The Okanagan Branch AGM is booked for Feb 2, 2026 at the Ramada Hotel, 2170 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna BC.

This is an in-person only event.

Download the Agenda: TBA
Branch Executive Report: TBA
Download the 2024 AGM Minutes: TBA

Basic Agenda:

10:30-11:30: Arrive

11:00-12:00: PD

12:00-12:40: Lunch

12:40-2:30: AGM

Nominations for Branch Executive: We are looking for nominations for Kelowna Executive positions. Positions up for election this year at the Branch AGM include:

• 1 PD Coordinator

• Director North

• Director Central

• Member at large

Being part of the Branch Executive is a great experience! You can learn about the business of the institute, help develop professional development activities that you are passionate about, add to your resume, and grow your professional network. Additionally, being part of the branch executive can be used for professional development hours. We encourage everyone who is interested in putting their names forward.

If you would like to nominate yourself (or someone else with their permission), please forward your nomination to Andrew Kuiper, PAg, at AKuiper@kelowna.ca prior to January 23rd. Nominations should include the position of interest and a short bio/statement.

Please note: Nominations will only be accepted from the floor for positions that did not receive nominations prior to the AGM.

For a description of each position, please see the Branch Executive Committee Responsibilities document HERE.

Articling Registrants Needing to Do Their Presentation

All articling registrants that need to complete their presentation at this year’s AGM, please forward your name to Logan Pay at logan.b.pay@gmail.com by January 23rd. Your email should include a short presentation (1 slide) with a description of who you are, your area of interest/practice, and your professional experience. You should present at your own branch and make every effort to do so in person. The primary purpose of this requirement is to give you the opportunity to introduce yourself to your branch, foster connections, and strengthen your sense of community.

Please note: All those wishing to complete their oral presentation must pre-register with Logan Pay (and sign up when registering).

Okanagan Branch Request for Nominations

Farm Family Award: To recognize a family-oriented farm in within the Branch boundaries. This could include multi-generational family operation due to historical settlement or recently established family-run enterprises,
who demonstrate innovative practices, implementation of outstanding environmental values, who are
committed to good agricultural practices, service to their community and/or any other criteria that
make them “exceptional”.

Agricultural Business Award: This an award is non-specific to the family farming operation and is inclusive in recognizing excellence in
‘Value-Added’ agri-business. This is dedicated to community businesses who have shown exemplary
service in the agricultural or environmental business sector.

Environmental Award:
To recognize the individual, the business, or the government body for exemplary practice with valuable
contribution to improving the health of the environment and/or being a leader in environmental
sustainability.

Making an Award Nomination

Any BCIA Okanagan Branch member in good standing may submit a nomination for any award category. Nominees should meet most or all of the following criteria:

• Actively operating in the field of agrology
• Operating primarily within branch boundaries (some work may extend beyond)
• Demonstrated ethical business practices
• Proven environmental stewardship (soil, water, air, habitat, and species at risk)
• Business or operation in good standing
• Use of modern principles and innovative practices
• Community-oriented contributions

Nomination Documentation Requirements (All Awards). Please include the following information with your nomination:

• Name of the nominating Agrologist
• Award category
• Name of nominee (individual, farm family, or business)
• Mailing address and contact information
• Website (if applicable)
• Education (if known – individual awards)
• Employment history or business details (current and past, if known)
• Reason for nomination (maximum 250 words)
• Professional achievements, awards, and/or service to the profession (if applicable)
• Up to three (3) letters of support from professionals, industry organizations, or individuals. Letters should describe the nominee’s contributions and standing within the agriculture, natural resource, or environmental community.

Submission Deadline: All nominations must be submitted to Jose Garcia at jgarcia@kelowna.ca no later than January 24, 2025.

Note: Please advise dietary concerns when registering.

ATTENTION articling registrants!! The in-person event will be an excellent opportunity to network and meet with other branch registrants.

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.