A fledgling business advocacy group likely came away disappointed after its attempt to have town council give it special recognition was met with little enthusiasm from council members.
Osoyoos has spurned an offer from the regional district to participate in a region-wide economic development initiative, preferring to stay local and work with the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce.
When it comes to major infrastructure projects across BC, like Osoyoos’ much needed water treatment plant, the Province has signalled the importance for municipalities to build up reserves and appears to peg any additional grant funding to Provincial budget surpluses and Federal infrastructure support.
The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce is looking for support to formalize its business retention program to provide more organized support for local businesses in this challenging economy.
The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce plans to apply for new funding from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) for the purpose of business retention, expansion, and engagement, and they do so with the full support of town council, who voted unanimously to add a letter of support to the chamber’s application.
Fasten your seat belts, this is going to be a summer unlike any you’ve seen before. Organizers of Osoyoos’ and Oliver’s much-loved summer events, along with new additions, are busy planning and organizing, keenly aware of the thinly veiled excitement that promises a very busy tourist season this year.
After two difficult pandemic years for businesses the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce (SOCC) says this year will be “challenging” as it works to build membership, currently numbering 236.