Special Features - Women In Business 2017

Women in BUSINESS 2017 ENTREPRENEURS | GROUNDBREAKERS | TRENDSETTERS

of

celebrating successful women in the Okanagan

CAPITAL news

NIKKI CSEK CEO

SAM HILL

Content Director

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RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

Rhonda Hymers, FEA, CIWM, FCSI, CIM Vice-President & Director, Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor

Are you getting the financial guidance you deserve?

Starting in January, investors in Canada will receive two new reports with more detail on the costs and performance of their investment account(s). When you receive these reports, ask yourself: • Do I know what I pay for investment guidance?

• Am I getting good value?

• Do I have access to estate and tax planning experts?

Wendy Rooke, PFP Associate Wealth Advisor & Financial Planner

• Does my advisor understand all of my needs—from building wealth, to retirement income planning, to philanthropy?

• Has my advisor prepared a comprehensive financial plan?

• Am I confident my portfolio will support my retirement income needs?

• Has my portfolio been customized just for me?

If you answered “no” to any of the above, it may be time to consider if your advisor is meeting your needs to grow your wealth and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.

Rossellen (Rossi) Wiltse, CFP, PFP, FCSI Associate Investment Advisor

The Hymers Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities specializes in servicing high net worth families and takes an active and holistic wealth management approach. Visit our website at www.rhondahymers.com for more information and to learn what our clients have to say about the services we offer.

Hymers Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities Suite 1100 – 1708 Dolphin Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4 Phone: 250-712-2148 Toll-free: 1-877-308-4766 www.rhondahymers.com RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. 17_90832_VFW_003

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Generation Gap: Women share success stories over the years

By Carli Berry

A millennial who worked her way to content director, a generation Xer who is the CEO of her own company, and a baby boomer who owns a company making people smile: Three empowering women share their stories about business as entrepreneurs, and how they got to where they are today.

Sam Hill is a millennial working at Csek Creative and KelownaNow as the content director.

“I knew when I was very young that I wanted to work in marketing. I was in love with anything Disney,” said the 24 year old, who remembers the details behind Disney’s marketing campaigns.

Hill graduated from Okanagan College with a Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in marketing but she struggled to find a job, moving

to Edmonton to work in customer service for the Edmonton Oilers, before she moved back to Kelowna.

“Trying to get a position in Kelowna doing marketing was so difficult, no one wants to take a chance on someone who’s fresh out of school and has no experience. You have to find a company who is willing to celebrate the knowledge that young people have,” said Hill.

She applied to be a receptionist at Csek, but was hired as a content writer, before moving up to content director.

“I love it. I get to be creative and come up with ideas for clients and our brand every day. I love working for Csek Creative right now. I think (they) recognized...my attention to detail while being able to think outside of the box.”

Hill celebrates women in the field and

Bethany Kover - Miss Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) INTRODUCING OUR CANDIDATE BETHANY KOVER Bethany is a grade 11 student at Rutland Senior Secondary and a candidate for Miss Kelowna Lady of the Lake. Bethany has chosen to join the Miss Kelowna Lady of the Lake pageant so she can become more involved in her community, learn more about public speaking and meet new people. URBA is excited to have Bethany represent us.

The Miss Kelowna Lady of the Lake Society aims to mentor young women of Kelowna, enable them to learn new skills, and empower their leadership.

For more information: misskelowna.com

URBA 158 Valleyview Rd 250.451.9861 OurRutland.ca

We do kitchen

WOW!

Sam Hill said once you take a step forward, it’s like learning to fix an appliance. Once you do it, it creates opportunities for other things to be fixed.

But as a woman, Hill still feels like there are issues in business.

“I don’t want people to judge my professionalism by what I’m wearing, but by what I’m saying,” she said.

She encourages other women to find their confidence.

“One thing I find when I’m interviewing people, I find a lot of women I interview don’t appear to be as confident as (men when they might be just as capable in the position.) I would encourage anyone trying to get into the work force to believe in themselves a little bit more.”

With more experience than Hill, Renee Wasylyk is a 41-year-old CEO of Troika, a company she founded 18 years ago.

Two years after founding Troika she

Cont. Page 10 & 11 Making a dream a reality is what Julie and her team at Premium Granite Works Inc. and Premium Cabinets Inc. do everyday. Julie’s attention to detail and passion for customer satisfaction is what motivates her team to provide the best quality and service in the Okanagan.

With over 30 years’ experience, Premium Granite Works Inc. and Premium Cabinets Inc. know they would never be where they are today without their amazing customers and incredible passionate team.

Family owned and operated, it is important that every customer is treated like a member of the PGW family.

Julie Baril

Sales & Design Premium Granite Works Inc. and Premium Cabinets Consultant Inc. has you covered for all your kitchen and bath julie@premiumcabinets.ca renovations. Come in and see Julie today.

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Nadine Westgate

MANAGING BROKER | OWNER

As Managing Broker/Owner of the Okanagan’s largest independent brokerage firm, Sage Executive Group Real Estate, it’s an exciting time to be in the industry as we once again hit the ground running in 2017. With a specialized focus on local markets and located throughout the Valley including Lake Country, Kelowna and Westbank, Sage is passionate about serving the Okanagan. As a community centric brokerage, our ladies Sage team is dedicated to delivering high quality service experiences enforced through our unique marketing programs and exceptional agent support. They pride themselves on being active members in the Okanagan community and are committed to giving back through local volunteering and fundraising efforts, sponsorships and much more. We live, breathe and exude the four season Okanagan lifestyle, offering a truly local and insightful perspective on this ever-changing real estate market. Congratulations to our ladies on all of their successes and achievements. It’s an honor and a privilege to work with you all!

Representative of the Okanagan’s entrepreneurial nature and spirit, we offer a full service brokerage and invite you to drop by our centrally located offices. We look forward to serving you.

Monika Holst Conveyancing/ Office Manager

Leah Delisle REALTOR®

Jas Khunkhun REALTOR®

Sharon Rainey

Diana Blake

Kimberly Bakaluk

Donna Bird

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250-861-5122

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As the first woman ever elected Chief of the WFN, Roxanne Lindley says equality is a driving force in Syilx culture. By Mike Straus

Chief Roxanne Lindley’s recent landslide election win was an historic moment for the Westbank First Nation, which for the first time in recorded history has a woman occupying its top political office.

The daughter of the band’s first elected chief, Lindley says that she’s eager to carry on John Norman Lindley’s legacy and to use the lessons he taught her in leading the band.

“My goal is to be fair, to treat everyone equally,” Lindley says. “That’s what my dad did. I had an opportunity to go to meetings with him, to see how elected representatives interact. I want to bring that to the table – an opportunity for healthy discussion. My dad’s big issues were employment, housing, and representation.

We’ve come a long way since then, but we still want to keep moving forward in creating a functional form of government.”

Lindley notes that her approach to leadership stems from Syilx tradition and is rooted in a people-first philosophy. Rather than adhering to strict business hours, she says, past First Nations councils would simply start talking about the issues facing the band and continue the discussion until they found a consensus.

“It goes back to our traditional ways – focusing on the people instead of the clock. “ Much like her father’s council, Lindley’s government features several influential First Nations women. Lindley points to Councillor Fernanda Alexander, an experienced government worker and mother of four, as a prime example of the positive female influence in Syilx politics.

“Fernanda is connected to the school here. She’s a professional woman with lots of experience, which we celebrate.”

Lindley also notes that several other high-profile women in the Westbank First Nation have made a big impact on the community’s welfare. On February 6, the Westbank First Nation formally thanked and honoured Margaret

Cont. Page 29 Visit our Trading Post Gift Store (201-515 Hwy 975 top of Bridge Hill) for unique, hand-made treasures.

Take a tour of our Heritage Museum (1479 Old Okanagan Hwy, Westbank) to discover the rich history of WFN.

C

hief Roxanne Lindley was elected as Chief on September 15, 2016 to serve a threeyear term. She is the first female Chief for Westbank First Nation and brings with her a wealth of skills and knowledge.

Lindley’s grandparents are Angeline and Tom Lindley, and Emily Michele and Edward McDougall. Her parents were Norman Lindley, who was the first elected Chief of Westbank First Nation (1963), and Elizabeth Lindley Charters. Chief Lindley has three children – Twyla, Rheanna and Nathan – and six grandchildren, Alyssa, Ethan, Warrick, Robbie, Willow, and Faora. Her long-time partner of over thirty years is Wayne Sahli.

Chief

Roxanne Lindley

Prior to being elected as Chief, Lindley had the opportunity to travel abroad and witness opportunities for First Nation international partnerships, training, aboriginal tourism and investment.

She has also had discussions regarding the digitization of language, speakers, archaeological information and traditional place-names for the purposes of education, history, title and rights, and language keeping.

Research continues toward the goal of collaboration between First Nations, local school districts and universities.

WFN Youth Centre now open at 1880 Quail Lane, Westbank

CAPITAL NEWS

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Giving Women Independence Through Sound Financial Advice By Mike Straus

Raymond James financial advisor Lori Samuels says that her job is an opportunity to teach women the importance of wealth management.

Lori Samuels’ career in finance started as part of a brief detour on her way to a law degree.

“My plan was to go to law school, but somebody suggested finance instead,” said Samuels. “I was taking a break from university after finishing my bachelor of

arts at the University of Calgary, and I started by taking the Canadian Securities Course. That got me a job at Nesbitt Burns, and I realized that I loved the industry.”

