Chamber Week - Feb 21, 2012

On behalf of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Peachland Chamber of Commerce was issued a certificate for good standing in the organization. As a member, we form an integral part of the strong and diverse network that gives the Canadian Chamber its voice and its credibility with federal policymakers, the media, and the general public.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce forms a vital connection between business and the federal government and, together, we continue to demonstrate impact on public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities, and families across Canada. In 2011, the chamber network was engaged in advancing the issues that allowed Canadian businesses and communities to persevere through the recession.
For more information on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, check out their website.

We've been Snap'd!

Check out the following link to view photos taken by SNAP Okanagan magazine of our Business Excellence Awards, 2011.
Snap Okanagan - Business Excellence Awards 2011

It was "Hats Off To Success" at this annual fundraiser for the Peachland Chamber of Commerce as they announced and celebrated this year's winners of the Business Excellence Awards in Peachland. This was no stodgy business affair as the theme of the evening had flappers and feather bolas and zoot suits show up in abundance. Live entertainment with The Blues Brothers Too, Live & Silent Auction, Taste Of Peachland Dinner Buffet, a Gold Diamond Ring Raffle, and Live Dance Music all added to the enjoyment of the evening. And oh yes, there were Business Excellence Awards to ten of Peachland's best and brightest. Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients . . SNAP Okanagan was pleased to be there to support you! - Snap Okanagan Magazine

November 2011

OK Valley Home Insepctions Ltd.

FINALLY! The search is over! After looking at dozens and dozens of properties, you've finally found "the perfect home". But... before you do anything else, I want you put aside your excitement and emotions, go home as soon as you can and call me to arrange for an impartial, unbiased, third-party professional home inspection.

Whether you are a property virgin, a first-time buyer, or a seasoned homeowner, I encourage you to join me on an exciting, thorough and unforgettable inspection of the home. I am absolutely dedicated to helping you in a manner that you will find comfortable, informative and enjoyable. I’ve performed over 1600 professional home inspections since 2002. I am a full-time, provincially-licensed inspector with over 40 years of construction and design experience. It will absolutely be worth the call!

Purchasing a home is a huge decision and can be extremely stressful. I’ll try to put your mind as ease a little, by sharing and explaining detailed information, facts, hints and maintenance tips. Everyone will benefit with a “are-we-doing-the-right-thing” inspection. It’s definitely the right thing to do!

Jasmine Custom Jewellery

Owned and operated by Mike Nooshabadi, who has been in the jewellery business for over 14 years and also has a well-established store in Winfield.

The majority of his business is custom work and he takes pride in his customized creations. Mike also provides other services such as appraisal, stone settings, loose diamonds, gemstones, watches and watch services.

Dynamic Accounting

Dynamic Accounting provides professional bookkeeping and payroll services to small and medium sized businesses. With over 30 years of experience, we provide a broad range of bookkeeping services designed to meet the client’s specific needs; from data entry, customer invoicing, bill payments, payroll, government remittances, monthly financial reporting and so much more. We can provide pick-up and delivery service and work at our office or at the client’s office. As both a Simply Accounting Premier Advisor and a Quickbooks Pro Advisor we also provide set up and training for both programs. If your business requires professional bookkeeping assistance, whether the demand is big or small, we would be happy to assist you in making this part of your business a pleasurable experience by relieving you of the burden. This will let you work on the business growth where your expertise lies.

Accent Bookkeeping

My business is to take care of yours. Is your business behind with Revenue Canada? Let me assist you to get your bookkeeping up to date. I am available to provide personal on site assistance at your place of business or pick up your paperwork for monthly, quarterly or annual bookkeeping as well as GST, WCB and payroll remittances. My 15 years of experience includes year- end preparation for the accountant, annual T4s, T5s and T5018s. Let me take care of your bi-weekly, semi-monthly or monthly payroll. Need hands on experience in Quickbooks, Simply Accounting, Caseware, MS Excel, Easypay and Profile? I enjoy working directly with trade professionals and retail small businesses. If you have a small to medium sized business involved with agriculture, construction, real estate or trucking, why not let Jaqueline at Accent Bookkeeping take the stress out of the paperwork?

