Rogers jumps chambers

by Trevor Nichols CASTANET - May 4, 2017 / 12:24 pm
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has found a new executive director.Dan Rogers, a former broadcast journalist and the former mayor of Prince George, recently made the jump to the 1,350-member chamber. Prior to his new gig, Rogers ran the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce since 2014. He arrived in Vernon after living and working in Prince George for more than 30 years, including three as the city’s mayor and multiple terms as a city councillor. As the big cheese of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Rogers pushed for more collaboration between public and private-sector organizations and attempted to create programs to support the business community. Rogers says he plans to continue similar initiatives in Kelowna, “while taking on the broader responsibilities of managing a larger operational staff of nine, a larger membership (and) year-round multiple events.” For Rogers, Kelowna is “one of Canada’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, and a force to be reckoned with now, and in the future.” The Kelowna Chamber has been headed by volunteers and a pair of interim executive directors since it began its search for a permanent replacement in January. Rogers will work with the board and the operational staff as he prepares to take over full-time in June.

Vernon chamber reps meet with NDP MLAs

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Vernon posted Oct 28, 2016 at 3:00 PM
Reps of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce were able to raise a number of issues with members of the provincial NDP caucus as they visited the North Okanagan this week. President Dauna Kennedy Grant, vice-president Markus Schrott and director Rob Tedham, who chairs the chamber’s policy committee, joined general manager Dan Rogers in meeting with the NDP MLAs who were led by Victoria Beacon Hill MLA Carole James, opposition finance critic.

Support for arts and culture as an economic driver, further integration of services between area local governments and the importance for all levels of government to work with industry in addressing the need for affordable housing were among the issues highlighted by the chamber.

“There is a growing need to ensure access to safe and affordable housing for those on low income as well as those with young families, and it will take a concerted effort by all orders of government to improve the situation,” said Rogers.

“The chamber’s Big Red committee has been calling on local governments in the area to streamline their processes and reduce the regulatory burden, but there is also a role for both the provincial and federal governments in assisting municipalities like Vernon and Coldstream in addressing this issue.”

Other issues raised by the Greater Vernon Chamber included:

· The chamber’s recent submission to the Ministry of Transportation that, among other things, called on the province to initiate the discussion and planning for a highway bypass route in Vernon that could act as a Dangerous Goods Route allowing heavy traffic to move smoothly and efficiently through the city.
The same submission also called for highway improvements north of Vernon to ensure unfettered and efficient movement of goods and people all the way through the Okanagan valley from the U-S Border to Highway 1 at Sicamous.
· The challenges the region is facing in addressing the need for a certainty in the supply of potable water and the likely need of provincial assistance in funding any planning improvements to the system (RDNO Master Water Plan).
· The need for further due diligence by the province in preventing invasive species such as the zebra and quagga mussels from entering B.C.’s fresh waters.
“As a non-partisan organization it is important for the chamber to work with both members of government, and with the opposition in raising issues of importance to our members and the business community in the Greater Vernon area,” said Kennedy Grant, who added, “We appreciate the time the MLAs took in listening to our concerns and issues.”

The MLAs attending the session included James; Shane Simpson, Vancouver Hastings; Maurine Karagianis, Esquimalt Royal Roads; Mable Elmore, Vancouver-Kensington.

New executive for Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 24, 2015 at 6:00 AM
There is new leadership at the helm of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Tracy Cobb-Reeves is the new president of the chamber following its annual general meeting Wednesday. “We have a lot to look forward to as the organization continues to implement the board’s three-year strategic plan that was tabled last year,” said Cobb-Reeves. “We were pleased to add more than 80 new members over the past year and continue to focus on adding value to our members and increasing our advocacy efforts on their behalf.” Cobb-Reeves is the director of communications at Kal Tire and previously served as vice-president of the chamber. She takes over from Jaron Chasca, of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services, who remains with the board as past-president. The other table officers elected were Dauna Kennedy Grant (Vernon Public Art Gallery) who takes over as vice-president and Markus Schrott (BDO Canada) who remains in the secretary-treasurer role after being re-elected. Directors at large for 2015-2016 include Phil Dyck (Okanagan Real Estate Investments), Adrienne Harris (Portico Property Services), Marlene Higgins (Kal Tire), Geordie McLennan (Western Financial Group), Graham Matthews (Nixon Wenger), Pam Owen (Vantage One), Rob Tedham (RBC Dominion Securities) and Diana Wilson (Kal Tire).