Samuels says that finance is about people and relationships just as much as

Gwen Boek In 1983 Ducky Down opened its doors, and in 1988 Gwen and Adriaan bought the business after emigrating from Holland and they’re still going strong.

After 29 years at the same Pandosy location, Gwen and Adriaan are proud to provide good, old-fashioned customer service – they really know their stuff(ing)!

They provide luxury bamboo bedding to many B&Bs, and guests love the sheets so much they have them shipped to their homes, (as far away as Florida and Australia)!

The selection of pillows and duvets is extensive. They are pillow experts who can custom make and refurbish pillows. Everything from down-filled, Tempur-pedic, latex, wool, buckwheat hull pillows and polyester; all excellent choices to make your sleep a restful one. If you have a pain in the neck, see Ducky Down!

They custom make duvets and also refurbish any size of old and well-loved duvets and pillows, and make them like new! You can have them refilled with down. Besides down, they also carry wool and silk-filled quilts.

Exclusive to Ducky Down are the new latex gold organic mattresses made in Vancouver – for the best natural and restful sleep. They still also carry Tempur-Pedic pressure relieving mattresses.

Gwen and Adriaan invite you to visit their quaint store to see and feel the latest 100% cotton prints from France. They are proud to serve Kelowna and area, and beyond!

2821 PANDOSY ST. | WWW.DUCKYDOWN.COM | 250-762-3130

CREATIVE TOUCH INTERIORS IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS! Creative Touch Interiors Inc. is a full-service residential interior design and renovation firm based in Kelowna BC. Our core services provide clients with design solutions while working with professional trades and sub-trades who work in the construction industry, focusing on quality and details that add value to homes.

Communication, Collaboration and Integrity is what we practice. As Interior Designers-Project Managers, it is important that we build bridges in every aspect of a project.

it’s about numbers, and that’s what drove her to become a financial advisor. And while the male-dominated nature of the industry was intimidating at first – about 85 per cent of financial advisors are men - she says that she quickly realized the importance of having women in the financial services sector.

“As the demographics change and as more women control the wealth as a result of major life transitions like divorce or losing spouses, our firm and the industry will see the importance of having women in this role. Women tend to connect well with other women, and as we move forward women are going to be controlling a lot of wealth.”

Lori Samuels

Samuels notes that Raymond James has started a women-in-finance initiative that hopes to see women make up 25

percent of its financial advisors by 2025.

Samuels says that there are several barriers keeping women out of finance, and that she hopes greater awareness will bring more women into the field.

“The Canadian Securities Institute isn’t

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Owner-Senior Designer/ Project Manager

Rael Hay

Interior Designer/ Project Manager

Being a “Team Player” is what it’s about.

Happiness is what we strive to bring into peoples lives.

Hannah McNee, DIAD Interior Designer/ Project Manager

445 Banks Road Kelowna | 778.699.2152 | creativetouchinteriors.ca

Women in Business 2017 59

CAPITAL NEWS

offered through universities. It’s kind of unknown. If we were able to get in front of women when they’re at university, we’d be in a better position to approach them.”

Samuels notes that another factor holding women back is their drive for perfection. Men are more comfortable with the idea that they might make a mistake or offer advice that doesn’t work out, she says, while women are typically dissuaded by the notion that financial advisors are required to be perfect.

But for Samuels, her unique experiences are enabling her to better serve her clients and connect with them in ways that other advisors simply can’t.

“About two years ago I went through a marriage breakdown, and that’s taken my ability to connect with women to a

new level. My career has been kicked up another notch. I now have a number of women who have gone through a divorce or another life-changing event who are being referred to me, because I understand how important it is for women to take control of their finances.”

Samuels is passionate about giving women independence through financial management skills, and urges women to be more hands-on with their finances – especially given their longer life expectancy and the current divorce rate.

“At some point, nearly all women will be managing their wealth on their own.

They can’t rely on someone else, and it’s much more overwhelming to look for an advisor during a traumatic event. Taking a bigger interest now makes women better equipped for things that happen later on.”

Terry Simpson “Lexi & Lake Home offers a complete lifestyle in one place” For the past 6 years Terry Simpson and her staff have had the pleasure of bringing beautiful contemporary, sophisticated furniture and accessories to Kelowna. Lexi & Lake Home is still carrying all their great lines. New to the store recently are Barter Design and Mud Austrailia.

Terry Laurie & Barb are excited to show our 2017 spring & summer product arriving daily.

Lexi & Lake Home | 3937 Lakeshore Road | 778-477-4787

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| SALES DIRECTOR

JoAnne Adamson is the Director of Sales at the local award-winning builder, Mission Group. With over 15 years experience in all aspects of real estate development, she is a strong leader that guides the Mission Group team through the sales process, customer service, property management, and more.

JoAnne has worked with Mission Group since its inception and has been involved in the creation of well over 1,000 homes. She takes pride in working with the entire Mission Group team to provide customers with an outstanding home ownership experience and enjoys working with homeowners as they look to create lasting memories in their dream home.

Currently, Mission Group is selling condominium residences at Central Green (Downtown), Siena (Lower Mission), and U-Five (University District).

Landmark 6 - 10th Floor, 1631 Dickson Ave, Kelowna, BC 250.448.8810 | missiongroup.ca

Generation Gap: Women share success ls t stories over the years Continued from Page 4... w transitioned it into a development firm.

A Generation Xer and mother of three, Wasylyk describes her days as “full.”

“They’re full because I do a lot of extra things. I do a lot of community involvement,” she said.

A mother of a 19, 17, and 15-year-olds, she said it’s not about balancing her home and work life.

“I chose to be an active mom, so things get a little chaotic at times… There is no balance. I carry who I am wherever I go.”

It’s a blend of the two as she takes phone calls from her children in meetings and answers work calls from home.

And she doesn’t believe in retiring.

“I enjoy it, I enjoy what I do. The day it stops being fun is the day I’ll start a retirement plan. As a person Renee I want to continually evolve. I want to understand and learn new things.”

She attributes her success to her entrepreneurial family, her team, and her capacity for pain.

“I’m incredibly tenacious and my capacity for pain is very high. Not

everyone can do what I do on a daily basis, but anyone has the opportunity to do what I do, since I created it. I’m not going to be the person to say ‘I give, it’s done, it’s over.’”

She offered advice for the baby boomers asking them to “please don’t leave us yet. Nothing replaces the experiences that they’ve had.”

To the millennials, she said to be patient.

Wasylyk also serves on many boards, including the Interior Health board, Downtown Kelowna Association, national council for girls and women, the national board for the breakfast club of Canada where she T specifically t represents u Western Canada, and for“ the past year t and a half she m has been the m vice-chair on the Premier’s Women’s Wasylyk Economic Council.

Over a long career in business, Catherine Cameron has had every job on the map.

She’s worked in marketing and sales before her and her husband became the owners of Expedia CruiseShipCenters.

“We were at a chapter change in our

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life,” she said. “Both kids were finishing school, one was going away. We wanted to do something where people laughed, where people smiled.”

Catherine Cameron

The 63-year-old baby boomer has a trove of experience, which helped her understand her business and coworkers. r“The fact that I was in sales. I get it with these guys, I understand. I know what management can do to motivate and demotivate sales.”

She’s also able to reflect back on past experiences.

“It’s like a great big wave that comes in and picks up all the stuff that you have.

You look back and you think ‘all those steps: That right turn and that left turn. It all led to right here.’”

She received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC in Vancouver, and worked in restaurants, retail, as a marketing director, performed contract work for ad agencies, handled sales and more.

“I still think today that was the best decision I made (getting that degree). It set the course for all sorts of things that I did.

Everything that you do, from day to day stuff, to professional stuff.”

Cameron and her husband purchased the business in 2007. A short time later Expedia purchased CruiseShipCenters and for Cameron, the business allowed her to continue her passion.

“I loved marketing. I lived and breathed marketing. You’re working with people’s dreams. They’re instilling trust in you to

give them the best thing that you can, and you do. You don’t ever take that lightly.”

Her advice for anyone in business is to “put one foot in front of the other but you have to keep on going.”

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“

Good leaders organize and align people around what the team needs to do. Great leaders motivate and inspire people with why they’re doing it. That’s purpose. And that’s the key to achieving something truly transformational.

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”

MASTER STYLIST

Master Stylist, Sherry Barton, has owned and operated hair salons in Kelowna for over 30 years. She has competed at the provincial, national, and international levels. She represented Canada at the World Hair Show in Tokyo, Japan. While competing and running a salon, she also managed to complete the Canadian Hair Judging Program, which earned her a lifetime achievement award in Canadian Hair judging. In 2016, at the Paris OMC World Hair competitions, Sherry became a World Hair Judge and was selected to judge the European Cup competitions.

Sherry is passionate about her work and loves that her career allows her to be creative. Vivid Hair is located inside Devotions Nail Spa and Salon at 2653 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC. Whether you are looking for a trim, colour. or completely new look, Vivid Hair by Sherry can take care of you. Call or Text 250-215-8227 to make an appointment. Your business is appreciated.

2653 Pandosy Street | 250-215-8227 (located inside devotion nail spa & salon)

You’re a person, not a number. We love that!

At Prospera, we really care about the financial well-being of our members. Our Okanagan team is full of home grown talent that has been helping local families and businesses reach their financial goals for almost 15 years.

Our team of advisors in Kelowna is dedicated to serving the investment, insurance and banking needs of Prospera personal and business members throughout the Okanagan Valley.

Let us help you reach your financial goals. Come by and meet with a Prospera Advisor today!

