VIDEO: New Kelowna Chamber CEO says businesses feel like they're not being heard

He brings a background in the credit union business, and most recently headed up the 2500-member Association of Interior Realtors.

Now George Greenwood has taken on the role of CEO at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

Greenwood comes to the job aiming to give businesses a stronger voice and to make things even more attractive for new businesses considering locating here.

"My wife and I came specifically to the Okanagan," said Greenwood, "because this is where we wanted to be."

He believes the things that drew him here can continue to convince other business people to set up shop in Kelowna.

"This is a destination that's desirable for business and commerce," said Greenwood.

"The expertise that we have makes it top of mind for many businesses."

And as the city continues to grow, he believes it's the chamber's job to make sure that the business community is heard.

"I really want to be the voice for business," said Greenwood.

"There's a lot of small business in the area and maybe they don't feel like they're being heard or they don't have that voice."

He also comes to the job ready to embrace a business community that's changing fast.

"We have solo-preneurs now and people who are mobile entrepreneurs," explained Greenwood.

"So we need to be able to cater to that type of business as well. Understanding what those needs are is a priority of mine."

He replaces Dan Rogers who was let go by the chamber last May.

Operations Director Coleen Clark looked after those duties in the interim.

The 1,000-member Kelowna Chamber of Commerce took its time finding a replacement for Rogers.

The organization formed its own hiring committee and retaining a recruitment firm before arriving at its decision to hire Greenwood.