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

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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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.

MLS® - $1,500,000  GREAT NEW PRICE: $ 1,250,000 - Call Patrick for more info at 1-250-494-8881

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MLS® - $528,000 – Contact Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info

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MLS® – $627,000 – Call Patrick for more info.

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MLS® - $214,500 – Now only $211,800 – Contact Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info.

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MLS® – $965,000 – Call Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info

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MLS® - $539,900 – Call Patrick at 250-494-8881 for more info

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Overhead Plan:

(click on plan for larger view)