High school student Mikayla Podmorow is working for the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce this summer as its marketing and events co-ordinator. (Dan Walton photo)
As the summer months throw the local orchards, vineyards and tourism into full swing, the regional business network has recruited some fresh talent to take on a hectic workload.
Mikayla Podmorow, who recently finished Grade 11, has been hired as this year’s summer marketing and events co-ordinator at the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce.
“A lot of people think the chamber is just about tourism and that’s a misconception,” she said. “It’s about supporting every local business.”
It can be easy to make such a misconception because of how intertwined agriculture and tourism are in the South Okanagan.
“Tourists like to visit the local wineries, and when they know they’re reputable businesses and have a solid foundation behind them like the chamber of commerce, they know they’re going to the right places.”
Podmorow said that in comparison to large markets, the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce is small in scale, but extremely diverse and far-reaching, overseeing a catchment area from Osoyoos to Okanagan Falls.
“We’re small but we have a really far reach.”
Even though she hasn’t been part of the workforce for very long, Podmorow didn’t apply for the chamber position with a blank resume.
She began wrapping her head around administrative duties last summer while working for the Lakeside Resort.
“There are quite a few similarities with the new job,” she said. “Lots of computer and phone work, and I’m communicating with people constantly. But the chamber role is definitely more focused on business. Some people would find what I’m doing tedious but I really enjoy it.”
The Chamber will use its extra help this summer to prepare for the Festival of the Grape, an annual celebration of local wineries which takes place in the beginning of October.
“From sectors in food and lodging to lawyers and real estate agents, we support people on their own as well,” she said. “And we’re always looking for more members.”
To recognize its most praiseworthy members, the chamber hosts the Business Excellence Awards every January. Podmorow said businesses like Buy-Low Foods and Medici’s are often top-of-mind for consumers who think about Oliver, and it’s important for the business community to show its appreciation, even when it’s business as usual.
“It’s good to recognize what they do on an ongoing basis.”
Podmorow is impressed by how much the position has already allowed her to learn, and hopes the Chamber will need her help again next summer.
“I’m really enjoying it. Even on my first day I was thinking about how overall this is really a maturing experience.”
Her summer job takes Podmorow to Osoyoos, Oliver and Okanagan Falls, which is very enjoyable as no two days are the same, she said.
Podmorow said she has enjoyed her experience so much so far this summer that she would welcome the opportunity to work for the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce once again next summer if the same job is made available.
She considers herself very fortunate to have landed a summer job that is fun, exciting and challenging, she said.
Podmorow will be returning to school in early September.
DAN WALTON
Regional Reporter