Mission Park Branch Unit 15 - 3151 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna 250.979.6400 | prospera.ca

Prospera Centre #100 - 2106 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna 250.869.3600 | prospera.ca

Mutual Funds and securities related financial planning services are offered through Qtrade Asset Management Inc., Member MFDA.

Photo: L to R Angela Burnell, Regional Director Okanagan; Naomi Leitner, Investment Specialist Prospera Centre Branch Kelowna; Jill Diemer, Investment Specialist Kelowna Mission Park Branch; Simone Charbonneau, Wealth Management Specialist Kelowna; Paula Woodroff, Branch Manager Kelowna Mission Park Branch; Nancy Neustaeter, Business Account Manager Vernon/Kelowna.

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Women key wine industry development

By Barry Gerding

There is no glass ceiling holding women back from career and life advancement in the Okanagan wine industry.

Participating at a forum hosted by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 24, a trio of women panellists working in the local wine industry were asked the differences or obstacles women face as opposed to men.

The question drew silence until panel member Sandra Oldfield responded: “I consider myself a winemaker so I’m not sure how to answer that.”

Oldfield, the president and CEO of Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver, was joined on the panel by Ann Sperling, winemaker of Sperling Vineyards and Southbrook Winery in Kelowna along

with being a winery start-up consultant, and Elaine Triggs, co-proprietor of Culmina Family Estate Winery in Oliver.

The forum’s intent was to talk about the career path that each of these women experienced in the wine industry, and how it has changed since the late 1970s when almost no women were involved directly in the management of B.C. wineries.

“In many wineries, women are becoming the driving force in disciplines ranging from vineyard management to winemaking and marketing,” said wine

industry writer John Schreiner, who moderated the panel discussion.

“The industry should take a lot of pride in having unlocked so much talent.”

Oldfield said she serves on various industry committees with men and women.

“I think the bigger idea is that we all share a passion for winemaking. Fifteen of our 20 employees are women and they are all passionate about what they’re doing. I don’t really see a big difference in this industry whether you are a man or a woman.”

Barb Dumbovic Barb Dumbovic started her business making perogies and cabbage rolls in May 1995. For many years you could find Barb and her truck serving breakfast and lunch from May to October at the Farmers Market, and also on Sundays at the Rutland Hall.

Barb has grown from those days to her own restaurant, Barb’s Delight, located in the Blue Heights Complex. Barb is serving up “food done right” Monday thru Saturday. Her menu has expanded to include many delicious dishes, soups, salads, and sandwiches and, of course, her amazing breakfasts.

As well, frozen perogies and cabbage rolls are available for take home.

One taste of her perogies and cabbage rolls will have you coming back for more!

BARBS DELIGHTS | 2789 HWY 97 N, KELOWNA | 778-478-9921

'Serving BC Communities for over 30 years’ Elena Tostenson, co-owner and front store manager of the locally owned Pharmasave in Glenmore takes pride to offer a full service neighbourhood pharmacy. Elena lauched the Pharmasave Lifestyle Weight Management program in her store using the Ideal Protein Weight loss Protocol. She has achieved her own weight loss goals and now works as a Lifestyle and Wellness coach to help her clients not only reach but maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. What sets the Pharmasave in Glenmore Elena Tostenson Owner/Lifestyle & Wellness Coach apart from other weight loss clinics, is that all of their pharmacists have been trained in the protocol and will work with their clients’ physicians to adjust and decrease medications as necessary with weight loss. Clients are seeing improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, heartburn and joint pain to name a few. Whether you have 10 pounds or 200 pounds or more to lose, Elena and her team can help you achieve a healthy weight. Visit their website www. pharmasavekelownaweightloss.com or call or visit their store today for more information.

We will have an information evening on Tuesday March 14 at 6pm – call us at 250-861-4443 or email: info@pharmasavekelownaweightloss.com to reserve a spot.

Many of the staff at Pharmasave Glenmore have enjoyed the benefits of the Ideal protein program and are always happy to share their experiences.

Frances, Wanda, Faye, Elena, Lynda, Laura, Emily, (missing Lorraine)

Each member of the friendly coaching team at Pharmasave Glenmore is knowledgeable and have completed the Ideal Protein weight loss protocol themselves, bringing a wealth of information and support for all of their clients.

Coaching Team: JoAnn, Elena, Anne, (missing Janice)

437 Glenmore Rd. #105 • Kelowna, BC • (250) 861-4443

www.pharmasavekelowna.com • Visit us on Facebook Pharmasave Kelowna-Glenmore

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Oldfield suggested that flexibility is an important issue for women in the workforce, juggling a job and parenting responsibilities, but she added “I wouldn’t really want to over-emphasize that,” noting that work schedule flexibility is also relevant to men.

Each of the three women also talked about their different individual paths that led them into the wine industry.

For Oldham, she started out as a winemaker with a degree from UC Davis in California and moved to B.C. when she married a Canadian 15 years ago.

She and her husband started Tinhorn together until he decided to retire. “That was a bit of a surprise to me, and I asked him who will run the winery, and he said,’You will,’” she laughed.

Oldham has since relinquished her winemaking duties to focus more on the business administration and marketing side of the winery business.

“I did both jobs for awhile but it was too much, so now I am focused on all the business aspects of the winery, which I equate to kind of like putting a puzzle together and making it successful.”

Sperling grew up on a vineyard farm in Kelowna and always felt in her mind she would end up in a wine industry or agriculture-related career.

She is considered a leading force behind the movement in Canada towards organic and biodynamic winemaking, saying she considers herself a “winegrower” rather than a winemaker.

A graduate of UBC with a degree in food sciences, she played a pivotal role in the start-ups of both CedarCreek winery in Kelowna and Malivoire Wine Company in Niagara, Ont. In 2004, she was awarded Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards.

Sperling was drawn back to Kelowna when her parents wanted to step back from running the family farm. She said she and her sister and other family members came together to keep the vineyard going, keep the property which dates back to the 1860s in the family as an agriculture based business, and to develop their own wine.

“For me, I still find it very cool to be involved in the wine industry, able to do consulting work now with new winery start-ups to help other people realize their dreams,” said Sperling.

Triggs was born and raised in rural Manitoba.

She left her farming roots to study home economics at the University of Manitoba in the early 1960s,

where she met her future husband Don. After getting married and moving to Ontario, Triggs worked as a fashion educator at Seneca College in Toronto, then took eight years off to focus on being a mom to her three daughters.

She went back to school and achieved her CA designation in ‘92, subsequently doing private sector accounting work for five years in Toronto and then Vancouver.

But her family farming roots came back into play in her life when they

purchased a 100-acre apple orchard in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1998, creating Delaine Vineyard as a research project to determine the viticultural techniques for growing high quality wine grapes in the Niagara Peninsula of Ontario.

They sold that vineyard in 2006 but that experience sparked a passion with Triggs to pursue vineyard management.

In 2009, the Triggs planted their first grape crop for Culmina Winery and opened the doors of their winery to the

Cont. Page 14

Jennifer Black REALTOR®/Personal Real Estate Corp.

250-470-0377 jblack@kelowna.remax.ca www.jennifer-black.com A real estate Professional with a reputation built on Service and Trust Jennifer has been raised in Kelowna and has lived here for over 35 years and started at REMAX in 1993.

She offers a vast level of real estate knowledge and experience which makes her a very valuable resource for her clients.

She has received many outstanding awards while at REMAX including Rookie of the Year, Platinum Club award and Hall of Fame award.

Along side her busy Real Estate Career she is the mother of 4 beautiful children and believes the Okanagan is the perfect spot to live and raise a family; She believes it’s truly a Four Season Playground and loves to promote what the Okanagan has to offer which is fabulous real estate, local Wineries, restaurants and our amazing local produce vendors.

Every super woman business owner needs a side-kick.

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Bring your business banking to Coast Capital Savings and get $200*. *For new members or existing personal members who have not previously had their business banking at a credit union. For full details, visit getyourshare.ca/coastcapitalsmallbiz

14 5 Women in Business 2017

CAPITAL NEWSC

Women key wine industry development Continued from Page 12 & 13... public in 2013. destructive obstacles, from weather All three agree that a key next step in to fire to pest insurgency, created by the development of the Okanagan wine Mother Nature. industry will focus on expanding the Triggs noted when she and her husband local talent pool of viticulture expertise. purchased an apple orchard and Sandra Oldfield said the Okanagan is converted it into grapes, they needed blessed with a natural environment able outside expertise for the agricultural use to produce a wide variety of red and transition. white wines.

“I learned so much (about viticulture) But managing that environment at the going through that process and realized soil science level largely how important that aspect of remains a skill set that our industry is,” Triggs said, We have a requires bringing in experts noting the romance of being lot of positive from outside of B.C. a winemaker sometimes things going “We have a lot of positive overshadows the difficult for us with things going for us with our and stressful farming efforts wine industry, but one area of to grow the grapes. our wine While winemaking tends our business we are lacking in industry... is soil science,” she said. to be the focus, she noted “People trained in this area outside of two schools that bring a lot of added value to our industry. offer viticulture programs in Ontario, the education in B.C. for that part of the I am not looking for someone who can industry was lacking. just do branch pruning, but people who “The winemaking skills are great but we share a passion for our industry, who also need that viticulture expertise as can see potential problems that might well. We need that training to help our be encountered in the grape growing industry grow which is why the college process before they occur and what we program will be an exciting opportunity,” can do to deal with them,” Oldfield said.

She said those skills for most new winery Triggs said.

