The OKMN was created to unite manufacturers across the valley and provide the support, connection, and unified voice the community deserves.
Experience Meets Opportunity
How It All Began
The idea for OKMN started years ago, when Peter and Alex were serving on the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission’s advisory board. As representatives of the manufacturing sector, they kept hearing the same theme from local companies – manufacturers were facing considerable challenges, but there was no group to bring them together, support them, or speak up on their behalf.
Many talked about the high cost of sending staff out of the region for training, the lack of local collaboration opportunities, and the difficulty of finding skilled workers, all of which were holding them back.
When Christy joined the conversation, the three realized that between them, they had the knowledge, energy, and connections to take action. With decades of combined experience in the Okanagan manufacturing sector, plus strong ties to industry, academia, and economic development, they set out to build a network that could truly support manufacturers across the valley.
Turning Vision into Action
From the start, OKMN was designed to be member-driven and rooted in the needs of local manufacturers. The founding team engaged early with key partners including ETSI-BC, COEDC, Community Futures organizations across the Okanagan–Shuswap, and the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society. With their collaboration and insight, the team developed a strong proposal that led to a successful ETSI-BC grant, supported by additional funding from private partners MNP, BMO, and Lloyd Sadd. Together, these partnerships helped transform a long-discussed idea into a region-wide initiative built to support and grow the manufacturing community.
The OKMN’s Purpose
To strengthen the competitiveness of the Okanagan manufacturing community through these key areas of focus:
Driving increased productivity, supply chain resiliency, and growth
Uniting the industry and raising sector visibility
Fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing
Educating on best practices and emerging technologies
Championing workforce development to build a future-ready sector
collaborations
Our Partners
OKMN programs are proudly supported by:
Leading the Way
Meet Our Founders
The Okanagan Manufacturing Network was founded by three local industry leaders who shared a common goal: to strengthen and connect manufacturers throughout the region.
PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR
Alex Greer
Strategic advisor and entrepreneur with expertise spanning manufacturing, robotics, and innovation, and a track record of supporting business growth in BC and beyond.
VICE PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR
Christy Nikel
Master Lean Black Belt and President of Lean U in Kelowna, with over 20 years of experience helping organizations streamline processes and achieve operational excellence.
CHAIR
Peter Jeffrey
Accomplished manufacturing executive and former President of FormaShape and Avcorp Industries, with a history of leading award-winning companies and industry organizations
Over the course of 2026, OKMN will expand its board to include additional directors who represent a wide range of industries, company sizes, and geographic areas across the valley. The organization will also seek individuals with expertise in finance, governance, workforce development, innovation, and economic development to guide OKMN’s growth and ensure it continues to deliver meaningful value for its members. If you’re interested in contributing your expertise or learning more about future board opportunities, please contact us at info@okmn.ca.
OKMN Defined
The Okanagan Manufacturing Network Charter
- Profile enhancement: To raise the profile of the manufacturing sector in the Okanagan, to enable the sharing of expertise, more efficient and localized supply chains, adoption of best practices, and assistance with innovation. This includes enhancing the relationships with organizations such as Community Futures, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, the University of British Columbia Okanagan, Okanagan College, Accelerate Okanagan, and local subject matter experts.
- Trade: Assist members in accessing new markets both within Canada, and internationally.
- Education: Provide programs and events to help with employee training, best practices, increases in both efficiency and profits, and providing subject matter experts to address members’ needs.
- Innovation: The promotion of innovation, adaptation to new technology, and, where applicable, working with the University of British Columbia Okanagan.
- Growth: Assisting existing manufacturing companies to grow, as well as attracting new companies, and human resources to the area.
- Funding: Making members aware of government funding that is available from time to time to assist with accessing new markets, training, innovation, and growing their companies.
- Mode of Operation: The OKMN will operate with simplicity, efficiency and organizational transparency in order to respect our members’ needs while promoting a culture of innovation to increase benefits for our members.
Into the Future
Looking Ahead
OKMN exists to build a stronger, more collaborative, and more visible manufacturing sector across the Okanagan. By bringing together business leaders, educators, and economic partners, the network will continue to create opportunities for growth, innovation, and regional prosperity. Want to learn more? Contact us today.
