Q&A WITH WTCA's NEWEST MEMBER - March 2026

The WTCA Editorial Team sat down with WTCA’s newest Member to learn more about their plans for their WTC license and how they envision bringing new opportunities to the global WTCA network.

Our interviewee:

• Mr. Richard C. Tam, Co -founder, President & CEO, WTC Okanagan (joined October 2025)

What is your vision for your WTC business and why did you decide to obtain a WTC license? 

Mr. Richard C. Tam (WTC Okanagan): The vision for our WTC business is to build a trusted, recognized and impactful platform with global connectivity and reach, linking the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada with the world. WTC Okanagan seeks to create strategic value for our members, partners, and the regional community through the development of innovative programs, services and projects, including in trade, commerce, technology and healthcare, and hosting major events in our region with the development of a new, state-of-the-art convention complex with hotels, offices, retail and residences along the downtown Kelowna waterfront. 

We decided to obtain a WTC license because of its globally recognized brand, strong reputation, international reach and network, having a long-standing, professional and successful history of promoting and developing international trade and commerce.

What are you looking forward to most about joining this global network? 

Mr. Richard C. Tam (WTC Okanagan): As a business leader, I value opportunities and environments that encourage continuous learning and collaboration for mutual and collective benefit. The WTCA network offers an established platform where new ideas, opportunities and best practices can be shared across regions and borders, helping members to grow, innovate and adapt to an evolving global marketplace. WTC Okanagan is excited to contribute towards this important global network and will provide new products and services that not only benefit our membership, but also other WTC businesses from around the world.

How will our global community benefit from your local business network? 

Mr. Richard C. Tam (WTC Okanagan): The global WTCA community will benefit from our local business network and membership base in the Okanagan region of BC, which is one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic areas with strong sectors in agriculture (orchards, vineyards and wine production), tourism and recreation, education and training, film and media, plus technology and aerospace industries. Our membership base is diverse and interested in connecting and working with regional and global partners in international trade, commerce and cultural exchange. WTC Okanagan can provide global WTCA Members with trusted access to regional businesses, market insights and partnership opportunities.

Interested in connecting with our interviewee? Contact WTCA at info@wtca.org for assistance.