by Sophia Jackson
September was a busy month for Chamber news in Summerland.
Notable events
The next Business after Business will take place on Thursday, Oct. 18 during Small Business Week, and will be hosted by Summerland Optometry. Check the Chamber’s Website for more information.
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is celebrating the 100th anniversary of their restored 1912 Steam Locomotive the 3716 -Spirit of Summerland on Saturday, Oct. 6 with a 1912 themed lunch and train ride. Reservations are required.
Agriculture
Summerland’s Okanagan Specialty Fruits is one step closer to having their non-browning Arctic Granny and Arctic Golden apple varieties approved by the USDA for sale in the U.S. after concluding the required 60 day comment period. They expect a final decision from the USDA in 2013.
Wine awards
Congratulations to Sumac Ridge and Thornhaven Estate wineries for winning gold medals at the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Sumac Ridge won for their 2010 Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Franc and Thornhaven received another accolade for their 2011 Gewurztraminer. Along with Silk Scarf Winery, Sumac Ridge also won two silver awards, and all three wineries were again recognized in the bronze medal category.
Earlier this month, Dirty Laundry won Best In Show for their 2011 Kay-Syrah at the Re/Max Orchard Country Wine Fair, where Saxon Estate Winery also took home the People’s Choice Award for their Leon Millot.
New businesses
The Summerland Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following new business members: North West Technology Inc., Rob Woodward Construction and The Summerland Heritage Cider Company.
Renovations
and expansions
Summerland’s Your Dollar Store with More has moved one unit over at their Prairie Valley Road location, to allow for a substantial expansion. Their new shop is now five times larger at more than 5,000 square feet. The store’s grand re-opening celebration is this weekend, Oct. 5 and 6, when they will co-host a barbeque with Summerland Rotary and IGA to raise funds for the Summerland Food Bank.
If you have been downtown in the last week you may have noticed Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe has given the front of their building a beautiful new paint job. This latest update follows on from the interior renovations which were completed last winter.
On the move
Ogopogo Meats has closed their retail outlet, Paradise Meats and Market on Hwy 97, and will be retailing from their main location at 102-9504 Alder Street in Summerland. Owner Thomas Fischer says the move will allow them to offer better discounts to their customers. The new retail counter is scheduled to open by the end of this week. Visit ogopogomeats.com for more information.
Summerland Office Supplies is moving from their current location at 10120 Main St. and will be sharing space with the Summerland Dollar Store at 9923 Main St. They will continue to offer fax and photocopy services, as well as professional printing.
Do you have some Summerland business buzz to share? Contact Sophia Jackson at the Summerland Chamber at 250-494-2686.
Sophia Jackson is the Membership Services and Events Coordinator for the Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism.