The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce passed a motion at the May 28 meeting of its board of directors announcing its support of the Boonstock Music and Arts Festival.
"I am extremely excited about the potential economic impact of a festival of this magnitude," said Campbell Watt, president of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. "We will have thousands of visitors coming to Penticton that will be spending money at our local businesses."
The chamber's endorsement specifically acknowledges the planning Boonstock Festival organizers have done to satisfy concerns about transportation, security and emergency services.
Festivals of this kind throughout North America have created a booming business and many communities are recognizing the economic benefits. Communities such as Squamish, Pemberton, Salmon Arm and more are well known for their festivals and the rejuvenating effect they have contributed to those communities' tourism industries.
"The marketing benefits of this festival will be massive," Watt explains. "It is attracting a younger demographic, one that may be visiting Penticton for the first time. We have an opportunity to welcome them and turn them into repeat visitors."
Boonstock president Colin Kobza said his family is excited to relocate not only his business but his family to the region.
"We're really pleased to have the chamber endorse Boonstock. They are definitely a forward thinking organization and recognize the value and vision of Boonstock," said Kobza.
In order to further communicate the safety and emergency planning by festival organizers and the economic impacts of the festival industry, the Chamber will be hosting an open forum for members on June 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Members are invited to attend and participate in an open dialogue with Boonstock Festival organizers.
RSVPs for the June 19 event are required and can be made by contacting the Chamber office.