Betty Halman-Plumley and her team at IG Wealth Management in Peterborough specialize in Intergenerational Estate Planning, working closely with families to develop tailored solutions that families can trust with no regrets. She takes a holistic approach to secure harmony and grow, protect, and transfer a family's legacy from generation to generation. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Betty Halman-Plumley believes in taking a holistic approach to everything she does. She learned the value of this early in her career, when she worked at the Peterborough Family Resource Centre / Ontario Learning Years Centre and during the time she served as the Executive Director.
Betty learned that, to best support children, you had to support whole families and make important connections to community.
When Betty made a career change to the financial sector and began working at Investors Group in 2005, she continued using this approach to help provide the best guidance and advice for her clients.
“I chose Investors Group because of the strength and stability of a Canadian company who also valued the importance of teaming and understood the holistic approach to financial success,” Betty shares.
Early on in her career, Betty found that she was advising and consulting with clients who often referred her to their elderly parents and to their adult children.
“Clients would connect me with their kids and then with their parents,” Betty explains. “I was working with and learning about each generation especially in the area of estate planning and this really inspired me.”
During her career at Investors Group, Betty Halman-Plumley has worked with three generations of families and has learned valuable lessons from each, including what they wished they had done differently or put in place before their loved one passed away. She has used these lessons in her role as Wealth and Estate Planner and as Elder Planning Counselor to create a more holistic approach to Intergenerational Estate Planning for her clients. (Supplied photo)
Betty took valuable lessons from each client she worked with and that allowed her to develop better systems to support them as part of their bigger family. In her role as Wealth and Estate Planner as well as Elder Planning Counselor, Betty found that her earlier experiences had helped her to create a more holistic approach and it that it was benefiting her clients.
“I have been working with three generations over my career at Investors Group, and I have learned valuable lessons from each — what families wished they had done differently or put in place before their loved one passed away,” Betty says.
“My approach works with families to ‘get in front of’ and to mitigate these and other concerns, and guides the next stage of the family’s Intergenerational Estate Plan.”
Betty’s mission is clear — to provide professional trusted wealth and estate planning solutions to secure meaningful and enduring legacies — and Betty and her team are happy to be driving this mission to support families.
“It is my goal to help create harmony between generations by developing a deeper honour and respect for their legacy story,” Betty says. “By embracing each generation in this journey, it is my hope to begin the process of opening up insights between them and of capturing their wishes and goals — not only to grow, but to protect and transfer legacies today and also to have the power to make a difference tomorrow and for generations to come.”
The work that Betty does is complex and rewarding. She must manage expectations, deliver lasting results, and help people achieve their goals … believing that wonderful things are possible. And for some of this, Betty relies on her faith.
Betty Halman-Plumley, shown here speaking at the International Women’s Day Conference Peterborough, is a past president of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. (Photo; International Women’s Day Conference Peterborough)
Betty’s faith drives her interest in supporting people, her community, and causes. She’s not always that vocal about her faith, but she lets it guide her and she welcomes signs when they start appearing.
A couple of years ago, Betty started noticing the number 89 popping up repeatedly. It was part of her address, her ID number at work … it was everywhere. She was thinking about this one day driving in her car, listening to Carrie Underwood, and she thought how great it would be if she could sing and inspire people.
“We all need good role models, and I can’t sing, but I wanted to inspire,” Betty laughs. “I have always felt that my work was my calling and so I looked up Psalm 89, and it happened to be on page 899 in my Bible.”
Psalm 89 says, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”
What Betty read was confirmation that she was on track with the work she had been doing with families. Today this Psalm is framed and displayed in her office — as a reminder of her commitment to legacy planning and that she is doing what she has been called to do.
April Boyce, owner of Looking Glass Coaching at the 'be well centre' in downtown Peterborough, supports people of all ages living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With her background as an educator, her experience advocating for and mentoring her own ADHD child, and specialized learning and training, she works with her clients to figure out the problems they want to solve and to develop a plan of action. (Supplied photo)
As an educator, April Boyce watched students struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a mom to a child with ADHD, April realized she needed to be the advocate her own family needed — but she didn’t stop there.
April has now taken her learning, experience, and best practice and turned it into specialized coaching services for people impacted by ADHD in the Peterborough area.
From her new Looking Glass Coaching office in the “be well centre” at 459 George Street, April acts as a partner in the quest to harness the positive aspects of ADHD, so those who are impacted will not have to face it alone. She uses specialized coaching to help clients of all ages overcome their unique challenges while harnessing the positive aspects of ADHD.
April says the disorder has been poorly named, and her approach to coaching helps clients develop insight into what their skills are and where their successes have come from in the past.
“When there’s interest, the brain produces dopamine — a chemical necessary to sustain interest and activate executive functions,” April explains. “Those are the abilities we need to focus, concentrate, make decisions, remember things, et cetera. People with ADHD are dopamine deficient and therefore find it much harder to access those all-important executive functions.”
This understanding is part of how April works with her clients when they need help getting “un-stuck”.
ADHD can cause time blindness, making it hard to begin tasks, and it can also cause different manifestations of disorganization. These are things that April works through with her clients, who range in age from youth to newly diagnosed adults.
“ADHDers can get trapped because they can’t start,” April says. “This can be so overwhelming. As a coach, I help them understand what helps them flourish.”
April can also help clients understand how to create better environments for productivity and learning. Movement can help some clients, while harnessing creativity can help others.
Underlying all April does is the belief that the “pill is not the skill.” While many of her clients might be managing their disorder with prescribed medications, the skills she connects them with will open more positive pathways to a productive future.
April’s understanding has evolved through a combination of her background as an educator, her experience advocating for and mentoring her own ADHD child, and also lots of specialized learning.
With this wealth of experience and knowledge, along with over 300 hours of ADHD coach-specific training, April sets to work with her clients to figure out the problems they want to solve.
“We take on one thing at a time,” April says. “We figure out what’s in your way, where you want to be, and how you get there.”
This approach does not follow a typical medical model. Instead, April says she focuses on her clients as whole, nerurodiverse persons.
The whole-person approach is part of why she’s put down concrete roots at the “be well centre” at a time when many coaches are offering services online. She loves the collaborative environment the centre can provide and she’s happy to connect with her clients in person — where they share their diverse energy face to face.
“I always leave coaching sessions feeling fired-up,” she notes. “I help people leave with insights and awareness, with a plan, and with direction.”
Many of the clients April works with benefit from her use of positive psychology and her focus on the positive aspects of the disorder, while making sense of and managing the challenges — like establishing boundaries and setting goals.
“There is no correlation between intellect and ADHD,” she explains. “But many with ADHD are under-stimulated and under-employed. When they come to me, they often are in desperate need to feel like there is hope and that they are not alone.”
“There are also a lot of very successful executives and professionals with ADHD who are killing it at work, but their personal lives are in a shambles because the executive function demands of their jobs take every ounce of energy they have.”
“This is not a one-size-fits-all disorder. I want people to know when they walk into my space, it is a shame-free zone where they can work on whatever is getting in the way.”
April says monumental change happens when her clients learn to leverage what the brain does. That’s when she knows her clients will find success.
“I like coaching because my clients have a plan of action when they leave a session,” she says. “The final outcome is entirely up to them — it’s about what they want to walk away with.”
Being empowered to make plans, to see future goals, to put resources in place, and to anticipate success are welcome changes for those across the region who have been living with the daily stigma and challenges of ADHD.
April is happy to be a resource and to help the ADHD community understand that every journey is unique.
“Where did the belief come from that you have to be like everyone else?” April asks. “Let’s find what works … and do that more.”
Looking Glass Coaching is located in the “be well centre” at 459 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. For more information on Looking Glass Coaching, call 705-702-3880, email april@lookingglasscoaching.ca, or visit lookingglasscoaching.ca. You can also follow Looking Glass Coaching on Facebook and Instagram.
