Kudos: Our Members' Achievements!
August 2010
Kudos to Irene Martin, whose company Retire-At-Home were recently awarded full accreditation status by Accreditation Canada for another 3 years.
Accreditation Canada has rigorous standards for all aspects of home health care services, client care, and employee work conditions. Retire-At-Home clients can be assured that their services meet the Council's national standards for health care excellence. Irene acknowledges the dedication and diligence of all Retire-At-Home staff whose hard work enabled the company to achieve this status.
July 2010
Kudos to Janell Hartley and all members of the Golf Committee who put together another enjoyable Jill Brown Memorial Golf Tournament. This successful event lucked out with beautiful summer weather, and proceeds support the WBN Scholarship Fund, as well as Big Brothers & Sisters of Ottawa.
June 2010
Kudos to Roslyn Bern for her hard work with the Canadian Women's Foundation and the 2010 Shelter from the Storm Radiothon. Thanks to generous donors across Canada, the Canadian Women's Foundation, in partnership with Winners and HomeSense, BMO Financial Group and Rogers, raised an incredible $1.83 million during the month-long Shelter from the Storm campaign. The funds raised will support more than 400 shelters for abused women across Canada and violence prevention programs that are breaking the cycle of abuse.
More information regarding the Canadian Women's Foundation can be found at: http://www.canadianwomen.org/EN/index.html.
May 2010
Kudos to Christina Bova, Manager, Special Events and Sponsorship, University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation for the amazing job she, and others, did in raising $5,678,959 at their recent telethon. Great work Christina!!
Ottawa, Ontario – October 13th, 2009 – Retire-At-Home Services, a Canadian Home Health Care company, awarded its 10th franchise this month as it continues to expand its award-winning service across Canada.
Rebecca Page celebrated with her management staff and franchisees recently when they took home the trophy at the Better Business Bureau Torch Awards event. Concierge Home Services won for the Medium/Large Business category in this award which recognizes marketplace ethics and customer service. They are the only company to have won this award two times!
Mompreneur Magazine selected Rebecca Page as one of the Top 25 Mompreneurs in Canada for 2009, for the category of Balance. The article will be featured in the next Nov/Dec issue of the Mompreneur magazine, which will be available in Chapters stores across Canada.
November 2009
Kudos and Thanks from the Golf Committee: Thanks again to all those who supported this year's golf tournament. We are proud to report that approximately $8,000 was raised for our charities. Stay tuned for details about next year's tournament taking place on June 15, 2010 at Chateau Cartier.
Kudos and Thanks from the Membership Committee: The July 29th New Members Networking Breakfast was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who attended. As a result of the positive feedback, we hope to have this format for every second breakfast.
Kudos to the Adhoc Committee on Membership Criteria for their hard work in creating recommendations on membership criteria for the WBN.
September 2009
Heather Maclachlan for her support of BYA committee's communications/writing
August 2009
Kudos to Helen Faber, Owner and Search Engine Optimizer of WebFuel, who has just been certified by Google as an AdWords Qualified Professional. In addition to helping clients on the organic side of web searches, she can also provide expertise on the paid advertisement side. Helen is the first women in Ottawa with these credentials.
Congratulations to Christina Bova who recently won the Gordon H. Durnan bursary from the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP). This bursary will supplement Christina’s attendance at the upcoming Madison Institute presented by the AHP at the University of Wisconsin in July.
July 2009
All members of the BYA Committee for presenting a STUNNING event for the 2008 finalists – CONGRATULATIONS!
Directory Committee would like to thank Roslyn Bern for her participation, contribution and assistance; Judi Cane for her participation, contribution and assistance; Evelyn Budd for her assistance, contribution and guidance; and Raymonde and her team for their assistance and diligence. A thank you also goes to Nancy-Lee Glover for her assistance in delivering the WBN Directory.
External Committee would like to thank Heather Maclachlan, Janet Wolfe, Cathy Piesina, and Bev Carroll for volunteering their time to promote the WBN at our Womens Show booth at Lansdowne May 1 – 3.
Thanks to Gayle Young and Vickie Townson for offering to handle golf shirts, applying lettering etc, during the golf tournament.
Nomination and Awards Committee would like to thank Patricia den Boer and Kristine van der Pas-Norenius who facilitated selection sessions this year.
A special thank you to Christina Bova to agree to step into the role of Internal Communications Chair 5 months earlier than planned.
Kudos to Rebecca Page and Carley Schleck for being the 2 finalists for the 40 UNDER 40 prestigious award! Congratulations Ladies!
June 2009
This month is definitely all about celebrating and recognizing the achievements of local business women. WBN members Marie Boivin, Rosa Maria Iuliano, Rebecca Page and Carley Schelck have been awarded the 40 under 40 achievement award. Well done ladies!
A special thank you to Heather Maclachlan for spearheading the External Communications for the BYA Committee and Gala. Heather has taken the lead on the writing for ads, articles and any external communications required for the BYA Gala. Many thanks to Heather for all of her time and support. She is an expert writer.
External Communications Committee would like to thank Gail Jackson and June Rudderham for helping with the Ottawa Women's Show preparations.
Nominations and Awards Committee would like to thank its sponsors for their engagement in the upcoming selection process for the BYA Finalists. Their ongoing support in offering their boardroom and their participation in the selection process in greatly appreciated.
Robin McIntyre, Rogers Communications Inc.'s Ottawa Regional President, has been awarded an Excellence in Leadership award from Canadian Women in Communications. Ms. McIntyre was the first female president of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers' Ontario chapter, and played a significant role on Rogers's engineering team, working on such projects as High Definition TV and Video on Demand.
