TOTA 2024 AGM & Announcement of Board Directors

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre, on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territory of the Okanagan Indian Band and the syilx (Okanagan) People.

The meeting reviewed the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, including a presentation of the Audited Financial Statements, Governance Report, and TOTA Activities, as well as the announcement of the Board Election Results.

Board Director Election

We would like to thank all of those in attendance as well as the candidates that let their names stand in this year's election.

Please join us in congratulating the new and returning board of directors:

 

Executive Directors

Chair:
Sandra Oldfield, Elysian Projects (Continuing Term)
South Okanagan | Sector: Other

Vice-Chair:
Kimo Linders, ERTCU Travel Group (Elected for Additional Term)
All sub regions | Sector: Other

Secretary-Treasurer:
Cassandra Zerebeski, Destination Silver Star (Elected for Additional Term) North Okanagan | Sector: DMO

Past Chair:
Michael J. Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort
Boundary Country | Sector: Attraction

Directors

Mandi Carroll, Westbank First Nation (Elected for Additional Term)
Central Okanagan | Sector: Other

Vicki Dalgleish, Sandman Hotel Group (New)
North Thompson, South Thompson, Gold Country, North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, South Okanagan, and Similkameen | Sector: Accommodation

Kelley Glazer, Destination Osoyoos (Elected for Additional Term)
South Okanagan | Sector: DMO

Morgen Matheson, Tourism Shuswap / Columbia Shuswap Regional District (Elected for Additional Term) Shuswap | Sector: DMO

Lumin McCutcheon, Trails to the Boundary Society (New)
Boundary Country | Sector: Other

Lara Pethybridge, Andrew Peller Ltd (New)
Central, South Okanagan | Sector: Wine

Ed Ratuski, YKA Kamloops Airport (Elected for Additional Term)
South Thompson | Sector: Transportation

Colin Ross, Peak Cellars (New)
Central Okanagan | Sector: Wine & Culinary

Monica Seys, Shuswap Marina (Continuing Term)
Shuswap | Sector: Speciality retail

Dale Sivucha, Coast Capri Hotel (Continuing Term)

Central Okanagan | Sector: Accommodation

Thom Tischik, Travel Penticton Society (Continuing Term)
South Okanagan | Sector: DMO

Welcome to all of the new and continuing board members. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and the region.

Learn more about the directors at TOTABC.org/Board.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Request for Proposals

Qualified engineering firms are invited to submit proposals for providing engineering design services for an addition and renovation to the TOTA Inspiration Centre in West Kelowna, BC.

The addition and renovation will consist of:

• 260 square foot addition to the front of the building that will be two storeys in height with decorative columns and a large roof overhang. It will house a new entrance, and stairs and an elevator to the rooftop patio.

• 600 square foot rooftop addition (300 sq ft green roof and 300 sq ft patio space)

• Installing a new roof membrane and roof insulation on the remaining 1100 sq feet of roof

• Renovating one bathroom to meet BCBC 2024 accessibility standards

• Removing a powder room

• Cladding the existing exterior walls.

Deadline for submission of proposals is November 6, 2024

For more information, including architectural drawings, please contact: Jane Parece jane@totabc.com

Wellness Travel BC Creates Online Wellness Travel Directory

Wellness Travel BC has created a mobile-first online wellness travel directory that features 'wellness to transformative travel experiences' at award-winning hotels, resorts, attractions, and community destinations.

This accessible resource will feature easily searchable experiences, wellness trends, tips, reviews, blogs, contests, podcasts, videos, and wellness travel features, all in one place.

Explore the directory here.

Take the go2HR Employer Survey

Help go2HR shape the future of tourism and hospitality by participating in the Employer Survey. Insights from this survey will be used to better understand the key human resource, health and safety, and training issues and opportunities facing the tourism and hospitality industry in BC.

Respondents will be entered to win one of six $500 regional travel credits, which can be used for a BC world-class experience.

Please complete the survey by November 1, 2024.

Tourism Kelowna Destination Video Wins Cannes International Media & TV Award

Tourism Kelowna received the Silver Dolphin award at the 2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards in the ‘Tourism Films Destinations—Cities’ category.

The video, titled “Explore More of Kelowna in All Seasons,” showcases the tourism experiences available year-round in and around Kelowna.

Watch the award-winning video.

Register for BCTCRI’s 5th Workshop: Decarbonization and Climate Action

Join Synergy Enterprises on October 16, 2024, for a free virtual workshop that explores innovative strategies and initiatives for reducing carbon emissions in the tourism industry.

This workshop is part of the British Columbia Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) Project Four: Community Destination Stewardship Initiative.

Destination Canada Launches Interactive Incentive Map

Destination Canada’s Business Events website now features an interactive map of incentive experiences across Canada. Potential clients are invited to explore awe-inspiring experiences in unique destinations from coast to coast to coast, with filters including Experience Type and Economic Sector.

Read the Destination Canada Sustainability Storybook

Destination Canada has released a national program to improve the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability practices of business events hosted in Canada.

