Following on the heels of the lobby efforts at the B.C. Chamber AGM policy session earlier this year by the Penticton and Wine Country and South Okanagan chambers of commerce, a resolution to remove inter-provincial trade barriers for Canadian wine delivery was approved as a priority issue. This week the B.C. Chamber took this resolution to the Canadian Chamber who officially adopted it as policy. What this means is that the resolution will stay on the Canadian Chamber agenda and they will advocate to the federal government to bring down the Interprovincial Barriers Policy that currently exists. This is great news for our region and the wine industry as a whole and we look forward to seeing those barriers being removed.
Speaking of wine, the 31st annual Fall Okanagan Wine Festival gets underway Sept. 29. Treat your palate to all the special wine and food celebrations that will be happening in and around the region. Stop by the Penticton and Wine Country Visitor Centre to pick up a guide to all the events. One fun one will be the Casabella Princess Wine Tasting Cruises, taking place Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and 2 and 5 to 9. You will taste a selection of the finest Okanagan wines exquisitely paired with gourmet hors-d’oeuvres by Joy Road Catering and sample master-distilled liqueur by Maple Leaf Spirits while you paddlewheel from the Penticton Marina along the beautiful Naramata benches. The events go from 4-6 p.m. and cost only $55 + HST. Call 250-492-4090 or email reservations@casabellaprincess.com to book. Get a group of friends together and definitely bring your camera.
On Oct. 6 the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Seminar ‘Serving Customers Better’ takes place in the second floor boardroom of the Visitor Centre at 553 Railway St. This seminar challenges business owners and employees to expand their definition of service. It is an interactive, fun, workshop-style presentation with opportunities for everyone to participate. Seminar fee for chamber members is $45 (+HST) and non-members is $65 (+HST). Payment is required when registering. These seminars fill quickly and have limited seating so call Lisa at 250-492-4103 and register today.
The next Penticton and Wine Country Business After Business is being held Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Cherry Lane branch of Valley First offices. Bring your business cards and enjoy an evening of fun networking, refreshments and door prizes. The event happens from 5 to 7 p.m. and chamber members attend for free and future chamber members can attend as a member guest for free or attend alone for $20 at the door.
Literacy Now South Okanagan-Similkameen recently announced it will be hosting a regional literacy conference next year. Cultivating Community Literacy: Planting the Seeds for Change will take place May 4 and 5, 2012 at the Penticton campus of Okanagan College and will include a wine and cheese reception, keynote speaker address, workshops and information fair. Mark the date in your calendar and visit www.literacynowso-s.ca/events for more information.
Erin Hanson is the general manager of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.