The Sheepdogs are Sam Corbett (drums, backing vocals), Shamus Currie (keyboards, trombone), Ewan Currie (vocals, guitars, clarinet, drums), Jimmy Bowskill (guitars, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, pedal steel), and Ryan Gullen (bass, backing vocals). (Publicity photo)
September always has a special feeling to it. The days remain are but the nights get cooler, students of all ages head back to school, and the everyday hustle and bustle returns after a relaxed summer.
Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve been here your whole life, there’s a ton of great live music to experience in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here are just a few of the events to get out and enjoy:
Brooke Wylie at the Red Dog in Peterborough on September 5
All the way from Alberta, singer and songwriter Brooke Wylie will be performing at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Thursday, September 5th as part of The Weber Brothers’ WE Thursdays concert series.
Wylie can make you smile, cry, and smile again within a couple songs and her presence on stage and pure voice are not to be missed. The show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $10 at the door.
VIDEO: “If I Had A Little Girl” – Brooke Wylie
The Tebworth Brothers at the Orono Fair on September 5
There is nothing like a fall fair to really usher in the autumn vibes. Head on out to the Orono Fairgrounds (2 Princess St., Orono) for the Orono Fair from Thursday, September 5th to Sunday, September 8th. The theme for 2019 is “Connecting Country and Community.”
The fair is a cornucopia of livestock shows, a midway, horse pulls, cultural expressions, culinary arts, visual arts, and of course live music. On Thursday night, The Tebworth Brothers — headed by teenage brothers Wyatt and Marshal — will be performing their traditional bluegrass music in the area. There’s also a fiddle contest on Friday evening.
For a listing of all of the events and prices, visit www.oronofair.com,
VIDEO: The Tebworth Brothers
The Sadies, The Good Brothers, and more at the Creekside Music Festival in Apsley on September 6 and 7
You might think all music festivals are done by September, but that’s not true: check out the 2nd annual Creekside Music Festival on Friday, September 6th and Saturday, September 7th at Eel’s Creek near Apsley.
There is an excellent array of music including surf/western/garage rock heroes The Sadies featuring Travis and Dallas Good. The father and uncles of those two, The Good Brothers, will also be there. There’s also the Melissa Payne Band, Mayhemingways, Ace and the Kid and more!
The Silver Hearts trio at Keene Centre for the Arts on September 13
The tiny village of Keene is starting to heat up as a happening music spot. Muddy’s Pit BBQ hosts Sunday afternoon shows throughout the summer and now the Keene Centre for the Arts (12 First St., Keene) hosts regular concerts of local and touring acts.
On Friday, September 13th, a trio of members from legendary Peterborough band The Silver Hearts performing there. Charlie Glasspool, Tiny Davis, and Wyatt Burton will take the stage performing their jazzy/rootsy/old blues music. Opening the show will be true artist and avant-garde performer Saskia Crescentia from Gore’s Landing.
Jill Barber at the Market Hall in Peterborough on September 17
Two-time Juno award winner Jill Barber returns to town with her classy jazz-tinged music on Tuesday, September 17th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
One of her shows is a little like stepping back in time to a bygone era. Her latest record Fool’s Gold has been critically acclaimed and is another solid effort by the Canadian artist.
This concert is a little different: as part of her “Dedicated To You” tour, Jill will be performing songs requested by her fans. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $38, all fees included.
Tickets are available atthe Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: Jill Barber on her “Dedicated to You” tour
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Mike Nagoda and the Spectrum Blues Band at The Garnet in Peterborough on September 18
Peterborough Pride has a ton of events in mid-September, and one of the great live music evenings will feature Mike Nagoda and the Spectrum Blues Band on Wednesday, September 18th at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).
Nagoda is a Toronto LGBT bluesman born with cerebral palsy who plays double slide guitar and brings his own brand of self-described ‘queer electric blues’ to the stage. The show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $10 at the door.
Busker’s Blues – Mike Nagoda and the Spectrum Blues Band
The Sheepdogs at Cultivate Festival in Port Hope on September 20
Cultivate Festival, one of Port Hope and area’s favourite events, returns for another year from Friday, September 20th to Sunday, September 22nd. The annual festival features music, local food, and fun for the entire family.
Live music on Friday includes Canadian vintage rock and roll stars The Sheepdogs (including Bailieboro’s own Jimmy Bowskill), country band Johnson Crook, ethereal rocker Kate Boothman, and bluesy/rock artist Conor Gains. On Saturday, performers include Lemon Bucket Orchestra, DJ NDN, Elliott Brood, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Northern Hearts, Andrew Queen, and the Ganaraska Sheiks. Sunday’s lineup features Tanika Charles & The Wonderful, Craig Cardiff, Hill & Landing, David Newland, and Kim Doolittle and Emily Burgess.
There is literally something for everyone — a great weekend await!. For tickets and more information, visit cultivatefestival.ca.
VIDEO: “Saturday Night” – The Sheepdogs
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Mayhemingways at The Garnet in Peterborough on September 21
Time for some shameless self-promotion: Peterborough fuzz-folk duo Mayhemingways (featuring Benj Rowland and myself) will be back at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, September 21st for a pair of intimate shows.
Benj and I have toured Canada extensively, including opening for and backing up Joel Plaskett and his father Bill in 2017 — a tour that included venues like Massey Hall in Toronto and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
This is a rare chance to see Mayhemingways in Peterborough in a small room, performing some new songs and old favourites. There will be a matinee show at 3 p.m. and an evening show at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. There are limited tickets for each show available at The Garnet or online at www.ticketscene.ca/venues/2728/.
VIDEO: “Atlantic City” – Mayhemingways
Angie Hilts at The Silver Bean in Peterborough on September 28
Excellent Peterborough-born singer-songwriter Angie Hilts will release her new record Great Escape at The Silver Bean (130 King St., Peterborough) from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 28th.
Earlier in the month, Hilts and her band are performing a release show at The Burdock in Toronto, and the Sliver Bean show is a great chance for Peterborough folks to take in her tunes.
Admission is $15, or $25 for a copy of her new CD.
The 2019-20 Board of Directors of the Women's Business Network of Peterborough. Front row, left to right: Program Director Sara George, Program Director Danielle McIver, Past President Tracey Ormond, President Grace Reynolds, External Communications Director Rencee Noonan, Director at Large Laurie English, and Secretary Nadine James. Back row, left to right: Technical Director Tiffany Arcari, Membership Director Arlene Blunck, Member Communications Director Vanessa Dinesen, Treasurer Christine Teixeira, Strategic Planning Director Diane Wolf, and Awards Director Paula Kehoe. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected by members at the Annual General Meeting in May.
This group of 13 women meets monthly to formulate the plans and deal with the business of the network, which currently has 170 members.
They also attend at special board meetings throughout the year and membership meetings from September through June.
Here are profiles and photos of the 2019-20 Board of Directors:
Grace Reynolds is a licensed Mortgage Agent based in Peterborough and services all of Ontario. She is nationally recognized by the mortgage industry for her achievements as the winner of the Canada Mortgage Awards of Excellence for Best Newcomer Agent and is one of the Canadian Mortgage Professionals Top 50 Young Guns.
With access to over 50 lenders and hundreds of products, she works on the behalf of her clients and not one specific bank or product. She provides advice and support for residential and commercial mortgage financing. She assists clients with purchasing a new home, to those looking to renew or refinance for debt consolidation, renovation projects or purchase an investment property, to assisting those in business for self and newcomers to Canada, and much more.
The mortgage industry is not as simple and straightforward as it once was. Having the advice and guidance of a mortgage broker at your side is vital. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, seasoned homebuyer or investor, she is here to help guide you through the process! With over 20 years of customer service experience, taking care of clients is what Grace does best.
Tracey Ormond is the owner of That’s A Wrap Catering, a full-service catering company in Peterborough that specializes in corporate, private and social events. They provide and deliver fresh meals, snacks and sweets to your office or home, with special seasonal, healthy and vegetarian options to choose from.
