Become a member! But why?
Member Benefits
Networking
The OCA host monthly meetings on the first Monday of the month (with some holiday exceptions) 10 times a year, with a summer break in July & August.
Meetings take place all around the Okanagan and is a great chance to meet like minded and fellow industry people.
Chef and Associate members attend free of charge.
Young Chefs pay a small fee at the door or online per meeting.
Meetings always intend to have an educational aspect that helps members expand their knowledge while meeting others beyond their kitchens and restaurants. You might even meet your next vegetable supplier or make friends with your local brew master!
When space allows, bring a friend and register them for a small fee!
Competition
There are many opportunities to participate in culinary competitions whether they are local, provincial, national or even international!
The OCA has had a long history of competitions and competitors have bode very well on the podium.
Competitions are a great way to get a cook and chef out of their comfort zone and sometimes we do them just for fun (bragging rights) or for an amazing community cause.
Members are the first to know about upcoming competitions!
Community Involvement
The OCA is part of many local fundraisers, culinary events and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. We love to give back to our community!
Many of these have helped fellow members and their families, our local communities and fellow hospitality friends.
We are PROUD of be part of:
Chefs in the Classroom: Edible Education
Okanagan Dream Rally
KGH & JoeAnna's House
Types of Memberships:
Chef Member:
Applicants shall be deemed eligible for National Membership if they hold a valid Certificate of Qualification for the Trade of Cook (a TQ5 if trained with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1985) or similar Certification from any Province or Territory where applicable, or an equivalent Certificate from any member country of WorldChefs, or they must be currently working for a documented minimum eight (8) years in the Trade of Cook or as an instructor at an accredited College, Foodservices or Hospitality Institution.
NEW Member: $525/yr
Renewal: $425/yr
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10 monthly meetings with dinner included
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Local connections and networking
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Opportunities to participate in culinary competitions (local, national, international), community events, skills and product knowledge education
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Chef Certification programs through World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) and The Canadian Culinary Institute (CCI)
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Mentorship, career development and opportunities for advancement
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Involvement in Culinary Competitions (regional, national and international)
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Annual National/Regional Conference (customized education, networking, local culinary community events)
Associate Member
Open to individuals who aren't Chefs, students in the Culinary or Pastry Arts Program but who are working in the industry as proprietors such restaurant owners, farmers, cheesemongers, butchers, kitchen equipment specialist and so on.
NEW Member: $425/yr
Renewal: $325/yr
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10 monthly meetings with dinner included
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Local connections and networking
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Free advertisements and marketing through OCA social media channel
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Mentorship, career development and opportunities for advancement
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Involvement in sponsoring community events and fundraisers
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Annual National/Regional Conference (customized education, networking, local culinary community events)
Young Chef Member:
Open to any person actively engaged in the preparation of food in a commercial establishment or is enrolled in a recognized course of culinary studies at a college, school or institute. Is actively involved in work/study in the trade of cooking at the time of the application.
Basic Membership
$40/yr -meeting fees not included
All Inclusive Membership
$290/yr - meetings fees included
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Invitation to 10 Meetings per year
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Local connections and networking
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Opportunities to participate in culinary competitions (local, national, international), community events, skills and product knowledge education
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Mentorship, career development and opportunities for advancement
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Involvement in Culinary Competitions (regional, national and international)
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Annual National/Regional Conference (customized education, networking, local culinary community events)
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Free "Young Chef Only" seminars, events and educational outtings
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Future employment opportunites
Please note that our memberships runs within the calendar year (Jan - Dec) with renewals starting to be available for the next year in November. If you choose to join in the middle of the year, your membership will still end in December.
If you have any questions, please contact us through the "contact" page.