Business

As the peak tourism season begins for 2011, Penticton and Wine Country Tourism has lots to be excited about. Its spring campaign has launched, including a contest for people to win a Dream Vacation to Penticton, its new website is up and running smoothly, and a new five-year plan in well underway.

Parkers parts department manager Larry Chambers (left) was presented with a retirement gift of a watch by co-president Colin Parker and Janet Parker for the more than 33 years he worked at the auto dealership. Staff speaking at the retirement party last week said they wouldn’t be where they are today without his advice and guidance.

A proposal to add indoor dog day care, grooming and other services to a Skaha Lake business has received a second chance from Penticton council after some adjustments.

A new company based in Keremeos is providing a water treatment process that revitalizes water to its natural state.

Claire Keys loves everything about tea, the culture, health benefits, new tea varieties, exotic tea ware and just relaxing and enjoying a cup.

B.C. cities and towns still charge businesses almost three times the residential rate on average, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

The new poolside restaurant at the Penticton Ramada Inn and Suites boasts a resort-feel.

Oliver has its first brewery, housed at the Firehall Bistro.

When it comes to investing, what’s your risk tolerance? Do you like to stick to investments with lower risk — such as GICs? Or are you looking at more risk — stocks, fixed income, preferred shares? Or are you somewhere in the middle?

The B.C. government is extending its interim forest and range agreements with aboriginal people to include a new 25-year woodland licence for Crown forests.