Chamber manager Dan Proulx starred in Mission Possible videos. (Submitted photo/Chamber/YouTube)

By Vernon Matters/Greater Vernon Chamber

Supporting local

‘Mission Possible’ gets great reviews from public, merchants & non-profits

May 14, 2021 | 6:00 PM

Even Tom Cruise would have had fun with this one.

A covert operation to support Greater Vernon businesses and non-profits has concluded and the caper was a resounding success.

Mission Possible wrapped up May 9 after five weeks, and residents were encouraged to act as secret agents, infiltrating local businesses, finding secret codes and completing challenges.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the public response to Mission Possible and it’s very clear that supporting local goes beyond simple economics and it’s a very personal way residents can demonstrate their admiration and respect for business owners and their staff,” Dan Proulx, general manager of the Greater Vernon Chamber, which organized Mission Possible, said.

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The challenges included taking photos at specific locations, making purchases at a favourite shop, donating to a charity and writing a Google review about local businesses and non-profits. Close to 400 tasks were completed.

“We heard from many people that they were relatively new to Greater Vernon and Mission Possible provided an opportunity for them to visit new businesses and become more familiar with the community. It was inspiring to see such a passion for this great place that we call home. Thank you to everyone who joined Mission Possible,” said Proulx.

All participants were entered into a draw for amazing prizes and the winners are:

• Justin Ketterer – Ultimate Staycation (two nights at Sparkling Hill Resort, a round of golf at The Rise, a wine tour with Mojo Tours, a whisky experience with Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery and dinner at Marten Brewing).
• Nathan Tolhurst – $100 gift certificate for Back to Earth
• Janny Jung – $100 gift certificate for Davison Orchards
• Susan Hodgson – $100 gift certificate for Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
• Saffron Quist – $100 gift certificate for Healing Garden Spa & Wellness
• Rachel Wycherley – $50 gift certificate for Farmhouse Pizza & Donair
• Cheryl Friesen – $50 gift certificate for The Roster Sports Club Bar & Grill

The chamber is thanking the sponsors of weekly prizes – Planet Bee Honey Farm & Honeymoon Meadery, the Okanagan Science Centre, Kalavida Surf Shop, Okanagan Spring Brewery, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, Back to Earth, Blenz Coffee Downtown, Sport Clips, Spiritleaf and Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy.

Mission Possible was presented by Tourism Vernon.

“Staying local and supporting local is so important right now and Mission Possible really embraced this in such an engaging way. Local residents will play a critical role in bolstering the recovery of Vernon’s tourism economy by continuing to support local businesses. We’re seeing local residents embrace staycations, and it makes an impact,” said Torrie Silverthorn, tourism manager for Tourism Vernon.

Also sponsoring Mission Possible were Beach Radio, Vernon Matters, Castanet, Pure Country and Infotel Multimedia.