A new business is trying to promote other businesses in the Greater Vernon Area.
Vernon’s Best Business Showcase opens its doors to local businesses Saturday at the Watson House, where the old visitors information centre was located next to the army camp.
“We have quite a few great businesses here in town that people don’t know about. I want to help promote some of the best that Vernon has to offer,” said Barbra Moore, owner of Vernon’s Best Business Showcase.
The house will display various businesses through retail items, brochures and signs. Experienced salesmen will operate the displays when companies cannot attend.
Moore already has plans for florists, farmers, local produce, maple syrup vendors, realtors and jewelers to set up shop Saturday.
“I think this will be a great opportunity for tourists or people new to Vernon to give them a chance to learn what we have going on here,” said Moore.
Spots are filling up quickly. Companies sign on for one year, with an option to renew for up to three years and display their businesses on a monthly basis.
The business is open all week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features monthly specials, holiday themes and live music promoting local bands.
Maps of Vernon will be on display, along with MapQuest on the Internet to help locate the businesses.
To celebrate the opening, Mike Biden will be on hand for a book signing with his fifth book, Jewel of the Okanagan.
There will also be kettle corn sold on the first two days, with all funds raised going to the breakfast club at Kidston Elementary Saturday and Mission Hill school Sunday. Vernon’s Best will also raise awareness for non-profit schizophrenia agencies and mental health.
Moore moved to Vernon two years ago and has been a nurse for 11 years.
A few years back, she owned a similar type of business in Port Perry, Ont.