“I truly enjoyed the gala the other night, in some way even more than when I was a finalist last year – much more relaxing this year and I was able to appreciate how well it was organized. You did a great job, one of the best business events ever.” (Quote by Lynda Partner, CEO Partners Inc)
May 2009
Kudos to Roslyn Bern, Leacross Foundation, for her vision, her generosity and her commitment to women by making the Bursaries for the Management Development Program for Women (MDPW) available for women working in high tech companies.
The BYA would like to thank Michelle Valberg and Valberg Imaging for their support in photographing each of the 9 Finalists for the upcoming Businesswoman of the Year Gala April 22 at the Hampton Inn.
External Communications Committee would like to thank Gayle Young for offering to help the Committee prepare for our booth at the Women's Show
A special thank you goes to Heather Maclachlan for offering herself as liaison between External and BYA.
Thanks to Gayle Young for her email about t-shirts for the Board for the Golf Tournament.
To our sponsors that are engaged in the upcoming selection process (for offering their board room, and for participating in the selection process).
April 2009
A very special thank you is extended to our sponsors for their ongoing support in the Nomination and Award Selection of the BYA finalists. It is through their ongoing support that makes the BYA a must attend event within the Ottawa Business Community.
BYA Committee would like to thank Sue Pope. She has agreed to help in the search for an appropriate gift for the finalists at the budgeted cost. She has met the challenge of finding something different, appropriate and cost effective.
The Executive and the Board would like to thank Rebecca Page for making the arrangements with Rogers (WBN Sponsor) and Elizabeth May to meet prior to the February Event and promote the upcoming event on Rogers Daytime Show. The extra effort was greatly appreciated.
Program Committee would like to thank Jennifer Radley for organizing the Elizabeth May event. It is through her efforts that made this event special for all those who participated.
The Executive and Board members would like to congratulate all the Membership Committee volunteers. They have successfully recruited 21 new members so far this year.
March 2009
A special congratulations to all the WBN members who were nominated for the BYA. Although only a handful of nominated members will continue on to the next stages in the coming weeks, each of you have made amazing contributions in your career and within your community – well done ladies!
A special thank you to the sponsors who opened their boardrooms for the Nomination and Selection Committee for the upcoming BYA. It is your ongoing support that allows the WBN to provide such a high calibre event.
Directory Committee would like to thank Raymonde Lemire (WBN Secretariat) for all her support in the preparation of the Directory. Her team is outstanding. As well, the Directory Committee would like to thank Evelyn Budd for all her support.
Kudos to Programming Committee for presenting 2 events back-to-back with high calibre and exciting speakers.
February 2009
From the BYA Committee, a special thank you to Pelly, for her attention to detail and the completion of revisions to plan for Gayle Young. And a warm appreciation to Ola Spec for her enthusiasm regarding sponsorship contacts and the Rogers scripts.
A special mention to Isabelle Melançon of the WBN Secretariat for making improvements to the event e-blasts that is more interactive and allows links back to the website.
Well done to External Committee and Christina Bova for participating in the Great Boys of Fire Event. Rebecca was able to put together a table for the event in less than 10 days! Fantastic.
Here is a letter from Christina Bova:
WBN AND GREAT BOYS OF FIRE!! November 12, 2008
We were there!
Michelle Valberg, Valberg Imaging (BYA Award, 2003): Michelle is the creator behind the camera for the Firefighters Calendar for many years. Congratulations to Michelle in receiving an award pursuant to the acknowledgement of her long list of community work, achievements and awards.
Thank you, External Committee for sponsoring a table to introduce the WBN to potential members. Rebecca Page, Concierge Home Services; Liane Mazzuli, Sprott School of Business, Carelton U; Gayle Young, D & A Business Management Solutions.
As a WBN member and member of Internal Communications, I add my personal thanks.
Christina Bova, Corporate Gifts & Events Officer
Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation
January 2009
Thanks to Liz Jones for bringing in Judy Sevigny to join the Golf Committee
December 2008
A kudos goes to Jennifer Robitaille for winning the Majic 100 Milestone Makeover Contest. She will be receiving a new look with a new wardrobe and a chance to enjoy an all inclusive trip to Maya, Mexico with her husband in the new year. Enjoy!
A special thank you to Gail Jackson who did an outstanding job as Membership Committee Chair. Her fellow committee members will miss her and what to extend a bid heart warm thank you. They look forward to seeing you at the WBN events.
The Chamber of Commerce announced the finalists for the 2008 Business
Achievement Awards today. Concierge Home Services was selected as a Finalist for the Small Business category, and Rebecca Page was selected for the Business Person of the Year category.
November 2008
A special thank you to Heather Maclachlan, and all the work and effort that she and her committee put into the Ad Hoc Committee. Well done ladies.
Thank you to all the ladies who volunteered to become the new chairs of the following committees: Program – Kerry Fox; Golf Committee – Janell Hartley; External Communications – Rebecca Page, and the two co-chairs for Membership – Joyce Owen, and Janet Wolfe.
A special thank you to Raymonde Lemire for all her hard work in the preparation of the AGM.
A special thank you to Rebecca Page for stepping up to be the Chair of External Communications position.
October 2008
Raymonde and her staff for their keen eye to detail and reserved calm leading up to and the day of the golf tournament.
A special thanks from the Golf Chair to Janelle for stepping up to assume the new Golf Chair for 2009.
Ann Dobbins for inspiring our unprecedented conference on aging relatives and how to manage the responsibility. Ann has worked very hard to secure Ottawa's leading specialists as speakers! Be there on October 29th and tell everyone you know who has aging relatives.
Kudos to Frances Balodis as she celebrates 50 years in business!! Frances started teaching music at a very young age - and is likely one of our ONLY members who can celebrate this significant milestone. As well, Frances' company, Music for Young Children, is 28 years old this year (started in 1980). Frances Balodis - an amazing woman who has grown an international business through her passion for music. Well done!
