Local Business

The Okanagan Science Centre added a 21-foot-long, 567-pound animatronic dyoplosaurus to its permanent exhibit to mark its 30th anniversary on Aug. 11, 2020. (OKS - Contributed)

3 Vernon attractions get provincial boost for COVID-19 recovery

Science centre, Splashdown among recipients of province’s $36M funding to bolster tourism

WorkBC Vernon is offering how they can support job seekers and employers, at a time of great shifts in the labour market, and why it’s best to look at the resources available sooner than later. (Black Press file photo)

Resources, support available for Vernon job seekers, employers

WorkBC Vernon says it can help, and that it’s best to access resources sooner than later

Robyn Cyr (left) and Janet Doyle are experienced consultants hired to help North Okanagan Shuswap businesses implement a re-opening strategy to help recover from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Contributed photos)

Advisors hired to help North Okanagan-Shuswap businesses recover post-COVID

Robyn Cyr and Janet Doyle will be available to help over the next nine months

Smoke was thick in Westwold Sunday, July 18 due to a wildfire burning near Douglas Lake. (Arlee Ryan Harvey photo)

Wildfire: 13 properties evacuated near Westwold

Another 213 on evac alert from nearby White Rock Lake fire

Smoke was thick in Westwold Sunday, July 18 due to a wildfire burning near Douglas Lake. (Arlee Ryan Harvey photo)
Jeremy Welder, BGC Okanagan CEO (left) and Jarrod Stocker, BGC Okanagan Facilities and Transportation Manager (right) painted the door leading to the youth shelter at the Downtown Youth Centre in Kelowna. (Submitted photo)

BGC Okanagan receives massive donation to help fight youth homelessness

The organization painted their door orange as part of Home Depot’s Orange Door Project

Jeremy Welder, BGC Okanagan CEO (left) and Jarrod Stocker, BGC Okanagan Facilities and Transportation Manager (right) painted the door leading to the youth shelter at the Downtown Youth Centre in Kelowna. (Submitted photo)
Dr. Gary Wessels has made it his goal in practice to help his patients create ideal dental health. (Contributed)

Small Business Spotlight: Proactivity key to Vernon dentist’s care plans

Columnist Sam McNair turns the spotlight on Gary Wessels Inc.

  • Jul 3, 2021
Dr. Gary Wessels has made it his goal in practice to help his patients create ideal dental health. (Contributed)
The Furniture Emporium (New and Used), a fixture in downtown Vernon on the corner of 31st Avenue and 34th Street since 1963, is closing permanently as current owner Tom Smith retires. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)

Vernon furniture store closing out

Furniture Emporium has been in business in downtown Vernon for 58 years; owner Tom Smith retiring

The Furniture Emporium (New and Used), a fixture in downtown Vernon on the corner of 31st Avenue and 34th Street since 1963, is closing permanently as current owner Tom Smith retires. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)
Closure of the 2900 block of 30th Avenue will allow restaurants and other businesses to extend their patios onto the street. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)

Main street closure aims to boost summer business in Vernon

30th Avenue closed today in preparation of 2900 Plaza opening July 1

Closure of the 2900 block of 30th Avenue will allow restaurants and other businesses to extend their patios onto the street. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)
Kimberley Kristiansen has retired from her executive director position at the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. (Contributed)

Lake Country Chamber looking for new executive director

Kristiansen retires after five years of boosting the business-advocacy group

Kimberley Kristiansen has retired from her executive director position at the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. (Contributed)
The Small Axe Roadhouse in Enderby is closing for a couple days during the heatwave. (Small Axe Facebook)

Heat wave closes down Vernon, Enderby restaurants

Jim’s Place and Small Axe say it’s too hot to cook

The Small Axe Roadhouse in Enderby is closing for a couple days during the heatwave. (Small Axe Facebook)
Eve-volve Wellness Nicole and Trevis Lucas opened shop in Vernon in January 2021. (Caitlin Clow - Vernon Morning Star)

Terminal diagnosis Eve-volves into Vernon business

Alternative medicine clinic a no-brainer for duo

Eve-volve Wellness Nicole and Trevis Lucas opened shop in Vernon in January 2021. (Caitlin Clow - Vernon Morning Star)
Poor David’s owner Karrie Peace and Salmon Arm store manager Monica Rhodes look forward to the new downtown Salmon Arm business’ soft opening on Friday, June 25. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)

