In the last SCEDT election, apparently there were about 30 or 40 votes cast, and frankly, I’m not sure I even voted then. However, I will vote this time, and I want to encourage others to vote this time as well.
Why? Because I believe Summerland’s difficult economy is calling out for a solid display that Summerland business does care to be involved!
As such, I challenge business owners with the following offer:
For every vote cast in the upcoming Chamber election,
I will donate $10.00 toward a Summerland Chamber
Radio Campaign!
I hope at least 50 vote this time…but if the votes total 100 or more to reach my donation limit of $1,000, I will also gladly jump off the Local Lounge pier wearing a “special outfit” from the Summerland Thrift Store, as selected by Grad 2010 students.
Why am I making this offer?
Because Summerland is obviously at a crossroads, and I hope this effort might just trigger a fresh start to overcome all the negative news we have gone through the last few years. From all the water problems of years gone by (that some folks CONTINUE trying to rehash), to the highway closure last year to the incredible loss of jobs we are currently experiencing, Summerland business must find ways to start working together.
Make no mistake, we do face an economic reality that is very, VERY different from those perhaps well intentioned but definitely incorrect opinions of the past. Opinions such as:
Summerland is a District municipality with a large land base, the majority of which is devoted to agriculture (orchards, vineyards, wineries, and hay-lands), which is a big economic generator. It is largely recession-proof as well.
Summerland has heard too much talk about fantasy alternatives that simply do not exist, and those opinions from the past are sadly dead and buried amid the shambles of current announcements:
“Apple industry in meltdown mode”
“Fruit plant shuts down, 40 Summerland jobs gone”
“Packing House closing, 80 Summerland jobs gone”
“Tree Nursery closes, 55 Summerland jobs gone”
Okay? I said it! Someone had to say it!
But, in fact, based on the realities of Summerland’s economy, I wish to pose an even more pointed question:
Will Summerland come to be seen as “the broke-anagan”?
If you think that is an unfair question, be reminded of other headlines that our small town has been suffering through:
“Summerland Hills Golf Resort ended”
“Wharton St Proposal delayed”
“Cel tower protest delays construction”
“RCMP asked to investigate”
“Katana Boats closes, Summerland jobs gone”
While other small towns in BC (and across Canada) bask in the afterglow of those spectacular Olympic Games, Summerland is getting absolutely hammered economically.
And STILL, those same negative opinions continue unabated in this town! The handful of folks continue to voice their weekly barrage of critical, mean spirited opinions on Summerland Review readers every week!
Is it time for positive voices to come forward with constructive, helpful, realistic insights and suggestions based on something that resembles the real world?
Has there ever been a more pivotal time for business owners to PAY ATTENTION to the economics of our small town?
Licenced business owners in Summerland have the privelege and the DUTY this month to vote for good Summerland volunteers to serve on the Chamber board of directors, and I want to do my part to encourage you…to care enough to vote.
I respectfully and sincerely remind you, this is not a request that you vote for one person or another. This is simply an encouragement to care enough to vote.
For every vote cast, I will donate $10.00 toward a radio campaign for the Chamber! And, if the vote reaches my max at $1,000, I will also jump in the lake! Surely that will make even the negative crowd smile…maybe.
At any rate, I genuinely do hope this effort will cost me a grand!
I believe that Summerland just might be poised to finally become the prosperous small town we hope for.
I have taken this step at making a positive contribution!
I hope you are willing to take a step… by caring enough to vote.
Sincerely,
Patrick Murphy
LOOK AT THE CLAW FOOT TUB…Nicely updated character home featuring more than just updated flooring and paint, comes with upgraded appliances, built in dresser in window watch room and storage window seat.
This family friendly neighbourhood is in a perfect location close to schools, shops & yet with quick highway access to Kelowna and Penticton (Sut, seriously, with all the fun here in Summerland, do u really want to go elsewhere?).
There has been lots of updating and lots of money spent on real, more than cosmetic updates. If you want more than a cookie cutter house for your Okanagan Dream, this character charmer is for you. The home is a very rare offering and at an affordable price with its cozy wrap around porch, this 4 bedroom family home includes air conditioning and shows crisp and clean with flexible possession.
