Connecting our Valley. Creating Opportunity. Through “OurOkanagan”

Posted: June 14, 2011

PENTICTON, BC – Penticton Economic Development Services is continuously looking for ways to enhance our local businesses and promote Penticton’s community.  That’s why we have been part of the steering committee that developed “OurOkanagan”.  A web based solution to buy local and market Okanagan products and services internationally.

An issue that most communities seem to deal with is leakage.  Leakage is when more money is flowing out of the local community than there is money flowing back in.  Recognizing this, OurOkanagan was developed to help our local businesses thrive.  As it is a challenge for small, medium, and sometimes large organizations to reach local consumers.  Extensive advertising and social media isn’t always reaching the correct target market your company is after.

OurOkanagan has developed a user friendly website for local Okanagan businesses and non-profit organizations to register with.  The website then helps to connect end users with the companies and products they’re looking for, all within the Okanagan region.  As a business, all you need to do is register with OurOkanagan and fill in some information based on your company.  After the information is added, it is then posted as a webpage with all the information, photos, news, events, links etc. that you as a business owner have added.  Detailed descriptions of the products/services offered are great, because this then allows consumers to access OurOkanagan and search for the products/services they are in need of.  The website then provides a list of all the requested items within the Okanagan area.

“We have been a part of this program from day one.  The fact of the matter is, this is a free service for local businesses to get extra exposure.  Particularly, if you don’t currently have an online presence, this is a great start.  After all, every dollar spent locally, helps to encourage an additional three dollars to stay locally.  That puts more money in local pockets for consumers to buy more local goods/services.  It’s a simple ripple effect concept that is extremely beneficial for our community” said David Arsenault.

Having an online presence is essential in this day and age.  A study conducted by BIA/Kelsey suggested that approximately 97% of consumers search online for local products to purchase.  This clearly suggests, if you’re not online, you need to be.  Because website construction can be costly, OurOkanagan offers there services to get your company online quickly, efficiently, and at no cost!

For more information, please visit: www.ourokanagan.ca

David H. Arsenault, MBA
Economic Development Officer | Penticton Economic Development Services
553 Railway Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 8S3
T: (250) 493-3323  C: (250) 809-9006

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