Tracey is also co-owner of Classic Home Cooking, a fresh meal delivery service for seniors and busy families. They prepare fresh meals daily and currently offer service, Monday to Friday, with frozen meals available for delivery once a week.
Tracey is immensely involved in her community volunteering with several local food programs, donating food and service to many non-profits and fundraisers.
She is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Peterborough and Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. Tracey is also a very big supporter of the Peterborough Humane Society, along with her border collie Finnegan James and her cats Juliet, Capulet and Montaque.
Nadine James is an award-winning consultant with IG Wealth Management. Working alongside her father, who has been in the business for over 25 years, they work together to provide their clients with financial strategies and peace of mind. Together they have the experience and longevity clients are looking for.
Nadine is known for her client service and takes great pride in going above and beyond for her client’s financial needs. With offices in both Peterborough and Lindsay, the company is growing in the area and helping others grow their financial wealth.
Christine Teixeira is the owner of Accountability Financial, where she provides bookkeeping and income tax preparation services for small businesses and individuals in Peterborough and the Kawartha region.
After a busy career as an environmental engineer, she made the decision to become an entrepreneur instead so she would have more control of her time and to be more available for her family. Always passionate about finance as a hobby, she completed the Small Business Accounting Certificate in 2014 and launched Accountability Financial in 2015.
Christine’s background in the engineering industry gives her a unique perspective and proves she is meticulous, detail oriented, and skilled at problem solving, which are all attributes her clients highly value.
Christine is now expanding her business by hiring other associates, and her only regret is she didn’t enter the world of being self-employed sooner.
Danelle McIver moved to Peterborough in 2011 and is thrilled that she took the leap, as joining the Peterborough community has been rewarding in many ways for her.
Nearly 19 years ago, while looking for animal handling experience, Danielle walked through the doors of a local veterinary practice, and through the guidance and encouragement of several inspiring mentors, she stayed growing her skills as a technician, an office manager, an inventory manager, team leader and VPM.
In 2018, she joined Veterinary Purchasing, one of the most highly-respected companies in the veterinary industry, with their Executive Services team and began consulting for practices all over Ontario. She’s now fortunate enough to give back to the industry by facilitating workshops and supporting businesses throughout the province.
In 2017, Danielle started her own side business, Gleam Event Management, which organizes community event for the whole family, including the furry family! Her first large-scale event, The Peterborough PAWtacular, gives people the opportunity to spend a day devoted to their family pet and is now in its second year.
Sara George is the founder or “Head Betch” of Electric City Brigade of Beer Betches, a sisterhood of beer drinkers dedicated to the pursuit of all things craft beer with a focus on education and community betterment.
Sara is very proud of the safe space she has created for women (and those who identify as) to attend events and join in their collective love of craft beer. The group meets once a month at venues all over the Peterborough area and beyond.
Sara is excited to be a part of the Board of Directors as a Program Director this year and looks forward to meeting the new membership in the upcoming season.
Arlene Blunck is excited to be celebrating her 35th year at All Office Machines servicing Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland counties. She helps her customers select the proper office equipment, such as copiers, printers, shredders, scanners, postage machines for their “wants” and more importantly, their needs.
Arlene has been a Rotarian for over 17 years and is very involved in Rotary’s Family Fun Night and Fireworks Committee and also helps out at the Breakfast Food Program every week.
Her passions include running, geocaching, biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and spending time with friends and family.
Arlene has been a member of the WBN for many years and is enjoying her role as Membership Director and looking forward to the challenges and blessings that this year brings.
Tiffany Arcari chose to start her life in Peterborough at 18 years old, attending Fleming College in the Recreation and Leisure program. She immediately felt a connection with the culture, opportunity, and strong sense of community that Peterborough had to offer.
At 22, she decided Peterborough was home for her so she put down her roots, started a career path, and purchased a home. With aspirations to dedicate herself to the community, she spent the next decade building her skillset and connections, and impacting Peterborough through her employment.
Tiffany currently works with the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce working in event, sponsor, and membership coordination. This career change better aligns with her ethos and further inspired her to take action in the community.
It’s important to Tiffany that she take care of her home through community involvement. She has thoughtfully searched for opportunities through employment and serving on the WBN Board. Her strengths include problem solving, public speaking and the confidence to diplomatically express her opinions. She is driven by her high personal and performance standards as well as her fervor for this incredible city she calls home.
She is experienced in public relations, efficient in critical thinking situations and passionate for relationship building. Tiffany wants to be a catalyst for change and feels her passion, adaptability, and spirit are an asset to WBN.
Laurie English is Specialist, Major Gifts at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. Her role is to connect with community-minded individuals who are passionate about improving healthcare at our local hospital.
Laurie is currently Director at Large on the WBN Board. She has served in a variety of roles in the community including Board Director for Little Lake and Highland Park Cemetery, where she also sat on the Human Resources and Strategic Planning Committees.
In addition, she was a Board Director for Hospice Peterborough. During her term she was Chair of the Communication and Stakeholders Relations Committee. She is currently a Client Services Volunteer.
When she is not working or volunteering, Laurie enjoys spending her summers on Anstruther Lake with her family and friends. She is passionate about travelling and especially enjoys vacationing in Europe.
Rencee Noonan is a Memorial Counsellor at Peterborough Monument Works, as well as Marketing and Advertising Coordinator of EyeTech Vision Care.
Rencee has coached and managed many soccer and basketball teams over the years for Peterborough Power Basketball Association, Mapleleaf-Cavan FC Soccer Club and Peterborough City Soccer Association, and has been a member of their board.
She also enjoys volunteering with different charitable events like Strutt Your Mutt, Behind Closed Doors, Habitat for Humanity Home Builds, Walk a Mile in her Shoes, Relay for Life, Reilly on The Roof, YWCA Tag Days, Sick Kids, and Breakfast for Learning.
Rencee resides in Peterborough with her husband and four children, and enjoys spending time with her three adorable grandkids.
Paula Kehoe is the founder and senior copywriter with Red Rock Communications, a boutique communications agency based in Peterborough. With 14 years of journalism and communications experience, she brings a natural storytelling to building brands.
She specializes in copywriting and creative services for technology, retail, health and wellness, not-for-profit and lifestyle brands, to drive their profits forward by making a connection with their ideal customers and getting them to take action-all from impactful copy, content and strategies.
Paula is also the co-founder and VP of marketing and communications for SoftCoverVR, a technology company specializing in virtual reality, augmented reality, animation, and 360° video solutions for clients in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
This is Paula’s second time volunteering on the WBN board of directors, serving as the awards director for the 2019-20 season.
Diane Wolf is a former business professor and professional speaker, who is currently in private practice providing therapy to couples and individuals in distress.
Diane has travelled extensively as a professional speaker for over 30 years, delivering her signature talk “Communicate with Confidence and Clarity” to thousands of people across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. She is also the creator of a communication styles instrument that has been used for 20 years to help people assess their own communication styles and learn how to communicate effectively with people who have different styles.
Diane holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counselling, an MBA in Learning and Knowledge Management, and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology (specializing in neurophysiological psychology). Her unique blend of education and experience, coupled with her natural warmth and empathy, ensure that she can provide a safe and non-judgemental therapy environment. Her lifelong passion for brain science permeates everything she does so that her clients can be assured that her work is based on scientifically sound principles and empirical research.
Diane has been married for 40 years to Andreas, and they have three grown children. Spending time with her grandchildren is her very favourite activity, although she is also a voracious reader who is known to sacrifice sleep when she simply cannot put a book down until she has completed it.
Vanessa Dinesen is the owner of Dinesen Financial, which provides day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll, financial reporting, budgeting, administration, and consulting to businesses locally and virtually since 2009.
Her previous roles have included Business Management, Accounting and Payroll instructor at Trillium College and previous owner of Peterborough Mompreneurs. Vanessa holds a Business Administration – Accounting diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College and a BBA Honours Degree from Trent University.