Kudos to Elizabeth Costello for the brilliant marketing plan she prepared for me. It is full of great information for my business, well and fully researched, with meaty marketing ideas for me to implement - for years! The process was fun - and the results impressive. Thanks Liz, Sue Smarkala.
September 2008
Congratulations to Rebecca Page member of the WBN External Communications Committee and President of Concierge Home Services for being chosen as a nominee for the Savvy Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award. This annual contest from the website SavvyMom.ca highlights women entrepeneaurs. The grand prize consists of cash and business advice, which Rebecca plans on using to expand her network of franchisees who are home-based business owners and mothers. It is a readers' choice contest, so please support your WBN member and click in a vote for Rebecca.
August 2008
Christina Moretto had a successful golf tournament for the Heart Institute. She is looking forward to participating in the WBN golf tournament instead of organizing one.
Well done Christina!
Ursula Belanger for providing the most attendees, sponsorships and gift items to the golf tournament. "You are awesome.".
A member of the WBN distinguished herself this past year by being named one of the top five salespeople in Canada at NEBS Business Products. Jennifer Bedwell’s accomplishment did not go unnoticed. She was inducted for the 2nd time in her career as a member of Crest Club, an exclusive company honour bestowed on top salespeople. The award includes a cruise for Jennifer and her husband on the Celebrity Cruise line from Miami, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico in Spring 2008. Jennifer thanks the rest of the membership for their support.
July 2008
Thanks to two of our new golf team members Laurel Murray and Anne Stevenson for rising to the challenge to secure some key prizes for our live auction, Zoom Airline Tickets and Hot Air Balloon Rides.
Sue Smarkala for all her hard work and effort in finalizing a policy on how the WBN will interface and promote other charities outside of the current approved Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Betty Shields writes: It is worth noting that Deanna Rutherford was promoted to an Executive in NuSkin. She recently won the NuSkin Rock Star promotion which provided her the opportunity to be a guest on 3 TV shows including one in London, Ontario. Deanna is part of my team and I am very proud of her. As Anti-aging coaches we welcome an opportunity to speak to each of you and give you a free wrinkle iron demonstration. Why not let Deanna show you how to take 100 years to be 50.
June 2008
Kudos to...
Mona Schuller for her on-going dedication to the BYA Gala event. It is her continued support and her unlimited knowledge of the event that ensures its expert production and on-going success.
Pelly Heighton, a superb Event facilitator that goes above and beyond her contract requirements. She truly has the Network’s best interest at heart in everything that she does.
All the BYA committee members and Liaisons from other committees that gave of their time, energy and spirit. Without them the event (BYA) would not be possible.
Linda Hancock as a new committee member (Sponsorship) for stepping into the role of Member Sponsorship Liaison to help drum up some additional member sponsorships!!
Janell Hartley (Golf) for her continued marketing savvy and second set of eyes.
Ursula Belanger for her leadership and continuous improvement ideas.
The entire golf team for their continued enthusiasm and drive to secure sponsorship and gift items for the June tournament.
Dianne Pritchard and the BYA organizing committee, Ann Dobbins and Nominating & Awards, Carley Schelck, Deanna Rutherford and all others involved! Excellent job!
May 2008
A special mention to Christina Moretto who helped organize this year's Heart and Stroke Telethon for the Heart Institute. Christina and a team of volunteers (too many to mention here) helped to raise approx $5.7 million. This is absolutely fantastic!
Thank you…
…to Kathleen Caught for her brilliant idea to organize the women of WBN to feed the homeless at Shepherd’s of Good Hope in support of International Women’s Day 2008. And thanks to Evelyn Budd for her wonderful designs for the promotional pieces and the WBN apron the participants will wear on March 9th.
….to Ann Dobbins and Elizabeth Costello who bravely maneuvered the process of running the Nominating and Awards Committee for the first time. Hats off to your success! And to the fact that you’re still standing.
….to Raymonde Lemire and the gang at the Secretariat for their amazing support of the External Communications Committee in the creation of this year’s media kits for the BYA Finalists’ Luncheon on February 19, 2008.
...to Pelly Heighton for securing two new sponsors.
...to BYA committee members for their efforts towards new sponsorship.
...to each member of the External Communications Committee for coming together as a cohesive marketing team for the WBN! This is a dynamic, energetic, creative group of women who have wonderful ideas and have approached this task with energy and a strong sense of commitment.
...to Jacqueline Bisson and her committee members for the new format of the Directory.
...to Janell Hartley for accepting the Co-Chair position for the GOlf Committee.
...to Ann Dobbins for orchestrating a "best yet" first round meeting for the First Selection Committee for the BYA.
...to Janell Hartley for her quick and gracious response in securing the Centurion Center as our venue for the February event on short notice.
...to Nancy-Lee Glover for all her efforts in coordinating with Nominating & Awards to organize the February event.
...to Lyne Hallett for quickly managing the change in venue for the February event.
...to Nuala at the Hampton Inn for understanding our need to cancel our booking in February, and generously not charge the WBN for the cancellation.
...to Gayle Young for seeking ways to present the financial statement in a format which is more easily understood and interpreted.
March 2008
Congratulations to Elizabeth Costello, B.A., MBA. Founder echo marcom services.
Echo Marcom Services had celebrated its first year anniversary in November! With a high performance background, Elizabeth is qualified to offer a wide range of strategic and hands-on marketing and communications services including planning, implementation and evaluation. Well done Elizabeth! We look forward to following and celebrating your future successes.
February 2008
A special kudo to the firm of Augustine Bater Polowin LLP and the team for their recent receipt of the "Professional Services Firm of the Year" at the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on November 22nd, 2007. Well done Kerry Fox, it is really exciting news on hearing of your award.