New Chamber Building and the Bats

The bat guano has now been removed from the attic of the primary school and we will be starting a program to recover funds from the sale of the guano. Bat guano apparently is the best fertilizer you can get.

The Chamber is starting the removal of the asbestos insulation in the attic of the School House. and should be finished approximately the first week of Feb. Once this is done we will be installing the TV Cameras, cabling, bat guano collection hoppers and access walkways in preparation for the return of the bats sometime towards the end of April. This will complete the first phase of the primary school redevelopment based on the funding advanced by the District. We are presently waiting for word from the Provincial Government on our "Towns for Tomorrow" Grant. Once we have work from the Province that the funding will be advanced, we will start the remainder of the building redevelopment immediately. Our plan is to have the school completed by next fall at which time the Chamber office, Tourist information Centre and the Boys and Girls Club will move into the building. It will also include the Peachland Arts Council.

The Chamber will now be working closely with the Peachland Economic Development Committee. We are working on a concept for an Enterprise Centre which would be located with in the Chamber office. We are looking at funding programs which will help pay for a full time office who will be responsible for providing all the pertinent information and website access. to businesses and individuals looking to relocate in Peachland. This includes revising the current full colour information brochure for which we have approached the District and Regional EDC for funding.

The New Monaco Group held their first public meeting with the Arts Council of Peachland to describe their plans, and receive input regarding facilities for the Arts. The next step is to have a similar meeting with our membership and non member businesses. This will be an economic focused meeting which will describe in detail what the economic benefits and partnership potential could be between what is happening up the hill and our downtown core. This is crucial to all of us. We are anticipated a meeting sometime in Feb. and will ask for as much participation as possible from everyone. Please plan to attend as this will be fully interactive meeting.

Membership

Peachland Chamber membership is currently 169 Members.

Thank-you for your support in transferring membership renewals to a common annual billing date; future invoices will be mailed each September. Revised window decals and new Merchant Discount cards are available for members needing to update.

We received many positive responses from the Membership Survey distributed during BC Chamber Week. The Board of Directors and staff thank-you for the vote of confidence!

Appreciation is extended for all membership renewals. Your continuous support enables us to provide ongoing support of your business.

Peachland Primary School

While waiting for grant approvals the Chamber has moved forward with the Peachland Bats Educational Program. The hibernation of the bats, and their inevitable return in the spring, made it necessary to create a “safe” environment for humans while preparing the Roost for the return of the bats. The removal of guano and asbestos needed to be timely. The following businesses have come forward as corporate sponsors enabling the first steps of the program to come to completion:

Gold Sponsor $2000.00 TNI, The Network Inc.

Silver Sponsor $1500.00 New Monaco

Bronze Sponsor $500.00 Westside Curb Appeal and Regional District Central Okanagan

Cameras are installed and operational with the first public viewing to be held at the Meadowlark Festival in Peachland Thursday May 19^th. Appreciation is extended to Chris Eytcheson for his technical skills.

The Davies family is offering a donation to cover the cost of two heritage dormers on the back of the schoolhouse in memory of a family member.

Sponsorships and donations are graciously accepted towards the ongoing costs of the educational program or the refurbishing of the schoolhouse. Monetary, building materials, labour, and numerous other forms of contribution will assist in developing this valuable asset in our community. All contributors will receive recognition in the halls of the schoolhouse when we move to our new location.

Chamber Fundraisers

Membership fees have remained constant due to the success of the three annual fundraisers:

• Peachland Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
• Business 2 Consumer Expo – (April 14 & 15, 2012)
• Business Excellence Awards

Your support of these events works towards a sustainable Chamber. Members wishing to participate on the committees are asked to contact the office.

Community Events

Your Chamber has supported the following community events on your behalf:

• Canada Day Parade and Christmas Light-up Parade floats
• Peachland World of Wheels
• Partnership with Westbank & District Chamber sponsoring an All Candidates Forum
• Participated in the inaugural Peachland Volunteer Fair
• The inaugural Spirit Festival and Annual Schmockey Tournament
• Partnership with the South Okanagan & Similkameen Valley Meadowlark Festival – “Go Batty in Peachland”