Along with the viticulture needs, the owners or developers, the farming aspect wine entrepreneurs also cited the need of growing a successful grape crop, can to reduce provincial border restrictions be a difficult learning process. to allow better access for Okanagan While it may not have the draw of wine producers to sell their products to actually creating or marketing wine, Canadians across the country. she noted growing grapes is an arduous process that takes years and often faces

“

”

They Said it....

Get to know us a little better!

Rosemary Paterson, General Manager (top left) 250-979-6901 rosemary@bwkelowna.com

Brenda Rayburn, Director of Sales & Marketing (top right) 250-979-6905 brenda@bwkelowna.com

“

Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.

ANNE SWEENEY

Kathy Wiebe

”

Jessica Heitman, Guest Services Manager (top middle) 250-860-1212 jessica@bwkelowna.com

Melissa Depew, Meetings & Events Manager (middle right) 250-979-6920 melissa@bwkelowna.com

Janine Rayburn, F & B, 97 Street. Pub (bottom right) 250-979-6921 info@97streetpub.com

Sandra Dreger, Executive Housekeeper (bottom middle) 250-860-1212 housekeeping@bwkelowna.com

Irene Roggensack, Controller (bottom left)

Rosebuds is a lovely, large designer consignment boutique located on Kirschner Road in Kelowna that has been serving the Kelowna area for the past 27 years. Rosebuds carries about 30% new at any given time, and prices are often discounted up to 75% off regular retail.

Many that come in say Rosebuds has the look and feel of a Los Angeles Boutique.

Kathy laughs and replies that is the exact look and feel we are moving towards. We believe every woman can afford to look beautiful. Everything from prom and party dresses, to Lululemon workout wear and most everything in between. Now carrying upscale men’s clothing as well. We specialize in higher end labels but at lower end prices.

We have many regular shoppers that call us their “retail therapy” but we always have room for lots more new friends. In these troubled times consignment shopping can be a day full of fun and adventure.

You never know what you are going to find so fill up your car with your friends and stop in and meet the friendly staff at Rosebuds Designer Consignment Boutique. We are here to serve you.

250-860-1212 irene@bwkelowna.com

Kathy HAS NOW expanded Rosebuds to a full 3400 square feet to better serve you.

Beautiful and bright to say the least.

Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites

Private Shopping Parties. We support several charities and can help you support yours if you and or your group want to sell your items the money can be put into your favorite charity in your or your groups name. Follow us on Face book or our newsletter for event and sale information.

2402 Hwy 97 N, Kelowna, BC P: (250) 860-1212 Reservations 1-888-860-1212 bestwesternkelowna.com Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated.

150-1855 KIRSCHNER RD | 250.861.1911 | WWW.ROSEBUDSCONSIGNMENT.COM OPEN MON-FRI 10-5:30 • SAT 10-5 • SUN 12-4

Women in Business 2017 515

CAPITAL NEWS

Conducting things her own way

By Carli Berry Sometimes being a leader means overcoming your internal doubts.

For Kelowna Orchestra Symphony director/conductor Rosemary Thomson, overcoming her challenges as a woman conductor involved perseverance, and the support of friends, family and mentors.

Thomson, 52, became involved with the symphony as a guest conductor in 1999, before becoming full time.

Now, she’s in her 10th season.

“I can’t quite believe it, I’ve been having such a fun time. I love my job,” she said.

Being a woman conductor was different 20 years ago.

For Thomson, building what she called a “quiet confidence,” was important.

“When I did my first audition for conducting in university it was so unusual… everyone was shocked. It was traditionally a male (conductor),” she said.

Thomson remembered an interview she had for a conducting position, and one of the first questions the interviewer asked was what did she wear while conducting?

She answered honestly, and tried to steer the conversation back towards her skill set.

Although faced with these challenges, she said her main struggle was overcoming her own mindset.

“It took me a little while for me to wrap my brain around ‘is it OK for me to become a conductor?’” I could see that there wasn’t very many women out there… I think I wanted to do it so badly (it didn’t matter),” she said.

But, there are more female conductors now than there were in the 1990s, said Thomson.

“I think there’s an overall public perception that’s changing rapidly.”

The Kelowna symphony is made up of women in leadership roles, roles that are typically male, she said.

Rosemary Thomson “We have wonderful men in our orchestra as well, but the number of women is a little unusual. (It shows) women have every little bit as much experience and passion and that’s not to take away from men, they do too.”

More than half of the orchestra is composed of women.

She advises women in leadership roles to be unafraid to make mistakes, and to research a role well.

“Really know your subject, the thing you want to lead in, make sure you’re confident in your knowledge base. That’s what people are going to respect in a leader.

Don’t try to be something you’re not.

People see through when it’s not genuine.

Your confidence as a leader grows through your preparations and knowledge.”

Her job changes on a day to day basis: From rehearsing, presenting and studying scores before performances, to music programs, meetings and more.

“I try to be in the community as much as possible,” she said, noting she also worked at MCing Encore, a music showcase put on by École Kelowna Secondary.

“I’m always meeting new people,” said the mother of two.

She’s been involved with music her whole life. Her parents met in a choir and Thomson enjoys performing with others.

She studied at the University of Toronto as well as the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Jess Labonte MORTGAGE BROKER Jess Labonte started her journey as a Mortgage Broker roughly 3 years ago.

It all started when she was buying her first home and realised she had a interest in the finance industry. With a great mentor and plenty of drive she became a licensed broker. She is now helping many people across BC reach their goals of buying a home.

Not only does she help her clients obtain financing, she is never quick to turn a client away.

If a client needs help making their goal happen, Jess is always willing to help council her clients to get their credit where it needs to be to obtain their goal.

If you are looking to obtain financing to purchase a home, or you just need some advice on where to start, Jess is the person to call.

Jess will help you reach your home ownership goal and get you the best interest rate in the process!

jessthebroker@gmail.com | 250.863.7773

Our economy in B.C. is continuing to grow, and women are proving we won’t be left behind. In the Okanagan, 45 per cent of our entrepreneurs are women. By bringing fresh perspectives and innovation to the Okanagan, the women of our business community are strengthening our economy and building a brighter future for all of us.

Premier Christy Clark

#3 – 2429 Dobbin Rd. West Kelowna, BC V4T 2L4 P: (250) 768-8426 E: Christy.Clark.MLA@leg.bc.ca

www.ChristyClarkMLAbc.ca

16 5 Women in Business 2017

CAPITAL NEWSC

Sisters combine for food truck success Meiko and Courtney Koga run The CrAsian Food Truck during the warmer months in Kelowna.

By Carli Berry

"By supporting the local

economy, creating jobs, and mentoring young entrepreneurs, our women in business are building a better community."

STEPHEN FUHR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT KELOWNA-LAKE COUNTRY

102-1420 St. Paul St, Kelowna, BC

250.470.5075

stephen.fuhr.c1@parl.gc.ca

Marion Lahey LICENSED REALTOR® Marion has enjoyed a successful career in real estate, finance and marketing for many years. She specializes in single family homes, re-location and community lifestyles in Kelowna and surrounding area.

Under the Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty banner, Marion was recognized as #9 in Canada for total units in 2015. She was also awarded these prestigious Coldwell Banker awards for her success and achievements for two consecutive years: Ultimate Service® Sales Representative Award: a national award recognizing outstanding sales representatives who achieved a minimum 90% overall satisfaction rating based on surveys from Canadian home buyers and sellers.

International President’s Premier Designation: normally achieved by teams of REALTORS® and rarely by individuals, this award is a testimony to Marion’s hard work and dedication to her clientele.

Courtney Koga is passionate about food.

Koga has worked in the food industry and has been surrounded by food for her entire life.

“Ever since I was a kid. I used to always cook dinner at home. I grew up watching Martha Stewart,” she said, adding her family gatherings have always been food oriented.

She started her food-truck business, The CrAsian Food Truck, in 2014 with her sister, Meiko Koga, 29.

CrAsian stands for “crazy Asian,” a name the pair came up with last minute.

“It’s North American street food with Asian flavour. It’s actually a lot like us.

We are half Japanese… we wanted to add our own flavour and flair to it,” said Koga.

She recommends the Thai Burger, “It’s the best thing that we have. You won’t find a burger like that anywhere else,” she laughed.

The truck runs from April to mid-October and you can find the CrAsian sisters at local events, festivals, at UBCO and at Kettle River Brewery.

For the most part, the dynamic duo run the show.

“We wake up, my sister does the shopping first thing in the morning… do some prep, drive the truck to the gas

They Said it....

View Marion’s listings on www.4seasonhomes.com/My Listings and contact her any time to discuss your real estate needs.

Cell: (250) 300-3730 | Office: (250) 860-7500 MLAHEY@COLDWELLBANKER.CA | WWW.4SEASONHOMES.COM

“

It’s our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

J.K. ROWLING

Give us 30 minutes and we will Microdermabrasion Skin Treatments • Sclerotherapy • Hair Removal • Thread Lift • Filler • Chemical Peel • Coolsclupting • CO Laser 2 • Belkyra • Botox • IPL ... and so much more • •

station… then drive it out to wherever we’re going.”

Koga grew tired of constantly unpacking food and decided to do something fun and creative. Down the road, she wants to have her own restaurant.

For now Koga, 27, manages at Raudz Regional Table in downtown Kelowna.

Last summer she was doing 85 hour work weeks.”I don’t know how I am still alive,” she said.

She attributes part of it to her sister.

“I’m really fortunate I do have my sister, another great woman in business.”

Your sister is your friend for life, she said.

