Okanagan ‘open for business’

KELOWNA, B.C. — Three Okanagan cities now have an extra $10,000 and another accolade thanks to the provincial governments Small Business Roundtable. Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm are three of nine communities to take home the Union of BC Municipalities 2014 Open for Business Award. The communities were recognized for enhancing small business opportunities.

This is the second consecutive year Kelowna has won the award and the first for both Vernon and Salmon Arm.

“Winning this Award for a second year in a row demonstrates the Kelowna Advantage and is a testament to the positive attitude and high standard of service by valued team players at the City of Kelowna,” says Kelowna mayor, Walter Gray.

“This is great news for Vernon, and a tribute to the City’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment,” says Adrian Johnson, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce president. “The award, which carries a $10,000 grant to fund more business-friendly developments in the City, will boost Vernon’s reputation province-wide as a great place to do business.”

“I have to say this was a team effort and everyone working together,” says Salmon Arm mayor, Nancy Cooper. “We’ve worked really hard on a number of initiatives.”

The other recipients taking home the title are Grand Forks, the City of Langley, Parksville, Port Coquitlam, Smithers and Surrey. Penticton won the Open for Business award in 2013, but didn’t make the cut this year.

The $10,000 is to be used fund a local small-business friendly program.