FROM THE DESK OF…

Without a doubt, spring has sprung in terms of projects and activities. Your Summerland Chamber has been busy planning, implementing and working out details for projects and events that are coming up this spring and summer.

On Tuesday April 3, the chamber luncheon will be held at the new VP Grill at the Summerland Golf and Country Club (this is where Vanilla Pod has moved to!). Our speakers are our members sharing “good news” stories about businesses that are expanding and developing in Summerland. You will hear from Christa-Lee McWatters-Bond from Local Liquor Market, Wilfred Barranoik from Westrand Consulting and Ron Restrick from Kettle Valley Steam Railway. We welcome luncheon guests to share their stories as well. Tickets are $25 and are available at the chamber.

Your chamber will be hosting the 2nd Annual Be Green ~ Buy Local Business Expo on Saturday, April 21st at the IOOF Hall on Main Street. The premise is whenever we think local business first, we are in fact, being green. So, when you need to get your car serviced, your spring planting materials, add on the house, build that deck, buy your groceries, we are asking you to Be Green and think local first.

On Saturday April 14th, your Summerland Chamber is teaching WorldHost for our members. Check out the link and web page for more information. As I’ve said before, if your business has customers you should attend. There is something for everyone to learn.

Our Visitor Centre received a wonderful surprise in the form of a $7,500 grant from Tourism BC. This allows us to purchase some much-needed items such as a camera, signage at the Visitor Centre, a laptop computer to run video at our mobile Visitor Centers as well as regular office supplies. Finally the broken chairs can be replaced! Excellent news.

We are still waiting for news about our Canada Summer Jobs grant and are hopeful that all 3 positions will be funded including a new coordinator for the Friday Night Markets. We should know within the next few weeks.

Planning for the Valley Wide Business After Business on May 10, 2012 is well under way. Summerland is hosting this year and we are working with Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa and the Local Lounge • Grille to host this event that draws over 500 people. Think of it as a Business After Business gone wild!

As always, we welcome your comments, thoughts and input. I can be reached at lisa.jaager@shawbiz.ca or at 250-494-2686.

Talk soon, Lisa

Figure Out What You Want

For the past few weeks, I’ve used this platform to encourage our members to create a vision, mission and annual plan for their business. We know it is vitally important business is prepared to succeed and to clearly articulate what success looks like.

So, if you know me, you’ll know that I am not a big fan of navel-gazing and self-awareness exercises. Frankly, they feel a little awkward. But, I was flipping through my mother-in-law’s Oprah magazine and came across an article written by Martha Beck that truly resonated with me.

“I don’t blame us for clamming up. I understand the buzzkill. Complaining is easy, even fun, compared with the challenge of creating a plan for positive change. … I gained huge respect for anyone who pushes beyond kvetching and into clarity.

These days, as a coach, I see a similar dynamic play out for my clients. They complain in rich detail about the things that are wrong with their lives: demanding children, overbearing bosses, the bafflingly low sales of their topiary sculptures. But when it comes to specifying the fix, people haul out their broadest brushes. “I just want love,” they say. “Passion.” “Inner peace.” It’s like telling a waiter, “Bring me something delicious. I have no idea what, but I’ll know it when I taste it.” No order that fuzzy is likely to produce a satisfying result.

Here’s the truth: People who get what they want tend to be the ones who make the effort to know what they want.” Martha Beck

So this leads to the question: What do you want in 2012? Make an obtainable plan to achieve it.

Write it down, keep it available. Do not put it in a file or on the shelf. Keep your goals and plans handy so you can refer back and be reminded. At the end of the month, quarter or year, evaluate yourself. Did you meet your goals?

And, plan to attend the Economic Development Public Forum on February 15 at the IOOF Hall on Main Street at 6pm.

Cheers, Lisa

 

To read more from Martha Beck: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Figure-Out-What-You-Want-in-Life#ixzz1lLGG1p7t

Ideas are a dime a dozen but…

Over the past several weeks we’ve been working on our annual plan. This is the document that sets goals, objectives and tactics for the year and guides the day-to-day work of the chamber. It is important to note here that a good plan is always open to change or adaption as the year progresses.