GVCC Resolution get Support at AGM

Posted on 5/26/2015 by Media Release 105.7 SUNFM
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce's call for legislative changes to enable the Province to take a more active role in regional governance reviews has received support from delegates attending the BC Chamber AGM in Prince George. The issue stems from the challenges that arise when you have two growing municipalities that are adjacent to each other or adjacent to electoral areas. GVCC's members have continually raised concern about the region's convoluted governance structure and its impact on economic growth. "Provincial legislation is quite limiting in allowing for the exploration of different governance models that could achieve positive results for business in streamlining regulatory and development processes among neighbouring local government jurisdictions, says Matt Davidson, chair of GVCC's policy advisory committee. "We appreciate that there are pros and cons related to different governance models but those can't be examined if there is unwillingness by local governments to explore those ideas or if there is a lack of financial resources from the Province to undertake such reviews." The GVCC policy resolution calls for changes that would enable the Province to initiate a study even if only one jurisdiction is interested in exploring the business case for changes in regional governance."The GVCC is pleased to have received the support of our peers from across the province," said Jaron Chasca, GVCC president. "Our Chamber is committed to creating a more business-friendly region and we think this policy will help achieve that outcome."

GVCC is also partnering with the Kelowna Chamber in tabling a policy that calls for greater investment in digital media as a means to grow the economy. The Chamber is represented at the AGM by President Jaron Chasca, Vice President Tracy Cobb Reeves and General Manager Dan Rogers. The event runs through to May 27. The BC Chamber of Commerce AGM and Conference is the largest annual business policy-building forum in the province. This year, over 40 policies have been put forward and will be voted on at the AGM policy sessions.

Chamber Gets Governance Review Support

Posted on 5/25/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
It may be easier for Greater Vernon to have a governance review -- if a local business group gets its way. The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has got support from the BC Chamber delegates for its resolution calling on the province to take a more active role in regional governance reviews. “Provincial legislation is quite limiting in allowing for the exploration of different governance models that could achieve positive results for business in streamlining regulatory and development processes among neighbouring local government jurisdictions, says Matt Davidson, chair of GVCC’s policy advisory committee. “We appreciate that there are pros and cons related to different governance models but those can’t be examined if there is unwillingness by local governments to explore those ideas or if there is a lack of financial resources from the Province to undertake such reviews.” Chamber general manager Dan Rogers says they want changes that would allow the Province to initiate a study even if only one jurisdiction is interested in exploring the business case for changes. Vernon supported such a review last year, but the province wouldn't proceed as no other local communities backed it. BC chambers of commerce are holding their AGM in Prince George this week.

New manager for Greater Vernon chamber

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM—
There’s a new face at the helm of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Dan Rogers will take over from George Duffy as the chamber’s general manager Tuesday. “I am eager to get to work with the chamber’s board in helping the business community grow and prosper,” he said. “I also look forward to working with chamber members and collaborating with other community organizations, to build a stronger chamber and community.” Duffy is in pursuit of a different career path and plans to return to the commercial sector. Victoria-born, Rogers has spent the last 30 years in Prince George where he worked in marketing and communications. He is a former mayor of Prince George and he co-chaired that city’s bid committee for the 2015 Canadian Winter Games. For the past year, he has been providing communication consulting services to small businesses and local governments. “For our business community to continue to prosper, we need a chamber manager with an unusual blend and depth of skills in advocacy, marketing and business management. It’s a difficult role to fill,” said Adrian Johnson, Greater Vernon chamber president. “Dan has a diverse commercial background working for small companies, non-profit organizations and a crown corporation. In addition, his experience with local government will be tremendously valuable in advocating for a better environment for doing business.”

West Kelowna Council highlights

Aug 18, 2010 / 4:00 pm CASTANET:
Economic Development Strategy - Council adopted the District of West Kelowna’s Economic Development Strategy. The strategy’s goals are to improve the local business climate, increase local job opportunities, expand the business tax base, provide vibrant town centres and gateway presence and ensure productive relations with the Westbank First Nation. The strategy’s recommendations include

Establishment of a business development resource to work with key partners

Hiring of a business development officer on contract for a two-year period

A plan for a $180,000 annual budget, $150,00 of which would come from the municipality

After two years, evaluate the program to determine performance in achieving desired outcomes
Council also amended the 2010 Financial Plan to include funding in 2010 and 2011 to implement the strategy.

Tourism Westside - Representatives of Tourism Westside, a committee of the Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce, provided Council with its first quarterly report for the 2010/2011 year. Tourism Westside’s strategic goals include examination of its governance structure, communication with stakeholders, marketing and product development. The District of West Kelowna contributed $94,683 to support Tourism Westside initiatives this year. Tourism Westside was also funded by Westbank First Nation, contributing $28,692, and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area contributing $3,000. The successes reported for this quarter include the continuing popularity of the Westside Trail Guide and a 26% increase in the number of parties visiting the Visitor Centre.

Governance dominates meeting

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - March 05, 2008

Potential changes to Okanagan governance are fuelling a rare meeting of most politicians in the valley. Every mayor, councillor and electoral area director has been invited to participate in the so-called council of councils Friday at 9 a.m. at the Capri Hotel in Kelowna. If everyone shows up, there could be 120 people. “I have been in local government for 24 years and I have never experienced that before so it’s unprecedented,” said Jerry Oglow, Armstrong mayor and member of a committee looking at governance options for the valley. The meeting will begin with an address from Community Services Minister Ida Chong, who initiated the governance review late last year. “All of the assembled participants will be listening to what she is saying and what she might be suggesting,” said Oglow. There will also be a presentation on recent feedback garnered from municipalities and regional districts about the potential changes to governance. “The people assembled will be broken out into smaller groups and there will be issues to contemplate and discuss,” said Oglow. “We will try and see if there is any consensus or any questions that need to be answered before definitive decisions can be made.”