January 2008
“Congratulations to Lynda Carter, CA, who was awarded the Greater Nepean Chamber
of Commerce 2007 Professional of the Year award on October 19th. Lynda was granted this honor due to her outstanding service and commitment to clients coupled with her hours of volunteer work in the community.
Congratulations Lynda!
Lynda is a partner at Chartered Accountant firm Scott, Rankin & Gardiner LLP. They are a mid-sized local firm specializing in serving owner-managed clients which has been operating in the Ottawa marketplace since 1983. See www.srgg.com for more information or contact Lynda at lcarter@srgg.com or 
(613) 596-2767
ext 237.”
Congratulations to Dina Aitbaeval who was presented the Women's Business Network of Ottawa Award.
“I would like to thank you for choosing me as a winner and presenting the Women's Business Network award last Tuesday. You have encouraged me to do my best and never give up. You have shown me that women can be strong, intelligent, and very successful. The sky is the limit.”
Well done Dina!
A special thanks to Janet Wolfe for her help with Membership and attending the board meeting in my absence. (Gail Jackson)
December 07
- Bouquets to the BYA Committee! Ann Callaghan attended a swanky Toronto Gala end of September and still says the BYA is second to none!
- Congratulations to Heather Maclachlan and her MacKay Street Epicuria crew! They catered an office event for Ann Callaghan: the food was superb AND Ann has never had so many people make a point of commenting on the food! Thank you for contributing to a wonderful event Heather!
- Networking rules!! Thank you to Nancy Graham who, through her husband, has recommended Ann Callaghan's company, CLWG, to two new clients. All original networking was done at the - BYA Gala!
- Congratulations to Ann Callaghan and Callaghan Letellier Wiens Gibbons (CLWG) who just received an ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario) Award of Merit at the prestigious Awards of Excellence Gala in Toronto. It is not often that firms outside of Toronto are recognized by the professional association.
CLWG was also awarded LEED Silver for their own offices by the USGBC (US Green Building Council) in June 2007. CLWG's project is the first LEED-CI office in Ottawa! (LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) - third party certification of "green or sustainable design"
- With the recent announcement at the WBN’s annual general meeting of the Jill Brown Charity Golf Tournament generating over $12K in revenue, it is with sincere thanks and gratitude that I once again thank our dedicated Golf Committee and of course the individuals and organizations who supported this event with sponsorship dollars and gifts to turn this event into one of Ottawa’s most sought after networking golf events.
So please mark your calendars for June 17th, 2008 – our tournament has been secured at one of Ontario’s top Club Link courses – Eagle Creek.
We look forward to being your hosts once again.
Judy Thomas
November 07
Speaking of the President Cup, how exciting to have this prestige tournament in our back yard. Well second to none was the 13th Annual Jill Brown Charity Golf tournament that raised over $8K this year. The success of this tournament was based on the dedication and creativity of the Golf Team members. Each individual on the Golf Committee this year rose to the challenge of securing increased sponsorship opportunities and celebrating the passion for such a unique networking event that was worthy of media exposure. The results speak for themselves. It has been a pleasure working with you!
Many thanks to Peggy Pratt for her support and wise counsel during my time as chair of the Nominating and Awards Committee.
Congratulations to Danielle Cardinal for her debut as a writer. Danielle is a co-author of the book "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health". It is a compilation of 101 proven strategies with reliable, tried-and-true ways to become a healthier person. Click here for insightful healthy living tips.
On her departure from our committee, our thanks to Julie Beaucaire for her contribution to Nominating and Awards.
October 07
Congratulations to Kathleen Caught, Accredited Mortgage Professional, VERICO Capital Mortgages Inc., and author, for her upcoming book launch of "From Marriages to Mortgages". Kathleen is hosting a book signing at Walter Baker Centre, September 22, from 10am to 2pm. You can get your copy signed there, or purchase a signed copy. For those who purchase, you will receive an invitation to the Book Launching Party that evening. Help Kathleen reach 1000 for Ottawa's best seller list!! For more information, see www.marriagestomortgages.com.
September 07
Thank you to thank Deanna Rutherford, Sue Smarkala, Raymonde Lemire (WBN Secretariat) and their respective teams that were an integral part in supporting the success of the golf tournament. Everyone involved made a special effort to ensure this event raised the profile to another level. (Judy Thomas)
Many thanks to Mona Schuller, General Manager, Manotick Travel and Cruise Centre, for all her help in arranging a celebratory Alaskan cruise for my husband, myself and our friends. Loved the 'midnight sun' - and - the complementary limousine service to and from the airport! (Sue Smarkala)
A special kudos goes to Irene Martin, RN, and her team at Retire-At-Home for achieving accreditation by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA). This process took 18 months of dedication and teamwork from everyone involved (employees, clients, community partners and management). Well done for achieving this very important process! For an interview or more information please contact Jonathan Martin, Retire-At-Home Service (613) 798-5111 ext. 225 or Donna Anderson, CCHSA, 1-800-814-7769, ext. 262.
August 07
Congratulations to Shawn Watson for her recent certification as a Registered Jeweler by the American Gem Society.
Judy Thomas sends a very large bouquet of thank you's to:
- her Golf Committee, Bev Carroll - Expresso Uno - Ottawa, Pauline Fleming - PRO-Active Possibilities Coaching Consultancy, Janell Hartley - Centurion Conference and Event Center, Liz Jones - Mulligan's Florist, Lisa Spiegel - Golf a round Leagues, Carley Shelck - The Urban Element and Shawn Watson - Davidson's Jewellers, for all their support, enthusiasm and hard work on this year's golf tournament
AND - the many sponsors and prize donors who supported the tournament, the WBN, and the Big Sisters/Big Brothers!