The yard features 2 walnut trees, low maintenance xeriscape landscaping and overlooking an apple orchard with a great view of Giants head mountain.
MLS® – $459,900 Great new price: $439,000 – Call Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info.
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Summerland Market update…the most recent 30 day period saw 12mls sales in town. This compares favorably to the same 30 day window last year which saw 4 sales in town…So things are improved, however, the 12 sales in Summerland are pretty weak compared with the 249 active listings…
When someone tries to tell you how great the market is, and how great it will be this spring…that “prices are going up again”…you better seriously consider those kind of statements against the true facts of our market here.
Yes, markets are improved, for example, Summerland has THREE TIMES the number of sales as last year…but, please, if you are serious about selling, be serious about the advice you are getting…and hire a Realtor with the experience and the business acumen to give you solid advice in today’s tough market.
For example, in the last 45 days, fully 40% of all the sold signs in Summerland have featured a RE/MAX sign in the yard. Solid advice in a tough market makes for a sold sign in the yard. That leaves about 250 other owners “hoping” and “wishing” with their Realtors, sitting unsold with for sale signs in the ground.
This is not a fairy tale market any longer folks, and if you are serious about real estate, get serious about the advice you are getting.
This excellent Okanagan opportunity finally comes available just as the economic downturn comes to an end! This is the chance to raise your family and earn a living. This 2.5 acre property comes with a beautiful home and swimming pool . Includes Robert’s Fruit Stand on Highway 97.
MLS® - $1,500,000 GREAT NEW PRICE: $ 1,250,000 - Call Patrick for more info at 1-250-494-8881
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Just look at the Okanagan Lake View, or watch the yacht club sailboats from your private patio, or walk to the tennis courts, or stroll to the best waterfront lounge in BC, or enjoy your private back yard on this no thru road… or dont buy this paradise and always wish you did!
MLS® - $528,000 – Contact Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info
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Quality Built High end finishing in Sedona Heights. Stamped concrete drive, triple car garage, tile roof, acrylic stucco, euro line windows, heat pump a/c, granite counters, walnut hardwood, really special main floor master ensuite, appliances, excellent layout and smart design. Located a walk away from summer evenings on the deck of Dirty Laundry, Thornhaven, or The Trestle, and a gentle bike ride into Main St Summerland. This home is ready to move right in and priced to sell.
MLS® – $627,000 – Call Patrick for more info.
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Perfect 3 bedroom family home in truly excellent condition. VERY affordable price for quick sale, combines with low strata fee, lots of value updates including roof, flooring and paint, appliances included and these low interest rates combine for a family affording to move to Summerland! A darn rare thing!
MLS® - $214,500 – Now only $211,800 – Contact Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info.
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This private acreage offers 2 homes, a first class orchard and gorgeous valley views. The orchard business is very well run, producing good crops and excellent returns. 5 bedroom home for your large family. The garden area is private and the views are of orchard, valley, and the far Naramata hills. The second home is like new and perfect for Mom and Dad or generate even more revenue.
MLS® – $965,000 – Call Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info
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Lovely Lake view home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Upstairs has been completely renovated with kitchen and dining room walls removed giving it an open modern feeling. Sparkling new kitchen and bathroom with extensive use of granite and top quality products. The upstairs living area takes full advantage of the lake view and also 2 large decks (one with gas BBQ outlet), The large .23 acre lot is well landscaped and irrigated and comes with an above ground pool. Less than a 5 minute walk to Okanagan Lake. Get in before summer and take full advantage of all this home has to offer.
MLS® - $539,900 – Call Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info
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Overhead Plan:
(click on plan for larger view)
Here’s your chance for a custom-built spacious rancher right here in Summerland. Tons of green space and nicely landscaped, in a well run adult community with very good amenities. This well kept 2 bedroom-2 bathroom home is in the quiet cul-de-sac portion and is ready to move right in.
MLS® – $220,000. Call Patrick at 1-250-494-8881 for more info.
