Mission Statement
“The Okanagan Environmental Industry Alliance exists to promote the development and growth of residential, commercial and industrial markets for environmental products, services and technologies. Our Alliance is focused on collaboration and mentoring among its members to enable their business success. We are also key influencers of policy for the viable development of our industry”

Importance of OEIA
In 2007, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission identified a need to address the barriers to development of the environmental and alternative energy sectors in the Okanagan, and invited local businesses to participate in a discussion on potential solutions. After the first meeting, it was obvious that several champions in the local sector had been attempting for years, to bring attention to this issue.

With the environment and global warming being top of mind for most Canadians, combined with the increasing number of “green” technology and service companies in the Okanagan, the timing for the Okanagan Environmental Industry Alliance is right in line with public opinion and moral imperative. The Alliance will work to address the challenges facing the industry to help ensure its long term success.

Networking Communications & Awareness
The OEIA communicates regularly with its members through monthly meetings for members, public events and its website. All OEIA members and their services and products are listed on the OEIA website.

The OEIA submits a directory of members to the City of Kelowna purchasing department and will be scheduling presentations to various other businesses and agencies in the Okanagan, including engineers, architects and other local levels of government.

Advocacy
OEIA represents the interests of environmental firms through regular communication with governments, other industry groups, utilities and the media, particularly on subjects that limit the growth of the local industry. One such example is the need for net metering and tariffs that enable the financial feasibility of renewable energy projects in the Okanagan Valley, as well as other policies and incentives for energy conservation and demand side management.

Market Intelligence and Export Trade Development
From a network of sources and contacts OEIA keeps the pulse on local, national and international market information and opportunities. OEIA strives to hosts incoming trade missions, presentations, and meetings with representatives from foreign markets, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

OEIA Board Members
OEIA's Board of Directors is comprised of five environmentally-concerned individuals from diverse companies & organizations.

DAVID MAYES (Chairperson)

David Mayes is the owner and President of Complete Home Energy Ltd. an Okanagan based firm providing energy efficiency home improvements. Before acquiring Complete Home Energy, Ltd., Mr. Mayes was engaged by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, a government agency. In numerous visits to New Zealand, Mr. Mayes had a unique opportunity to observe the Kiwis' national commitment to a “clean and green” economy and lifestyle, and the economic benefits they derive from their commitment to the environment.

Mr. Mayes began his career at Intel Corporation, spending nearly ten years in senior marketing positions in the U.S., Pacific Rim, and Western Europe. After leaving Intel to form 01 Computers in the United Kingdom, Mr. Mayes later returned to Canada, and held a senior executive position with Mobile Data International, a publicly traded Canadian company. When MDI was acquired, Mr. Mayes returned to California and held senior positions with Silicon Graphics and Sun Microsystems. Having “hands on” roles in business since the mid-1970’s, Mr. Mayes has extensive experience in corporate general management, finance, marketing and sales. Mr. Mayes holds a B.A. from San Jose State University, with graduate study at Oxford University and the University of Wales.




ROGER HUBER

Roger Huber, CEO has twenty-five years experience in solar heating and heat pump installations and improved heat pumps in Europe from 1980 to 1988. He is a Swiss certified engineering fitter-machinist and millwright and also holds the Swiss Business Manager Diploma since 1989. He is the Founder and owner of Swiss Solar Tech Ltd.

Swiss Solar Tech (SST) Ltd. is a private British Columbia company incorporated in 2001 based in Summerland, B.C. Canada. Swiss Solar Tech (SST) Ltd. was formed for the purpose of offering solar water heating and heat recovery systems to the commercial business sector.

Swiss Solar Tech provides high efficient heating and cooling systems by combining solar thermal with ground-source heat pumps, air to water pumps, heat recovery systems and geothermal ground loops. These energy efficient techniques and technologies guarantee cost effective energy savings for commercial structures such as hotels, resorts and multi-residential buildings.

We have the expertise to provide award winning heating and cooling systems for commercial buildings, tailored specifically to our customer’s requirements.

Our future goal is to work with our clients and strive to deliver the newest technologies available for energy efficient HVAC systems, installed on time and at competitive prices. Our success lies in satisfied customers that we respect and which will provide excellent references, which we will allow the company to grow. The owners of Swiss Solar Tech simply want their children, and all of Earth's offspring to breathe clean air, on this beautiful planet.

ANGELA REID

Angela Reid is the President of Tigress Ventures, a company dedicated to creating environmental sustainability, social responsibility and economic success. The consultancy arm of the company, TVEC, works with businesses and organizations to facilitate employee led initiatives that identify areas for reducing costs related to energy, fuel and waste; catalyzing innovation and change, and ultimately reducing their environmental footprint.

Angela is also the Vice President of a Canadian renewable energy company and sits on the Board of Directors for both the BC Sustainable Energy Association and the Okanagan Environmental Industry Alliance.  She is active as a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Committee and the Steering Committee for the Coalition for a Genetically Engineered (GE) Free BC.

Angela is also the Deputy Leader for the Green Party of BC, the Energy Critic and BC Representative to Federal Council for the Green Party of Canada, and the CEO of the Kelowna Federal Green Party.

SUZANNE WOOD

Suzanne Wood is co-owner and President of S2 Innovative Products Group Ltd.  S2iPG.com specializes in high-end LED lighting solutions for home, commercial and custom installations.  It is the mission of S2 to inform, educate and supply LED products to an audience that includes homeowners, contractors, retailers, architects, and lighting designers.  

Suzanne is an entrepreneur with over 20 year experience in the marketing and advertising industry.  The experience she brings from owning her own successful advertising company gives her the knowledge and experience that it takes to get the word out about products which will make a difference.  With a commitment to the balance of consumerism and the environment, she started her energy efficient lighting company dedicating her time to promote sustainable products which ultimately saves the consumer and the environment - a perfect combination. 

Being involved in the OEIA supports the personal goals of Suzanne and the mission of S2 Innovative Products Group.  Through this avenue, one voice becomes many and many voices can be heard to make a difference on the sustainability and future of our planet.