Congratulations to Bonnie Robinson winner of the Golf Individual Early Bird Prize: Davidson's Jewellers $100.00 gift certificate
Congratulations to Colleen Drake winner of the Golf Foursome Early Bird Prize: Club Link Green Fee for 4, valued at $400.00
July 07
Many thanks from Sue Smarkala to Manotick Travel and Cruise Centre’s Mona Schuller, General Manager, and Leslie Coates, President, for their great travel service. When Mona's travel arrangements for a complicated trip to Mexico for my husband and me began falling apart, my husband panicked. A Saturday phone call to Leslie in Manotick from a tiny airport in Mexico saved the day! We both got to our correct destinations - smoothly!!
June 07
From Grete Hale to all WBN Members
An open letter to all members from Grete Hale thanking the membership for the support and Lifetime membership.
It was only on my return home today, that on re-reading the wonderful citation the WBN presented to me that I realized I had been given a life membership in the WBN. Wow! I am so moved and delighted to be once again part of this great organization - a thousand grateful thanks. Grete.
We send heartfelt congratulations to Diane Koven. She was nominated for the Ottawa Y Women of Distinction Award in the Business, Professionals and Public Sector! To learn more about Diane's busy volunteer life, click here.
May 07
Kudos to Mona Schuller and the BYA Committee: Diane Pritchard, Liz Jones, Jackie Moulton, Ingrid Brunner, Connie Hartley and Pelly Heighton for a superb event!!! Well done ladies!
Kudos to Nancy Graham and the Nominating and Awards Committee: Julie Beaucaire, Lynda Carter, Ann Dobbins, Marcia Green, Irene Martin, Peggy Pratt and Judy Thomas for executing a complex process so successfully!
Kudos to Michelle Valberg for donating her fabulous photographic artwork as door prizes at our March event with Grete Hale at the Travelodge.
Kudos to Gail Jackson, Sales Consultant, BlueBird Transportation Systems for receiving an award for placing second in Canada for increased sales growth for 2006. Gail received this award at the North American Van Line conference held in Kananaskis, Alberta.
Kudos to the entire 2007 Golf Committee. Due to their committed efforts, we already have doubled our golf hole sponsorships and have generate a buzz about the new look for our networking golf tournament. Thanks for the dedication, Team!
April 07
Special thanks to Leslie Coates for her gracious offer of meeting with all the BYA finalists, before the February meeting, to provide them with some sense of the award – its opportunity, its importance and the perks that are available to the finalists.
Congratulations to Kathleen Caught for the great radio promotion of her unique combination of passions: weddings and finance! See http://www.1053kissfm.com/weddingguide/guides.jsp?content=mtom.jsp for more.
March 07
Congratulations to Evelyn Budd and her Directory Committee members, Jackie Bisson, Karen Simpson, Ola Spec and Ursula Belanger, for their fine work in publishing the 2007 WBN Ottawa Area Directory of Women in Business. Kudos as well to Michelle Valberg, Valberg Imaging, for the great cover photo, and to Evelyn Budd, Budd Graphics Inc., for the cover design.
We’d also like to extend a thank you to the more than 45 companies who supported the publishing of 5,000 directories through the placing of ads and additional listings. For a complete list of the companies, click here.
Special thanks to Nancy-Lee Glover of gcb Glover Custom Brokers Inc who, once again, is doing a great job with the delivery of the WBN directory. The WBN directory goes to all WBN members and also to many organizations in the Ottawa area who distribute copies to their clients and membership.
Feb 07
Coach Pauline Fleming, of PRO-Active Possibilities Coaching, was recognized at the 2006 international coaching convention as a top-3 finalist for Canadian Coach of the Year. Congratulations to Pauline for putting Ottawa and Canada on the international map of coaching!
A huge welcome back to Martha Tobin of MAXAD. After two little girls and almost five years away, Martha is again working out of the corporate office at 477 Elgin Street. She’s thrilled to be back with her colleagues and is enjoying the office dynamics. She invites WBN members to drop by the MAXAD showroom to see all of the amazing promotional items on display there. Martha can be reached at 613-688-2121 (ext. 241), or martha@maxad.net.
The WBN congratulates one of our past members, and a strong supporter of women in business, Grete Hale. Grete received her Order of Canada on December 15, 2006 from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, who presented 38 recipients with their insignia of membership into the Order of Canada. To read more about Grete’s honour, see http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=4941.
Jan 07
Ola Spec, Event Architect at Tulips and Maple Catering absolutely "wowed" the organizers and guests at the highly prestigious opening of the new Royal Ottawa Hospital.
The reception event for 1200 people took place October 30th at the new hospital building and was attended by the who's-who list of community movers and shakers. Guests enjoyed incredible food, spectacular presentation and stunning decor thanks to the creativity, professionalism and precision of the Tulips and Maple team.
For an impressive 2-page spread of Ola's behind-the-scenes action (written by Ottawa Citizen's food editor Ron Eade), please see http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/columnists/story.html?id=13c3c9e0-7fdb-4046-992f-fd235ad20f19.
Patricia Aramouni, WBN member and president of Fancy Sox, is enjoying her 20th year of successful business! Established in 1986, Fancy Sox has placed itself as the premier hosiery retailer in the Ottawa region with two locations (Rideau Center and St. Laurent Centre) and a retail Website.
Patricia and her sister are at the heart of Fancy Sox, providing hosiery selections from Europe, the US and Canada and building a repeat clientele through excellent customer service. Their flair for fashion and outstanding business sense has given them 20 years of SOXCESS!!! Drop in to visit them at one of their locations, or shop online at www.fancysox.ca.
Sheila Winter Wallace has opened her new venture, A.C.T. & Inspire. Sheila devotes herself to performance consulting and training, helping others to achieve practical and rewarding results. Her new business targets professionals and business owners who want to easily break through to the next level in life and/or business. Sheila can be reached at 613-292-4562, sheila@actandinspire.com, and via her Website at www.actandinspire.com.
