United Way’s Youth in Action Venture Program provides one-time grants of $1,200 to local youth-led social programs, encouraging leadership amongst our youth while benefiting the community. Youth aged 14-23 team-up in groups and work with local schools or non-profit organizations to develop tailored programs, which support youth in our community. The youth projects are implemented and documented throughout the year. Participants receive support and mentorship by local business people and philanthropists.

The objective of this initiative is to inspire youth to get involved, raise awareness and inspire social change while connecting youth in the community to the United Way’s vision and mission.  Not only do they develop leadership skills, they also develop self-confidence and an understanding of the importance of volunteerism and community involvement.

If successful, the Youth in Action Venture Program will allocate the entire grant to their chosen youth orientated programs within our community. Vote now. www.refresheverything.ca/unitedyouthinaction

The Youth in Action Venture Program is just one of the initiatives led by the United Way. Known for its role as a fundraising organization, the United Way raises funds for registered non-profit organizations in our community based on the most pressing needs identified by local residents. Our United Way funds 27 organizations in the Central Okanagan and another 14 in the South Okanagan/Similkameen. All money raised by your United Way stays in our community.

In its role, the United Way handles all of the marketing and fundraising for the organizations they support. Not only does this help to keep costs down, as each of the 41 organizations do not need to take on these initiatives themselves, it also provides the opportunity for the community to rally behind one goal for the good of all these non-profit organizations. Some of the key social issues United Way focuses on include: assisting seniors to age with dignity and purpose, supporting youth and families to be healthy and strong, supporting people living with health conditions and special needs and assisting people struggling with poverty and with abuse.

For more information about the Youth in Action Venture Program or information on how you can get involved with the United Way, please visit their website at www.unitedwaycso.com

The Kelowna Community Food Bank has been dedicated to providing healthy food to local families and individuals since it was founded in 1983.  To keep pace with the changing needs of our community, their mission has grown to “assist in alleviating chronic hunger and poverty in the Central Okanagan.”  The Kelowna Community Food Bank has moved from providing emergency food needs for the community through a local church basement to helping 40, 000 persons including 10,000 children through the distribution of over $2.5 million in food each year.

Donations to the Food Bank have helped the residents in our community who would otherwise go hungry. To appropriately recognize donors the Kelowna Community Food Bank is considering the development of a donor recognition program. As part of the development process, the Food Bank is gathering the thoughts and opinions of current individual and corporate donors and prospective donors. Your responses will help shape the Food Bank’s donor recognition program.

We ask you to please take a few minutes of your time and respond to the Kelowna Community Food Bank Donor Recognition Survey.

Opportunity:
Doug Oakley’s desire to travel across Canada on his Harley-Davidson to honour his family history, from his father’s birthplace in Cranbrook British Columbia, to his mother’s in Mt. Pearl Newfoundland. Doug was diagnosed with ALS in December 2008 and he is passionate about providing support and care for ALS patients and their family.

When the opportunity presented itself, it was one the Touchpoint team was eager to be involved with. For the ride across Canada, nicknamed C2C4ALS, the team at Touchpoint Agency has used all their talents.

It started by the Touchpoint team working with Doug Oakley and his group at Compassionate Care ALS in Boston Massachusetts, to define the objectives for the ride, the donation strategy that would support 12 organizations between Canada and the US, key messages development, planning and coordination for the entire project.

With the framework in place, Alison Thompson, Account Manager and communications specialist at Touchpoint, then started making contact to gain support from Harley-Davidson dealerships and motorcycle dealers throughout Canada willing to lend their locations to events and promote the ride to their customers; Best Western Hotels across the country willing to provide accommodation; and ALS Societies in each of the provinces to coordinate events, public relations and opportunities. Even working hard with the Toronto Blue Jays to make magic happen when the Jays face Doug’s home team, the Boston Red Sox, the same day Doug and his entourage ride into Toronto.