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http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/summerlandreview/community/84061712.html
Summerland RE/MAX Orchard Country stepped up to donate money for the photo chosen to cover the phone book. A little idea that turned into a positive help half a world away! Community spirit in SUMMERLAND IS AWESOME
In her report, Growing the Creative-Rural Economy in Prince Edward County, Betsy Donald, associate professor of geography at Queen’s University, identifies four key strategies for nurturing the creative economy in rural contexts: retaining youth, servicing an aging population, encouraging innovation, and promoting sustainable tourism.
Your boat at the yacht club beckons everytime you look out the living room window! Get out and live on Okanagan Lake! This 2 bedroom character home with plenty of updates is a few steps from the BEACH and from LOCAL LOUNGE… Low maintenance yard in a private and quiet location.
MLS® – $690,000 – Call Patrick for more info.
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The Okanagan Valley Economic Development Society (OVEDS) has organized a special event at the Commerce Centre in Vancouver on Feb 18 which I will be particpating in. The event will bring together Okanagan businesses, trade commissioners and Olympic media to promote investment in the Okanagan.
Scott Boswell, Chair of OVEDS says, “The Olympics are the world’s largest advertising campaign and to link into that media coverage is a fantastic way to promote our region and its business opportunities.” The event will showcase a variety of Okanagan wines and specialty food products, along with a cooking demonstration with celebrity chef Ned Bell. OVEDS will be working with the unaccredited media centre which is home to over 400 media personnel to target media coverage in the United Kingdom, USA, Germany, Holland, Austria, China and Japan.
I will be at that event and am really excited to be participating.
Meanwhile, at RE/MAX in Summerland, we are working hard, doing our best to help community involvement in Summerland, including major sponsor of the recent, very successful Festival of Lights http://www.canadarama.ca/summerland/09festivaloflights/part1/a/index.html RE/MAX in Summerland was able to sponsor the “best fireworks” Summerland has ever seen! And we handed out a lot of cotton candy for donation to Children’s Miracle Network, a tradition at Summerland Festivals.
We also had a great time adding our little bit to the Olympic Torch Relay through our small town…we closed the office and had clients and friends and family stop by at the busiest corner in Summerland to participate…(you may have seen my daughter as one of the giggly teens interviewed on CHBC).
And, most current of all, RE/MAX in Summerland is the major sponsor on the Community Visitors Guide. This was a big step (expense) for us 4 Realtors, we contracted with a local professional Photographer who took us up to the very top of Giants Head Mountain and shot the photo that is now featuring us and Summerland on the back page of the guide. These Summerland guides will be featured at the Okanagan Valley special event at the Commerce Centre in Vancouver during the Olympics, so we wanted to do our part to help out.
And, lastly, wanted to mention that Summerland is chosen by tripatlas.com as the #4 Okanagan Destination for 2010, the year of the Olympics!
All this against a pretty tough economic backdrop where the Summerland Hills Golf Course just announced their proposal is dead. Onward! For all your Real Estate needs, investing, purchasing, selling and development ideas, let me know!
4) Summerland: The promise of endless summer seems to have worked, judging by the line-up of electric scooters for seniors on sale outside the drugstore in Summerland’s Olde English downtown, 50 km south of Kelowna. Keep walking until you reach Victoria Rd. Deli and Bistro, a sleek little boîte offering excellent food and great local wines by the glass. After lunch, retrace your steps and stop for coffee at rustic Beanery Coffee Co. Pick up a pound of freshly-roasted beans to take home.
http://www.tripatlas.com/articles/1156/Top_10_of_the_Okanagan_Valley,_British_Columbia
Royallepage.ca, long a leading real estate site in Canada, has fallen behind a site that only dabbles in listings – kijiji.ca, a free online classified service similar to Craigslist.
Summerland has a fantastic attraction known as Kettle Vally Steam Train that brings a ton of visits to our small town.
Napa Valley Wine Train featured on CNN.COM
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/28/kaye.wine.train/index.html?hpt=C1
When the developer of Summerland Wharton St comes right out and states ” It would take the market years to absorb the available supply, never mind the new units”. WHAT IS THE POINT OF SUMMERLAND GRANTING AN EXTENSION??? Also, is it possible that the public can know where the developer has “already invested more than $1.3 million”? It certainly was not his money invested to tear down the old building on that site!