Through its sustainability commitment Destination Canada invites you to read the Sustainability Storybook which presents practical solutions to implement sustainable changes to business events across Canada.

Thompson Okanagan Featured in the National Climate League 2023 Report

The 6th edition of the National Climate League Standings report by the National Climate League (NCL) is now available. Explore data collected from over 50 municipalities, including those in the Thompson Okanagan. This data features detailed policy scans, data visualizations, and in-depth analysis.

Download your copy today to see the latest municipal climate action in Canada and the region.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Is Biosphere Certified

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is thrilled to have once again completed its annual Biosphere Certification Audit. This annual reporting provides the opportunity to review and confirm continuous improvement against the 17 Sustainable Development Goal Measures.

"The time to consider making change is behind us; our industry must work together to adopt practices and policies now that will protect and preserve the very experiences our residents value and that we invite visitors to enjoy," notes Walker-Matthews, "The responsibility is ours, individually, collectively and urgently."

Tourism businesses within the region can participate in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, which equips tourism businesses with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts.

Board Director Election Voting Begins October 1, 2024

Electronic voting for the TOTA Board Election will be open from October 1 to October 14, 4:30 pm.

Voting stakeholders received an email invite on October 1 from TOTA through Election Runner (noreply@electionrunner.com) with a link and instructions to vote for the board of directors.

There are a total of 12 board candidates for the 10 open positions. Each individual would be a tremendous asset to the TOTA board.

Candidates

For profiles of each candidate, go to TOTABC.org/agm.

Current directors, running for an additional term:

AJ Bachhal, Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
North Thompson
Accommodation

Mandi Carroll, Westbank First Nation
Central Okanagan
Other: Community

Kelley Glazer, Destination Osoyoos
South Okanagan
DMO

Kimo Linders, ERTCU Travel Group
All sub regions
Other: Receptive tour operator

Morgen Matheson, Tourism Shuswap / Columbia Shuswap Regional District
Shuswap
DMO

Ed Ratuski, YKA Kamloops Airport
South Thompson
Other - Transportation

Cassandra Zerebeski, Destination Silver Star
North Okanagan
DMO

New candidates:

Vicki Dalgleish, Sandman Hotel Group
North Thompson, South Thompson, Gold Country, North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, South Okanagan, and Similkameen
Accommodation

Lumin McCutcheon, Trails to the Boundary Society
Boundary Country
Other

Lara Pethybridge, Andrew Peller Ltd (Gray Monk, Sandhill, Black Hills, Tinhorn Creek, Red Rooster)
Central Okanagan, South Okanagan
Wine & Culinary

Natasha Rojas, Wine Tours Gone South
South Okanagan
Other - Tour operator

Colin Ross, Peak Cellars
Central Okanagan
Wine & Culinary

This is an outstanding list of candidates, and we look forward to announcing and welcoming the new board directors at the TOTA AGM on October 29.

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More Information

For questions, please email the TOTA Board Liaison at BoardLiaison@TOTABC.com.

Spring 2024 Beverage Industry Training Program Summary

The "Beverage Industry Training" (BIT) program, a collaborative initiative between the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Okanagan College, and an independent consultant, recently concluded with notable success. This comprehensive, two-week program aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of 20 participants within the South Okanagan beverage industry, covering wine, beer, and spirits and providing essential industry certifications. The BIT program participants included new hires in wineries, breweries, distilleries, and tasting rooms, owners of small wineries, and existing staff seeking foundational knowledge and opportunities for career advancement.

The BIT program combined practical skills, industry insights, and career development opportunities to address the critical need for skilled personnel retention and enhancement. Participants were taught and immersed in the South Okanagan beverage community, gaining exposure to grape varieties, production methods, and the regional context.

A panel of industry experts was consulted to develop the program’s curriculum, ensuring it met the current needs and standards of the South Okanagan beverage industry. The program also utilized Roots & Vines to transport participants to wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries. This arrangement allowed participants to gain hands-on learning experiences in various beverage production environments.

The program's comprehensive curriculum covered several key modules designed to equip participants with a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge essential for the beverage industry.

 Foundations for Industry Professionals

This module explored the unique flavor profile of the South Okanagan's beverage scene, delving into the region's history, terroir, and community connections. Emphasis was placed on customer service excellence to enhance guest experiences through effective communication and hospitality, preparing participants to handle challenging situations with professionalism. Additionally, this segment provided essential knowledge on financial literacy, compliance with regulations, and navigating licensing and safety protocols.

Teamwork and Collaboration

The Teamwork and Collaboration module focused on fostering positive relationships with colleagues and industry partners. Training included conflict resolution and team-building techniques, enabling participants to work cohesively in a professional environment.

Storytelling and Sales

This segment highlighted the construction of compelling sales narratives using traditional storytelling techniques. Participants learned to share regional stories effectively, engaging customers and enhancing their sales strategies.

