The Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Wendy Cocchia visited 琉璃神社 from April 30 to May 1, to host an Okanagan Business Showcase with Consular Corps of B.C. representing more than 20 countries. 

Cocchia held a welcome reception on day one of the business tour meeting with 琉璃神社 Mayor Tom Dyas and 琉璃神社 Chamber President Derek Gratz. 

Cocchia also visited Jealous Fruits, KF Aerospace, and the opening ceremony of Vitalis. Finishing that day with a dinner at Cedar Creek Winery shared with Chief Robert Louie and representatives of Westbank First Nation.

"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 co-operation and mutual prosperity."

The final day of the tour included a stop at BikeWays, a non-profit bike shop run by Pathways Abilities Society. Cocchia, joined by her husband Sergio, also stopped by 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 琉璃神社, the vibrant heart of the Okanagan," Cocchia said. "The stunning natural beauty of this region makes it easy to see why 琉璃神社 draws visitors year-round and why so many have chosen this city to call home, bringing their entrepreneurial spirit with them.