Part of the annual plan process is to talk with our members and colleagues, gather ideas, do research and develop a plan that reflects the current and future needs of business in Summerland.

A key component of any plan is the ideas. I understand, and agree, that ideas are a dime a dozen and what we need is follow-through BUT from the ideas comes the next idea which could be the ONE: the idea that evolves to be the pivotal piece of your plan.

Do not throw out your wild and wacky ideas. Embrace them, talk about them, tweak and trim them until you reach THE idea that is the right one for your business and then follow it through to completion. As with the mission and vision statements, I encourage you to write down your ideas and make plans from them. See which ones will fly and be prepared there will be many that flop! It is all part of the process.

Here are some links and phrases that are making sense to me right now. Not every idea is gold however, there is value in looking to the ideas for inspiration. You just never know when you will find the ONE.

Call me with your ideas!

Cheers, Lisa

There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment. Norman Peale

Main Street Retailers’ Economic Development Tools
Good Omens From Granny

Work Live Play and Stay

Well, here we are in January 2012, busy making plans, goals, lists and resolutions. I am finding that after taking a break over the holidays, I am feeling refreshed and excited about new opportunities and adventures to come.

This optimism comes regardless of Summerland’s obvious struggles. We know we have economic issues to tackle in 2012, and we know that now is the time for action, not more contemplation. I think the message is crystal clear. And, I think it has been received.

So, how to make the jump from talk to action? Well, by simply doing it! Here at SCEDT we are continuing to fine-tune our direction and annual work plan. The process began in the fall with strategic planning sessions that took a long, hard look at our organizations purpose and role.

From this process first came new vision and mission statements. These are so critically important for any business to have! I encourage every business or organization to take the time to consider your purpose. The act of actually writing down, debating, honing and publishing your vision and mission helps to guide every decision you make. Own it and live it!

What does this mean for you, our members? It means that everything we do, from supporting community events, to providing education opportunities, to promoting Summerland outside our region, to working on committees, to reviewing bylaws and policies, to coordinating meetings and luncheons, to creating new and fresh ways to connect with each other, is done with our mission and vision in mind. Whatever activities we plan lead to or support our guiding mission. Simple.

It is the same for you and your business. All the work you do supports your mission and vision. Now is the time to get it down on paper and begin planning for success.

Happy 2012,

Lisa

 

To market the community of Summerland and serve our membership through support, education, promotion and advocacy.

Shopping Local

Last Friday evening, Summerland merchants opened their doors for extended holiday shopping. I, for one, was thrilled. Not only does it signal a very real desire to improve business and serve customers, it is also a tangible way to illustrate that Summerland is open for business and to improve our economic outlook. In case you are not sure how something as simple as Friday night shopping impacts our overall economy, click on any of the following links to better understand.

Facts About Shopping Local

Economic Impact of Shopping with Local Businesses vs. Chains

Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy

Here is a quote that makes sense:

As the nation limps through the recession, many towns and cities are hurting. “Buy-local” campaigns can help local economies withstand the downturn. Says Boyle: “For communities, this is a hopeful message in a recession because it’s not about how much money you’ve got, but how much you can keep circulating without letting it leak out.“

So, what can you buy in Summerland? What can our merchants offer that the big shops north and south of us can’t? Lots!

One hour of shopping in Summerland crossed the following off my holiday gift giving list:

• Vintage percolator in perfect condition from Carousel

• Beautiful sweaters from SASS

• Wooden matches in festive containers for stocking stuffers (Edgy Petals)

• Yoga CD, scarves (perfect for wrapping gifts in)and coin purses from Terra Incognita

• Amazing scented candles and travel jewelry bags from Indulgences

• And… a TV/DVD combo for a better price than any of the big box stores (The Source)

Shop local. You will feel better, your community will benefit and you will get great gifts for good prices. Perfect.

Lisa

Leadership

Last week our team attended the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association annual Summit at Sun Peaks. Now, before you stop reading and say “so what, tourism doesn’t affect my business”, just wait!

