Risk management, rising costs, resiliency highlights for Kelowna business community

It was an up and down year for businesses in the Okanagan.

That from Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dan Rogers, who summed up the year with three R's; Risk management, which came thanks to severe weather in the summer and fall, rising costs, and resiliency, how individuals and businesses continued to keep their business and the economy going, despite it all.

“We are in a good situation overall from our economy, from what we get to enjoy as a quality of life. Be a little softer to those around us. We’re all stressed out, we’re all challenged,” he said. “Be patient as those businesses adjust and support each other.”

The pandemic continues to be at the forefront as a headwind for business. With new public health restrictions introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19, many have turned their attention to rapid testing.

The chamber recently issued a media release, expressing support for rapid test distribution. The program is something Rogers believes will help less the blow from new restrictions and help businesses continue to operate safely.

“We would like to see more rapid test kits available for small businesses at minimal cost so they can ensure their workplaces are safe,” he said. “We keep hearing that from businesses because they know colleagues in other provinces are accessing these rapid tests kits so hopefully, we’ll see more of that use in 2022.”

Heading into the new year, he wants to see continued financial support from the province for small businesses.

“It’s clear the COVID virus is going to be with us for a while. We need to find ways to work within that reality. That means ensuring when government is making changes, they’re there supporting businesses along the way.”