Vanessa’s passion is to inspire new business owners to create and build their dreams. She was born, raised and still resides in East City of Peterborough with her husband and six children. Work-life balance is a priority for Vanessa; when she’s not working, she enjoys family time, reading, walking, and local live sports, such as hockey, lacrosse, and race cars.
Grace Reynolds, 2019-20 President of the Women's Business Network of Peterborough. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Welcome to another season of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN). I’m honoured and excited about the opportunity to serve as president for 2019-20, and look forward to enjoying this year with you.
It’s my great pleasure to work with the exceptional women on the board of directors. They’ve been working hard to bring you a line-up of inspirational speakers and events to promote women in a positive way, and to keep us motivated and involved throughout the season.
We have a membership of 176 supportive, intelligent, and diverse group of women from all professional backgrounds. They never cease to amaze me with how much they are willing to do to lend a helping hand to their peers, to serve on a committee, and even volunteering their time as mentors to other members.
Feedback from the membership says members are eager for more opportunities to develop, learn, and navigate their next career moves, or simply to further develop their talents and skill sets. I believe the WBN can continue to deliver those opportunities with this year’s program.
Grace Reynolds is a licenced mortgage broker with Toronto-based Northwood Mortgage Ltd. She was recently selected for a “4-Under-40 Profile” by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce for its 2019 Business Excellence Awards. (Supplied photo)
The 2019-20 WBN theme is “Be You”. I chose this theme because I believe that in all that we do, personally and professionally, we shouldn’t over-complicate ourselves.
Everything around us is complicated. The least complicated of all should be you!
Live true to your core beliefs and values. These will help you determine what’s right and wrong, and are key to making wise decisions in business.
Being successful is all about having the right mindset. You have to be committed to giving it your all, to having a great attitude, and a can-do spirit.
Even in times of uncertainty, being optimistic can pay off. It turns hard work into success which, in turn, makes you feel all the more confident in business — and in life!
If you are true to yourself, feel joy in what you do, and challenge yourself to keep up the good work, then your mindset will reflect on you. Plus, your family, friends, and colleagues will believe in you too.
WBN is a network that champions diversity and inclusion, with access to other perspectives. Members are safe to be who they are and to promote their business their way. To have an incredible community to support them is icing on the cake. We truly are better together and by embracing who you are, others will embrace you as well — and the rest will follow.
Invest as much time in building relationships with other members, strengthening your brand, and continuing to learn about tools and trends that will give your business or profession an edge. So be sure to benefit from our keynote speakers, trade shows, business spotlights, gala socials, mentorship program, and promotional opportunities — and above all, don’t forget to have fun!
If you’re new to WBN and feeling nervous about joining, let me tell you that I’ve been in your shoes. A few short years ago, I joined WBN after moving to Peterborough and I had absolutely no connections here.
I had to put myself out there and meet people — nothing to hide, nothing to fear — and the support was overwhelming. Being part of WBN boosted my confidence, gave me inspiration, support and advice. Importantly, it gave me vital business exposure.
Grace Reynolds at home with her Best Newcomer Agent award that she received from the Mortgage Awards of Excellence in May 2018. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
I encourage you to get out there and get involved with WBN and the community. You never know what you’ll find, and what you get out of it may even surprise you.
It’s great to see returning members and I’m very eager to meet new our members. I look forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming meetings and getting to know each of you. I’m super stoked to crush it this year, together!
Please reach out to me anytime if you have any ideas or questions.
Youth activist Kehkashan Basu, pictured here at 16 years old receiving the 2016 International Children's Peace Prize from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus in The Hague, is one of the inspiring speakers on the 2019-20 program of the Women's Business Network of Peterborough. (Photo: Rick Nederstigt / ANP)
Once again for 2019-20, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is presenting an outstanding lineup of high-quality and inspiring speakers for the upcoming season, which runs from September to June.
The 2019-20 program launches in September with a keynote presentation that reinforces this year’s theme of “Be You”.
Complementing the speaker line-up are networking trade shows, development opportunities, the annual holiday gala and auction, and more.
Throughout the season, WBN member meetings will take place at Holiday Inn Waterfront and other venues in Peterborough, with networking at 5:30 p.m. dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the keynote speaker at 7:30 p.m.
The meetings are included as part of WBN membership, but anyone can register online and come as a guest (the cost is $50 for dinner and speaker) – but don’t wait, as spaces fill quickly!
Here’s WBN’s program for 2019-20 (we’ll update the program as it’s finalized):
September 4, 2019 – Season Kick-off – “Becoming Your Own Hero” with Parmida Barez
Location: Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George Street, Peterborough)
Networking 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m.
Parmida Barez. (Supplied photo)
Parmida Barez is an author, award-winning motivational speaker, educator, personal empowerment and public speaking coach, who has worked with numerous individuals, corporations and non-profit organizations in Canada and internationally.
Parmida uses life-changing tools, lessons, and perspectives learned from her own experience of overcoming anxiety disorder, depression, panic attacks, and agoraphobia to empower others to become the heroes of their own lives and set themselves up for real, sustainable success. Her unique delivery, creativity, and passion on stage captures individuals from all walks of life.
Parmida’s educational background is vast, ranging from degrees in political science, business, and education, as well as professional training in etiquette and hypnotherapy.
October 2, 2019 – “Mentorship: 5 Steps to Successful Relationships” with Trish Tonaj
Location: Personal Touch Banquet Hall (1135 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough)
Networking 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m.
Trish Tonaj. (Supplied photo)
Trish Tonaj is the founder of Phaze2Wellness. The author, health and wellness coach, and entrepreneurial mentor believes in mentorship and the power of storytelling.
With a passion for speaking, she shares stories that inspire great ideas with anecdotes on finding “The Mentor” who will help you create your own brand of magic.
Trish has written two books: Breaking Barriers and A Diary of Change: 12 Personal Tools. She also co-authored a complimentary magazine called W2 = Wealth and Wellbeing.
Celebrating over 25 years as an entrepreneur, Trish is a master coach practitioner, working with entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders who build a culture of success while mentoring their team.
She has a certificate from Harvard Law School Negotiation Institute in Mediation and Dispute Resolution, is a certified personal trainer, a yoga instructor, and a nutrition and wellness specialist.
She is a managing partner of an online education program called Mechanics of FLOW2, is a contributor to the Thrive Global Network and canfitpro magazine, and is the blog host for Share Your Story.
Love, laughter and adventure is Trish’s personal mantra and focus for achieving life’s balance between wealth and wellbeing.
November 6, 2019 – “Sustainable Development: Empowering Future Generations as Changemakers” with Kehkashan Basu
Location: Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George Street, Peterborough)
Networking 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m.
Kehkashan Basu. (Supplied photo)
Kehkashan Basu is an iconic youth leader, global influencer, environmentalist, champion of children’s rights, peace and sustainability campaigner, and passionate advocate of women’s rights.
Winner of the 2016 International Children’s Peace Prize from KidsRights Foundation, the United Arab Emirates native has been impacting the global fraternity with her work on children’s rights, promoting gender quality, mitigating climate change and social upliftment.
Spreading the message of peace, happiness and sustainability has been her passion since she was eight years old, and she has worked tirelessly to enlist the support of children and youth across geographical boundaries.
In 2013, at the age of 12, she was elected for a two-year term as United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Global Coordinator for Children & Youth and a member of its Major Groups Facilitating Committee. She is the youngest person and the first minor ever to be elected into this position in the history of UNEP. She is also a United Nations Human Rights Champion for her work on protecting children’s rights.
Her internationally acclaimed work on sustainability has resulted in her appointment as the Honorary Advisor for the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development – New York, a member of KidsRights Youngsters, Global Advisory Council member of Young Men 4 Gender Equality – USA, and a member of World Oceans Day Global Youth Advisory Council and EarthEcho International Youth Leadership Council. She is also the youngest member of Canada’s Women in Renewable Energy forum.