The committee is supposed to present a final report to Chong by the end of March. But while Chong has indicated that timeline is written in stone, it’s anticipated there may be future discussions. “There may be a need for more detailed work especially on a cost benefit analysis on any of the governance options,” said Oglow. Governance was raised during a meeting last week between Chong and Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce officials in Vancouver. “Chong stated she would be disappointed if no progress had been made, and that she was eager to see any recommendations coming from the report,” said Dawn Lasby, the chamber’s general manager in a release. “She plans to be in Kelowna on Friday and is interested in the City of Vernon’s position to amalgamate rural electoral areas into municipalities. The subject is also being discussed with the city and the GVCC on Thursday in their bi-annual meeting.”

Hotel tax a viable option

Nov 26 EDITORIAL http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Obviously no one likes paying taxes, but there are times when it is not only necessary but beneficial. And that appears to be the case with the renewed discussions about a proposed hotel room tax to support tourism marketing in Greater Vernon. At the same time that the Greater Vernon Services Commission is spending $81,000 a year on tourism marketing, Penticton - a similar-sized community - is forking out about $1 million. The reason for the discrepancy is that upwards of 90 per cent of Penticton's marketing fund comes from a hotel room tax. Similar situations also occur in Kelowna, Kamloops, Merritt and other cities where a tax exists. In fact, because of the growing presence of this levy, Vernon hotel and motel owners can't say such a tax will force guests away. If anything, it is a lack of a tax that is making the local accommodations sector and all of Greater Vernon not competitive. Because no extensive advertising campaign exists, prospective visitors know very little about Greater Vernon, but they do about Penticton and Kelowna. Some hotel owners have protested in the past that they shouldn't be financially on the hook for marketing when other tourism-related businesses will benefit. That is fair comment, but it is hard to determine how many customers to a restaurant or gas station are tourists. At a motel, virtually all of them are. Tourism is an extremely competitive market and Greater Vernon simply isn't keeping up. Times have changed and we can't just depend on word of mouth to promote our great area. New methods must be considered including a room tax.

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Marketing tax draws debate

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffNov 26 2006
Adding a marketing tax to each hotel room booked by a visitor is generating considerable debate. Some hotel operators believe a specific room tax may be the only way to bolster tourism-related initiatives such as marketing. "It would definitely help Vernon out, especially when Kelowna and Kamloops have the tax," said John LeBleu, general manager of the Prestige Inn. Hotel and motel owners have shot down a room tax in past, but the issue arose two weeks ago when the Greater Vernon Services Commission board learned that while it puts $81,000 a year into marketing, Penticton spends $1.1 million and Kelowna $2.1 million. Upwards of 90 per cent of Penticton's fund comes from a room tax. In 2005, it was suggested that a two per cent room tax would generate upwards of $300,000 a year for marketing. On Monday, city council will receive a letter from the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, urging that a consultant be hired to review the tax issue and pursue it with local motels and hotels. "We want to see more marketing dollars in the community," said Bob Sattler, chamber president. "We're falling behind other communities. They're putting hundreds of thousands of dollars into marketing." The chamber has led previous attempts to have a room tax initiated, but Sattler believes now is the time for the GVSC to hire a consultant. "There needs to be someone to research it and inform people of the hotel tax." At the Best Western Vernon Lodge, general manager Heeson Domay agrees the tax must be considered again. "Our competitor regions have implemented the tax," she said. However, she points out that local hotel and motel owners control the fate of the issue. "All of the different factions can discuss it but it needs to be approved by 51 per cent of the hoteliers and moteliers." LeBleu maintains that it's still unfair to saddle only hotels and motels with funding community marketing when other tourism-related businesses will benefit. "That will still be a concern but we as a group need open eyes on this." Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor and GVSC director, is willing to investigate the matter. "Other communities appear to be benefitting from a tax so we need to see what those benefits are," he said. "It's great to collect money and spend it but we need some kind of measure first."

Vernon Chamber Pushes for Hotel Tax

(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
One of the city's top business groups is looking to get the ball rolling on the idea of a hotel tax. The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will be appearing before city council's committeeof the whole Monday.President Bob Sattler says in a letter, the tax could generate up to a half million dollars a year for tourism marketing. The Chamber will be recommending the City provide funding for an employee to research the taxand promote it to local hotel owners. Sattler says once revenues are generated, there would be sufficient funds to pay back the investmentto the city.Kelowna and Penticton both have two percent hotel taxes, which are charged to their customers. Vernon hoteliers have discussed the idea, but so far, have not given it approval.