Touchpoint Agency also took up the challenge of integrating online efforts and social media into the communications plan. The website doug-oakley.com, provides a blog for Doug to share his ride across Canada, donation portals to each of the organizations in Canada and the US, guest book and comments sections for supporters to share words of encouragement and their experiences of meeting Doug as well as media support and details of his previous and future endeavours.

With assistance and encouragement, media throughout the country have supported the ride including national and local TV stations, online media portals, print and radio.

Twitter was utilized to rally interest across the country as well as within the ALS and Harley-Davidson motorcycle communities.

Links off personal Facebook accounts allowed Doug’s supporters to share the story and regular updates of the ride, with links back to the website to encourage their friends to be involved.

There are so many spin offs that make the trip a success that go far beyond the planned objectives. From Frank in Kelowna, who came out to an event to share his story of his journey with ALS and was able to find a connection to get him back in a boat on the water, to Gloria who shares Doug’s love of the open road and Harley’s and found a connection with Doug. For Doug being able to connect with the provincial ALS Societies which, like Compassionate Care ALS, provide support for families and ALS patients, and to share ideas and opportunities to work together. The results are far deeper and more personal for C2C4ALS.

Donate now to help those living with ALS and their families.

The Studio and Farm Tour brochure is available at a number of local accommodators and tourism operators in the Kelowna area; in total 75,000 of the brochures have been printed for distribution. The brochure can be picked up at the Kelowna Visitor Centre Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, and on weekends/holidays from 9 am to 6 pm. It is also available at the Visitor Information Kiosk in the arrivals area of the Kelowna International Airport as well as in electronic form on Tourism Kelowna’s website at http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/thingstodo/selfguidedtours.php.

Touchpoint is pleased to have worked with the partnership of Tourism Kelowna and Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission  (EDC) on this popular communications tool.

Managing Director, Laura von Krosigk spent days hanging out in grocery stores watching the customers – their behaviours, what were in their baskets and what did they buy. Nothing better to do? Not likely.

Touchpoint CEO, Tammy Moore rarely rides up a ski lift without chatting with her seatmates, finding out what brought them to the experience, where they came from, how they found out about the local secret, what they like best and where they are staying. Nosy? Maybe a little.

Touchpoint believes that to articulate a brand and develop a sound brand strategy, it is critical to understand the experience and qualities that make a brand unique. Clients can provide great information about their business, and with assistance, can often express the desired positioning they would like for their brand, but it is almost impossible for them to present an unbiased view of their existing brand.

With each client the research component is carefully designed to capture as much information and insight as possible. Generally a complement of primary and secondary research is used to round out the picture. Budget also plays a part in what types of research are used as well as how many respondents are involved.

As for Sue, she immersed herself in the brand when she stayed overnight at a Retirement Residence that Touchpoint was rebranding. Her dinner companions were a wonderful couple who invited her to their wedding as they renewed their vows after 60 years. She gathered great information and insights that would never have been revealed if she hadn’t done such in-depth, experiential research.

Laura learned the customers really appreciated the ‘garden fresh’ experience of shopping in the chain of produce stores, and that there were nuances with customers in each location. The information dramatically shaped the marketing efforts used for the stores.

Tammy used the likes and dislikes gained from the ski hill to inform the work Touchpoint does for tourism and real estate clients.

Research serves such a valuable and grounding foundation to all marketing efforts and is an incredibly critical component to inform the process.

This event was even more special as Frank and Enid never had the big white wedding that they had hoped they would.  Their story began just after the war had ended and Frank came home to Enid. They were making wedding plans. The date had been set and the bride-to-be had purchased fabric for her gown.  Frank began looking for an apartment and enlisted the help of his sister. His sister did find them an apartment but there was a catch – the landlord would only rent to married couples.

“Why wait?” they thought and with that cancelled their wedding. Enid gave away the fabric she had purchased for her gown and instead wore a skirt and blouse. It was not the wedding that they had planned but they got married and most importantly they were happy. And yes, they got the apartment.