Kehkashan is the founder of a youth organization, Green Hope Foundation, which provides young people in 12 countries a networking platform to engage in the sustainable development process. In January 2018, she led a team of Green Hope members to Syrian refugee camps on the border of Lebanon and conducted environmental workshops for over 600 refugee children, turning into reality the UN mandate of “leave no one behind”.
In her role as the voice of children and youth, she has spoken at more than 75 United Nations and other international summits, travelling to over 20 countries, notable among them being the Y20 Youth Forum in Argentina and the 67th session of the DPI NGO forum at the United Nations.
For her environmental advocacy at a global level, Kehkashan has received multiple international awards. She was also named as one of Toronto’s most inspiring women changemakers.
December 4, 2019 – WBN Holiday Gala and Auction
Location: The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough)
6:30 p.m.
WBN members celebrating the holiday season during the annual WBN Holiday Gala and Auction. (Photo: WBN / Facebook)
“The Magic of The Holidays” gala features a selection of hot appetizers and spreads to delight your senses! Vegetarian and gluten free options available. Funds will be raised for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.
January 8, 2020 – “Finding Your Community” with Abeer Al-Salihi
Location: Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George Street, Peterborough)
Networking 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m.
Abeer Al-Salihi. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Originally from Syria, Abeer Al-Salihi moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with her husband in search of better employment and life opportunities.
Trained as an engineer in Syria, Abeer worked in the UAE as an engineering assistant after a few months struggling to find work. She taught herself English at home, eventually becoming a teacher and receiving her teaching license.
After the war broke out in Syria and she lost her family home, Abeer and her family travelled to Canada where they sought asylum.
Following three months in Toronto, they settled in Cobourg, building a new life for their family of four.
Abeer is motivated to help others find their community and says “Anytime or any moment I found an opportunity to help any newcomer, I would run and participate.”
In 2017, Abeer was one of 21 recipients of the Canada 150 Constituency Awards in Cobourg for her volunteer work in resettling Syrian refugees, and in 2018 was awarded the Excellence in Public Education Award by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation Union – District 14.
Abeer is currently working at the New Canadians Centre in Peterborough as a settlement worker in schools (youth worker).
February 5, 2020 – “Stand Up, Speak Out: Communicate Your Confidence & Magnify Your Presence” with Carol Schulte
Location: Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George Street, Peterborough)
Networking 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m.
Carol Schulte. (Supplied photo)
Carol Schulte is a professional speaker, trainer and certified coach who has been engaging and entertaining international audiences for almost a decade. She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance, an MA in Communication, and two postgraduate certificates in coaching and mentoring.
As the creator of ‘Women Living BIG’ and ‘Spark your G.E.N.I.U.S.’, she is committed to helping leaders step out of their comfort zones, initiate action and inspired change, and ultimately achieve what they never thought possible.
Carol can certainly walk her talk: she has lived in Ashrams in India to vans in New Zealand, volunteered in orphanages in Chiang Mai and Mother Teresa’s Missions in Calcutta, shaved her head for breast cancer, and bungee-jumped in her birthday suit.
Carol is a contributing author to three best-selling books, has been featured in numerous magazines and podcasts, and appears as a returning guest expert on Rogers TV. She has lived and worked in 16 countries, travelled through an additional 25, and brings her global expertise on people and empowerment to all she does.
When she’s not helping women learn to surf In South America or climb Kilimanjaro in Africa, you can find her volunteering as a bereavement facilitator, training for her next triathlon, or practising her serious carpool karaoke game.
March 4, 2020 – Annual Member Trade Show & Workshops
Location: Highland Park Reception Centre (2510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough)
Networking 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Habitat For Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region’s Women Build display at the 2019 WBN Annual Member Trade Show at Highland Park Reception Centre. (Photo: WBN / Facebook)
The WBN’s annual tradeshow provides three members with the opportunity to speak to the membership about their areas of expertise: Carrie Wakeford of Black Cap Design will teach you how to create a website that will appeal to both your human and robot visitors, Theresa Moloney will share the 10 healthy habits of highly successful people, and Janet McLeod will speak about “cause marketing”.
April 1, 2020 – “Innovation and Design Thinking” with Shelli Baltman
Location: Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George Street, Peterborough)
Networking 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m.
Shelli Baltman. (Supplied photo)
Shelli Baltman is the president and founding partner of The Idea Suite, a Toronto-based boutique innovation agency. She started her career as a management consultant with Mercer Management Consulting in Toronto and then joined McKinsey & Co. in London, UK, after completing her MBA at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
In 2002, she joined ?What If!, the world’s largest independent innovation agency based in London, UK. She then started and built their customer experience innovation practice into a $4 million business before being promoted to managing director in 2007.
Moving home to Toronto in 2010, she founded and built the innovation division at market research agency Hotspex and also turned it into a multi-million-dollar business.
Since founding The Idea Suite with partner Fiona Stevenson, Shelli has worked building global brands and launching new products with clients including Starbucks, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Verizon, Mondelez and Hain Celestial. She’s a prolific speaker on the topics of insights and innovation, and you can frequently find her thought leadership alongside Fiona Stevenson in Strategy magazine.
Shelli is committed to supporting women in business and entrepreneurship through mentoring and speaking and training engagements. She is devoted to her family, including her three-year-old son and a Labradoodle named Doctor, and is also a passionate downhill skier.
May 6, 2020 – “True-To-You Leadership” with Kelly S. Thompson
Location: The StoneHouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St, Peterborough)
Networking 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m.
Kelly S. Thompson. (Supplied photo)
Kelly S. Thompson is a writer and retired captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, with a specialization in human resources.
While obtaining a degree in professional writing from York University, she joined the Forces at the age of 18 in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2011, she was medically released from the military due to an injury and returned to her passion for writing.
Kelly has a certificate in publishing from Ryerson University, a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of British Columbia, and is a PhD candidate in literary and critical studies at the University of Gloucestershire. She has taught creative writing at Trent University, Royal Roads University, and more.
Her writing has won several awards, and her “Battle Fatigue” article on military sexual harassment was runner-up for feature article of the year with the Professional Writers Association of Canada. Her essays have appeared in anthologies and literary magazines across Canada, and her articles have published in Chatelaine, Maclean’s, The Globe and Mail, and more. Recently, her memoir Girls Need Not Apply: Field Notes from the Forces, was an instant Globe and Mail bestseller and the paper named her memoir as one of the top 100 books of the year.
In her talk, Kelly will share what she learned when, at the age of 21, she was placed in charge of a platoon of soldiers while being a bubbly, feminine young woman. She will examine negative stereotypes towards female leaders, issues of harassment in the workplace, and how, after nearly a decade in the Forces, she learned to be the sort of leader who led with kindness, staying true to herself and her values.
June 3, 2020 – WBN End-of-Season Celebration
Location: Surprise location to be announced
WBN members enjoying the June 2019 end-of-season celebration at the Steele Centre at Fleming College. (Photo: WBN / Facebook)
Details will be available closer to the event date.
Carlye Mongraw, co-owner and VP of Shaw Computer Systems, at the company's new offices at 236 King Street in downtown Peterborough. Prior to purchasing the company in 2007 with her business partner Martin Boruta, Carlye ran an accounting, bookkeeping, and software training company, which gave her experience in the diverse needs of many different enterprises, particularly in information technology. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
Keeping your business’s information technology (IT) systems up and running and defending them from emerging security threats requires a strategy that constantly evolves. If technology isn’t kept up to date, it becomes more vulnerable to attack and or breakdown.
Carlye Mongraw, co-owner and vice president of Shaw Computer Systems (shawcsIT), has adapted her company’s business model to focus on prevention and business continuity planning.
“Technology changes quickly and new threats emerge constantly that put the data security of businesses at risk,” Carlye says. “The number of computers being infected with ransomware is on the rise — and it’s completely random. No longer are attacks focused solely on large corporations. With the landscape changing this way, we’ve had to adapt in order to better protect our clients.”
