Okanagan Manufacturing Database & Network

Advisory Committee October 1, 2025

Catalyzing Regional Collaboration

At the September COEDC Advisory Committee meeting, two transformative initiatives were in the spotlight: the Okanagan Manufacturing Database and the Okanagan Manufacturing Network (OKMN). These initiatives are not only timely but deeply aligned with the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission’s (COEDC) strategic directions as they aim to strengthen visibility, collaboration, and supply chain resilience across the region’s manufacturing sector.

With financial support from ETSI-BC, the COEDC took a leadership role as the recipient of those funds to support the work and the team driving it forward. The work is being led by consultants Christy Nikel, Alex Greer and Peter Jeffrey and funding from ETSI-BC.

Strategic Alignment

Krista Mallory, Manager of the COEDC, emphasized that these initiatives “directly support the COEDC’s Roadmap to Resiliency,” aligning with goals around workforce development, innovation, and export-focused industry growth. Though the COEDC’s jurisdiction is the Central Okanagan, expanding the scope to include the entire valley reflects a commitment to regional connectivity and shared economic opportunity.

Industry Insights

Christy Nikel shared that manufacturers consistently voiced two concerns: “We don’t know who’s here,” and “We don’t have a place to connect.” The database addresses the first gap, mapping 753 manufacturers from Salmon Arm to Oliver. It identifies clusters such as food and beverage (90), metal fabrication (50), and signage and printing (58), and is now publicly available on the COEDC website.

Taylor Wylie, COO of Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, said the database has already made a tangible impact.  His team is actively leveraging the database to source specialized services such as powder coating and welding, while also exploring local providers for other niche needs like injection molding prototypes – services they had previously considered outsourcing as far as South Africa and the UK. “It’s been a huge benefit, not only for sourcing but also for visibility,” he said, noting increased engagement from manufacturers updating their capabilities.

Building a Stronger Network

The OKMN was created to address the second gap: connection. Alex Greer explained, “The OKMN is a strategic effort to help the manufacturing sector become more competitive and resilient.” The network is open to all manufacturers adding value through their processes and is designed to foster peer mentoring, career progression, and sector-wide collaboration.

Wylie added, “The networking side of the OKMN is where real movement and growth happen.” He highlighted the value of peer mentoring groups and strategic conversations around business continuity, government funding, and growth planning. “The OKMN will help companies ‘check the next box’ and explore what else they can do.”

Connecting Talent to Industry

The initiatives also support post-secondary institutions. Dale Mullings, Associate VP, Students at UBCO, said the database is helping faculties align training with industry needs and identify co-op and capstone opportunities. Greer noted that “many students want to stay in the region but struggle to find roles, while companies wonder why no one is applying.” The OKMN aims to bridge that gap.

Next Steps and Community Support

With backing from COEDC, ETSI-BC, Community Futures, and other partners, the team is planning plant tours and networking events to foster learning and best practice sharing. As Christy Nikel shared, “We’re sourcing venues across the Okanagan to help manufacturers learn from one another and adopt best practices.”

The OKMN will also centralize resources like job boards, matchmaking services, and lists of trusted service providers to strengthen supply chains and support cross-sector collaboration. With global uncertainty and rising tariffs, bringing the supply chain closer to home is more important than ever.

Explore. Share. Connect.

The Okanagan Manufacturing Database is now live and available to support businesses, educators, and community partners across the region. Visit investkelowna.com/manufacturing-database to access detailed information on over 750 manufacturers from Salmon Arm to Oliver, identify local suppliers, and uncover new opportunities for collaboration.

Please share the database with your networks to help strengthen regional visibility and supply chain resilience.

Opportunities to engage with the Okanagan Manufacturing Network (OKMN) are coming soon, including plant tours, networking events, and peer mentoring groups. These initiatives are designed to foster meaningful connections, support workforce development, and build a more competitive and collaborative manufacturing sector.

Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved.

The COEDC Advisory Committee, a 45-member group of industry leaders, community shapers, and elected officials, meets monthly to share information, collaborate, and work together towards sustainable economic growth.

For COEDC Advisory Committee meeting minutes click here.