When the staff at Lakeshore Place heard their story they knew exactly what to do. Known for their monthly themed buffet dinners, they began planning a wedding theme for their June buffet.  And before they knew it, businesses in the community were getting on board to help Frank and Enid have the big white wedding of their dreams.

Georgie’s Bridal provided Enid with a beautiful wedding gown. The dress needed to be shortened and B’Weave It’r Knot graciously made the necessary alterations.  Flowers were donated by Creations by Mom & Me, and a staff member at Creations By Mom & Me was so moved by Frank and Enid’s story that she offered to make the wedding cake. Avalon Party rentals provided the arbor and it was filled with fresh roses from the gardens at Lakeshore Place.

Sixteen members of Frank and Enid’s family enjoyed an early dinner in the Lakeshore Place Private Dining Room and then adjourned so that the couple could get changed into their wedding finery. Music by ‘Just 4 You’ filled the mezzanine after the buffet dinner in preparation of the big event.

Reverend Gordon Fletcher, who leads the weekly Friendship Group at Lakeshore Place, officiated the service. The groom was escorted into the room by their daughter, Pat, and the radiant bride was escorted by their two sons, Frank Jr. and John. And among family and friends, Frank and Enid renewed their vows and had the wedding they always wanted.

Congratulations Frank and Enid!

Doug will be starting out from Vancouver, British Columbia on June 29 and ending in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland on July 17.

Events are being planned at motorbike dealerships across the country. By having a central location in each community Doug reaches, groups can come together to offer their encouragement, to learn more about ALS and to join him for portions of the ride.

There is a strong network of riders, and the support they offer one another is incredible. Doug is the poster boy for a motorbike rider – a professional during the week, and an adventurer on the weekends. The guys and gals who ride relate to Doug as a person and share his fears of the loss of freedom that will come as his ALS progresses.

Patients with ALS and their families will be able to come out to share their stories.

Provincial ALS Societies will be on hand at many of the stops, to provide information about the services they offer.

Currently events are planned for:

June 28 | Vancouver -Best Western

June 29 | Vancouver -Trev Deeley Harley-Davidson,  ALS BC

June 29 | Kamloops -Kamloops Harley-Davidson

June 30 | Kelowna

July 1 | Kelowna -Kreater,  Best Western Kelowna

July 2| Cranbrook

July 3 | Calgary -Calgary Harley-Davison,  ALS Alberta,  Best Western

July 3 | Edmonton

July 5 | Regina -Prairie Motorcycle, Best Western

July 6 | Winnipeg

July 7 | Thunder Bay -Thunder Bay Harley-Davidson

July 8 | Sudbury -The Shop Harley-Davidson

July 9 | Barrie -Barrie Harley-Davidson

July 9 | Owen Sound -Fox Harley-Davidson Buell

July 9 | London -Rocky’s Harley-Davidson

July 9 | Toronto -Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays (Rogers Centre)

Hotels often have a Harley-friendly program, offering secure parking for bikes, towel service and a reduced room rate. When the hoteliers learn of Doug’s efforts, they are going a step further and extending accommodations to support him and help offset the costs of the ride. Their generosity and hospitality is wonderful and greatly appreciated.

Corporate sponsors are coming along for the ride. Modu-Loc Fence Rentals and Paramount Pallet have both contributed substantially to C2C4ALS, and are sponsoring the build of a website that will allow Doug to blog along the ride, tally the donations and provide an online community for people wanting to follow and support the journey across Canada. The site is being built with the long-term vision of tracking this and other projects that Doug lends his energies to.

Doug will be riding into Toronto on July 9, the same night Toronto Blue Jays open the series against Doug’s home team, the Boston Red Sox. The Toronto Blue Jays are providing autographed memorabilia to Doug so that it can be auctioned off at events along the ride. Baseball great, Lou Gehrig had ALS so Doug’s story hits a sweet spot with the Jays.

