By Maxine DeHart

European Goldsmith has moved from Orchard Park Mall to new premises at #109 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ 2900 Pandosy Street on the corner of Pandosy and West Avenue. Owned and operated by John and Kim Berg, the new 2,700 square foot premises are bright and expansive with a wonderful destination for showcasing new jewellery collections. John has been a master goldsmith and custom designer for 31 years, also showcasing his own John Berg Originals. Forevermark Diamonds are hand-selected and made-up the top 1/3 percent of the world91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s most beautiful diamonds. World-wide, De Beers hand selects the retailers who may sell their famous Forevermark Diamonds and European Goldsmith is the only retailer in the valley and only one of four retailers in B.C. Call 250-860-6657 www.europeangoldsmith.com.

Avalon Event Rentals is celebrating their 25th anniversary. Originally owned by Brad and Colleen Gay, Brad and Angela Buchanan purchased the business in 2007. Avalon specializes in providing tent, wedding and event rentals. In 2011, they added Okanagan Portable Sign Rentals. With more inventory needed, they purchased the assets of Kelowna Party Rentals and invited former owner Gary Sweetman to join them as warehouse manager. In 2016 they expanded again, buying out Nor-Val Event Rentals in Vernon, keeping key employees including, co-owner Shelli Clipperton. Today Avalon is the largest event rental business in the B.C. Interior with the largest selection of event rental items and over 40 employees. On Sunday, June 11 at Mission Creek Park, they will be serving 2,500 pancakes and sausages to the Walkers of the JDRF/TELUS Walk from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 250-861-1575.

Congratulations to Karen Hawes, senior vice-president, culture and technology of Interior Savings Credit Union who has accepted the position of Chair of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce. Karen is also a director on the Canadian Chamber Board and formerly served on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce as President. khawes@interiorsavings.com.

Colin Edstrom has joined the firm of Pushor Mitchell Lawyers LLP as an associate lawyer. Colin advises and represents individuals and employers in labour and employment law, worker91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s compensation, occupational health and safety and human rights. Call 250-869-1114.

In 2013, Andre Brosseau acquired Lakeside Office Systems and changed the name to Innov8 Digital Solutions. Starting with 10 employees, servicing 600 customers in the Thompson/Okanagan, they have grown significantly to become one of the largest office equipment supplier in B.C., headquartered in Kelowna. With the acquisition in 2015 of the largest Sharp supplier in Victoria, a 2016 takeover of Unity Business Systems in Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River along with the purchase of Canon Canada91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s operations on the Island in early 2017, they are a company on the move. Innova8 now employ over 50 people and service approximately 5,000 copiers and printers in the valley and Vancouver Island, specializing in Canon, Lexmark, HP and Sharp. They also offer support services. Call 250-491-9545 www.innov8ds.ca.

Bryan Ford is the new General Sales Manager 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ Okanagan Division of Q103.1 and Power 104 radio stations in Kelowna and 1075 Kiss FM in Vernon. These stations are part of The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

Frakas, a shop for women at 3155 Lakeshore Road in the Mission Park Shopping Centre has a new owner. Carleigh Durette, who has relocated from Saskatoon, has purchased the shop from her aunt Colleen Becker who was the previous owner. The store has undergone minor renovations which are now complete and has a chic vibe. Frakas offers women91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s clothing and accessories, including some bras. Carleigh is looking to expand on the home-life style brand items, including Sunny Life beach brand towels and home décor. They also offer small gift items and are introducing new lines and expanding their swim suit selection. The grand opening is June 9 to 11. www.frakas.ca.

Canadian company, Pannizza, with an original custom build-your-own pizza and baked panini concept has opened in the food court in Orchard Park Mall. What Pannizza is best known for is their stone-baked dough that delivers a crust that91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Using locally sourced toppings and novel baked preparation times of only two minutes and 15 seconds, you can order from a set menu or customize your pizza or baked panini and receive your order in less than five minutes, eat in or take out. They also offer poutine (not deep fried) made with authentic Quebec curds, salads, dessert pizza and a large selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. You can also choose from a variety of doughs whether thin or regular. Pannizza stays inventive with an evolving menu that features healthy new choices and fun limited-time offerings. Robert Ban is the regional manager and Candace Suderman, who is a red seal chef, is the manager of Pannizza. Call 236-420-2102 www.pannizza.com.

