B.C.'s Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia hosted the province's Consular Corps, representing more than 20 countries, during the Okanagan Business Showcase, in Kelowna from April 30 to May 2.

The Lt. -Gov and the Consular Corps were able to meet with Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and Kelowna Chamber President Derek Gratz, during the first day of the showcase. 

Cocchia also visited Jealous Fruits, and KF Aerospace, and attended the opening ceremony of Vitalis, an equipment manufacturer (OEM) of CO2-based technologies. 

Chief Robert Louie and representatives of Westbank First Nation met with Cocchia and the Consular Corps, during a dinner at Cedar Creek Winery.

"It was an honour to welcome representatives from 23 countries to the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation," Chief Louie said. "In this time of global economic uncertainty, the value of strengthening business and trade relationships - both locally and internationally - cannot be overstated. First Nation businesses and those across the Okanagan Valley are resilient, innovative and ready to collaborate. We look forward to expanding partnerships and trade opportunities with the countries represented in the Lieutenant Governor's Okanagan Business Showcase tour. There has never been a better time to come together in the spirit of economic cooperation and mutual prosperity."

During the final day of the tour, the group visited BikeWays, a non-profit bike shop run by Pathways Abilities Society. Cocchia, as well as Paynter's Fruit Market and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. 

"It was my great pleasure to welcome members of the Consular Corps of British Columbia to beautiful Kelowna, the vibrant heart of the Okanagan," Cocchia said. "The stunning natural beauty of this region makes it easy to see why Kelowna draws visitors year-round and why so many have chosen this city to call home, bringing their entrepreneurial spirit with them."