Z4 5 Women in Business 2015
CAPITAL NEWS
Why diversity is good for business growth
“We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.”
~ Charlotte Whitton
Gladys Fraser
MBA PFP AICB Branch Manager Lakeshore Centre Branch
first woman mayor of a large urban Canadian city (Ottawa)
Darla Aitken PFP
Manager, Business and Professional Banking Kelowna Main Branch
Brandy Manuel Manager Personal Banking Kelowna Main Branch
Shelley Harborne PFP
Business and Professional Banking Advisor Kelowna and West Kelowna
Maureen Mitchell PFP Branch Manager West Kelowna Branch
Robyn Neff, PFP BA
Branch Manager Rutland Branch
Debbie McDonald Business and Professional Banking Advisor Rutland Branch
Richness is:
Pursuing a passion instead of a job www.scotiabank.com
Diversity is about embracing differences. These differences can be found in people’s abilities, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, physical characteristics, religion, sexual orientation or values. But diversity is more than a human rights or an inclusion issue—it’s a profitable business strategy. A business that adopts diversity as a strategy is able to reflect its marketplace, leverage talent, build a robust supply chain and enhance its decision-making and governance. Bottom line: A diverse business performs better financially. There are several reasons why a diverse strategy gives businesses a competitive edge. A new report by Catalyst.org suggests businesses with diverse boards are more socially responsible, which results in “sustainable big wins for the company and its stakeholders.” Diverse companies perform higher with regards to their community impact, environmental responsibility and customer relationships. These measures are essential to small businesses looking for a sustainable link to their community. “Today’s customers want to do business with organizations that share their values,” said Laurel Douglas, chief executive officer of the Women’s Enterprise Centre in Kelowna. “We’ve seen an increase in businesses and educational institutions coming to us for workshops on how to introduce diversity into their organization.” The business case for diversity is well documented. Since 2004, Catalyst has produced studies showing that companies that achieve diversity in their management and board attain better financial results than those who don’t. But diversity need not be reserved for the CEO or board level; companies can also employ diversity as a business strategy at the customer/ client level, with employers and with suppliers. While any strategic shift should align with a business’ overarching plan, there are several ways
businesses of any size can make simple changes: 1. Diversify your staff. A workplace of employees with different education and experience fosters innovation and increases buyin, reducing employee turnover 2. Rethink your marketing. Reflecting the diversity of the marketplace enhances your business’ reputation and rapport with your customers, and helps you build a strong connection with your community 3. Find a new supplier with a new product to cater to a diverse customer or client base. This can broaden your customer base, lead to lower costs and encourage more responsive suppliers 4. Assign a percentage of your business purchases to diverse suppliers. Organizations that have made supplier diversity part of their corporate social responsibility practices include Telus, Merck and RBC 5. Register as a diverse supplier to make more connections. For businesses owned by women, minorities, aboriginals, or LGBT, registering can open doors for new contracts. Learn more at supplierdiversitycanada.ca 6. Assemble a diverse board of directors, mentors and advisors. A group comprised of people who bring unique competencies, skills and perspectives to the table is more effective in its decision-making. For a business looking to kick-start change or growth with little outlay, diversity strategies may be the key. The Women’s Enterprise Centre is the leading business resource for B.C. women who own a business or are thinking of starting a business. The WEC team of professionals provides business loans up to $150,000 to start, grow or buy a business, and also offers workshops, business advisors, mentors, resources and a supportive community to help women start, grow and succeed in their business. 1-800-643-7014 womensenterprise.ca facebook.com/wecbc
She said it…
“Successful companies are not the ones that build a business, then look at diversity as a nice-to-have attribute. Truly successful and innovative companies are those that build diverse teams when they’re just starting out in their own apartment or their folks’ garage. Diversity is a mentality, not just a strategic imperative. ” —Eketarina Walter, business writer
Dena Abrahamse Happy 2015…”Where does the time go?” Let’s take time to enjoy this year and the ones around us. I’m going to start by thanking everyone for all the business they have sent my way for over the past 14 years. Kelowna’s sign market demands full service capabilities & quality products at reasonable prices & we have continually been there to fulfill those demands. Access Signs’ reputation is founded on ensuring 100% customer satisfaction. We are very experienced in working in multiple mediums including wood, 3D, metal, plastic, banners & coroplast. We take care of it all…from real estate, property development, business frontage & sandwich boards to strata complexes, decals and site signs. We offer in-house large format printing & vinyl cutting for your interior & exterior signage needs including vehicle graphics & much more. Access Signs also gives back to the community by sponsoring a variety of sport teams & events and helping out with non-profit organizations and fund raising. When time permits, Dena likes to hike, go boating, hang out with family & friends or just read a good book. We welcome you to come by the shop or visit our website: www.access-signs.com. Our business is to make your business get noticed!
#2 - 1980 Bredin Road (behind Cloverdale Paint)
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Phone 250-860-1728 • Fax: 250-860-1702 Email: access.signs@shaw.ca