About Us
We eliminate competition between our members by granting each individual member the exclusive right to promote a particular product or service within the group. New members are considered for membership only if they are seeking to promote a product or service that is not already represented by an existing member.
At our current membership of approximately 63 (as of December 2009), each of our members has a sales team of approximately 63 other business people actively on the lookout to refer business to them. While no attempt has been made to track the dollar value of business that is referred through Okanagan Business Excellence, anecdotal indications are that the numbers
are astounding.
The volume of business referrals increases exponentially with the growth of our membership. The more members, the larger the sales team. As such, we are always on the lookout for potential new members. It takes more than just having a product or service that is not already represented by the group to be admitted into this organization, however. Our application process requires the provision of trade references that are checked out by our Membership Committee. Our members take pride in the fact that many of our members have been recognized in the community for business excellence and that our group itself is gaining a reputation for business excellence
because of the quality of its members.
While our Mission Statement to be an association of excellent business leaders dedicated to the economic prosperity and well being of our membership and our community, it takes time and energy for relationships to develop and confidence to be gained. While existing members are likely to try out a new member’s products or services themselves, they are unlikely to have the confidence to refer their family, friends or business colleagues to the new member until a solid relationship and proven track record are developed. Likewise, it will take time for the new member to become comfortable about referring their family friends and business colleagues to pre-existing members of the organization.
Award Winning Business Excellence
The Okanagan Business Excellence was well represented at this years Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce Key Business Awards
These awards recognize businesses, organizations & persons working and living on the
Westside, who have achieved excellence in the community through their own abilities,
efforts and initiative.
Winner - Business Person of the Year: Paul Hergott from, Hergott Law
Winner - Arts & Cultural Improvement: Lori Welbourne, On A Brighter Note.
Winner - Business Beautification: Quail’s Gate Estate Winery
Winner - Sustainability: Bylands Garden Centre
Winner - New Business: Porrelli Law
Winner - Small Business (under 15 employees): Maciel & Company
Semi Finalist included:
Business Person of the Year: Barry Porelli - Porelli Law, David Manns - Westbank Chiropractic, Joe M aciel - Maciel & Company, Anita Legault - Metallic Gardens
Arts & Cultural Improvement: Metallic Gardens
Tourism Development : Casa Loma Resort, Quail's Gate Estate Winery
Sustainability: Hergott Law
Community Social Developement: Paul Hergott - Hergott Law
Home Based Business: Landworks Landscaping
New Business: IntelliBed Sleep & Spa, Metallic Gardens
Small Business (under 15 employees): IntelliBed Sleep & Spa, Family Wellness Centre and Healing Spa
Large Business (16 & over employees): Quail's Gate Estate Winery
