A Network Built over Decades

Great things happen over coffee and conversation.

The founding members of OBE first gathered in 1999 when a small group of local business owners met for “Business n’ Breakfast.” The goal was simple: to build real relationships and support each other in doing good work.

Over time, that small group grew into a network of community-minded professionals from Kelowna to Peachland who know each other’s businesses well and trust one another’s expertise and commitment to outstanding service.

That trust is what allows us to confidently connect local consumers with professionals who deliver excellence. It also creates a practical and productive way for locals to keep their money close to home.

We’ve grown in numbers over the decades, but what has stayed consistent is how we operate. Members meet weekly and intentionally. We take time to understand each other’s work, and build relationships that go beyond surface-level networking. So when someone within OBE is recommended, it is backed by real familiarity and trust.

There is also structure behind that trust. An executive board helps ensure ethics are maintained. A charter provides accountability. And a membership process helps keep the standard high and our reputation strong.

For local consumers, that means less guesswork and more confidence when choosing who to hire. Instead of sorting through endless options, you are connected to professionals who are known, trusted, and accountable within a group. Plus, it helps keep your dollars within the local economy.

That is what OBE has always been about. Making it easier to hire well, support local businesses, and strengthen the community at the same time.