As the start of the ride draws closer, momentum is building in support of C2C4ALS. Doug’s brother-in-law, Trent, will be joining him for the trip across western Canada, and trading off with Doug’s brother, Terry, when they hit Toronto. As soon as Geoff Thompson of Ilderton, Ontario, heard about Doug’s ride, he volunteered to ride a leg of the trip through Ontario, and he has been rallying his local dealership and friends to join. Geoff has never met Doug, but he was moved by his story, wants to do something to support C2C4ALS and loves any opportunity to go for a ride.

With Doug’s cross-border connections, donations for the ride can be made to ALS Canada, who will be sharing the proceeds with Provincial ALS Societies that provide care for patients and their families living with ALS. On the American side, Doug’s charity of choice, CCALS (Compassionate Care ALS) will be assisting with offsetting some of the costs of C2C4ALS, and will use the rest of the funds to support American and Canadian patients and families living with ALS.

To do a ride like this takes an entire team of people offering their support and encouragement, everyone’s efforts are deeply appreciated. If you would like to be a part of C2C4ALS, please contact Alison Thompson –alison@touchpoint-agency.com for information.

Why?
1. Access to market – Corporations and government agencies that exercise supplier diversity programs require WBE certification. It just so happens, that for an organization to implement a supplier diversity program, they care about their local and global communities and are willing to put a stake in the ground. These organizations are the perfect target market for Touchpoint.

2. Connections – Any business comes easier when a warm introduction exists. WBE certification allows for a common ground and provides the platform for businesses to connect locally, nationally and internationally.

National | WEConnect Canada offers great opportunities for their certified WBE’s to come together to do business with one another, and also to partner to be able to access larger contracts.

At the Vancouver WEConnect Reception Tammy Moore, CEO of Touchpoint Agency was in attendance to receive the WBE Certificate. Almost 90 attendees had the opportunity to find out more about the program, to hear from women who have very successful companies that have had their WBE certification for over a year, and to be introduced to the newly certified WBEs. The Globe & Mail reported on this event and the program.

International | WEConnect Canada has worked with their American counterpart, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) to ensure that the Canadian certification is accepted through as a WBENC affiliate. This is very important as it provides access to the American companies and government agencies that are part of the older and much larger American program.

3. Training, coaching and mentoring – Although Touchpoint already works with national clients across Canada, and into the UK, from our experience, it is very helpful to have the support to enter into new markets. WEConnect Canada provides training and opportunities to access other networks and markets.

In June 2010, Touchpoint will be attending the WBENC Conference in Baltimore as part of the Canadian Trade Mission. The support that is offered to delegates will greatly improve the chances to seize significant opportunities, whether through pre-conference awareness and support, corporate introductions, delegate specific events or support from previous attendees partners.

Touchpoint is pleased to be the first company in the Interior of British Columbia, to have gone through the process and gained WBE certification.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

WEConnect Canada
WEConnect Canada is a Canadian non-profit organization that opens doors to new supply chains. Led by corporate members, it certifies firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women and connects them with the growing global demand from corporations and the public sector for diverse and innovative suppliers. The organization partners with corporations, associations, governments, women entrepreneurs and their supporters, and is affiliated with a global certification network for women-owned enterprises.

In addition to certification, WEConnect Canada delivers education, training, coaching and mentoring programs that are essential for Canadian women business enterprises to bid successfully on large contracts. This support contributes to significant growth for women’s businesses. The organization also facilitates the building of strong networks for women by connecting them both with procurement officers of top corporations and with other certified firms in order to enhance bidding capacity.

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is dedicated to advancing the success of Corporate Members, certified women’s business enterprises, and government entities in partnership with its Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs).

Women’s Enterprise Centre
Women’s Enterprise Centre provides training, mentorship and funding to women in the Province of British Columbia who are starting and growing their companies.

Under contract to WEConnect Canada, Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC) is completing the certification process for businesses in British Columbia.

