Local Business Spotlight: Celebrating Vernon’s Small Businesses, One Story at a Time

Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight: eight Vernon small businesses on board

Behind every small business, there’s a story. A dream, a family, and someone who believed in something enough to give it everything. This November, Watkin Motors Ford is launching the Local Business Spotlight: every month, one local small business is featured in our weekly trivia and promoted to our whole community.

Eight Vernon businesses are already on board, and there are four spotlight spots left.

Why a car dealership is doing this

Watkin Motors Ford has been part of Vernon since 1915, and we know a community is only as strong as the small businesses that hold it together. For our Marketing Specialist, On Ouch, this one is personal.

“For years, I ran my own small business in the restaurant industry. I know the early mornings, the late nights, and how much it means when someone chooses to support you. Working for a dealership that’s been part of this community since 1915, we wanted to use our platform to help other local businesses grow.”On Ouch, Marketing Specialist, Watkin Motors Ford

How the Local Business Spotlight works

Weekly online triviaOnce a week during the month, we host an online trivia session anyone can join. That’s four sessions a month, each one featuring that month’s spotlight business. Points add up all month.
Their logo in the gameThe featured business’s logo appears as an ad while customers play, along with a short blurb about them.
Promoted to our communityWe promote each month’s business on our social media, customer newsletter and website, and in our showroom and service lounge.
A $100 gift cardThe month’s top trivia player wins a $100 gift card from the featured business, and a reason to walk through its door.

The first trivia session is in November, and everyone is welcome to play. Follow Watkin Motors Ford on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss it.

Meet the first eight businesses

These local businesses are joining the Spotlight, starting this November. Thank you for being part of it.

Brown’s Socialhouse in Vernon, BC, part of the Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight
Brown’s SocialhouseThe team at Brown’s Socialhouse on 27th Street, with Watkin Motors Ford.
Cotton’s Chocolate in Vernon, BC, part of the Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight
Cotton’s ChocolateCotton’s Chocolate, home of handmade chocolates in Vernon.
Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar in Vernon, BC, part of the Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight
Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine CellarIntermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar on 34th Avenue, established 1977.
Kelly O’Bryan’s in Vernon, BC, part of the Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight
Kelly O’Bryan’sKelly O’Bryan’s, ready for the spotlight.
Mezzo Market in Vernon, BC, part of the Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight
Mezzo MarketMezzo Market, joining the Local Business Spotlight.
RAKU Rice & Noodle Bar in Vernon, BC, part of the Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight
RAKU Rice & Noodle BarRAKU, a Japanese rice and noodle bar in Vernon.
Royal Garden Restaurant in Vernon, BC, part of the Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight
Royal Garden RestaurantRoyal Garden Restaurant, with Watkin Motors Ford.
The Fig Bistro in Vernon, BC, part of the Watkin Motors Ford Local Business Spotlight
The Fig BistroThe team at The Fig Bistro.
Own a local small business?

Four spotlight spots left

If you’re an independent, locally owned business in Vernon or the North Okanagan, we’d love to feature you in our trivia. There’s no fee to be featured; we just ask the featured business to provide the $100 gift card for that month’s trivia winner. Spots are first come, first served.

Apply for a spotlight →

Know a business owner whose story deserves to be told? Share this post with them. Supporting local isn’t something we do for one week a year. It’s something we can do all year long, one business at a time.

Questions? Email marketing@watkinmotors.com or call 250-545-0611.