly Economic Indicators Report highlighting key economic data for the Central Okanagan.

The Q2 2023 Economic Indicators report includes cumulative statistics for 9 key economic indicators for April through June 2023.

The Job Market Indicators report, first released in 2021, provides a snapshot of the Central Okanagan's labour force and job market through data collected from Vicinity Jobs, a real-time labour market information technology platform.

VISION STATEMENT:

RUTLAND PROUD: To attract and expand development, business and prosperity with pride and purpose.

MISSION STATEMENT: 

UPTOWN, DOWN TO EARTH: To grow and strengthen Rutland’s hard-working business community through authentic connections and strategic opportunities.

Contact:

Karen Beaubier, Executive Director

250.451.9861    executivedirector@uptownrutland.com