Carlye purchased Shaw Computer Systems in 2007 with her business partner Martin Boruta. Prior to purchasing the business, she ran an accounting, bookkeeping, and software training company. As a result, she consulted with a variety of different business clients, including Shaw. Her time as a consultant gave her experience in the diverse needs of many different enterprises — in particular, how these needs relate to IT.
“Shaw Computers has been providing one-stop managed IT services, to both small business and larger corporations in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, for over 40 years now,” Carlye says, “When we first took over the business, we had four staff members including ourselves — now we have eight employees and we’re continuing to grow and expand.”
Over the years, the company has evolved from a traditional IT “break/fix” business model to a more proactive maintenance approach. The catalyst for this was to foster long-term client relationships by better protecting their clients in the ever-changing technology landscape.
“As we were growing the company, it become clear that waiting for something to break in a client’s network wasn’t the most efficient way to service them,” Carlye explains. “When you’re always putting out fires, the client can experience significant downtime and lost productivity in their business. We started to see that it wasn’t the best way to service our clients and it also created high-pressure situations for our technicians.”
“We started looking at how to deliver services differently, more efficiently. Instead of running out to resolve a crisis, we began focusing on services that provided business continuity and more stable technology. Now, instead of waiting for breakdowns, we proactively keep our clients’ systems up and running. Additionally, we ensure that clients are well prepared with data redundancy and backups in the event there is an issue.”
How do you spot a problem with your network hardware in advance? At Shaw, their remote tools monitor your technology and identify problems at their outset. Then a technician will fix the issue remotely or schedule a part replacement — such as a hard drive — before it fails. This method reduces downtime and protects businesses from data loss.
“It’s become clear very quickly that focusing on solutions that improve a customer’s productivity, overall business performance, and efficiency is the way for us to build long-term client satisfaction which is our objective,” Carlye points out. “We are invested in delivering exceptional customized service and, as a technology partner, provide the authentic and honest information business owners require to make informed decisions about their IT.”
Shaw Computer Systems recently rebranded with a new logo, shawcsIT, to reflect the company’s increased focus on one-stop managed information technology solutions for both small business and larger corporations in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Having a well-rounded technology plan is where Carlye and the shawcsIT team can really help. Each client has different needs, and Shaw provides a variety of customized solutions including infrastructure planning and budgeting, remote help desk, system monitoring and maintenance, password management, consulting on data security, and providing cloud backup for disaster recovery.
“Professional, proactive IT management is probably one of the most powerful tools any business can take advantage of,” Carlye explains. “Downtime is expensive. There aren’t many businesses that run efficiently when their computers are down. Staff are unable to work, orders can’t be processed, and billing can’t be completed. Equipment failures, data ransoming attacks, and poor backup protocols can really hurt a business financially.”
But Shaw isn’t just about protecting network hardware. They also have a classroom with an onsite instructor, where you can send your staff for training on many software applications.
“Training creates a boost in employee productivity and morale, and it’s great for teambuilding,” Carlye emphasizes.
Putting the focus on clients as individuals and zoning in on their unique needs is one of Shaw’s strengths. Carlye attributes the “how” of Shaw’s ability to retain clients for as long as they do to a real and genuine interest and investment in what their clients do.
“We have customers that have been us with since the beginning,” Carlye notes. “We foster partnerships with people. The longer that you work with a client, the more knowledgeable you become about their organization — and that results in us being able to provide superior technical services.”
“For us, it’s all about the client’s needs and the trust relationship we build when we meet those needs,” she adds. “We recognize that when our clients succeed, we do as well. That’s a good day’s work in my books.”
Shaw Computer Systems Inc. has recently relocated to new offices at 236 King Street in downtown Peterborough (entrance is off the courtyard in the AON City Centre) and rebranded with a new shawcsIT logo. You can visit their website at www.shawcsit.com or follow them on Facebook.
Carlotta James and Megan Boyles of Three Sisters Landscaping are in their second year of membership with the Women's Business Network of Peterborough. Carlotta says she meets someone new at every meeting and benefits from the creative discussions that help her brainstorm new ideas for her landscaping business. "I knew the WBN was a welcoming space to connect with great, strong, powerful women in the community." (Photo: WBN)
Are you new to Peterborough and looking to make connections? Returning home and looking to reintegrate? Seeking networking opportunities? Business advice and professional development? A night out with women? Mother-daughter time?
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) can offer all this and more. And for proof you need look no further than the reasons current members have for joining.
Since 1961, WBN has been a positive, welcoming space for women entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. With membership numbers at an all-time high, there’s no indication WBN will be slowing down anytime soon.
This year, 176 women entrepreneurs make up the long-standing business networking channel. This marks the first time in WBN history that membership has sold out before the early bird deadline.
This growth in membership can be attributed to a few key initiatives.
To start, WBN has prioritized recruiting and retaining younger members in their recent five-year strategic plan to ensure the continuing operation of WBN. As an example, last year marked the first time in WBN history where a mother and daughter (Diane Wolf and Christine Teixeira) both served on the organization’s board of directors.
The organization has accomplished a lot in the last 58 years and is striving to ensure that a new generation of women business leaders are able to lead to organization into the future.
Membership for the 2019-20 season of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is sold out, although you can still attend member meetings as a guest. 2019-20 WBN President Grace Reynolds is indicative of the trend of increasing numbers of younger women entrepreneurs joining the organization and taking on a more prominent role in the local business community. Grace attributes this season’s growth to WBN’s commitment to supporting an inclusive and diverse membership, which can be seen in the variety of women-run businesses that make up the network. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Grace Reynolds, the 2019-20 WBN President, is also indicative of the trend of increasing numbers of younger women entrepreneurs joining the organization and taking on a more prominent role in the local business community. Grace attributes this season’s growth to WBN’s commitment to supporting an inclusive and diverse membership, which can be seen in the variety of women-run businesses that make up the network.
In addition, WBN has expanded its networking, leadership, and marketing opportunities for members and has focused on developing relevant and current programming.
“The board of directors is working extremely hard to provide an excellent program for the year and to bring high-profile and inspiring speakers to our membership,” says Grace. “I am excited to see what this new season brings.”
As varied as WBN members are, they all share similar reasons for joining this group of driven, hard-working entrepreneurs and business women.
Here are some of them.
Endless Opportunities for Business Networking
Over the summer, Hope Robbins (second from left) held an open house at her business Inspired by Hope, which was well attended by the WBN sisterhood. Hope joined WBN last year. “I’ve met some amazing ladies and I’ve learned a lot from them. I feel more connected and informed about what’s happening in the Peterborough area. Becoming a member helped me promote my business.” (Photo: Hope Robbins)
Perhaps the most obvious reason why women join WBN is for the opportunity to network with other women in business.
Hope Robbins is a healthy living coach, guide, and mentor at Inspired by Hope. Hope joined WBN last year because she wanted to meet other like-minded business women.
“I’ve met some amazing ladies and I’ve learned a lot from them,” says Hope of her first year as a WBN member. “I feel more connected and informed about what’s happening in the Peterborough area. Becoming a member helped me promote my business.”
For Merridyth Marshall, having just returned from maternity leave, WBN provided the perfect opportunity for her to get back into business networking. Merridyth is a Senior Marketing Manager at MasterBrand Cabinets, one of the largest manufacturers of cabinetry in North America.
“I joined because I’m looking to get more involved in the local business community,” says Merridyth. “I love meeting new people and sharing experiences. I’m also really looking forward to the amazing line-up of speakers this year.”
April Boyce has been a member of WBN since 2018, having joined after opening her own private practice coaching ADHD clients. Prior to launching Looking Glass Coaching, April was a teacher with KPRDSB in Port Hope for 12 years. She lost touch with the business community when she was working out of town, but knew she needed to develop business contacts when she started her private practice.
