Making policy 'sexy again'

Photo: Contributed

Dan Rogers is the new executive director of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

The new executive director of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce wants to beef up the chamber’s role as an advocate, pushing for changes that will positively impact the Okanagan the way only a chamber of commerce can: through the exciting and fast-paced pursuit of policy development.

“We’re trying to make policy analysis sexy again,” says Dan Rogers.

Although the “again” in his statement may be somewhat suspect, Rogers is serious about using the influence he says the Kelowna Chamber has to push for better improvements in the Okanagan.

With the full weight several chambers behind an issue, combined with smart policy analysis, Rogers says governments can be pressured to make decisions that will benefit the region.

Those issues? More spending on infrastructure to clear bottlenecks in provincial highways; more investment in local post-secondary institutions; tax credits to encourage the growth of startups.

“We have the opportunity to create a very strong region if we collectively work together and address the issues that are important to us,” Rogers says.

That eye to the entire region is significant, because Rogers appears to view his new role as an advocate not just for Kelowna, but for the entire valley.

For more on what Rogers sees as the path to that success, read the rest of the story on Castanet's sister business news website Okanagan Edge.