Centre gears up for tourist season

Published: March 25, 2010 6:00 PM Penticton Western News:

Spring is now here and the Penticton Visitor Centre is already gearing up for the very busy summer season that we often experience. We are in the midst of looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to manage the three full-time staff and the five summer staff. It is a great opportunity to learn new skills and take those skills you already have to a new level. We are progressive and will allow you flexibility to grow within the position. There will also be openings for the four or five travel counsellors we hire each spring to greet the 50,000-plus visitors that come through the centre from the May long weekend to September. This staff will start May 1 to undergo the Tourism BC-mandated training that is a must for all our travel counsellors. If you are interested in any of these positions please email your resume to chamber@penticton.org.

The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that this year’s Valley Wide Business after Hours will be held on May 13 at O’Keefe Historic Ranch located at Highway 97 North in Vernon, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The annual event involves Chambers from Osoyoos to Vernon. Attendance this year is anticipated to be in excess of 400 people and the theme is “Saddle Up” to reflect the ranching history of the North Okanagan. So come on out in your jeans and cowboy gear to dress up for the theme. “This is such a great event,” said Penticton’s chamber president Cary Schneiderat. “We look forward to it every year and our members who attend tell us it’s a terrific way to meet new business people from throughout the valley and learn about new opportunities.”

The annual Valley Wide Business After Hours features a trade show with over 50 participants. For vendors the booth space is $70 for a 10x10 space with a table, and attendees can purchase tickets for $20 each. Call the chamber office (250-492-4103) for more information regarding trade show participation or tickets for this popular event. “We’re delighted to welcome the valley chambers to our city,” said Jonathan Jones, president of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to hosting this important event in May.”