The conference was less about tourism and all about leadership. You see, regardless of business type or sector there is one common, most important quality that is needed: leadership. Any business person, operator, politician, manager, employee must show leadership. The days when we had one, patriarchal leader at the top are long gone. We all play a role in providing leadership to ensure our own individual and collective success. It is critically important.

Leaders set the tone, help to create the goals, ensure there is accountability. They are there when it all falls apart and are there to bring in all back on track. They are not afraid to make the tough, controversial decisions nor are they afraid to make amends when they are wrong.

A true leader comes to the table with concerns and solutions. They listen, learn, adapt, move forward, and take time to think. To prepare our community for success, Summerland needs more leaders.

The following quotes and thoughts from the conference have resonated with me over this past week and I find myself referring back to the specific lesson or intended learning. I hope you can find worthin them as well. Lisa

Busy is just busy: take time to think. Leaders think! Hugh Culver

Integrity is key. It takes 25 years to build credibility, integrity and success but only 25 seconds to lose it. Make good choices, always. Peter Legge

And from November issue BC Business:

For me leadership is all about helping other people tear down those barriers that they see. It’s not about showing them how to do it; it’s helping them to feel liberated. Alicia Woodside, East-West Coalition

“In Summerland, business and community all exist in the same eco-system”

I was fortunate enough to attend, and to host a table, at the Conversation Café on Wednesday night. Great turn-out, great discussions, and great enthusiasm for Summerland. I really and truly appreciated the opportunity to listen (and not talk so much!) to what participants had to say.

Our table explored the topic of supporting Summerland business and, in particular, what businesses we admired in our community and why. The list of businesses was diverse, with our downtown merchants, services, agri and tourism-based businesses all well represented.

There was most definitely a common thread between all the businesses as to why people supported them. Good service (friendly, know your name, helpful), quality product (interesting, one of a kind, unique), willingness to change and be innovative (new products, using technology), businesses who give back to the community (support community activities, sponsor events), convenient hours of operation (evenings and Sunday).

Surprisingly, price was not a factor with the 15 people that were at my tables. Many said they were willing to pay a little more to support local businesses and several noted that they did not notice significant differences between shopping local or outside of Summerland. Good to know.

When we talked about barriers to supporting local hours of operation was seen as the largest. We know that but how to fix it! That is a serious horse-cart conversation! Maybe beginning with just one late night opening would be a start? What if downtown stayed open until 9pm on Friday nights?

We also began a list of shops that locals would like to see in Summerland. At the top of the list was a bookstore, stationary and sporting goods stores. Also noted was the need for shops that cater to children’s needs.

To that end, SCEDT will be working on a page on our website devoted to your ideas on what businesses we need in Summerland… it will be entirely populated by public comments and will hopefully tweak a small business person and entrepreneur to open up shop!

Please take some time to read the article on the contributions that small businesses make to our national economy. Then take a moment to congratulate yourself as being an economic driver in Summerland. It is small business that makes our community go round.

Cheers, Lisa

PS My favourite quote from last night was from Peter while we were discussing the relationship between community and business:

“In Summerland, business and community all exist in the same eco-system”

 

Summerland Lights Up!

Summerland’s 24^th Annual Festival of Lights will take place on Friday, November 25^th beginning at 5:30pm with a jam-packed schedule of entertainers, streets full of vendors, children’s activities and, of course, the grand fireworks finale! We have a tried and true formula for success and although we will always be making little tweaks to keep improving, Festival of Lights will be the same, fabulous, family-friendly event it has always been.

We do have a little something new to tell you about! It has been so hard to keep a lid on our super-exciting NEW addition to the Festival Of Lights weekend and finally, the time has come to share:

Light Up the Vines will be held on Saturday, November 26^th. Light Up the Vines is the brainchild of Claire Sear and we LOVE it!

