Our Speaker Series is proudly presented by OC School of Business. Through this Series, we aim to build on our core mission as being a catalyst of innovation, ideas, and connections where we advocate, collaborate, and deliver programs that accelerate better business, success, and growth.
We invite notable members of our communities from across the country and our own neighbourhoods to connect and speak on issues that matter, and influence our business success. These are people affecting change and having an impact on our business environments on a national, provincial, and regional scale.
We've heard from former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister Kevin Falcon; held forums for civic and provincial elections; had the privilege of hearing from local leaders, like Chief Robert Louie; and amplify voices for inclusive change, like Darrien McWatters.
Watch this space for more dates and speaker announcements as they become available, and please contact us with questions.
Mayor Tom Dyas is our first to present in the Chamber's 2025 Speaker Series with his State of the City on Wednesday February 12, 2025.
Mayor Tom Dyas, City of Kelowna
Mayor in one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Tom has led efforts since 2022 to address key social, safety, housing and transportation issues impacting the community. Under his leadership, Kelowna City Council has delivered results on key initiatives, including the implementation of rapid safety net housing through the Province's HEART and HEARTH programs, the addition of complex care facilities and services to support vulnerable residents with significant mental health and addiction challenges, advanced major transportation projects and service-based budgeting.
A strong advocate for public safety and responsible policy, Mayor Dyas has been a leading voice in BC on the need for decriminalization policies to balance public safety, advocating for restricting public drug use in sensitive areas such as playgrounds. His commitment to community safety also led to the creation of the Mayor’s Task Force on Crime Reduction, which provides Council with recommendations for community-driven crime reduction initiatives in Kelowna as well as the Community Task Force on Performing Arts which provides recommendations to Council to advance the redevelopment of the Kelowna Community Theatre.
Tom has over 36 years in the insurance and financial industry and his company has won numerous awards for customer service, growth of business and client retention. He has always been actively involved in the community, coaching local soccer clubs and sitting on the Boards of Kelowna Minor Hockey, the Okanagan College Advisory Board, and the Child Advocacy Centre. He also served as the Chair of the 2020 Memorial Cup Bid Committee and two terms as President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.
Purchase Deadline: Tickets MUST be purchased before NOON on Friday February 7, 2025
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be by NOON on Friday February 7th to be subject for a refund
The Okanagan School of Business provides a career-oriented and innovative approach to education so that learners of various ages, experience levels, and cultures succeed. Their unique business programs have a strong focus on integrating theory and subject-matter knowledge with practical applications through business competitions, community-based course projects and work experiences. OC School of Business Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees, Business Administration Diplomas, and Business Administration Certificates are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).