Current WBN member Carley Schelck and former member Julie Tubman were both honored at the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Achievement Awards Gala on Thursday, November 23, 2006. Carley Schelck, proprietor and events director of The Urban Element, garnered the New Business of the Year Gold Award, sponsored by BDC. Julie Tubman, president of Tubman Funeral Homes, received the top Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Achievement award, Businessperson of the Year.
Two other women deserve special recognition for the incredible assistance they've given the WBN board over the last few months. Ann Van Delst stayed on as acting treasurer until a new treasurer was identified and in place, and Sheila Winter Wallace provided tremendous support to the board and various committees, ensuring that the tendering process for secretariat services was handled in a professional and complete manner.
Dec 06
WBN member Diane Koven, BA (Hon) CFP, has achieved Million Dollar Round Table Membership for the 1st year. The Million Dollar Round Table represents over 74 nations from around the world and is the standard of excellence in insurance and investment sales performance within the insurance industry. Acceptance into this exclusive international organization is based on strict ethical and production qualifications. Congratulations, Diane!
Congratulations to Shawn Watson, General Manager of Davidson’s Jewellers, and her Golf Committee for creating an amazing WBN golf tournament! The Nine and Dine Jill Brown Memorial Golf Tournament at the Grey Hawk Golf Club on July 10, was a great success. Everyone had a fabulous time – and there was lots of buzz about the WBN! Well done, all!
Nov 06
Carol Devenny, WBN member and partner at PWC, has been chosen as one of five businesswomen to deliver the Leadership Forum, a new program of the University of Ottawa School of Management EMBA program. This prestigious new program was created as part of the CATA WIT Forum. The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) is a network designed to boost women’s participation and advancement in the technology sector, and the Women in Technology (WIT) Forum was developed by CATA to provide opportunities for mentoring, networking, professional development and advocacy for women in the high tech sector – www.cata.ca/wit
Kudos to WBN member Frances Balodis, International Director, Music for Young Children, whose work with young children and music has recently been recognized by a world-calibre animation organization, called Trapeze Animation Studios Limited. Trapeze is a two-time Gemini Award winner for its work on "Doodlez." These folks contacted Frances, out of the blue, and invited her to be their 'expert' as they develop an animated television program to teach music to young children. Keep us informed about your progress, Frances!
Congratulations also to Gaye Moffett, founder/owner/president, and her team at GEM Health Care Services. GEM has recently undergone its second formal evaluation by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation and was awarded for the second time with a full three-year accreditation. This stamp of approval is an indication of GEM's ability to meet Canada-wide standards and provide exemplary health care. Kudos indeed to a WBN member who focuses on service excellence in face of today's increased concerns regarding the quality of our health care.
Oct 06
WBN member Meredith Thatcher was recently named a Fellow of the International Facility Management Association, making her one of only 65 Fellows in this 18,000 member international association. Meredith, President of the Carroll Thatcher Planning Group, focuses on business development, project delivery for special projects, marketing strategy, research and development. She joined IFMA in 1993 and serves on the IFMA/BOMA Task Group for Area Management and the IFMA International Credentials Committee. Congratulations to Meredith Thatcher on this international accolade!
Many thanks to Sharon Boothroyd for her care, attention and steady hand on the till as she piloted the WBN to yet another amazing year. 2004/2005 included sustained program excellence, the BYA expansion, important new sponsorship connections, valuable Executive retreats and Board training. Sharon did all this with a view to maintain the WBN's leadership in the Ottawa community as a terrific network of accomplished business women!
Kudos Sharon, from the WBN Network!
The Internal Communications Committee sends a big thank you to Debra Workman-Saulnier, Senior Print Specialist, The Data Group of Companies, for her time and efforts on the committee's behalf. Deb quietly worked behind the scenes to produce quality graphics time and again until we had consensus - well done, Deb!
Kristine van der Pas-Norenius extends a special thank you to the members of the Businesswoman of the Year Award Expansion Task Force, a committed group who shared their vast experience and positive spirit in order to make this year's awards expansion possible. Kristine's - and our - thanks go out to: Carol Devenny, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Louise Diotte, Investors Group; Kathie Emms, Royal Bank; Nancy Graham, PWL Advisors; Peggy Pratt, Freedom 55 Financial; Jennifer Radley, EQ Consulting; Judy Richards, Davidson's Jewellers; Martha Tobin, MAXAD Promotional Marketing.
Lyne Hallett, Portables, and WBN Program Chair sends KUDOS to our three members who provided their products and services, for the 50 members and guests at July's Garden Party.
- Evelyn Budd, Budd Graphics for opening her beautiful home, garden and design studio to us. She provided everyone with some cost saving tips for marketing our business and a beautiful complementary perennial plant for everyone, courtesy of Budd Gardens.
- Upon arrival, everyone was invited to quench their thirst with cold fruit smoothies along with iced cappuccino, all made-to-order by Bev Carroll of Espresso Uno.
- During the evening we enjoyed a scrumptious buffet by Heather Maclachlan of Mackay Street Epicuria, which was enjoyed by all. It was a real smorgasbord of colour and taste!
The venue, beverages and food were all a big hit! Thank you Evelyn, Bev and Heather. We truly have a dynamic group of business professionals, who are dedicated to growing and nurturing business relationships
Congratulations to Pauline Fleming, Personal and Professional Coach, Proactive Possibilities, for winning accolades as Ottawa Business Journal's 'Forty under 40' Award recipient for Business Growth, Professional Excellence & Community Involvement.
Congrats to our President, Sharon Boothroyd, Account Executive, Money Concepts/Aegon Dealer Services Inc., for passing her Income Tax Planning exam she wrote in June. And, all the best for your next challenge: Certified Financial Planning in November! A model for us all, Sharon just keeps enhancing her professional status.