“I’ve always known about WBN,” says April. “I moved here in 1988 and I can’t remember a time when it didn’t exist. When I launched my private practice, I knew it was a great opportunity to get involved and network with other business women.”
As this year’s membership alone has shown, there is always someone new entering WBN — making for endless networking opportunities.
Educational Opportunities
Now in her second year of membership, April Boyce of Looking Glass Coaching says she appreciates WBN as a positive space for women entrepreneurs.
WBN events include guest speakers, trade shows, special events, and gala socials, which offer great opportunities to network and become well-integrated in Peterborough’s business community. They also offer the opportunity for education and professional development.
Each season, WBN hosts guest speakers covering a wide array of business-related topics. These guest speakers offer valuable, first-hand knowledge about what it takes to make it in business and the lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers in the industry.
“From my perspective, the cost of being a member is nominal for what you get,” says Barbara-Anne Elstone, a representative for ZYIA athletic clothing who has just officially joined WBN.
“There are so many educational opportunities and I was so impressed with the speaker on the night when I attended as a guest. She offered financial planning advice, something that I needed to learn about having just become a representative for ZYIA.”
A Positive Space for Women
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) provides a positive space where women can support, encourage, and uplift other women, whether they own their own business or work for a company or organization. Each year, WBN hosts a trade show where members can share information about their business or organization. Pictured is Emily Ferguson of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region at the March 2019 member trade show and meeting. (Photo: WBN)
Not only do women join WBN to network within the business community, they also join to become part of a community that supports, encourages, and uplifts other women.
“I knew WBN was a welcoming space to connect with great, strong, powerful women in the community,” says Carlotta James of Three Sisters Landscaping, who joined WBN a year ago. Upon becoming a member, Carlotta was excited to learn more about female entrepreneurship and to create long-lasting connections in the community.
Carlotta says she meets someone new at every meeting and benefits from the creative discussions that help her brainstorm new ideas for her landscaping business.
“I’m thankful that WBN women have been supportive of my business and my project ideas,” she says. “With women standing beside you, you feel like you can do anything.”
Likewise, April Boyce has only one word to describe the community environment at WBN: positive.
“I work with positive psychology in my private ADHD coaching practice,” says April. “It’s fundamental to what I do. Even without the language being used in their mission statement, a lot of what WBN is based on is positive psychology.”
“Women are encouraged to lift each other up and to find their strengths. That really resonates with me. I’ve not yet heard a negative comment at any of the events. It’s a positive space for women entrepreneurs.”
Fun Social Events
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) isn’t just about business and networking — it’s also about enjoying the company of like-minded women and having fun. Pictured are WBN members enjoying the end-of-the-season social event at the Steele Centre at Fleming College in June 2019. (Photo: WBN)
WBN events aren’t only an opportunity to network and integrate into the local community — they’re also an opportunity to let loose and have some fun.
This will be Dr. Ange Wellman’s first year as a WBN member. A local chiropractor, Ange began attending WBN monthly events as a guest in January 2019, a few months after she moved from British Columbia with her husband and two young daughters.
It was a big transition for her family, and Ange felt she needed to get out into the community to ensure her business took off in her new city — but also for her mental health.
“I’m a social person and I needed an outlet,” says Ange. “I was nervous for my first meeting, but I found the women to be fun and inclusive. Now that I’m an official member, I’d have to say I joined because the women are so fun to be around.”
For Ange, WBN is not only about business networking, but developing genuine friendships with other women in the community.
Facilitated Dinners
During every member meeting of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN), each dinner table includes an established WBN member who acts as a facilitator to encourage converation among members, making first timers feel especially welcome. Pictured is Carlotta James, who joined WBN in 2018-19, socializing before dinner with facilitators Sara George and Deanna Hunt at the May 2019 member meeting. (Photo: WBN)
Many new members are nervous about attending their first WBN event. It might feel overwhelming to enter a room where everyone seems to already know each other, but WBN events are structured with new members in mind.
One of the ways WBN monthly events ensure women get to know each other is by including a facilitator at each of the dinner tables.
The facilitator, an established WBN member, is there to encourage conversation among the women seated at the table. New members will feel welcomed and quickly begin to make lasting friendships and business connections.
Barbara-Anne Elstone says the structure of the events makes it easy for first timers to meet people.
“The facilitators ask you to explain your business and you get to hear about the other women’s businesses,” she explains. “They ask a lot of really great questions to keep the conversation going. It helps you relax and enjoy yourself.”
Attend as a Guest Before You Join
Chiropractor Dr. Ange Wellman relocated to Peterborough from British Columbia with her husband and two young daughters. It was a big transition for her family, and Ange felt she needed to get out into the community to ensure her business took off in her new city, but also for her mental health. Ange started to attend WBN as a guest in January 2019 and is now a full member. (Photo: Vairdy Frail)
Many of the current WBN members were introduced to this thriving network when they attended an event as a guest.
Ange Wellman, Merridyth Marshall, and Barbara-Anne Elstone all knew they wanted to become a WBN member after their first guest experience.
“I was so impressed by the discussion at our table, the genuine sense of community, and the guest speaker that night,” Ange recalls. “I went home after the meeting feeling inspired and excited for the year ahead.”
Attending as a guest requires little commitment, but opens up a world of possibilities. It’s no wonder women are hooked after their first WBN event.
Since WBN’s 2019-20 membership is already sold out, you’ll have to wait until next year if you want to join the organization as a member. But why not attend a member meeting as a guest this year and discover for yourself why there’s such a great demand for the Kawarthas’ preeminent networking organization for women?
Play Café Peterborough Sarah Susnar was one of 20 mentees who participated in the Women's Business Network of Peterborough's mentoring pilot program in 2018-19. She says it was a great experience and would recommend the program to anyone needing help in her business. The mentorship program is back for 2019-20, with applications opening in September. (Photo: Paula Kehoe)
Sometimes it takes another person to see the best in you, when you can’t see it yourself. The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is showing that their new mentorship program is a great way to do that.
The networking organization launched a pilot program last fall designed to enhance the development of female business owners through paired relationships with businesswomen with relevant expertise and knowledge from WBN’s network.
Twenty mentorship pairings were established between participants from diverse sectors.
“It’s really about giving unique mentorship opportunities and access to some highly accomplished women here in Peterborough who have navigated the ropes to get ahead,” says Diane Wolf, WBN’s strategic planning director and program advisor. “It’s also a great membership perk.”
From October to June, volunteer mentors will share advice, connections, and opportunities to support their mentee’s professional development. It’s up to the mentee-mentor pair how often they would like to meet monthly.
“Some of the mentees are just as successful in business as the mentors, so it isn’t a matter of if you’re a beginner or if you’re advanced,” says Diane. “It’s about the next step a mentee wants to take with her business. Is there something in her business that she’s afraid of trying but would like to get into? We try to match the mentee with people who have those strengths and a history of succeeding in that particular area.”
It’s a step in the right direction considering that 83 per cent of women said that having access to role models or mentors would be important to their success, according to a 2012 BMO Financial Group study report.
Mentorship, whether it occurs in or out of the workplace, has numerous benefits.
A mentee benefits because she will have someone with greater experience and knowledge to turn to. She can be guided through critiquing her work or solving a problem.
Mentors can provide tips on career growth and introduce the mentee to other professionals. As the mentee matures within her career or business, a mentor may remain a valued adviser to the mentee.
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s mentoring program was created in 2018-19 by WBN members Diane Wolf and Colleen Carruthers, both of whom are therapists who mentor professionally. Due to popular demand and the success of the pilot, the mentorship program is back for the 2019-20 season, with applications opening in September. (Supplied photo / Heather Doughty)
The mentorship program was created last year by Diane and fellow WBN member Colleen Carruthers. Colleen was the organization’s strategic planning director at a time when they saw that a mentorship program would support WBN’s strategic goal: to help members expand their business contacts and grow their business.
