|
|
|
|
New board, new projects, and a busy year ahead!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring is here, and we're buzzing with fresh energy! As we gear up for a vibrant year ahead with our new Board, we’re excited to share updates, opportunities, and events that will keep our business community strong and connected. Read on for all the details and more Chamber updates.
|
|
|
|
Meet the new board 2025-2026
|
Cory Barker, President
Monica Seys, Vice President
Corryn Grayston, Secretary-Treasurer
Paul Demenok, Director
Chris Whittaker, Director
Corey Sharp, Director
Teri Meikle, Director
Ashley Jager, Director
Missy Morrison-Charko, Director
Mike Beutelspacher, Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NETWORKING EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Burger & Beer Series Launch – May 7!
|
|
NETWORKING EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Burger & Beer Series Launch – May 7!
|
|
We’re kicking off a brand-new business networking initiative:
|
“Burger & Beer Series” – Wednesday, May 7 -
Time: 4PM to 6PM
|
Come meet your fellow Chamber members at this exciting new event featuring delicious local food, amazing beverages, great conversation, and real business connections!
|
This special evening isn’t just about networking—it’s also a chance to support the South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce, as a portion of ticket sales will help us continue doing more for our members and the region.
|
|
Bonus: Door prize & 50/50 draw!
|
Includes a Timber Smash Burger and a local beer or wine
|
(Cash will also be accepted at the event)
|
|
Don’t forget to bring brochures or business cards—Share what we do and we'll grow stronger together!
|
Let’s get energized and build a thriving 2025 season—see you there!
|
|
|
|
|
Market By the Bay, 2025
|
|
The South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of Market by the Bay—your favorite Thursday afternoon tradition at Centennial Field! Come browse local vendors, enjoy great company, and soak in the sounds of live music every week.
While often enjoyed as a community gathering, Market by the Bay is not just an event—it is an economic development initiative proudly led by the Chamber. The market aims to support local entrepreneurs and showcase small businesses.
We’re also happy to welcome back Laurisa Gallant from Shuswap Community Events as this year’s Market Coordinator. For information on how to join the market or for vendor-related questions, please contact Laurisa at: scevents23@gmail.com
|
Please Note:
If you are a musician or performer interested in being part of Music by the Bay experience, or if you are a food truck operator, please contact the Arts Council for the South Shuswap at admin@shuswaparts.com assist@shuswaparts.com
|
|
We can’t wait to see you there!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Community Futures Shuswap - Press Release
|
|
|
Community Futures Launches Rural Community Immigration Pilot to Address Workforce Challenges Vernon, BC – April 22, 2025 – Working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Community Futures North Okanagan and Community Futures Shuswap is pleased to announce the launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) program in the North Okanagan/Shuswap region. This initiative aims to …
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calling All Aspiring & Small Business Owners in the Shuswap Area!
Join us at our upcoming Owners Wanted event to be held in Salmon Arm this May to learn how buying a small business could be your path to success! Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or already have a seller in mind, our program will guide you every step of the way.
Date & Time:
Wednesday, May 21st – Thursday, May 22nd
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST
Location:
Prestige Harbourfront Resort
251 Harbourfront Drive Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2W7
|
What You’ll Learn:
-How to find a viable business opportunity
-How to approach and appeal to business owners
-Tips for structuring a deal and practicing negotiations
-Steps to secure the necessary funding for your acquisition
This hands-on program includes mock negotiations and expert advice, designed to help you close the deal on the business of your dreams!
FREE Event:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ownerswanted-salmon-arm-tickets-1331048183949?aff=oddtdtcreator
|
|
|
|
|
Make the Trip Home: Encouraging Local Travel this Summer - Tourism Update
|
This week, Destination BC will be launching Make the Trip Home: a new domestic marketing campaign designed to inspire BC residents to reconnect with the extraordinary places and experiences that exist right in their own backyard, while supporting local businesses, workers, and communities.
|
|
Starting April 24, this campaign encourages multi-day summer vacations within BC - with a twist. While the concept taps into the familiarity and pride residents already feel for BC, it nudges them to discover someplace new within the province: somewhere they’ve never been, or perhaps never even considered.
|
|
The campaign will leverage mixed channels to help reach BC audiences:
|
Paid: Digital focus (YouTube, Meta, Google, and Search)
Owned: Email, social media, and a dedicated campaign landing page on HelloBC.com
|
So where do you come in? To help BC tourism partners get involved in the campaign we’ve created a Campaign Partner Toolkit (also attached) that includes:
|
- Social media templates that can be localized/customized, allowing partners to promote their offerings while aligning with the larger campaign
- Messaging guidelines to help increase the message reach
We’d like to encourage participation throughout the province to amplify all of the amazing opportunities that exist in British Columbia. Whether it’s catching up with neighbours they’ve yet to meet or roaming the backyard they haven’t fully seen, British Columbians are invited to “live the wonder” and plan a summer journey that deepens their relationship with this place we call home.
|
|
|
|
|
Exciting News for Shuswap Farmers and Producers!
|
Be part of something fresh and powerful — SAEDS is launching the Shuswap Farm and Food Directory!
|
|
This new platform is designed to connect local farms and producers with consumers and businesses who value fresh, Canadian-made food and beverages. When you list your farm and products, you’re not just growing your business - you’re helping grow our entire local economy. Reach new customers, strengthen our community, and be a part of a more sustainable future for the Shuswap. Ready to get your farm on the map? Join us in supporting local today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
This newsletter was kindly sponsored by:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for being a valued member of the South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce!
|
Together, we're continuously building a vibrant and connected business community.
|
|
    
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