Kelowna Self Storage Company has opened its new 157 stall RV Storage Centre at 3150 Sexsmith Road. The centre is designed to suit all sizes of standard and luxury RV91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s and is paved, secure, with easy access and on-site amenities. In addition to keypad entry and good lighting, the area also has 24/7 video surveillance, after hours security patrols and fencing with razor wire. The space will also feature wider, angled stalls and wider aisles as well as fresh water and a sani-dump. Users will have the option to be able to park their passenger vehicle in their RV stall when they head out. They are now taking reservations, which are expected to go quickly. Yvonne Rogers is the operations manager. Call 250-765-4125. www.spacecentrestorage.com.

Leon Gaba, owner of Mission Creek Wine Cellars at 3155 Lakeshore Road has sold his share in the business to move onto a new venture. Under the new ownership of Zhenqhan Peng, Mission Creek Wine Cellars will continue to provide customers with the high quality Winexpert wines that the store has become known for. Manager Milana Andreasen and vintner Jim McCormick will continue their superb customer service for all the clients. Mr. Peng has owned Wine Kitz on Cooper Road for the past 1-1/2 years. Leon will join his wife, Jaime Briggs with Briggs On Homes Group at Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty.

Happy 50th Anniversary Joe and Sharlene Limberger (June 10).

On Friday, June 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Potters Addict Ceramic Art Centre in the Rotary Centre for the Arts will be presenting a Raku firing. Join them for the fine art of firing pottery in an outdoor environment, featuring Raku by Bonnie Anderson and Anetta Sidorowicz. Raku is a complex firing technique. Potters Addict offer clay classes to adults and children all year long. Go play with them in the mud. Call 250-763-1875 or pottersaddict@shawbox.ca.

Francis Cheng of Scotia Macleod is spearheading the 2017 End Summer Hunger Campaign in support of the Salvation Army Food Bank. With the support of the Scotiabank Kelowna Area Charity Committee and Save-On-Foods, they will be at Save-On-Foods at Orchard Plaza and Mission on Sunday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They have an ambitious goal to raise over $15,000 with the Team Scotia Community Program once again matching donations up to $5,000.

The AGM of the Kelowna and District SHARE Society is June 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the SHARE office, 581-585 Gaston Avenue. This is their 40th anniversary year and they are welcoming new board members. Call Shirley Hutt at 861-4574 or shutt@shaw.ca.

URBA and Valley First Credit Union are hosting a Business Expo on Thursday, June 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Roxby Square, 250 Hwy. 33. The event features a trade show component, networking with the business community, appetizers, wineries, brewery and door prizes. Admission is $10 (250-451-9861) and $15 at the gate.

The 2017 TELUS Motorcycle Ride For Dad is Sunday, June 11 at Banner Recreation & Marine. Registration 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and kickstands up at 10 a.m. sharp. First 350 riders receive free meal ticket and gift. Sponsored by TELUS/Westjet/Lake City Casino/Cascades Casino Penticton/Bentley Motorrad. Register www.ridefordad.ca.

Congratulations to CANsave, an innovative financial literacy program for elementary school children, developed and delivered in partnership with Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, and Enactus Okanagan College who recently netted a $10,000 award from Concentra.

Tim Young and Hugh Philip have self-published the book, Moving to Kelowna, BC, A No-Nonsense Guide. They are hosting a book signing at Chapters in Orchard Park on June 10 beginning at 10 p.m. $2 from every retail book sold is donated to the food bank. www.movingtokelowna.net.

Birthdays of the week 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ Mary Sundquist (June 7); Barb Dumbovic (June 7); Jeff Gilbert (June 7); Martin McDermott (June 8); Terry Armstrong (June 8); Krista Gray (June 8); Jan McArthur (June 9); Laura Duncombe (June 9); Jim Meiklejohn (June 12); Yarden Gershony (June 1); Adam Sheppy (June 12); Al Horning (June 11); Dirk Rosendaal (June 11); Pat Moore (June 12); Wayne Judiesch (June 12); Clarissa Pruden (June 13); Paula Quinn (June 13).

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546, fax 250-860-3173, E-mail maxdehart@telus.net.