For any woman who wishes to take a management position or start their own business, she said to “go confidently in the direction that you choose,” adding the most important thing is confidence in yourself.

“You only get one life.”

To find out more about The CrAsian Food Truck visit www.crasianfood.com/.

”

give you back years.

L ASER & VE I N R E J U V E N AT I O N Dr. Corrina Iampen MD, CCFP

2448 Dobbin Road, West Kelowna | 250.768.5355 | www.senseilaser.org

Women in Business 2017 517

CAPITAL NEWS

WiseEarth Farms working the land of opportunity By Kathy Michaels Local business specializes in organic intensive cropping practices It’s never been more expensive to own land in Canada.

The value of property increased nationwide by 113 per cent from 2000 to 2012, according to Statistics Canada.

It continued its upward trajectory at a similar pace over the next five years.

The prohibitive cost of property has created a number of issues, not the least of which being in agriculture.

The rising cost of land and the corresponding rise in the age of farmers has caused what some have viewed as a threat to our food supply.

Necessity, however, being the mother of invention, has also created an industry shift, which Kelowna’s Brenda Paterson is at the vanguard of, alongside her partner John Hofer, at WiseEarth Farm.

“I wanted to do something that felt meaningful, and I realized we could farm without owning land around eight or so years ago,” Paterson said.

“Then we thought we could farm other people’s land and live in the city.”

WiseEarth Farm is a small-scale sustainable farm in Kelowna that specializes in organic and biologically intensive cropping practices.

By emphasizing farm design, appropriate technologies and harnessing the power of soil biology, the farm is able to produce over 40,000 lbs. of vegetables per year on two acres.

“The majority of what we grow goes to local restaurants in town,” said Paterson.

WiseEarth Farm isn’t the only smallscale farm in town, but they were

one of the first, creating an example of how it works for all those who followed.

“Pretty much all the younger people who are in their 30s and 40s, are doing smaller scale farming,” said Paterson.

“Some own farm yards, others farm small pieces of land where they are renting. It’s not so much a matter of

Lumon

Cont. Page 23

Darlene Pappas 1st Class Auto Glass is ICBC Glass Express and have their ARA Certification. You do not need to call ICBC or your private insurance company; they will do it right from their office.

Darlene Pappas, co-owner with her husband Dean of 1st Class Auto Glass & Upholstery Ltd. in West Kelowna has been in the automotive glass industry for over 19 years. Do you need glass for your vehicle, RV, horse trailer, heavy equipment, etc? Darlene will find it! They both will fix it!

You will be happy!

Darlene and Dean’s main focus besides your vehicle is customer service.

Their business motto is Old School – Where You the Customer are Valued and Service and Quality is Our Top Priority.

1st Class Auto Glass deals in mainly OEM equivalent automotive glass – NOT off-shore.

-They offer FREE PICK UP AND DELIVERY of your vehicle from either home or work. (Peachland to Kelowna) -They have late hours for those businesses or people that need their vehicles during working hours.

Dean also does automotive and marine upholstery. He was trained many years ago by the very best.

Convertible tops are Dean’s specialty and he can re-construct or make from scratch a new boat top if you need one.

No matter what you need when it comes to your vehicle give Darlene and Dean a call!

1

We Love Your Cars As Much As You Do

st Class Auto Glass & Upholstery LTD.

2710 Kyle Rd., West Kelowna 250-769-4877 | www.firstclassglass.ca

Laura Pelletier

Visit us at the Kelowna Home Show February 25 and 26 at Prospera Place.

Come and try out the machines!

Laura has been involved with Kwikfit4u Canada for 9 years and owner for the last 4 years. She is a Certified Natural Health Consultant, and WBV Trainer in West Kelowna.

Kwikfit4u Canada is a whole body vibration (WVB) equipment supplier in Canada and U.S. Whole Body Vibration has been the hottest workout trend on the market as per ‘Muscle Magazine’.

Laura started using WBV for her own health and fitness issues Regain, 8 years ago, and has been so grateful that WBV came into her

maintain your life - “I can’t be without it!” health and fitness in 10 minutes She works with people who want to lose weight, the physically fit, people with little or no per day mobility, and the wheelchair bound.

Studies have shown good results for suffers of MS, M.D, F.M. Parkinsons, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, pain control, Lupus, circulation problems and the list goes on…

Kwikfit4u will also be in Penticton and Vernon; visit our website for more information.

Kwikfit4u Canada is the supplier for YMCA, Dancing with the Stars, PGA, senior residences, medi spas, health, wellness, fitness centres, tanning salons, weight loss clinics, health practioners, and homeowners.

Try It!

www.kwikfit4u.com | laura@kwikfit4u.com | 778-754-7400

Linda Szerepi #18-1873 Spall Road

778-214-3279

Therapy

shining your light within

I started creating Dare to Dream 20 years ago. The idea was to do something that I love while helping people improve their life by supplying products and services that are especially for them. We carry something for everyone, including jewellery, crystals, new age and self-help books, CDs and DVDs, Feng Shui and Colour Energy products, incense, oils, salt lamps, singing bowls and unique gifts.

Reiki Master / Teacher Reiki is a Japanese holistic healing technique that helps restore physical and emotional well-being.

Reiki therapy can be done on anyone.

Services we offer are: Reiki and Shamanic Healing, Massage, Foot Reflexology, Counselling and Psychic/Spiritual Readings.

One on one classes are available in Reiki and and Personal Development programs.

Body Sugaring

Come in to relax, learn, grow spiritually and heal physically, emotionally and mentally.

Body Sugaring is a hair removal technique that has been used since Cleopatras era. Gentle, Safe & 100% Natural!

visit lumon-therapy.com for all of our services.

I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know those of you who have come into the store over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my customers for supporting me and allowing me to help you and introduce you to the world of Dare to Dream. I welcome others to come and experience all that we have to offer.

E TO DREAM R DA Body, Mind & Spirit Centre

#33-2070 Harvey Avenue | 250-712-9295 www.daretodreamkelowna.com

18 5 Women in Business 2017

CAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2017 5 19

CAPITAL NEWS

WOMENINBUSINESS KELOWNA MISSION 3175 Lakeshore Road

WEST KELOWNA Westbank Towne Centre

ORCHARD PLAZA Orchard Place Shopping Mall

GLENMORE 1972 Kane Road

Kim Martineau

Amanda Hill

Ainsley Bell

Amanda started with the Overwaitea food group in 2012. In 4 ½ years has moved herself into a management position. Her keen sense of organization and efficiencies was noted and a key reason for her accelerated growth with the company. She has worked in Deli, cut fruit, front end, grocery, and bakery. The leadership skills she displays time management, problem solving, conflict resolution acquired in this short time.. she had a chance to try the temporary supervisor this summer which proved invaluable support for our Deli thought the summer. He success from this lead to a permanent Deli manager position in October of this year. She is now signed up to take our Emerging Leaders course run from our Head office. She has plans to continue her training and advancement with the company. Is working towards the day she will be store manager and beyond..

Ainsley was raised in Canmore Alberta. After school and travel she spent about 6 years in Vancouver in the wine industry. It wasn’t till 4 years ago she moved to Kelowna and found her passion to study only BC VQA wines. She was a product consultant while running a wine club, then spent a few years working in the local Wine Museum and VQA Wine shop. The opportunity to work in one of the first grocery stores selling BC VQA wines was not something she was going to pass up. She started with Save On Foods Orchard Plaza in February 2016. She is very happy to have such a good knowledgeable team working with her. They all have such a love and commitment for selling local BC wines. In the department they host a different winery everyday for tastings with their various wines and we work hard to get that perfect pairing from the deli department. The Okanagan is only growing, buy local!

Renee Green

I have been with the Overwaitea Food Group for twenty one years starting in Prince George working in the deli and meat department. I then took on the role of assistant deli manager which brought me to our Penticton store where I worked and learned my new roles and responsibilities. I enjoy coaching and mentoring my team members and making a difference with my teams and customers. This led my career path to Calgary where I helped open our first Save On Foods store. During that time I took on the new role of a combination meat and deli manager where I was able to apply and share my knowledge with my team members. My path continued, bringing me back to the wonderful Okanagan where I manage the Deli department in our Lakeshore location.

Marie Chays

Teresa Evans

Justine Champ

Linda Emmerson

I recently joined the Save On Foods team with the inception of our wine departments. My specialty is bringing the best of British Columbia wines to you my customers to enjoy with your friends and families. Our team offers food and wine pairing advice from Wednesday night pasta to your elaborate fares. I love to recommend a port or champagne style, ice wine or one of our fine local wines for customer to cellar or enjoy that evening. I can offer a taste of popular and hard to find BC VQA wines that are sought after throughout the world in our store daily. I look forward to meeting all our wonderful customers and sharing the knowledge I have gained over the many years in the wine industry and help you make your next special event perfect. Cheers!

Maricar Manlutac

Teresa has been working for the Overwaitea Food Group for 24 years. She gained her first 17 years of experience at Coopers Foods in West bank where she developed skills working in all the dept. there. She then moves over to the Save On Foods in West bank. She has been responsible for center store. she has been responsible for all the perishable dept. This past year She has refocused her attention on the meat department. Utilizing her communications s and problem solving skills, She is leading the team to improve on shrink (outdated product thrown out) efficiencies, and a consistent, full fresh presentation. Animating this with samplings, and unique knowledgeable service. This year she attended the Emerging leaders course in Vancouver and completed the online courses. She is ready for further advancements with the company herself, however at present gets the most satisfaction from mentoring new and senior team members and ensuring they get the training and opportunities to advance if that is their goal. She is a powerful problem solver that utilizes her team to get results.