Congratulations to Shawn Watson O'Reilly, General Manager of Davidson's Jewellers, who received a scholarship from the prestigious American Gem Society in California to continue her studies in gemology
Heather Maclachlan, co-owner of Mackay Street Epicuria at 419 Mackay Street (corner of Beechwood Ave), is celebrating 15 years in business! Congratulations! Here's to another successful 15 years.
Congratulations to Melynda Layton for making partner at the law firm of Nelligan O'Brien Payne, LLP.
Cheers to Mona Schuller and her BYA Sub-committee team for delivering an amazing Businesswoman of the Year Gala event - a tremendous amount of work - and a tremendously FUN evening!
Says Heather Maclachlan, "I reconfirmed the investment I have personally made in belonging to this great organization. Listening to and learning about the women I worked with at the table was a pleasure. The time flew by!"
Congratulations to Pauline Fleming of Proactive Possibilities for being named one of the Ottawa Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 in Ottawa.
Sharon Boothroyd, our President, sends a great big thank-you from the entire network to Candice Vetter, Heather Maclachlan, Diane Astley and Lyne Hallett for organizing and helping to staff our booth at the Women's Show. Another thank-you goes to those who took time from their schedules to represent the network. This was a terrific opportunity to showcase the network and ourselves.
Candice Vetter would like to thank all the volunteers who staffed the WBN Booth at the National Women's Show: Lyne Hallett, Heather Maclachlan, Sharon Boothroyd, Judith Szabo, Jo-Anne MacKay, Diane Astley, Marion Balla, Verne MacDonald, Louise Diotte, Evelyn Budd, Mona Schuller, Leslie Coates, Cathy Dempsey, Jennifer Radley, Andrina Rockwell, Diane Koven and Michelle Lapierre. More than 50 qualified women filled out ballots for the Gala tickets, and more than 800 directories were given out to interested women.
Says Heather Maclachlan, "I reconfirmed the investment I have personally made in belonging to this great organization. Listening to and learning about the women I worked with at the table was a pleasure. The time flew by!"
A huge thank you to Martha Tobin, Maxad Promotional Marketing. We have worked with Martha for the past few years to create annual awards for members of our financial centre. This year we created a new award that will hang in our reception area. Martha out did herself in helping us design a classy, updated presentation. Everyone was impressed with the award, and pleased that I have such great contacts.
- Peggy Pratt,Director, Market Development, Freedom 55 Financial.
To Donna and Judy at MCO for doing such a great job helping External Communications with their press kit and all the flying emails to get it done!!!
- Heather Maclachlan, Co-owner/Partner, MacKay Street Epicuria
Thanks to all the WBN members who attended the Adlerian Counselling and Consulting Group's Open House on January 25th, and helped us celebrate our 25th anniversary! It was a great party!!
The Directory Sub-committee would like to recognize the following companies that help support the publishing of the WBN directory. They are:
Albert At Bay & Best Western - Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP - Borden Ladner Gervais - Breast Cancer Action - Budd Graphics - Burke Robertson - Carleton University - Cartier Place Hotel - ChiroMax of Manotick, Dr. Salina Ismail - Chuck Brown Golf - Collaborative Design & Associates Ltd. - Counselling Group West - Counsellor Law Offices - CPI Interiors - Davidson Jewellers - den Boer & Associates - Digitots Photography - Dr. Beaupre Vein Clinic - Dr. M. Ray James Plastic & Reconstructive - Fancy Sox - GCB Glover Customs Brokers Inc. - Gem Health Care - Gem Software Scheduling Solutions - Ginsberg, Gluzman Fage & Levitz - Glebe Pharmasave - Holtz Spa - Hulse, Playfair & McGarry - Investors Group - Jubilee Fine Jewellers - Kelly Howard Santini - Macera & Jarzyna - Mansfield Rodney Printing Ltd. - Mary Breton, RBC - Mary Wood, Collaborative Design & Associates Ltd. - McGrath Collections - Money Concepts, Ottawa East - Montery Inn & Resort - Music for Young Children - Myra McKeen, ReMax - Nelligan O'Brien Payne - Neomy Petersen, RBC - Norwalk, The Furniture Idea - Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall - Price Waterhouse Coopers - PW Group - Rogers Wireless - Royal Bank, Kathie Emms - Sage Strategies - School of Complementary Therapies - Shanti Consulting, Dr. Hema Murty - Sue Raven Physiotherapy Clinic - Surgenor National Leasing - Synergy Spa - Tubman Funeral Homes
New member Judith Szabo, President of J.J. Szabo International Marketing and Communications, was one of the 100 people chosen across Canada to monitor and report on the December presidential election in Ukraine for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The nine-day trip involved visiting many polling stations in Crimea, the southern part of Ukraine. Congratulations to Judith on a very special opportunity!
Anniversary congratulations to the following WBN Members!!
- To Lyne Hallett, at Portables, on their 26 years in business. Portables is Canada's largest supplier of exhibit marketing products and services. For 26 years they have helped their clients 'stand out in a crowd' using stunning, dramatic exhibit
- To Marion Balla and Sue Smarkala, at the Adlerian Counselling and Consulting Group, for 25 years in the community. Ottawa mayor, Bob Chiarelli, has marked this special occasion by proclaiming January 25th, 2005 as Adlerian Psychology Day in Ottawa. You are invited to their open house on the 25th, at their Bank Street offices, and will receive an anniversary copy of their Relationships magazine.
The Adlerian Counselling and Consulting Group sends kudos to Pat den Boer, of den Boer Associates, for her expertise and help in developing and launching a new look, and extended content, for the ACCG web site.
Kudos to Cara MacMillan, of BMO Nesbitt Burns (and Tess, her daughter), for arranging to collect and deliver our President's Holiday Party food donations to the Food Bank Drive, supporting those in our community who need our gifts.
