Premier Christy Clark
B.C. Premier Christy Clark will be rubbing shoulders with members of the local chamber of commerce this Thursday.
Bonnie Dancey, chief administrative officer of the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce, said Clark will speak to chamber members and local media at a luncheon held at Silver Sage Winery.
When asked how the chamber managed to swing this engagement, Dancey said they heard Clark was in the area and simply invited her to lunch. No arm-twisting was involved.
“The board is very pleased; it’s exciting (to have the premier visit Oliver).”
Dancey said she has no idea what Clark will talk about.
“I (personally) hope she speaks about the labour skills shortage in the province.”
Dancey noted that several high-profile cabinet ministers have also registered for the luncheon, including Todd Stone (Ministry of Transportation), Peter Fassbender (Ministry of Education), Bill Bennett (Ministry of Energy and Mines), Naomi Yamamoto (Ministry of Tourism and Small Business) and Steve Thomson (Ministry of Forests).
Such an impressive lineup of politicians would make any chamber of commerce envious, Dancey agreed.
If people come early enough, they may get to sit next to Clark or one of these ministers and bend their ear about important issues, she pointed out.
As of Monday, tickets were almost sold out.
What is occupying the chamber right now?
Dancey said the executive is gearing up for the annual Festival of the Grape on Oct. 4, particularly its expansion to a Saturday “night FOG” event on Oct. 3. This will feature beer, spirits and cider to complement music and art from 6-9 p.m. in Oliver Community Park.
Dancey said they have invited 13 beer, cidery and distillery operations to the park in order to showcase what they have to offer.
Tickets are available at the new chamber office at 6237 Main Street in Oliver, Shoppers Drug Mart and Mills Office Productivity in Osoyoos.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
