Frequently Asked Questions

Find Answers to Commonly Asked Questions regarding Membership

How will joining the Chamber benefit my business?

The Penticton Chamber benefits members in different ways, depending on their needs. We provide networking events fostering connection education, and collaboration, with members saying time and again how meeting other business owners and managers at our functions led to new business. The Chamber also advocates for change in order to make the local, provincial, and national business environment more friendly and positioned for success. Many members and small to medium sized enterprises take advantage of the Chamber Plan's health, dental, and life benefits that can only be accessed through the Chamber, and others say that being a member increases their profile in the community. The Chamber also provides multiple affordable avenues for business-to-business (B2B) advertising and marketing, as well as features a job board on their website and hosts job fairs to help with recruitment. For a more complete list of benefits, click here.

Is there a cost to attend a Business After Business?

Yes, there is a small fee for members and their employees to attend a BAB. Please note that the number of spots is limited to 2 people per business due to space and amount of food and beverage provided.

Members may also bring a non-member guest, who will be required to pay a drop-in fee.

How can I host a Business After Business?

Chamber Members can sign up to host a BAB (provided their property can accommodate 50 guests), and are responsible for offering complementary finger food/snacks and beverages. Chamber staff will answer any questions interested members may have, and can also assist with sourcing food, beverage, and/or entertainment providers to ensure a memorable experience for all who attend. The waitlist to host a BAB is generally a few months to a year, so members are encouraged to express their interest sooner than later. For more information, contact Terri at events@penticton.org.

What payment options for membership are available?

We offer two payment schedules, a full year or monthly payments. Note that renewals take place on January 1st of each year, and monthly payments are processed on the first business day of each month.

We also offer various ways to pay, including:

1. Online form with your Visa or MasterCard; or
2. In-person at the Chamber Office where you can pay with Visa, MasterCard, Cash or Cheque.

Click here to see all membership payment information including rates.

I am too busy to attend events. How else can I take advantage of my membership?

Taking advantage of our marketing channels and tools alone are worth the investment of your membership fees. On top of that we provide access to member benefits that you may not be able to negotiate on your own such as Group Health benefits and supplier discounts. We also are your eyes and ears in the community, keeping you up-to-date on current issues and advocating on behalf of the membership. We also offer educational events for you and your staff to optimize your operation wherever possible.

Are my employees able to access Member Discounts?

Yes, as a member, your employees are eligible to take advantage of all benefits, including supplier discounts. Member benefits are a great perk to share with your employees for retention, and also when recruiting new employees. To see current deals and discounts, click here.

What marketing tools will I have access to as a member?

1. New Member – Introduce your Business at a Business after Business event – FREE
2. Post the digital Chamber Member logo to your website and marketing materials – FREE
3. Add your Business to the Penticton Business Directory hosted on the Chamber website – FREE
4. New Member Scroll – new members are highlighted on the Chamber website for 3 months – FREE
5. Member2Member discount program space to post an offer to members on the Chamber website – FREE

Paid Marketing Opportunities:

1. eBlast – reach over 1,000 opted-in subscribers with your message – $95 per drop
2. Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebrations – $95 – $150
3. PREMIUM Listing on the Penticton Business Directory – $85 per year
4. Host a Business After Business Event at your Business – $100 to $300
5. Sponsorship Opportunities at Chamber events including signature Business Awards – cost varies

Note: 5% GST is added at time of purchase.

My business is located outside of Penticton? Can I still be a member?

Yes you can. We understand that not all businesses serving Penticton are always located in Penticton, so having a Chamber membership is a great way to connect with our business community and stay up-to-date with local issues and opportunities.

How long has the Penticton Chamber been involved in the community?

The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce has been active in the community since 1907!  We work hard to maintain our role as a respected community entity, and a valuable source of contacts and information for our members and the community at large.

What is the difference between the Penticton Chamber and Penticton's Tourism Society (Travel Penticton)?

The Penticton Chamber and Travel Penticton share similar economic goals for our members, but we are separate organizations, have different focuses, and separate memberships.

Travel Penticton develops tourism programs, operates visitor information centres, and promotes our City throughout Canada and the World with the goal of pulling visitors into the community.

The Chamber is focused on initiatives that strengthen our members such as networking events and advocacy, affordable business-to-business marketing, and providing discounts and greater purchasing options for items like group insurance, travel and accommodations, shipping, and other areas where we can combine all of our members together to achieve buying power similar to large corporations.

The Penticton Chamber and Travel Penticton are community partners, and, as such, collaborate together whenever possible for the betterment of both our memberships.

How does the Advocacy process work?

The Chamber is very active in advocating for items that would inevitably lead to an improved business environment and prosperity. We communicate with all levels of government, ensuring that they know both the needs and the recommendations of our members.

Members who have a concern with local, provincial, or federal government policy, regulation, or legislation, are invited to submit the details by logging into their profile here. Once submitted, the issue will be forwarded to our Advocacy committee, who will carefully research the issue and develop solution based recommendations. Together with the Board of Directors, an official stance is determined and the concern is advanced with the appropriate level of government and sometimes through the media as well.