Congratulations to Kathie Emms, Account Manager/Women's Market Champion, Royal Bank of Canada - Business Banking! Kathie is one of 500 people from across Canada, voted by their peers, to be invited by RBC on a Caribbean cruise in January. By exceeding her sales objectives for the year, and for her contributions to the Ottawa community, Kathie is one of seven people chosen from Ottawa. While on the cruise, the Leo award will be given to about ten people.
One of our past BYA winners, Leslie Coates, President, Manotick Travel and Cruise Centre, has just won the Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Gold Award for Professional Services of the Year.
A new member, Marie Boivin, Chief Operating Officer of Accu-Rate Corporation, won the Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Bronze Award for Business Person of the Year.
Also in November, Sharon McGarry, President, Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, was featured on the front cover of the Ottawa Business Journal.
From Kristine van der Pas-Norenius, Sage Strategies
Congratulations to Leslie Coates of Manotick Travel and Cruise Centre, who is celebrating her company's 25th anniversary. Her celebration included a phenomenal cruise on the Radisson Diamond Odyssey with a group that included several happy WBN members. Leslie has the unique talent of making a vacation like this truly extraordinary. She knows how to make her clients feel extra special, pampered and carefree. We had great laughs, saw interesting sights, and enjoyed a first class get-away with great people. Kudos to you, Leslie!
In September, I had the privilege of using Valberg Imaging Inc. for my professional photographs. Michelle Valberg and her staff were amazing with their dexterity, suggestions and results. It was a pleasure to use their services.
A big thank you goes to the volunteers and organizers who made our August event a success, and to our speaker, Pat den Boer.
Congratulations Sharon Flemming!!! Sharon was recently approved for her PCC (Professional Certified Coach) certification with the International Coach Federation, which is the second highest coaching credential in the world. She'd like to thank all of her clients, retreat participants, audience members and colleagues for the opportunities, growth and trust they have allowed her to experience. "I couldn't have accomplished it without your support," she says.
Congratulations, too, to Ann Callaghan, who on Jul. 31 passed her LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) exam. Ann is now an Accredited LEED Professional, making Callaghan Letellier Wiens Gibbons the first interior design firm in Ottawa to have an accredited professional on board.
The LEED Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council, representing all segments of the building industry, developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. LEED for Canada is being developed, but currently professionals write the US exam. LEED standards are currently available or under development for:
- New commercial construction and major renovation projects
- Existing building operations
- Commercial interiors projects
- Core and shell projects
- Homes
Congratulations to Patricia den Boer of den Boer Associates, who chairs our Internal Communications Committee, and to her committee members - Karen Morris, Julie Beaucaire, Peggy Pratt, Verne MacDonald and Debra Workman - for creating a new, dynamic look for the WBN Web site. Check it out and don't forget to give the committee your feedback at info@denboer.ca.
Congratulations to Lori Wagner of Rogers KISS FM, who chairs our Membership committee, and to all of her active committee members - Jennifer Radley, Jan Mansfield, Sheila Pepper, Marie Hartmann, Marie Seabrook and Melynda Layton - for reaching our membership target of 155 by June 1. Please help support Lori and her committee in their efforts to grow our network by renewing your membership today!
Thanks to Jan Warren of Capital Publishers and Evelyn Budd of Budd Graphics, who have volunteered to co-chair the Directory sub-committee for 2004-05.
Caren Weinstein of Vintage Designing Co. sends a Kudo to Evelyn Budd of Budd Graphics for attaining her RGD designation as a Registered Graphic Designer. Congratulations on passing some tough examinations as well as a portfolio review. Well Done!
Thank you to Carolyn Gardner, cardcommunications and chair of the Directory committee. Carolyn is leaving our board due to other commitments and we will certainly miss her. Special thanks to Marie Seabrook, Seabrook Associates, who quickly took up the duties in the interim and whipped off a very professional request for proposal for the directory.
Candice Vetter would like to thank everyone who helped out with the WBN Booth at the National Women's Show. "It was a great event and would not have been possible without the involvement of these dedicated members. I have worked on many events with many organizations and boards of directors, and I have to say that working with a group that is all made up of businesswomen is the best. Everyone does exactly what they say they will. It's great."
Sue Smarkala sends Kudos to our own Shirley Westeinde, who recently took on the role as Chair of the Board of the Canadian Construction Association. Shirley is the first woman to head this organization in its 86 years of existence! Congratulations, Shirley.
YAHOO!! We made our membership target! Congratulations to Lori Wagner of KISS FM and her team on the membership committee.
Kudos to our own Shirley Westeinde, recently nominated as Chair of the Board of the Canadian Construction Association. Shirley is the first woman to head this organization in its 86 years of existence! Congratulations Shirley! For more info, see http://www2.cdn-news.com/scripts/ccn-release.pl?/2004/03/31/0331068n.html?cp=cca
More kudos to Carolyn Gardner, of cardcommunications, for being a winner in this year's Ottawa Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards.
Many thanks to Jennifer Bedwell of NEBS Business Products, chair of the Nominating and Awards Committee, and to her committee members for executing a thorough and professional nomination process for the Businesswoman of the Year award.
Congratulations to Mona Schuller of Manotick Travel & Cruise Centre, chair of the BYA, and to her committee members for a fantastic, fun and unforgettable award gala!
I sent my assistant, Diana, to several "personal image" workshops that Karen Morris (Image Solutions Group) and her team held in November. We are grooming her for a greater role on our team and Diana felt she needed a little more polish to her professional image. She enjoyed the sessions so much that we have booked a private consultation for her birthday. Highly recommended!
-Geri Moss-Norbury, MA, CFP Investment Advisor, CIBC Wood Gundy
WBN
If you would like to apply for membership in the WBN or are interested in further information about our organization, contact the WBN Secretariat or download the membership application below.