Retention Strategies for Employers

In this module, strategies for employee engagement, career pathways, and promoting work-life balance were discussed to enhance job satisfaction and retention. The content aimed at helping employers develop a supportive and motivating work environment.

Challenges and Adaptability

Lastly, the Challenges and Adaptability module prepared participants to handle emergency protocols during wildfire seasons, manage air quality issues, and support community resilience during challenging times. This training was crucial for ensuring that participants could maintain operations and support their communities in the face of adversity.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One participant remarked, "Such a great introduction to the field of the Beverage Industry. Can’t say enough about the two weeks of classes and field trips. Everything about this course was perfect!! Loved it!"

Participants completed the program with a robust understanding of the beverage industry specific to the South Okanagan region. They were equipped to solve real-world challenges in winemaking, brewing, and distillation, manage beverage-related projects effectively, and appreciate the significance of sustainable practices for long-term success.

Building on the initial program's success, plans are underway for a Tier 2 program that will offer more advanced skills and leadership development. This upcoming program will explore craftsmanship and quality assurance, covering advanced winemaking, brewing, and distillation techniques to ensure precision, consistency, and excellence. Participants will stay updated on industry trends and innovation and learn to implement the best product development and marketing practices. Leadership and mentorship will be key components, focusing on effective management strategies, developing mentorship programs, and fostering a learning culture. Business sustainability and succession planning will be emphasized to ensure business continuity and growth, preparing participants for leadership transitions. Advanced retention strategies for employers will also be included, covering talent development, recognition programs, and employee wellness initiatives. Additionally, the program will address challenges and resilience, helping participants adapt to climate variability, plan for emergency preparedness, and strengthen community support during difficult times.

The successful completion of the Beverage Industry Training program highlighted its value in cultivating an appreciation for the beverage industry and its impact on local culture. By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge, the BIT program has significantly contributed to the professional growth of individuals and the overall enhancement of the South Okanagan beverage industry. 

Future Programs

Based on the success of the Spring 2024 Beverage Industry Training Program, a secondary Fall 2024 intake has been created. Interested parties are invited to watch the TOTA Industry Training Centre to learn about ongoing, and future upcoming training programs.

Get Involved: Help Shape the Future of the TNRD Parks and Trails System

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is inviting residents to take a short survey about their experiences at the park to help shape the future of TNRD parks and trail systems.

The Parks and Trails Strategic Plan will evaluate the existing assets, designate community or regional parks, identify opportunities for future development, and more.

The survey is open until October 7, 2024. Read more about the strategic plan and take the survey.

Local Escapes: Similkameen Valley

Join Liem Vu and Local Escapes and experience Keremeos fruit stands, The Grist Mill and Gardens, a horseback winery tour with Equines and Wine, and more in the Similkameen Valley.

Add tags for

• Any relevant companies: DBC, Destination Canada, TIABC etc.

• Any relevant sub regions: North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, South Okanagan, Similkameen, North Thompson, South Thompson, Gold Country, Boundary Country, Shuswap

• Sectors

• Wine & Spirits

• Accommodation

• Transportation

• Outdoor Adventures

• CDMOs

Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Showcasing Grand Forks Recovery From 2018 Floods

In 2018, the spring thaw caused intense flooding in Grand Forks, B.C. Many people lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Six years later, the community has come a long way towards recovery and built up resilience to handle extreme weather in the future. A video release from the Government of BC shows the extraordinary efforts, and stories on the path to future flood mitigation, and how far they have come, in the city of Grand Forks.

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Business and Workforce Survey

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is inviting businesses, residents, and local workers to complete a short survey to understand the needs of local businesses and the workforce, as well as the perceptions of business owners and employee’s regarding working and doing business in the region.

Survey respondents can enter to win one of two $150 prepaid Visas or one of two $100 local business gift baskets.

The survey is open until September 30, 2024.

Funding Opportunities Available

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation has made a list of available funding opportunities for eligible businesses, organizations, and communities.

ETSI-BC Fall 2024 Funding Intake

The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior has announced its fall funding intake with $625,000 available this funding cycle for different projects.

Local communities, First Nations, economic development organizations, and industry groups within the Southern Interior of British Columbia are eligible to apply.

BCTCRI: Project One Fall Application Intake is Now Open

Project One of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)– Facilitated Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning for Tourism Businesses, provides free support to BC-based tourism businesses looking to include sustainability measures into their operations, strategy, and storytelling.

Applicants are connected with a program advisor who will work one-on-one with businesses to help them develop a customized plan to improve sustainability within their operations.

The Fall 2024 intake is now open and accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tourism Kamloops Launches New Website & Brand Refresh

Tourism Kamloops has announced the official launch of the brand-new website and refreshed Tourism Kamloops brand.

The new website features images and videos as well as increased mobile optimization for more mobile-friendly browsing.

The refreshed branding, including colours, language, and logos, reflects the true nature of Kamloops - rugged landscapes, sunny skies, wide open spaces, and a vibrant blend of urban culture.

Learn more about the full Tourism Kamloops brand refresh.