Penticton Chamber of Commerce marks 115 years of serving the community

Some of the past Chamber members from the 1950s. On the far right is Matt Berry’s grandfather, Don Salting.

PHOTO: PENTICTON AND WINE COUNTRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Penticton Chamber of Commerce marks 115th Anniversary

Commitment, communication, and dedication attribute to its success

By Lisa Kopochinski

The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce celebrates a special anniversary in 2022. It was 115 years ago that the Penticton Board of Trade was formed on May 7, 1907.

The formation document listed 46 individuals and their occupations, which included merchants, traders, brokers, mechanics, manufacturers, bank managers, and insurance agents. “Occupations also ranged from barber, saddler, boat builder, blacksmith, printer, pharmacist, civil engineer, jeweler, and real estate,” says Diane Kereluk, the Chamber’s Executive Director. The original area served stretched from Peachland to the U.S. border, with a population of 1,500. Early accomplishments included the establishment of a public cemetery, sports fields, fire brigade, telegraph service, postal service, Main Street dock, and a small debts court.

Fast forward to today

In 2022, Chamber membership has grown to more than 450 members. The types of businesses include tourism, hospitality, and recreation, in addition to professional services, retail, industrial, and more.

“The main reason for joining has been

commitment, communication, and dedication,” says Kereluk. “We have a number of longstanding members. Just some of them include the Royal Bank of Canada (since 1945); CIBC (1949); Hotel Penticton (1960); and the South Okanagan Events Centre Complex (1965).”

One long-time member is Berry + Smith Trucking, which joined the Chamber 54 years ago in 1968. Current President Matt Berry, the son of Stu Berry—who started the company in 1954—says his father and partner joined the Chamber for many of the same reasons individuals and companies join today.

“Benefits such as networking, meeting other businesspeople in the community, a shared voice to review issues or concerns, and constructive

Past Chamber members shake hands as they discuss the issues of the day.

PHOTO: PENTICTON AND WINE COUNTRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Your One-Stop Shopping Experience

Over 270,000 square feet of retail space, with a a variety of stores and services including London Drugs, Hudson’s Bay and Save On Foods.

As our centre grows, so does our commitment to provide you with an exceptional shopping experience.

cherrylane.ca

2111 Main Street, Penticton, BC

The Chamber today.

PHOTOS: PENTICTON AND WINE COUNTRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Berry + Smith Trucking have been members since 1968.

PHOTO: BERRY + SMITH TRUCKING

discussion on problem solving,” says Berry.

“We are very committed to our community and our staff. The company has been involved in many projects over the years such as yearly college bursaries, School District 67 bursaries, sponsorship of various sporting teams, annual donations for cancer, MS, heart and stroke research, among others. More recently, Berry + Smith Trucking contributed $30,000 to the Penticton Hospital expansion. Our staff then contributed a further $30,000 to this very worthwhile project.”

Strong communication

The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber has been successful in maintaining its strong connection to members by communicating in a variety of ways including events such as Business After Business, trade shows, and ribbon cuttings, educational seminars, Chamber 101 series, weekly newsletters, and by hosting special events such as Business Excellence Awards, golf tournaments, Valley Wide Expo. The Chamber keeps its current event calendar updated on their website and provides media releases on positions of importance.

The Chamber has also long focused on education and advocacy. For example, the Advocacy Committee meets monthly to discuss current challenges members are facing.

“Depending on the issue, the Advocacy Committee is committed to contacting their local, provincial, or federal government via direct letters, press releases, voice at city council,” says Kereluk. “The Chamber also collaborates with other valley chambers to address issues as a whole.”

The Education Committee consists of volunteers that source out material/topics that are beneficial to membership and is delivered through workshops and webinars.

Support throughout the pandemic

During the pandemic, the Chamber remained open and accessible. Wellness calls were made, and many educational and support webinars were held. The Advocacy Committee consistently communicated to elected officials the challenges and support the businesses needed through this taxing time.

Perhaps Berry sums it up best on why the Chamber has been so successful since 1907.

“The goals of the Chamber are advocacy and sourcing out, on a larger group basis, for better pricing, marketing opportunities, and networking. Just getting to know your neighbours and understanding their business can open doors for you,” he says. “Often, the issues you think are your own are shared by many. The Chamber gives a greater voice to dealing with matters that may affect us all. At the very least, it will make you a better neighbour and strengthen relationships.” b

This Chamber has been a catalyst to enrich the economic and civic well-being of its membership, business at large, and the whole community.

STEADY GROWTH

While membership in the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce has steadily increased over the past 115 years, the reasons for doing so have remain constant. “There are great opportunities through memberships to both increase customer base and generate community exposure,” says Chamber Executive Director Diane Kereluk. Some of these include the following:

• The Business after Business events are proven to be one of the most successful tools in networking with Chamber members.

• On the Chamber website, the Events Calendar keeps up to date with events posted by members and the community.

• The weekly emailed newsletter keeps members informed of what the Chamber is doing.

• The Board of Directors is a very progressive and diverse cross section of the business community represented by volunteers who share the vision of a strong and clearly focused Chamber.

• The Chamber is the member’s voice in the community supporting the views and sourcing solutions for the challenges businesses face by the lobbying municipal, provincial, and federal elected officials.

• A membership offers many benefits such as group insurance discounts, supplier discounts, marketing opportunities.  b

PARKERS,

Serving the Community since 1946