VIDEO: New Salmon Arm gift shop a tribute to loving husband

Karrie Peace opens her third Poor David’s on June 25

Poor David’s owner Karrie Peace and Salmon Arm store manager Monica Rhodes look forward to the new downtown Salmon Arm business’ soft opening on Friday, June 25. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)
Vernon's Spiritleaf, at 2400 53 Ave., is preparing for a busy 4-20 on April 20, 2020, owner Sarah Ballantyne said. (Spiritleaf)

Vernon cannabis retailer says delivery service a long time coming

Added convenience expected to persuade buyers to ‘go legal’ says public health minister

Vernon's Spiritleaf, at 2400 53 Ave., is preparing for a busy 4-20 on April 20, 2020, owner Sarah Ballantyne said. (Spiritleaf)
Neil Perry, current owner of Wayside - Interior BC’s largest print and marketing company. Celebrating 100 years (1921-2021) of business in Vernon, B.C. (Contributed)

PHOTOS: A century of service from Wayside in Vernon

The press and printing company, founded by Harold George Bartholomew, turns 100 in 2021

Neil Perry, current owner of Wayside - Interior BC’s largest print and marketing company. Celebrating 100 years (1921-2021) of business in Vernon, B.C. (Contributed)
Closure of the 2900 block of 30th Avenue will allow restaurants and other businesses to extend their patios onto the street. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)

Green light given to downtown Vernon road closure

Single block of 30th Avenue to close over summer months to boost business

Closure of the 2900 block of 30th Avenue will allow restaurants and other businesses to extend their patios onto the street. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)
Carina Stokes, bar manager at Enderby’s Small Axe Bistro, was recognized as one of four exceptional B.C. restaurant workers by the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association Tuesday, June 8, 2021. (Contributed)

Enderby bar manager recognized as ‘stand-up’ B.C. restaurant worker

Small Axe Roadhouse’s Carina Stokes one of four to receive special recognition from the BCRFA

Carina Stokes, bar manager at Enderby’s Small Axe Bistro, was recognized as one of four exceptional B.C. restaurant workers by the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association Tuesday, June 8, 2021. (Contributed)
Chef Sascha Hillebrand will oversee operations at Nineteen05. (File photo)

Salmon Arm’s Prestige Harbourfront Resort welcomes new restaurant

After months of renovations, Nineteen05 Kitchen Raw Bar opens with international-inspired menu

Chef Sascha Hillebrand will oversee operations at Nineteen05. (File photo)
Michelle Leckie, owner of Okanagan Event Planners on 33rd Street in Vernon, has long been accustomed to a fast-paced work environment, which has come in handy as she designs weddings and events during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Brendan Shykora - Vernon Morning Star)

Women In Business: Vernon wedding planner finds the magic in small gatherings

Michelle Leckie, owner of Okanagan Event Planners, has faced industry-wide disruptions head-on

Michelle Leckie, owner of Okanagan Event Planners on 33rd Street in Vernon, has long been accustomed to a fast-paced work environment, which has come in handy as she designs weddings and events during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Brendan Shykora - Vernon Morning Star)
Anna Clarke, onsite service representative with Grainger Canada, services Armstrong to Penticton in various commercial industries. When she’s not keeping local companies stocked, she’s stocking her freezer with fish. (Contributed)

Grainger girls keep companies in sweet supply

Supporting mostly male-dominated industries, Anna and Sherry keep the workforce rolling

Anna Clarke, onsite service representative with Grainger Canada, services Armstrong to Penticton in various commercial industries. When she’s not keeping local companies stocked, she’s stocking her freezer with fish. (Contributed)
SilverStar Mountain Resort has reopened its bike parks Thursday, July 9, 2020. (Robb Thompson Photo)

$200K grant to boost SilverStar’s summer experience

Vernon’s ski resort to add new bike trail, enhance hiking trails

SilverStar Mountain Resort has reopened its bike parks Thursday, July 9, 2020. (Robb Thompson Photo)