A warm welcome to the following new chamber members: A.H. Penner Contracting (Drywall contracting), Homescape Building and Design, Ignite Media and Design, LTS Infrastructure Services Limited Partnership (communications network construction), McGaw’s Automotive Restorations, Signe Trauter Income Tax Services, Summerland Pick-up and Delivery (auto part delivery service), Summerland Towing, and Words Work Publishing (Publishers of Tidbits free newspaper).
Awards and accolades
What a month it has been for Okanagan Crush Pad. BC Business magazine recognized OCP as one of its top innovators of the year, and features the winery in the April 2013 issue, while the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association awarded the winery its Technology and Innovation trophy.
Summerland Heritage Cider Company has been celebrating after being named Best Cider at the Fest of Ale event in Penticton earlier this month.
BIOTECanada has announced that Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) is winner of this year’s Gold Leaf Award in the category of Early Stage Agriculture.
The Gold Leaf Awards are presented by Canada’s national biotechnology industry organization, BIOTECanada, to companies and individuals “that have made significant contributions to the development of Canada’s biotech industry.”
Under new ownership
David and Julie Burtch are enjoying themselves as they learn the ropes as the new owners of Keller’s Cellar U-Brew. Pop in to meet them at 13228 Victoria Road.
Renovations complete
New paint and flooring makes for a bright, fresh space at Indulgences on Henry Street.
Owner Susan Scott welcomes customers to stop by and see the updates.
Product launch
Beth Haggarty from Summerland’s Just Say IT Technical Communications has teamed up with Growth Strategy Dynamics to launch the mobile-friendly Sales Playbook, which helps sales teams streamline and easily share project information.
Learn more at www.salesplaybook.ca.
Funding boost
The Okanagan Plant Improvement Corp. is receiving a $25,000 grant to help market the“Born in B.C., Raised in the Okanagan” brand. PICO will use the funds to promote new Aurora Golden Gala and Salish apple varieties.
Two local projects will benefit through the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant program: Friends of Summerland Ornamental Gardens, $22,500 for innovative landscaping; and the Rotary Club of Summerland, $5,000 for a lakeside trail.
New staff
The Summerland branch of the Bank of Montreal has welcomed Aleta Quaal as their new Branch Manager. Aleta has lived in the South Okanagan for many years, most recently Penticton, and is looking forward to getting involved in the community.
Also on Main Street, there is a new face at Hong Kong Garden Restaurant. Brent Du has moved to Summerland from Vancouver and has taken on the roll of Supervisor. Du has been busy meeting with customers and planning new initiatives, so drop by to welcome him to town.
Anniversary celebration
In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Neighbourlink Summerland is launching Neighbourlink Week from May 2 to 11.
They have planned multiple events, including a birthday celebration on May 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join them for cake at Summerland Physiotherapy downtown, and check their Facebook page for more events.
Sophia Jackson is the membership services and events coordinator for the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. Share your positive business buzz by emailing her at membership@summerlandchamber.com.