WEST was founded in May of 1997 in Banff, Alberta as a small promotional good agency specializing in embroidered clothing. Coming from an extensive sales and retail purchasing background, the primary owner; Mark Rethy, established an early emphasis on a high set of service standards, which have now become the core of our business, ensuring that all of our clients, large or small, receive a very personal, attentive, and professional level of service. These standards fueled tremendous growth via word-of-mouth referrals, and have grown the business from its modest beginnings to the well-rounded, full service organization we are today. However, we have not lost touch with our small business roots, and are committed to remaining nimble and flexible, highly attuned to our customers' needs and their evolving buisness environments, and an uncompromising level of service.

WEST is actively involved in the community, donating goods and services to a wide range of charities and local programs.

The WEST executive team: Mark Rethy, Owner and Director of Sales Mark founded and was the first employee of WEST in May of 1997, and remains the creative force behind the growth and corporate policies for WEST. Husband and father of two, Mark resides in Canmore and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce. E-mail: mark@west-interactive.com   Micaela Pelton, Production Manager Micaela joined the WEST team in April of 2001, and now manages our production department, which encompasses all aspects of ordering, inventory, and quality control. Micaela is a long term resident of Canmore, and the proud step-parent of two beautiful children. Email: micaela@west-interactive.com   Caroline Fisher, Art Director Caroline is the most recent addition to the WEST executive team, and manages our art and marketing department. Caroline's extensive graphic design background brings experience and creativity to the services we provide. Caroline and her husband are new residents to Canmore. Email: caroline@west-interactive.com

WEST is located in Canmore, Alberta in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Planned near-term expansions include Vancouver, Calgary, and Seattle.

Timeline:

1997 ••••••••••••••••• 1998 ••••••••••••••••• 1999 ••••••••••••••••• 2000 ••••••••••••••••• 2001 ••••••••••••••••• 2002 ••••••••••••••••• 2003

founded, May 1997 first order, May 1997

office moved to Canmore, March 1998 double customer base and increase revenue ten-fold, December 1998

west-interactive site introduced, February 1999 expand into first outside office space, March 1999

production department created, May 2000 begin designing custom clothing line, March 2000 manufacturing begins, June 2000

open first retail location, April 2001 expand and relocate office, April 2001 internal art department created, June 2001

begin directly importing from overseas, October 2002 web-based services introduced, October 2002 WEST nominated for Young Entrepreneur Award, Canada's Hottest Startups, and Alberta Fast 50 business awards