RUTLAND #10-301 Highway 33 W

Justine has been working for Save On Foods for just over three years, but originally moved to Kelowna to pursue a nursing degree. She worked part time after classes, mostly taking care the front end during her evening shifts. After working in such a busy environment, she says fell in love with the customers and the desire to learn more. Justine realized that this is what she was meant to be doing, and began taking on greater challenges. The Dairy Department was her first big step into responsibilities, as it was a huge department to try to keep in order. She moved around and gained knowledge in the Produce and Bakery Departments as well, but most recently she moved over to Meats and became the Department Manager. What she looks forward to most everyday is making a positive impact on her customers and team members, and making them feel like they have someone looking out for them.

She hopes to continue growing in her role, and sharing her experience with others.

I have been with the Overwaitea Food Group for 17 years, starting at Save On Foods in Maple Ridge working in the Deli Department. In 2006, I was promoted to Deli Manager at the Cooper’s Foods in Port Coquitlam and in 2013 took a transfer to Kelowna to the Urban Fare banner. This past year I took on a Supervisor role and am currently in the Glenmore Save On Foods enjoying the challenging experiences of a Grocery Supervisor.

Over my years with the OFG, I have had numerous opportunities to travel to stores and assist with operations and to coach and mentor team members to develop in their roles.

I enjoy these “Specialist” occasions along with the multitude of tasks and challenges as I advance my career and look forward to exciting future opportunities with the OFG.

After I graduated high school in 2007, I travelled with my grandmother to Italy, Germany and the United States. In 2008 I applied to work for Save On Foods at Orchard Plaza in the deli where I worked alongside my mother and sister for a few years. Then the opportunity for a deli lead opened up at the new location of Coopers Foods in Glenmore and I got it!

This year I was nominated personal achiever of the year by my peers. I was told my best asset is my bubbly personality. Raised by my deaf parents has molded me to be a very compassionate and kind person which I apply to my everyday life at work and at home.

I enjoy sharing my product knowledge and my deli experiences with my team members and customers, to give them the best shopping experience. I love being a Cheese Boss!!!

LAKE COUNTRY #10-9522 Main Street, Winfield

Crystal Edkins

Kathy Kittle

I love that everyday I get the opportunity to make a positive impact on my patients’ health by helping them understand their meds and empowering them to make informed decisions through counselling and medication reviews. My pharmacy team is committed to making sure that our patients receive the best care they deserve through our clinics, vaccinations, blister-packing services to name a few. I am grateful to be a part of a workplace that encourages professional growth while allowing me to maintain family-work balance.

My name is Crystal Edkins, I work at Save On Foods at our Rutland branch. I’m a supervisor for the grocery department. Myself and two other supervisors look after ordering, and any other problems that might occur. I’ve been with the company for three years, I stepped up into my supervisor position 8 months ago. Overall, taking this position has helped me to grow personally and professionally. It has taught me great management skills and how to deal with difficult situations professionally. Save On Foods is a wonderful company to work for and I’m grateful to be a part of our management team.

I started my career with the Overwaitea Food Group in spring of 1989 at our Spall Plaza location as a cashier, and was promoted to Operations Manager at Orchard Plaza in 2007. We have seen many changes through out the years, but have not lost our mission of being the best in the service industry, with our “Always Customer First” philosophy. I’m proud to be part of a company that has a passion for supporting our community and local vendors. We are a company that keeps up with the needs of our customers, and just last year, we were the 4th Save On foods, and the 1st in the Okanagan, to introduce our VQA wine section, as an addition of part of our commitment to support local. I enjoy my role, every day, because there is something new to learn, and always lots of opportunity to mentor. Come on in…we would love to serve you!

I am proud to have been with the Overwaitea Food Group for the past 23 years. It has been an exciting journey moving through several communities, originally from Kamloops, to Revelstoke, Princeton then settling in the Kelowna community working at the Rutland Store. I am currently the Assistant Manager at the Winfield Save On Foods and am extremely proud to be the Okanagan Region Representative for the INSPIRE NETWORK - “Save On Foods Women’s Leadership Network”. Developing our team members in a gender neutral environment is extremely important to our Company. The Inspire Network’s mission is to Inspire OFG women to pursue career excellence and advancement through building connections, supporting development and celebrating success.

Tina Richardson

Norma Nohels

Brenda Bach

I started with OFG in March of 2011, with the allocation of the new Coopers store in Princeton. There, I was trained to be a Deli Clerk. In August of that year, I moved into Deli Lead Position. Two years later in October 2013, I transfered to Vernon Coopers and took over Deli Lead. In March of 2015, I moved into Deli Manager in the Coopers Store in Rutland. From February 2016 to present I have had the role of Supervisor of Meats and Deli. I enjoy my job and plan on continuing to grow within the company.

Growing up, Brenda moved across the country with her family for her fathers work in the Canadian Air force. They eventually settled down in the Kelowna/Penticton area where she began working in the customer service industry, she now has over 40 years experience. Previous to working at Save On Foods Brenda had been working as a department manager for 12 years at a department store. She recently decided to go back to school and received her diploma in Business Administration (Management) from Sprott Shaw College and has used her upgraded skills to obtain her position at Save-On-Foods. Brenda quickly found a passion in the deli and when the opportunity to become the department manager arose; she felt like it was the right move for her. Brenda is always striving to improve herself and her teams performance, while maintaining a fun atmosphere.

Janet Nore

I have been with Save on Foods for 20 years and have always been given the opportunity to learn and grow to become a great leader. I have had the opportunity to work in 5 stores across BC with the latest being Kelowna Lakeshore Save on Foods.

I am given the tools to learn all aspects of our grocery business as well as mentor and guide our up and coming team members. At Save on Foods we are all about customer first service and going the extra mile, not only for our customers but for our team members as well, to make them the best that they can be.

Tamara Wheeler

Beant Kaur Atwal

Terralyn Gotro

Jennifer Vallee

In 2000, I came from Punjab, India and I took certified dental assistant program.

While I was working as a dental assistant, I applied for a bakery clerk and I got a part time job there. In 2002, I got hired as a full time bakery clerk then in 2012 I got promoted to bakery leadhand and in 2016 when we turn into Save On, I got promoted to being a bakery manager. I feel very welcomed and comfortable being a bakery manager in Save On Foods, I would like to stay and grow with the OFG family.

I am married and I have two beautiful girls aged 8 and 13. I am a happy mom as well as a happy team leader. :)

After graduating in 2001 from Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan, I moved to Kelowna to begin my practice at Save-On Foods Pharmacy in Orchard Plaza. I have been practicing as a pharmacist for this company for the last 15 years and have taken on the role as pharmacy manager for the last 2 years. I love being a member of the Save-On Foods team. Their community support, and diligence to provide excellent customer service continues to inspire me in my practice. Also their dedication to creating a fun and support team enables me to work full time and raise a young family.

Jennifer has been the Deli Manager at the Winfield Save On Foods for 8 of her 10 years of service. With the OFG Jennifer has completed over 50 courses on the Learning Management System training site. She uses the wisdom and knowledge gained from these courses, almost every day, at work as well as in her home. Since 1998 Jennifer has volunteered at a local Bible camp helping in any way she can. Her joy comes from seeing people work together to reach higher potentials of themselves and she is extremely proud to be a big part of the coaching and mentoring of our young team members to be successful in our store and in their lives.

As our company has grown and expanded so have the opportunities. As a female leader with Save On Foods I am proud to say there are great opportunities for us all. I have been with the Overwaitea Food Group for 30 years , working in our Overwaitea and Save On Food stores. Currently I am working as the Supervisor in our Produce Department, at the Lakeshore Save On Foods. I have enjoyed supporting many departments in our busy store. Working in the Grocery department, lending Leadership on the Front End, also time spent in our Deli and Bakery departments. Each week I prepare a store news letter that shares upcoming news, information, fun facts, accolades and contests. I like the challenge of incorporating all our departments as one team. By being involved with training and mentoring, I have the opportunity to encourage and promote Save On Foods work ethics and participation. Each day I enjoy giving “Customer First” service to our valued customers and look forward to going the Extra Mile, creating the best we can give in appreciation.

6 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

Geri Sanborn

Janet has been with the company for 16 years and for the past 14 has been the Bakery Manager at the Winfield Save On Foods. Janet has been a big part of the growth in the Bakery Department. Her infectious enthusiasm and her incredibly engaging customer service has built connections and loyalty within the Lake Country Community and in 2015 earned her the Personal Achievement Award for the second time. Janet’s commitment to the company is remarkable and her always positive attitude contributes to the success of the Save On Foods Winfield location.

w w w.saveonfoods.com

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Mother-Daughter Team Relies on Complementary Strengths to Run Bridal Shop By Mike Straus

At Peoples Drug Mart, we put the focus on the patient, working with you, your physician and other members of your health care team to help you achieve your best health outcome.

Along with trusted and personal medication counselling, we also provide a wide range of services that will help you attain your optimal health and wellness.

ShakespearE K E L O W N A

Rotary Centre

for the Arts Theatre Navi Bal Pharmacist & Owner

Kelowna Society

PEOPLES DRUG MART Locally Owned & Operated Since 2005 1715 Ellis St. (Ellis & Harvey) Pharmacy Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

250-712-2484 peoplesdrugmart.com

Rosemarie Gottschlag’s passion for people prompted her to enter the bridal industry, and her extensive experience and training has helped her to build a successful boutique.

