Chambers expanding/Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

By Vernon Matters Staff

Teaming up

Okanagan chambers unite under new business advisory council

Oct 29, 2025 | 1:30 PM

Four Okanagan chambers of commerce are joining forces to strengthen their regional advocacy.

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Westside Board of Trade have expanded their partnership to include the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. The alliance will operate as the Okanagan Business Advisory Council.

“It’s critical for our member businesses to have as much weight as possible behind us when we send messages to governments,” said Penticton chamber president Jordan Knox.

Greater Vernon chamber executive director Sonja Harkness said the collaboration helps chambers tackle shared challenges.

“Transportation, agriculture and economic policy — we all face similar issues and are stronger when we look for common solutions,” she said.

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Kelowna chamber president Derek Gratz said the group’s unified voice will carry more influence with all levels of government.

All four chambers will meet in Kelowna on Nov. 13 for the annual Policy Development Forum to set priorities for 2026.