In February, Brett DeWitt resigned from the Chamber Board, as he is leaving the community to take up a new position elsewhere.
He will be missed. On March 4, newly appointed board member Christine Coletta of Okanagan Crush Pad was sworn in.
Coletta will serve out the remainder of DeWitt’s term.
Coletta has been in the wine industry since 1990 and most recently, Vancouver magazine listed Christine as “one to watch” in their Top Influential people issue of 2012.
Visitor guides
The 2013 Summerland Visitor Guides have arrived.
The guides have been redesigned and feature Summerland’s new “Take your Time” logo and dramatic photos from around Summerland to entice travelers.
Stop by the Visitor Centre to pick up your copy of the new guide.
New businesses
A host of new Summerland businesses have opened so far this year.
A warm welcome to our new chamber members: Four Seasons Boutique (wholesale and consignment clothing) Aarde Environmental Ltd., (consulting services), Busy B’s Light Maintenance Service (window cleaning and janitorial), CNC Contracting (logistics and freight shipping), Direct Health Therapies (registered acupuncturist), Don’s Werk Shop (autobody repair and restoration, specializing in air-cooled Porches), Indiefit (fitness training), and Seal Tight Roofing.
Partnership
Michael and Miranda Toner are familiar faces at Peacock’s Perch Pub, and now they are also partners in the business.
The couple has partnered with owners Tom and Sandi Josiassen and will continue to run all the favourite local specials, including the ever popular wing night.
New ownership
Gerald Bebera has taken over the ownership of the Perch Liquor Store on Rosedale, and Munly Dobson is crunching the numbers as the new owner of Sunoka Office Services on Victoria Road.
Summerland Home Spas has been taken over by new owner Amanda Lusted, and their product line is available at Builders Mart on Jubilee Road East.
Anniversary
Murray’s Pizza celebrated 19 years in business on March 11.
They recently launched their new logo on their Facebook page and plans are underway to add this fresh look at their Victoria Road location.
Hunt for chef
Local Lounge * Grille has announced that Executive Chef Paul Cecconi has decided to move on to new challenges after four years with the company.
As they hunt for a new creative leader, their kitchen talent continues to impress, as chef apprentice Andrea Mitchell recently received the highest score in her class and will be awarded her Red Seal designation.
Awards and accolades
Summerland was well represented in Wine and Drink Magazine’s fourth annual Readers Choice Exceptional Eats Awards for the Okanagan: Harry McWatters, (McWatters Collection) received the Lifetime Achievement Award, 8th Generation Winery (Best Local Winery), Good Omens (Best Place for Coffee), True Grain Bread (Best New Shop,Restaurant or Café), and Local Lounge Grille (Best Place for Appys and Cocktails).
Local Lounge Grille received their third consecutive Vancouver International Wine Festival Award, one of only two silvers in the Okanagan Valley.
Congratulations to Al Klar of Range Rider Truck Canopy Specialists, who was recently presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Well done to Frostybot Marketing Corp for receiving a Pure Design Award for website design and case-studies for their clients.
Sophia Jackson is the Membership Services and Events Coordinator for the Summerland Chamber of Commerce. If you know of a business that has grown, renovated or received an award, contact her at membership@summerlandchamber.com.