The German-born entrepreneur learned the industry while pursuing her Master’s degree and later apprenticing in bridal shops. But a local community crisis is what ultimately made her decide to add bridal fashions to her store’s inventory.

“A store went bankrupt, and the brides’ gowns were already ordered but unavailable, and the brides had no recourse through the store. I knew some of the brides and I had a store here, so I contacted the designers and said, ‘if you trust me, send me the gowns and I’ll collect payment.’”

Gottschlag’s bold solution was a lastditch effort to ensure that the designers still got paid for their work and the brides received their gowns on time – and it worked.

Upon seeing how pleased the brides were, Gottschlag pivoted her business.

“Before, we were selling clothing for graduations and other special occasions.

We did some destination wedding work, but we weren’t as specialized in wedding gowns. But since I’d established a relationship with the bridal gown designers, I decided to go into bridal gowns full-time.”

Nearly 40 years later, Ten Fashions is still going strong, and Gottschlag and her staff continue to serve Kelowna with fashionable bridal wear.

Gottschlag notes that buying inventory requires a strong artistic eye and an ability to analyze fashion industry data.

Comedy Error s The

ShakespearE K E L O W N A

And while she’s a veteran in bridal fashion who can predict the trends, the brave new world of online business is something that left her puzzled.

“I’m not computer literate,” Gottschlag says, “so I do everything by hand. I used to have to wake up at 5 a.m. to be on the phone by 6 a.m. so I could place orders.”

Eventually Gottschlag’s daughter, Gabriele, joined the family business and brought in the creative and technical expertise necessary to streamline administration and simplify the pair’s workload.

Says Gabriele: “I have the computer knowledge and the administrative expertise, plus some of the creative and advertising expertise like social media.

We both use our skills and strengths to manage everything that has to be done in the business. It makes for a well-rounded environment.”

Rosemarie notes that her daughter’s technical skills have given her the freedom to do what she does best – handle the more creative and artistic side of the business.

“My passion is dealing with the brides and the mothers – I love the colour coordinating. I love working with the fabrics, the textures, and the designs.

Gabi’s expertise gives me the freedom to do what I like to do.”

Gabriele says that the pair’s differing personalities are just one of the many reasons why they work so well together in running the business – it’s the combination of the risk-taking, creative mother and the cautious, technically proficient daughter that ensures smooth and successful operations.

Rotary Centre for the Arts

Theatre Kelowna Society

of

by William Shakespeare

at the Mary Irwin Theatre May 17th - 28th 2017 Wednesday - Saturday 7.30pm and Sundays 2pm

Tickets: $30$30 Adults,$25 Senior, $ 15 Students, $22.50 Members(must Tickets: Adults,$25 Senior, $15 Students, $22.50 Members present card atathe box Groups 6 or more, ormore. call the (must apresent card at office), the box$25 office), $25 of Groups of 6 or Rotary for the ArtsCall boxthe office at 250-717-5304 visitbox theoffi website: ServiceCentre charges included.

Rotary Centre for theorArts ce at https://rotarycentreforthearts.com 250-717-5304 or visit the website: https://rotarycentreforthearts.com

The

THEATRE KELOWNA’S UPCOMING SEASON: A Musical (September 10-17) • A Pantomime (November 19-26) • A Comic Whodunnit (April 15-29) Presented in the Mary Irwin Theatre. Tickets available at the Rotary Centre for the Arts Box Office

Women in Business 2017 521

CAPITAL NEWS

EVOLVING BEAUTY! YOUR ONE STOP ANTI AGING SOLUTION OKANAGAN SKIN CARE CENTRE Whether you have problem skin or you simply want a more youthful appearance, the professionals at our lovely clinic, the Okanagan Skin Care Centre, are here to help. We have the latest in technologies and products to reduce sun damage, fine lines, pore size, texture, redness/rosacea, brown pigmentation, acne and most other skin concerns. Our Registered Nurse specialists have years of experience and training to assist clients in achieving a younger, healthier, more vibrant look. We are happy to find the right non-surgical treatment and skin care regimen specifically for you.

The Okanagan Skin Care Centre is a full-service skin care clinic. We stand apart by being owned by plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Peterson. Our nurses and staff attend annual conferences as part of their continuing eduction and are proud members of the society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists.

Clients benefit from years of experience and expertise (in business since 1998) with skin care treatments including: Botox® treatments for the reduction of wrinkles or

“Through medical integrity and ongoing specialized training, Okanagan Skin Care Centre delivers safe and professional skin care treatments in an inviting and comfortable environment.” excessive sweating, dermal fillers such as luvederm®, Restylane®, Belotero, anti-againg laser rejuvenation, laser hair removal, chemical peels, reduction of redness and/or brown pigmentation, age spots, permanent makeup, Latisse for longer lashes, microdermabrasion and pharmaceutical grade skin care products. Regular maintenance of the skin will help diminish fine lines and age spots, even out skin tone and improve elasticity and brightness for a glowing, healthy, refreshed look. Over time, if concerns arise that would be better served surgically our

specialists liaise with Dr. Peterson to address your needs.

We’ve been serving the Okanagan almost 20 years. Our solid reputation and desire for great customer service shines through. We are truly passionate and are supporters of healthy skin. The clinic where friends refer friends.

304-3320 Richter St. in Kelowna 1.250.868.9290 www.okanaganskincare.ca

Does everyone mumble?

Come meet our Kelowna team and get your hearing checked by a local expert.

If you are experiencing hearing loss you’re missing out on the small but important sounds that allow you to fully enjoy life. Your Kelowna Connect Hearing Care Professionals understand this and will work with you to find a solution that fits both your lifestyle and budget.

Born and raised in Kelowna, with over 15 years of experience in the medical device industry, District Manager Nancy Nolt is amazed that people will wait, and often struggle, up to 7 years before doing something about their hearing. “Keep in mind – over these years, you most likely will miss out on some very important parts of your life. That is why I encourage everyone to come in for a free hearing test so that you can better understand your hearing needs & we can help you stay connected.”

Call Now!

I invite you to come by the clinic and meet some of our hearing care professionals: • Kelowna Mission- Abby & Stacie • Kelowna Rutland - Sarah • Kelowna Glenmore - Theresa • West Kelowna - Andrea

Nancy Nolt District Manager, Connect Hearing

Exclusive discounts available to CAA Members.

VAC, WCB & NHIB accepted. *Free hearing tests only applicable for clients over 50 years of age and no fees or purchase are necessary. ®CAA, CAA logo and CAA Rewards trademarks owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.

Book a FREE hearing test:*

1.888.850.9979

connecthearing.ca

22 5 Women in Business 2017

CAPITAL NEWSC

Money side of business challenging

By Barry Gerding

The money management side of running a business can be the most challenging for any entrepreneur.

Net profit, cash flow statement, gross profit, operating margin, return on assets. Understanding these and other financial accounting buzzwords can be the difference between a business succeeding or failing.

Local accounting consultants Jennifer Kilback and Kimberley Stevens offered their financial planning insights at a recent breakfast forum hosted by the Kelowna Women in Business support group and the Business Development Bank of Canada.

As financial management consultants, both offer their services to business

owners struggling to stay afloat or seeking to find ways to generate more revenue and ultimately a higher net profit.

The two volunteered their time to present a BDBC money management teaching program to a largely service business oriented audience.

The two acknowledged it can be a struggle month to month, even for them, to find the time to look after the books, to have a clear understanding of revenue and expense flow, and give insight to what needs to be changed or corrected in a business plan.

Kilback said analyzing a budget offers an outline of all the variances taking place

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Congratulating Okanagan women in business for creating jobs and growing the local economy.

in how a business functions, highlights unexpected revenue or expense trends and illustrates why forecasted expectations are not being realized.

An operating budget, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement, balance sheet and return on assets (ROA) all paint a financial picture to help a business owner navigate through changes in the marketplace, competition, price structuring for products or services, and return on investment particularly where a partner or silent investor is involved.

“Failure to manage cash is a common cause of why businesses fail,” added Stevens.

Stevens says such financial information, whether projected for a start-up or for an existing business, is also a critical necessity when seeking to borrow money from a bank or other business assistance organization.

“When it comes to seeking a bank loan, you want to be able to tell a story citing as many positive things as you can to back up why you should get a loan,” Stevens said.

More information about specific money management budget practices is available online at bdc.ca.

The Women’s Enterprise Centre, headquartered in Kelowna, is also a source for support, through mentoring workshops, about how to become more comfortable dealing with the financial facts of your business.

The WEC will host a forum on March 8 at Kelowna Golf & Country Club, 5:30 to 9 p.m., on the topic of nurturing your entrepreneurial mindset to help realize your business potential.

Held on International Women’s Day, the forum will feature a panel of entrepreneurs talking about their own personal experiences, successes and failures in the business world.

Register online at kwib.org.

THE FIVE DO’S FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS 1) Innovate-don’t rest on your laurels 2 )Ask for outside advice 3) Have a solid plan and measure your progress 4) Hire the best and keep them engaged - it takes more than money 5) Build strong relationships with your key suppliers.

THE FIVE DON’TS LEADING TO BUSINESS FAILURE 1) Don’t rely on too few customers - diversify.

2) Don’t underestimate the importance of effective financial management 3) Don’t leave contingency planning until it’s too late 4) Don’t ignore what’s happening in your market 5) Don’t wait too long to get help.

*Information provided from Business Development Bank of Canada/Neilsen survey.

