News from Committee Chairs

The Internal Communications Committee works to improve communication between: the WBN and its members in general; the Executive and WBN members and the rest of the WBN Board; and other internal stakeholders. This committee also encourages and seeks out innovative methods to profile members to other members through such vehicles as a regular e-newsletter, assisting the various committees in communicating key messages to membership and working with the chair of the External Communications Committee to ensure that alignment of WBN key messages occurs throughout all forms of WBN communication.
 

The Program Committee is responsible for the planning and organizing of the WBN's monthly events with the exception of the annual BYA Gala and the Golf Tournament. The monthly events are planned around areas of interest to our membership such as networking, professional development, hands-on learning and, of course, fun.
 

The Membership Committee introduces new members to the WBN.  We seek opportunities to attract new members, interview prospective members, take applications to the executive for ratification, and facilitate the welcome process.

We have three categories of membership: business owners, commissioned sales, and management.  We also coordinate “New Members Breakfasts” to give a friendly welcome to new and prospective members in a smaller, more intimate setting prior to the larger monthly meetings.
 

The Nominating/Awards committee has the exciting mandate of helping to increase the profile of the WBN members through recognition of their achievements. The committee also encourages members to develop their leadership skills through participation on the WBN Board and plays a role in celebrating the success of all women in business via the Businesswoman of the Year Award (BYA). We learn about amazing businesswomen in our network and in Ottawa, solicit recognition from other organizations for our talented members, and help plan a great celebration of the success of businesswomen. WBN also sponsors three annual scholarships for female students in recognition of their scholastic and leadership achievements.
 

The Sponsorship committee works with other committees seeking sponsorship and then assists in identifying and approaching potential sponsors.  We ensure benefit delivery and proper communication of the sponsorship program, liaise with sponsors, coordinate appropriate methods of thanking sponsors, and document and update the sponsorship program as required.
 

The Golf Committee’s mandate is to increase the profile of the Annual Jill Brown Memorial Golf Tournament to be recognized as one of Ottawa’s premiere networking golf tournaments. Proceeds that are raised with the support of sponsors and attendees are shared with the Big Sisters/Big Brothers of Ottawa – this local charity enables girls and boys, especially the disadvantaged, achieve their full potential. As well, proceeds are also raised in support of the WBN Scholarship Fund where three female business students are recognized from the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and Algonquin College.
 

The Directory Committee’s mandate is to prepare and distribute the Women’s Business Network directory to promote the WBN and its members. The committee ensures that this beneficial tool gives each member the resources needed at their fingertips such as:

• contact and business profile of WBN members
• information on the Women’s Business Network
• marketing resource and great giveaway
• opportunities for other members to promote your business.