There are many reasons to join the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN). In fact, there are at least as many reasons as there are members, with membership reaching up to 179 women during the year.
Here is what just a few members have to say about WBN — what they love about the organization and what it does for them and for their businesses:
“When we joined the WBN, we assumed it would make a good impact professionally for our veterinary practices, and indeed, it did. We’ve continued relationships with some loyal and amazing clients in this organization, and also gained new clientele through the WBN members and their referrals.
But what I didn’t really expect was how inspiring getting to know these amazing and unique woman would be to me personally. I walk away from every meeting with more knowledge, more strength, and more respect for the women in our community.”
– Danielle McIver, Vet Visionaries
“Operating a home-based business can be very isolating. In 2009, I decided to join WBN to meet people in my own community. Since then, I have met several women whom I now consider friends, plus many more who are beyond acquaintances.
Participating on the Board for two years, on the program committee and as a member of the WBN Book Club have all enhanced the experience.”
– Marilyn Cassidy, Speakers Group Inc.
“Joining the WBN literally opened up a world of opportunities for me. I was new to Peterborough and was trying to build my career with Investors Group, so being part of a strong membership of 150 diverse women seemed like a natural fit for my both my business development and for the new friendships that have grown over the years. Love the new format of member facilitators at the table!”
– Catherine Dewar, Investors Group Financial Services Inc..
“Learning, laughing, connecting. There are so many reasons people join the WBN. For some, it is business development, and, for others, it is personal development, not to mention members seeking a fun evening out with peers.
I have been a WBN member for six years and a board member for two years, and I must say I can’t imagine my personal or my professional life without Wednesday nights at the WBN.”
– Carrie Wakeford, Black Cap Design
“As a member of the WBN since 1979 (then Women’s Advertising and Sales Association), I am now an honourary member and look forward to networking with the great variety of businesswomen, sometimes advising on business locations, financing and my experiences.
We have grown from just a few women who dare to be in business to the economic engine of today. The organization has given me confidence in public speaking, confidence in starting conversation and handing out cards, and a general social education. My motto is ‘life is there for the taking’.”
– Maureen Tavener, RE/MAX Eastern Realty Inc. Brokerage
“Being new to the WBN and, not knowing what to expect, it has been a great experience. Many talented and diverse women and remarkable speakers who inspire and energize you to reach your goals, whatever they may be.”
– Christine Watts, Kawartha Lakes Construction Company Ltd.
“I’m probably one of the lesser-known WBN members and that’s okay because I’m most comfortable leading from the back. Working in the federal public sector, I joined the WBN because my employer has a mandate of regional economic development. I’m listening to the challenges that local women entrepreneurs face, watching their successes and seeking every opportunity to share this information into the machine of government.
I’m also here to learn from the amazing speakers to get exposure to current business trends and hopefully, one day, launch my own business.”
– Patricia Lamoureux, FedDev Ontario / Government of Canada
“The WBN exemplifies what a great support network should be; a positive, affirming safe space to grow and learn both personally and professionally. The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner through our Lunch Box Learning program and it’s always great to see that we share a lot of members who see value in both of our organizations.”
– Karen August, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
“We are fortunate to have an organization like the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough who encourage women to grow both personally and professionally. With two types of memberships available, single or corporate, Cherney Properties prefers the flexibility of a corporate membership which allows any of our female employees the opportunity to attend the monthly meetings and be inspired not only by amazing guest speakers, but also a terrific group of diverse women from our business community.”
– Kristi Dick, Cherney Properties
For more information about the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net.
