Visitor centre mixer
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, which runs the awards.
“Every year, the very best in business rise to the top and it looks like 2018 will be even tougher for our independent judging panel to create their shortlists and make their final selections.”
Nomination numbers were particularly strong in the rising star (new business) and young entrepreneur categories, a reflection of Kelowna’s rapid growth in the start-up, tech and self-employed sectors.
Nominees now have until Tuesday to complete their information packages so judges can begin the process of picking finalists.
Finalists will be introduced at a luncheon on Oct. 4 and then the winners will be announced and honoured at a late-October banquet.
“Having this award, or a finalist plaque, on the wall of your business really means something,” said Dyas.
“It’s the result of hard work, customer service, being innovative and being just one step ahead of your local competitors and colleagues.”
Check out the new Kelowna Visitors Centre on Thursday 5 to 7 p.m. during the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Connex social and networking mixer.
The chamber decided to hold the reception there to show off the lakeside location at the foot of Queensway Avenue.
The chamber and the visitor centre used to share space at 544 Highway 97, but the visitor centre moved out to the downtown waterfront because that’s where it can serve more tourists more efficiently.
The trend for visitor centres is to set up in tourist-heavy zones where they can be lured in to find out what to see and do in an effort to get them to stay in Kelowna longer and spend more money.
Admission is $10, either by registering at KelownaChamber.org or at the door, and is open to those 19 and older as wine will be served by The View and cider by Ward’s.
Steve MacNaull is The Okanagan Weekend’s business and wine reporter and columnist. Reach him at steve.macnaull@ok.bc.ca.