A series of television episodes featuring one local business and a number of wineries should serve as an example of how Summerland can effectively market itself.

The series on Shaw Television and an episode of My Classic Car on the Speed channel will show the world some of the vintage vehicles at Nixdorf Classic Cars.

That by itself would be good promotion for the car museum, but the shows are also highlighting some of the local wineries.

The wineries are bringing tourists now, in much the same way as orchards and fruit stands attracted visitors in earlier decades.

This will show the viewers the mix of tourism and agriculture which are both found in the community and which can and must exist in harmony with each other.

In recent years, this spirit of harmony has sometimes been forgotten as land use disputes have pitted proponents of development and agricultural advocates against each other.

Summerland’s heritage is distinctly agricultural — a fact none of us should forget. Fruit production and fruit development have played important roles here for at least a century.

Today, there is a transition from fruit growing to wine production. This is a change from the orchard tradition of just a few decades ago, but continuing with Summerland’s agricultural emphasis.

The series on Shaw Television will promote Summerland as a tourist destination while celebrating its wineries and agricultural tradition.

This is a good example of how Summerland can build on its distinctive character and charm to promote itself.

There are many diverse facets to this community. With some creative thinking and discussion, it is possible to package them together in order to showcase Summerland as a unique and special place.