We are up and running and ready for guest blogs. Yes, we are interested in what you have to say about matters related to entrepreneurism. This is your chance to share your expertise with our followers and the countless thousands that will want to follow us. Yes we are optimistic … after all we are entrepreneurs!

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If this blog entry is your first exposure to OVES (Okanagan Valley Entrepreneurs Society) then welcome! We are an Okanagan-based nonprofit society that was created a few years back to serve as a resource to entrepreneurs. At the time the society was created there was a definite need for what we have to offer. As the years have passed, OVES has evolved. Other organizations have increased their programs to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and business people.

Our focus is on developing entrepreneurial leadership and keeping entrepreneurism front and center. We are currently serving as a catalyst with the Okanagan Entrepreneurial Roundtable, where we have brought together local entrepreneurs & entrepreneurial/business leaders to draft an Okanagan strategy to take to government to make the Okanagan friendlier to conduct business in. [I wonder what the record is for saying the word “Okanagan” in one sentence is?]

As the Chairman of the OVES Board for the past two months one of my first tasks has been to rebuild our board of directors with highly skilled and motivated people. We have filled some key portfolios and are looking for volunteers to fill in other capacities.

My vision for OVES is to significantly increase our membership base and provide ample reasons for our members to renew. Having a strong membership, while adding to our coffers which allows us to provide more programming, also creates a synergy. The more members that we have, the larger pool of resources that we have to draw from. You can’t learn entrepreneurial leadership by osmosis. You have to get out there and lead … entrepreneurially! We have lots of opportunities to develop your entrepreneurial leadership skills at OVES. For example, I am looking for someone to report on all things entrepreneurial in the Okanagan to add to the OVES website to keep the content fresh. I have added an event calendar to the OVES site to provide promotional opportunities for business-related events around the Okanagan. It is a good way to raise awareness of our events as well. I am seeking someone who is interested in learning about Joomla event managing to take on the role of On-line Event Coordinator.

My vision also includes members working together collaboratively for mutual benefit. The days of the Lone Ranger entrepreneur have gone and we need to get comfortable with letting others know what our needs are and how others can help. You can grow your business while you help OVES grow as well. Ask us how.

OVES … driving the entrepreneurial spirit. Share the spirit with us!

Rae Stonehouse
Chairman OVES Board of Directors