Imagine this: You and a group of friends hop on the shuttle at your favourite Summerland winery after viewing their beautiful light display and tasting their wares. The shuttle delivers you to the next winery where you do exactly the same thing in different surroundings. Are you getting the picture? Then add to that, a stop in downtown Summerland where you will be able to dine at one our award-winning eateries, the hop back on the shuttle for more wineries or a trip to the Summerland Motel or Summerland Waterfront Resort where you have the opportunity to enjoy special rates exclusive to the Festival of Lights weekend. Oh, and did we mention there was an after-party at Local Lounge Grille? O-yes, Summerland will be THE place to be!

You do the tasting and dining, and we do the driving!

Now, back to business, in order to make this relevant as many as businesses as possible, we are actively working on creating other events to happen through the weekend. Things like an artisan market at the Summerland Waterfront Resort, shuttle buses to the Season Sparkles show at the Summerland Art Gallery, shopping specials from our merchants… it can be big.

Now for the pitch… there are always opportunities for sponsorship! Come see me if you are interested in supporting these home grown events.

Cheers. Lisa

September is like a signal:

So here I am, on my way to a 3-day World Host training session in Vancouver. And, I mean literally on my way as I have just passed through security! This is an exciting trip and time of the year. September is like a signal: the kids are all back in school and now it is time for us adults to be actively learning as well.

The purpose of attending the World Host sessions is to be able to bring back learning opportunities to Summerland. With tight economic times, it is very often the professional development budget line that is cut but, really, this is the time to get excited by new ideas and to do all those things that we put off when it is just too crazy.

With busy schedules, it is so hard to make the time to include professional development. Our job is to make it easier for you. We will be offering the full World Host training to our members over the next year, with dedicated workshops for retail, service and tourism businesses. We will also be taking what we have learned and breaking it down into smaller modules for quick, one-topic learning.

This World Host training is also the precursor to a brand new, completely revitalized Ambassador Program (although we won’t be calling it that, too old-fashioned!).

Come to the luncheon at B’s Bistro on Thursday, September 29^th, to hear exactly what you can expect from World Host and your chamber.

On October 14, your chamber is bringing Linda Edgecombe to Summerland. This is big news for all of our members and the community. Linda will be talking about re-energizing your team. Our hope is that as many businesses as possible will bring their team to this exciting workshop.

One of the most important things that a business owner can do is inspire their team. That one action alone is guaranteed to improve your business. An engaged, happy and well trained staff will make the difference between a “just making it by” business and a successful business. Take this opportunity! All of us at the chamber will be there and we look forward to seeing you there as well.

Lisa

Summerland is busy!

Another huge weekend is coming to Summerland and I sure hope that your business will take advantage of the opportunities and that you, as a Summerlander, will enjoy all we have to offer.

Let’s start at the beginning… Friday night is movie night in Summerland. This week, the Summerland Merchants Association along with their primary sponsor, the Kiwanis Club, will be presenting “Finding Nemo”. A great family movie and the perfect kick-off to the weekend.

Next up is the Summerland Fall Fair. The Fall Fair begins on Saturday morning and is the biggest show of the year! Literally hundreds and hundreds of purely volunteer time go into creating this annual event. We send a sincere “thank you” to Connie and her team for pulling it together. There will be non-stop entertainment, things to do and see, interactive displays and, of course, friendly competition in many different categories. I know that our family will be counting up our (hopefully) blue ribbons!

New at the Fall Fair this year is the Re/Max Orchard Country Wine Tasting and Competition. This is a great way to support our local Summerland wineries and have some fun in the process.

After visiting the Fair be sure to walk over to Main Street and enjoy the classic cars at the Endless Summer Show and Shine annual car show. The cars will be on display in downtown Summerland.

We also have the Fall Horse Show at the Summerland Rodeo Grounds. Whew! Can you say busy?

All of this community activity brings me back to the Conversation Café that was held in August and was organized by the Summerland Community Cultural Development Committee. One of the common themes at my table, and it seems at many others, was how much we appreciated our Summerland lifestyle: the safety, beauty and atmosphere of our authentic little Okanagan town. There was much said about retaining our character while improving our economy. Careful balance and planning are required but, boy, do we have a good start.

I’ve said it many times before but it is worth repeating. Summerland has the potential to not just be good but to be great. How will you support that process?