Looking to take the initiative to the next level, Colleen called on Diane to brainstorm a “matchmaking” program. Both are therapists and mentor professionally, so it seemed like the right fit.
Tailored to the mentees’ careers and interests, Colleen and Diane strategically selected mentors based on the mentees’ needs and goals to help with both their professional and personal development. Based on mentee applications, they sought out those in the WBN business community who aligned most with the mentees’ aspirations and who would inspire and guide them in achieving their goals.
The duo also implemented other criteria to keep the program motivating and positive for participants, explains Diane. The first was that mentees and mentors shouldn’t ideally be from the same industry.
“Many people who have started a business already have contacts within their industry,” Diane points out. “This wasn’t about mentoring your ‘mini-me’. We were looking for specific skills. For example, is there a mentee who is looking for help with technology or marketing, and is there a mentor we can match her with who have those skills? Many entrepreneurial skills are transferrable. It’s about who you are as an entrepreneur overall, not learning how to be an entrepreneur in a particular segment.”
Diane notes having a mentor and mentee in the same industry can also potentially be a hinderance to the relationship.
“It’s natural for people to want to reach out to someone in their industry. However, if you’re my competitor, I’m not going to tell you the secret to my success. That can be a deterrent. So, by not pairing members from the same industry, we end up having people willing to give of themselves. In the end, the mentor has to be in it not for their own ego, but to pay it forward and help the mentee succeed.”
Melinda Masters of Melinda’s Custom Sewing and Upholstery was one of 20 mentees who participated in the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s mentoring pilot program in 2018-19. The program is returning for the 2019-20 season, with applications opening in September. (Photo: WBN)
Participants also aren’t permitted to sell their own products or services to each other during the program.
“It’s not a sales relationship in any way,” says Diane.
With WBN facilitating and nurturing the connections with the structured program, the mentor and mentee have responsibility for developing their relationship.
“We do great training on how to be a mentor, which includes role playing and examples of how it would look,” Diane explains. “However, we make it clear to mentors that they’re not in this role to do therapy. This relationship isn’t about rescuing; it’s about sharing perspective, knowledge, and experience. It’s up to the mentee what she’s going to do with it.”
Sarah Susnar, owner of Play Café Peterborough, signed up for the program as a mentee, relying on the influence of a mentor to help her move forward with her goals and be a cheerleader for her success. Her mentor is in the edible microgreens industry.
For eight months, Sarah’s mentor stood on the sidelines and challenged her to keep making progress.
“I learned that it was okay to raise my prices, to not be afraid, and to do what is best for my business,” Sarah reflects. “I would definitely recommend the program to anyone needing help in their business. It was a great experience and I would do it again.”
The 2019-20 board of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough supports the mentorship program as it fulfils one of the organization’s strategic goals: to help members expand their business contacts and grow their business. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Good news for new and returning WBN members: due to popular demand and the success of the pilot, the mentorship program is back this season, with applications opening in September.
What does the WBN mentorship program include?
Get expert guidance. With years of education and experience behind them, mentors make suggestions that can help you to navigate the business landscape.
Receive encouragement. Mentors are there to listen, provide a second opinion, or just give support when you need it.
Benefit from advice and feedback. Mentors provide advice to help you build on your strengths and support you in areas where you need development. Many mentors find value in sharing their successes or failures.
Gain a different perspective. Mentors provide context and a perspective that you might not have considered. They can help you to broaden your viewpoints and build on your ideas.
Expand your network. Mentors have networks that they can connect you to, to help you grow your own networks. Making new connections is an important part of business growth and development.
If members are interested in being a mentor or mentee, WBN is offering an information session in September. For more information, contact Diane Wolf at strategic@womensbusinessnetwork.net.
Within the first two years in her career as a mortgage broker with Northwood Mortgage Ltd., Grace Reynolds has already received a national award and special recognition from the Canadian mortgage broker industry, and was just selected for a "4-under-40" profile by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. Grace is also active in helping the business community in her volunteer role as the 2019-20 president of the Women's Business Network of Peterborough, and she was one of 13 local women who formed "The Mombassadors" to raise funds for a new fetal monitor at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Grace Reynolds has limitless energy and enthusiasm for everything she tackles.
She’s an award-winning mortgage broker with Northwood Mortgage Ltd, she’s taken on the role as the 2019-20 President of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN), and she just scored a big win through the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce as one of the chamber’s 2019 4-under-40 Profiles.
“I love what I do,” Grace says. “And the past few years since coming to Peterborough have been a whirlwind. It’s been overwhelming, but I’m just so happy to always jump in with both feet.”
And she does jump in with both feet — even when it’s an interview which, Grace admits, is a bit weird.
“It’s hard to talk about myself,” she laughs. “It makes me nervous.”
But with her positive spirit, her nerves don’t show and she bubbles her way through a conversation about the line of work that she excels at … after she kind of fell into it.
“I’m not a businesswoman in the wearing of high-heels and carrying a briefcase kind of way,” Grace explains. “That’s not my jam, but I want to help people. I always want to help people and so this was actually a perfect fit.”
Grace moved to Peterborough a few years ago so she and her husband could be closer to family. Her father-in-law had a background in the business, and he thought she would do well as a mortgage broker, so she gave it a try.
Grace was taking courses while she was breastfeeding her son and, by the time he was a year old, she had launched her mortgage broker business. And her father-in-law was right: Grace was really good at it.
Grace Reynolds at home in 2018 with her Best Newcomer Agent award from the Mortgage Awards of Excellence, which she earned within her first 15 months as a mortgage broker. Canadian Mortgage Professional magazine subsequently named her as a “Young Gun”, one of 50 young professionals across Canada who are “leading the industry toward a bright new future”, and the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce recently selected her as a 2019 recipient of the “4-under-40” profile. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Since starting on this new career path, she has scored an award for Best Newcomer Agent at the Mortgage Awards of Excellence and has also been recognized as one of Canada’s top “Young Guns” by Canadian Mortgage Professional (CMP), the leading magazine for mortgage brokers and finance professionals in Canada,
Grace says she has succeeded because she treats her clients the way she wants to be treated.
“I am also a consumer and I know that there are a million brokers that you could be working with,” she says. “I love that I help clients on their journey of buying or re-financing their biggest asset.”
And while not everyone thinks to call a mortgage broker first, Grace says she also works with some big banks so she can make those connections too.
“I help people put plans together and as a broker I am highly regulated and audited,” she explains. “I can lean on a whole team when I am looking at a client’s financial landscape and my job is to help them navigate this journey. It is a complex process now, with the new rules and regulations set just a couple years ago.”
Grace has had lots of jobs over the years and she draws on some diverse experience for her current role. She was a bartender and a server and, through every position she has held, she’s always been focused on supporting clients.
“This is really about how people want to be treated,” Grace says. “I am grateful that I get to look at people’s financial back-end. It’s an honour and all I focus on is this: what can we do to help you.”
Grace Reynolds is the 2019-20 president of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN), pictured here with 2018-19 WBN president Tracey Ormond. Grace’s theme for the 2019-20 WBN season is “being you” — about women succeeding by being their authentic selves. (Photo: WBN)
Helping people doesn’t end with financing homes. Grace is active as a volunteer within her community. Stepping up as WBN president for 2019-20 has Grace pretty excited. For the WBN theme this year, she’s encouraging members to focus on “being you.”
“I am my business, I am my family, and I am here to help my clients and community — this is who I am,” Grace says when explaining her theme. “Our world is so complex, I want to bring people back to who they are and to just love being themselves: just bring it back to being you.”
Grace has also found success as a fundraising champion, one of a group of women called the Mombassadors who have raised thousands of dollars for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s Labour, Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Her goal to support and care for others comes from a strong belief in working hard and appreciating what’s important in life — from financing a home to supporting moms and babies in need.
“I live in this world and I see what it does for me,” Grace notes. “I want to give back, I want to help others, and I will share all of my skills to make this happen.”
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