Quality Greens Farm Market has taken this phrase to heart over the past 14 years and the community is noticing.

One consideration in every decision Quality Greens makes, is the impact their actions ultimately have on our environment and community. And it is because of this type of thinking that the City of Vernon has recognized Quality Greens with the 2010 Sustainable Business Seed Award.

Specifically what has Quality Greens done?

In recent years, each location has provided 100% biodegradable plastic shopping bags to customers. While this was an improvement over previous plastic bags, Quality Greens went one step further this past year making a commitment to work on eliminating all plastic shopping bags from their stores.

To support this commitment, Quality Greens has changed other in-store behaviours; they keep a stock of reusable shopping bags made from 100% recyclable materials and provide recycled cardboard boxes free of charge to customers. Within each deli department, all take away containers and cups have been switched to products made from biodegradable and compostable eco materials. Quality Greens even operates an in-house recycling program for all recyclable materials such as cardboard, paper and plastic.

But their efforts don’t stop at the door.

Local farmers and growers are provided compostable waste materials and our furry friends at the local SPCA receive unsellable food for their meals.

Quality Greens also supports community sustainability initiatives, including Earth Day, Bike to Work Week, Commuter Challenge, Clean Air Day, Car Free Day, River’s Day and the Carpool Challenge.

Touchpoint is very proud to work with Quality Greens on their communications strategies as they continue to engage in sustainable practices that improve our community. Congratulations on this recognition.

INDUSTRY

American Marketing Association | BC Chapter
Vision 2010 Conference: Reset
www.bcama.com/events/vision_conference/2010/default.htm
The theme for the 20th Annual VISION Conference was Reset. The speakers of VISION 2010 examined the opportunities of a reset culture. For marketers, the recent recession represents a fundamental reset/shift in consumer behaviours, attitudes and business practices. As marketers, this constantly shifting environment means that we need to adapt now or risk being left behind. Speakers discussed how successful companies must adapt, and even capitalize on these changes, and explore the important roles that innovation and creativity can play in helping brands experience extraordinary momentum in the swell of an impending market upturn.

Design Week | Design Currency: Icograda Design Week In Vancouver
www.designweekvancouver.ca
Cur”rency\ The state or quality of being current; general acceptance or reception; a passing from person to person, or from hand to hand.
Design has the power to influence our core values, our identity, our expectations and our worldview. Design brings clarity and enhances meaning. Design Currency 2010 offered designers, business leaders and government the opportunity to experience current design thinking. Reshape your understanding of the value of design.

2nd Thursday | Kelowna & Okanagan Marketing, Creative & Media Society
www.2ndthursday.ca
We attended the inaugural event for this newly established organization that seeks to bring professionals together in our industry.

SOCIAL CONSCIENCE

Sustainable Communities Forum | Leadership in Changing Times
www.marketingforsocialchange.com/sustainability-in-business-and-community
How economic, environmental, social and cultural goals can be accomplished in tandem to achieve community sustainability. The event included a panel discussion and the opportunity to hear how various organizations are focusing on sustainability in a number of different ways.

United Nations Informal Regional Network 2010 | Global Citizen Week
www.globalcitizenkelowna.org
The Canadian UN-Informal Regional Network 2010 was held in conjunction with Global Citizen Kelowna Week. Canadian NGOs with Special Consultative Status with the UN’s Economic and Social Council as well as other Canadian NGOS were invited to work toward the realization of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

United Way | Annual General Meeting
www.unitedwaycso.com
The event was an opportunity to hear how our community came together over the past year to support the United Way and the important work they do in our community.

Success By 6 | Milk & Cookies: There’s more to a Sandbox than Sand
www.marketingforsocialchange.com/success-by
United Way’s Success By 6 initiative has taken these lessons to heart and has brought together a compassionate group called FRED, Funding Really Early Development, a sandbox (or table) of investors, including foundations, business and government. This unique partnership fosters mutually beneficial funding partnerships for high impact early childhood development projects in the Central Okanagan.

