Kelowna: The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce announces its annual call for nominations to its volunteer board of directors. Nominations close Sunday January 25 at 4:30p.m. Electronic voting opens Tuesday February 3, and closes on Sunday February 8.
Announcement of the 2026 Board, under incoming President Patrick Bobyn, will be made on February 11. Swearing in will follow at the Chamber AGM on Tuesday March 31, 2026.
Derek Gratz, incumbent President of the Chamber says, “It is with pride and gratitude that I reflect back on 2025: first, that the year sped by, building great memories of our members’ accomplishments in the face of economic tension and challenges in Canada – and how I now am looking forward as we welcome new people to write our continuing history as we enter our 120th year.”
Incoming President Patrick Bobyn is also keen when contemplating 2026 at the Chamber. “We know we will have a partly new, partly seasoned board in 2026, as we move forward. The year will hold economic unknowns for our members with a continuation of tariff uncertainty. There are predictable issues municipally and provincially, as well as nationally as well as new unknowns – and through it all, the continuity of the Chamber as we celebrate our 120th anniversary all year long. I’m honoured to be slated as incoming President at such a notable time.”
Chamber directors are volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds who establish the strategic direction for the organization in accordance with its bylaws. Anyone interested in applying to join the Board in 2026 can refer to pertinent information on the Chamber website: https://www.kelownachamber.org/connect/board-of-directors/nominations/ or contact the CEO, George Greenwood, at the Chamber.