Rutland Is Open For Business

Image Credit: Uptown Rutland Business Association

Rutland is a vibrant, bustling place with much to offer. With a population of almost 35,000, Rutland is Kelowna's largest neighbourhood. Named after John "Hope" Matthew Rutland, who farmed the area and planted the first commercial orchards, Rutland has flourished since the early 1900s.

Since 2005, the Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) has been instrumental in reinventing this vibrant locale by embracing diversity, encouraging growth and celebrating its unique culture and rural roots.

A happy Okanagan family

Image Credit: Uptown Rutland Business Association

URBA Executive Director, Karen Beaubier, emphasizes, "URBA's vision is that we see Rutland as a proud, authentic, diverse, and evolving community."

URBA is a crucial partner in promoting local businesses. URBA administers municipal government funding allocated to the Business Improvement Area (BIA). Any business within the BIA which has held a business license for six months or longer within this BIA automatically qualifies for URBA membership.

A small business in the Okanagan

Image Credit: Uptown Rutland Business Association

The best part? Membership comes at no extra cost. The memberships are taken out of commercial property taxes collected.

URBA's mandate is to support Rutland businesses, and through the combined efforts of the team and its members, they believe they can create a prosperous future where all business owners not only survive, but thrive. Their services include advertising campaigns, pooled resources, joint advocacy with governments, beautification projects such as the award-winning Mural Project (see more below), walking tours and other events, and more.

"We recognize the importance of engaging with multiple stakeholders. Local business owners are our top target, as the Rutland community continues to develop and resident needs evolve. Our hard work is paying off and the feedback we receive from local businesses is consistently positive," says URBA President Nancy Wells.

URBA's award-winning mural project

Image Credit: Uptown Rutland Business Association

Visit the Uptown Rutland website for a map of their award-winning mural project, now in its fifth year. This project is intended to draw tourists as well as Okanagan residents to Rutland. World-renowned artists from all over the Okanagan and Canada have created twenty-two unique murals – with two new ones planned for 2023. This has caught the attention of an Australian tour company, and Beaubier is now working with them to bring tourists to Rutland and the Okanagan.

"This partnership with the Australian tour company will kick off at the end of April and run throughout the summer, and we hope to see interest from local hotels and tour companies," Beaubier adds.

If you're interested in finding out more about URBA and how you and your business can benefit as a member, URBA holds its "After Hours" on the first Wednesday of every month. These monthly get-togethers are a great opportunity for business owners and operators to network and have some fun, and anyone is welcome. Admission is only $10, which includes two drinks and appetizers. To purchase tickets, visit the website at www.uptownrutland.com.

If your business is not within URBA's geographic boundaries, you can still become an URBA Associate member for a very affordable $199/year. Give Karen Beaubier a call at (250) 451-9861.

If you are a business looking to relocate near Kelowna, consider Rutland!

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