CATCH | Community Action Towards Children’s Health Forum
www.catchcoalition.ca
CATCH (Community Action Toward Children’s Health) hosted an event in Kelowna at the Coast Capri Hotel called Neurons to Neighbourhoods.

Building Healthy Families | Tree of Hope Press Conference
www.marketingforsocialchange.com/building-healthy-families-2
Building Healthy Families Society of Kelowna has received an incredible boost as this year’s Tree of Hope recipient. The Tree of Hope, in partnership with Landmark Centre and TD Canada Trust, donate funds each year to local charitable organizations, and this year chose Building Healthy Families Society as the recipient of $30,000. This is the largest single donation provided to Building Healthy Families in its 22 year history.

EXPANDING BOUNDARIES

WEConnect Reception
www.weconnectcanada.org
WEConnect represents a significant opportunity for women-owned businesses to pursue opportunities with companies that support supplier diversity programs. The reception, held at the offices of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin, was a well attended with women that represented organizations already registered, in the process and wanting more information. Touchpoint Agency CEO, Tammy Moore was present to receive our certification.

Women’s Enterprise Centre | BDC: The Power of Women in Business
www.womensenterprise.ca
Jo-Ann Chubb shared the inner workings of the Olympics in her role in the lead up to the Vancouver Olympics and then lead on the Opening and Closing ceremonies. We heard the inside scoop!

UBC Distinguished Speaker Series: David Dodge | Emerging from the Recession: The Road Ahead
www.web.ubc.ca/okanagan/publicaffairs/speakers/david-dodge.html
David Dodge spoke about Canada’s post-recession prospects followed by questions from the audience in a special evening of conversation with the former Governor of the Bank of Canada.

EVENTS

Thai : Tran Wedding
www.limelightstudios.ca/blog
And of course… Our very own Thuy’s wedding. This wonderful celebration of Thuy and Lang brought together family and friends from around the world. The invitation to those of us with the privilege of working with Thuy speaks to our close working environment. Interesting, some of the Touchpoint-ers were the last to leave!

Sparkling Hill Resort Grand Opening
www.synergyevents.ca
www.limelightstudios.ca/sparklinghill
www.sparklinghillphotos.com/grandopening/portraits
This wondrous event celebrated the commitment to a dream, and opening of the magnificent hotel and spa facility. We were very fortunate to be on the guest list for this much sought after event. Our longtime client, Synergy Events handled the management of this incredible program with entertainment from late afternoon to the wee hours of the morning.

OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Kelowna Art Gallery | Reception for the new Executive Director, Nataley Nagy
www.kelownaartgallery.com
A great event at the Kelowna Art Gallery bringing together members of the community to meet the new Executive Director, Nataley Nagy. Artist, Nobuo Kubota was in attendance as he was completing his installation for the upcoming exhibit, that was opening later in the week.

Art at Work: The Creative Economy in Kelowna
A Business Breakfast discussing the impact of arts and culture and the importance of a vibrant and dynamic cultural community in attracting the workers businesses want.
Featuring a conversation between: Robert Fine, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission; Bernard Momer, UBCO Professor and author of “The Creative Sector in Kelowna: An Economic Impact Assessment”; and Dave Krysko, Founder of Club Penguin

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce | Green Business Awards
www.kelownachamber.org
The Green Business Awards (formerly Eco-Nomics Awards) were created to recognize businesses and organizations in Kelowna who successfully implement environmentally sustainable practices in their business. The awards aim to further educate businesses in the Central Okanagan on the benefits of integrating green strategies in their business.

Vantage West Realty Business After Hours | Hosted at the Kelowna Art Gallery
www.vantagewestrealty.com
We joined our Ellis Street, downtown Kelowna neighbours from Vantage West in celebrating at the Kelowna Art Gallery. We were a little late to the party, but we enjoy being a part of our Kelowna Cultural District neighbourhood.