The Producers of CBC’s Dragon’s Den recently announced they are planning a new business television show. In this new series, some of the country’s top investors will spend their time and money helping Canadian companies who are struggling get back on their feet.
The new series will offer selected business owners the opportunity to meet a top-notch investor and showcase their company to a national television audience. Companies that can apply must be a privately held and registered in Canada; have been in operation for at least 3-5 years; have more than five employees and average gross revenues of $500,000 per year.
Interested applicants must apply by Aug. 12. To learn more go to the show's website at cbc.ca/thebigdecision. To apply email bigdecision@cbc.ca for more information. Be sure to include your name, company name and contact information.
Wine Bloggers coming in 2013
Penticton & Wine Country Tourism just announced success in its efforts to attract a brand new conference to Penticton.
Organizers of The North American Wine Bloggers Conference have chosen Penticton as the host city for its 2013 conference. This is the premier conference for an influential and vast online community of wine bloggers, new media innovators and wine industry leaders.
While Penticton & Wine Country Tourism acted as the lead agency in the bid, it was supported by a host of local organizations and businesses. Penticton will be the first Canadian destination to host the event.
Job Options
Job Options BC (www.MyJobOptionsBC.ca) is an employment and skills training program for local job seekers and local employers, funded through the Canada‐British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, and run by WCG (www.WCGServices.com).
Employers seeking qualified, job-ready applicants can access HR services from Job Options BC at no cost to themselves or the program participants. We can match candidates to your hiring needs, offer a wage subsidy to support the work experience/training phase, and provide on-going support to sustain your successful job placement match.
Are you looking for your next “star” employee? We have recent Graduates that have received training to ensure success in the workplace. Let Job Options BC take care of your staffing needs. Contact Koriena at 250.486.5383 to speak with a job placement expert.
Wine awards
Congratulations to Laughing Stock Vineyards for being named as a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 Pacific Region.
Award winners in this category are chosen based on their vision, leadership, financial success and social responsibility. This announcement follows on the heels of Laughing Stock’s Pinot Gris 2010 being awarded the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in BC Wines.
Tourism Industry Awards
The deadline for nominations for the 12th annual BC Tourism Industry Awards is fast approaching. Companies, individuals, or organizations may be self-nominated or may be nominated by other agencies. Winners will be selected by a panel of industry judges and will be honoured at an award ceremony held in Victoria on Oct. 25.
There are 7 categories; details can be found at www.bctourismindustryconference.ca/awards.html. If you are a tourism business or individual practicing industry excellence, or know of an individual or business deserving recognition for excellence, mail your nominations before Aug. 5 to BC Tourism Industry Awards, 620, 210 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3W2 or email to Margaret Ross at mross@cotabc.com.
Erin Hanson is the general manager of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.