There are signs that the economy is starting to turn around, but things are still sluggish. What better time for B.C. businesses to take advantage of new opportunities? And experienced, successful business owners can help you navigate through these challenging times.

That’s the message from Kari Yuers, president and CEO of Kryton International Inc. and chair of the Leadership and Management Development Council of B.C. Yuers will be speaking on Nov. 4 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre from 2–7:30 p.m. There is a $50 cost to this afternoon of roundtable discussions which will include dinner. To register call 250-492-4103.

Yuers, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, will be the keynote speaker at this upcoming business forum on “Leadership Tactics for Challenging Times.” The forum will provide business owners and managers with practical advice and information to help them guide their companies through the current economic downturn and recovery.

Yuers and other speakers will share stories on how they’ve grown their companies and some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way, including a series of roundtable discussion about the issues facing business owners today.

Other guest speakers include John Rose, CEO of Nuheat Industries, maker of electric floor heating systems, and Rod Nicolls, co-owner of Urban Impact Recycling, a multi-material recycling company. On the agenda we also have a panel of local business owners: Crystal Froese, Dunham and Froese Estate Winery; Matthew Hay, Rivendell Homes; and Andy McEachern, McCoy Corporation (Peerless Trailers).

Yuers says innovative thinking and keeping ahead of changes in the marketplace are among the strategies that have helped her company grow through good times and bad. “The key is to make sure your company is well-positioned to take advantage of the downturn,” she said.

Kryton International is a Vancouver-based company that develops and manufactures concrete waterproofing products and systems for the industrial market.

The forum is an initiative of the Leadership and Management Development Council of B.C. and the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen and the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

New Members

n The Medicine Shoppe, located at 108-2210 Main St., promises to provide you with the products, services and information you need to care for your family with confidence. The Medicine Shoppe pharmacy focuses on prescriptions, medication management, health-related products and a variety of programs and services. Michael Kidd can be reached at 250-276-3876. They have a great website at www.medicineshoppe.ca.

n Curves Penticton, located at 128-197 Warren Ave. East, offers a 30-minute full-body workout for women looking to become fitter and feel healthier. Come into Curves and Lynn Allin will take you through a program that is designed especially for women. Call her at 250-490-4993 or visit the website: www.curves.com.

n Located at 85 Westminster Ave. East, Burger 55 is offering classic gourmet burgers, mainly for takeout. Their burgers are made in house with all fresh ingredients. Visit Burger 55 and Chris Boehm or Steve Jones will make you the best hamburger you have ever tasted. Call 778-476-5529 for more information or visit the website at www.burger55.com.

n Valley Bookkeeping and Office Management offers bookkeeping with additional expertise such as tracking and reporting to meet management and banking needs. Contact Gloria Tollenaar in Okanagan Falls by calling 250-462-0246 to discuss your bookkeeping requirements. Gloria can also be reached at tollenaa@telus.net.

Atom Renovations offers complete home interior and exterior renovations as well as small commercial renovations, home additions and garages. To receive an estimate on renovations you need completed please call Attila Mezei at 250-487-0577 or by email: atomrenos@telus.net.

Lorraine Renyard is the general manager of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.