W o

Women in Business 2017 523

CAPITAL NEWS

WiseEarth Farms working the land of opportunity Continued from Page 17... ‘where can you farm’ as it is ‘if you can farm.’”

Paterson has also eked out a niche in the industry that she’s expanding on.

In school studying microbiology and soil chemistry, she’s learning a holistic way to farm that will help small-scale farmers ramp up their production.

Once the course is completed she’ll be able to grab a fistful of soil, put it under the microscope, isolate its elements and identify solutions for farming struggles “I honestly thought I was ready to throw in the towel at one point,” she said. “But with what I’ve learned through this course I’ve found a huge savings.”

That’s important in farming, when costs are continually rising.

She’s also figuring out ways to stretch out the farming season so there’s available produce throughout the year.

All of this means being more sustainable.

“One of the things my partner and I want to do is pay people a living wage,” she said. “We don’t use free labour… if we can’t pay local people to do local work then how is that sustainable?”

They Said it....

“

JC Ple�

Ninety percent of leadership is the ability to communicate something people want.

DIANNE FEINSTEIN

Rebecca Butt

JC Plett is the proud owner of West Kelowna’s newest boutique specializing in ladies dressy casual fashions for women sized XS-Plus.

Her skills from years in retail sales and education in Sales & Marketing were put to use promoting JC & her husband’s band, Room To Dance, on the road and in Alberta for two decades as professional musicians.

A desire to return to the Okanagan brought JC and her family back to West Kelowna. Coming home in more ways than one, JC has returned to her roots in retail and fashion with a passion for selecting beautiful, tasteful clothing and accessories and bringing them to her customers with a knack for helping find just what they need.

GF

Galleria Fashions BOUTIQUE

”

Rebecca Butt has been with Kwasnicki Law since September of 2015, after having been a lawyer in the U.K. for over ten years.

She was called to the bar in British Columbia in September of 2016, and now practices in the areas of general litigation, personal injury and criminal law. We are proud to have Rebecca on our team, and she looks forward to serving her clients in the Central Okanagan.

galleriafashions.com 778.754.7585

#107 -3480 Carrington Rd., West Kelowna Two doors down from Nature's Fare

Mon. - Sat. 10 - 5:30

Closed Sundays

206-437 Glenmore Rd. | Kelowna | 250.868.9998 Professional Law Corporation

www.kwasnickilaw.com

MEET THE GAME CHANGERS AT KELOWNA MOTORS

KELOWNA MOTORS EST. 1945

2560 enterprise way • kelowna, bc v1x 7x5 • kelownamotors.com

Come in and let Sheri, Kelli, Karleen and Kylee help you with your new or used vehicle purchase decisions. In this business we know what comes first: YOU! See why we make a difference at Kelowna Motors.

we sell mazdas … what do you drive?

Sheri Dickson – Sheri has been a valued member of the Kelowna Motors Sales Team for upwards of 17 years. Continually recognized for her product knowledge, compassion and understanding, Sheri helps make your vehicle purchasing experience fun and exciting. With her very loyal, ever-growing customer base, Sheri’s ongoing commitment to her clients has exceeded all expectations.

Kelli Hall – Kelli has been a part of Kelowna Motors as a Finance Manager for 3 years and counting. She enjoys helping customers get into the vehicles they love, while providing affordable finance options. Regarded for being honest and kind-hearted, Kelli is an essential part of our customers overall positive vehicle purchasing experience.

Karleen Grayson – Karleen joined the Kelowna Motors family in 2012 and has been an integral part of our company ever since.

Managing our customer needs as well as a multitude of other duties throughout the dealership has made Karleen invaluable to our day to day success.

Kylee Hanna Dors – Kylee joined our team at Kelowna Motors this year and has already made her mark in our parts department. With an extensive background in the automotive parts industry, Kylee has established herself as a trustworthy source for any part related inquiries.

24 5 Women in Business 2017

CAPITAL NEWSC

New YMCA Manager Turns Passion for Fitness into Career By Mike Straus

Melodie Sharma “Miss Melodie” is the proud owner and Director of Kelowna Dance & Performing Arts. With more than three decades of dance behind her, including 24 years of teaching, she has studied dance at internationally renowned studios creating a solid background in choreography and technique. Last Summer Miss Melodie graduated with a Certificate completing Dance Teacher University from Dance Teacher Web, and the University of Nevada. Always wanting to increase her standard, Miss Melodie completed her 3 year program to become a certified ADAPT teacher. In 2014, Kelowna Dance lead and performed in the “Dance the Magic Parade” in Disneyland. Kelowna Dance believes in giving back to their community and has done so by supporting the Kelowna Community Food Bank and the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. She has also volunteered her time to choreograph and train competitors for COHA’s “Swinging with the Stars”.

Kelowna Dance has proudly donated funds from their solos showcase to the Canadian Red Cross, KGH NICU, Kelowna Food Bank and Central Okanagan Hospice Association. Kelowna Dance is very proud of all their alumni, some of whom have gone on to dance professionally for the likes of Hilary Duff, Aviary, Source, Harbour Dance ITP, The Community, Randolph Academy, LUX Dance Company, Ballet Victoria, The Banff Centre, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT), and several notable cruise lines.

Kelowna Dance & Performing Arts is an award winning, dynamic, and high spirited dance studio that offers outstanding technical training in a positive environment. Our professional teaching staff offers competitive and recreational levels of instruction in various dance disciplines, with a concerted effort on best developing a dancer’s individual interests and potential.

110-1634 HARVEY AVE | WWW.KELOWNADANCE.COM | (778) 478-0760

Downtown YMCA Centre Manager Kelley Taylor’s love of sports brought her to the YMCA. Her drive to give back kept her there.

For Kelley Taylor, sports are a lifestyle.

The fitness enthusiast first entered the field after studying recreation management, and quickly gained experience in sports as both a player for local teams and a manager for private sector sports organizations.

“I love leadership and coaching,” Taylor says. “I’m big into fitness, so I love being able to work in that environment. I was in the golf industry for a long time.”

While the private sector provided Taylor with a variety of opportunities in sports management, she felt a calling to explore the public sector for the first time.

During the Kelowna YMCA’s recent expansion, Taylor took a position in membership development and learned the public sector ropes.

Soon after, the YMCA gave her a variety of additional responsibilities that she was eager to take on.

Says Taylor: “The YMCA wanted to change the way they managed customer service and customer programs, so from there my position evolved and I took on a role in member relations. Later on I took over the whole health and fitness department, and when the General Manager at the Kelowna Family Y went on leave, I was promoted to Acting Manager.”

Judy Bishop CEO/DIRECTOR

Judy Bishop is a well-known leader, connector, innovator and strategist in BC’s technology scene. In relocating to Kelowna, she brought 25 years’ strategic marketing, executive management and advisory experience to the Okanagan’s thriving technology sector.

Recognizing the area’s potential as a Canadian technology hot spot, she now helps build the global market reach of the Okanagan’s tech sector.

Shannon Jolley JDRF

Shannon McVagh-Janz

Shari Slattery

Central Okanagan CMHA Kelowna Elizabeth Fry Society

Chandel Christie

KGH Foundation

Kathleen Lemieux

Kelowna Women’s Shelter

AFP Okanagan. Advancing Philanthropy. Join us. www.afpokanagan.afpnet.org

Nica Graziotto

Central Okanagan Hospice Association

Judy serves as Executive-in-Residence with Accelerate Okanagan. She also serves as director on corporate boards, and deploys deep mentoring experience within various Okanagan business organizations.

Judy is also CEO of The Cabo Group, a team of veteran technology business people dedicated to providing executive management, CEO support and corporate finance to young and fast-growing Canadian technology-enabled companies.

The Cabo Group’s Kelowna and Vancouver offices translate into rapid delivery of the right experience, execution and contacts to client companies. Talk to us!

THE CABO GROUP

KELOWNA & VANCOUVER, BC | judy@caboadvisors.com

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVING PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

Meet Trina Warren

As a business owner, your livelihood is dependent on the performance of your business. Every decision you make impacts you personally as much as it does your operations — and why you need a trusted advisor who truly understands your business, the personal stake you have in its success and how that relationship influences your decision making. That’s where Trina Warren can help. As MNP’s Regional Leader for our Real Estate and Construction Services practice in the Okanagan, Trina draws on more than two decades of experience delivering comprehensive business solutions to owner-managed businesses with a focus on those in the real estate and construction sector.

Committed to your growth and success, Trina takes the time to understand the complexities of your operation and industry to create comprehensive strategies that address the questions keeping you up at night.

Contact Trina Warren, CPA, CA, Regional Leader, Real Estate & Construction Services, Okanagan at 250.979.1749 or trina.warren@mnp.ca

Women in Business 2017 525

CAPITAL NEWS

After restructuring, the YMCA of the Okanagan reassigned Taylor as Senior Manager of Health and Fitness, a role that involved overseeing both the Kelowna Family Y and the H2O Centre. Now, with the downtown YMCA nearing completion, Taylor is eager to take up the mantle of manager once again – this time with a twist.

“I’m going to be managing the downtown YMCA, but I’ll also be maintaining a strategic alliance between all three Kelowna locations.”

Taylor says that her plans for the downtown YMCA will bring the best of the YMCA brand while also meeting some of downtown Kelowna’s unique needs. Personal coaching and evidence-based fitness programs will give the location the strong health sciences approach to fitness for which the YMCA is known, while strategic partnerships with other organizations will make the YMCA accessible for downtown Kelowna residents.

“The downtown YMCA will be run similarly to the Kelowna Family Y and the H2O Centre. We’ll be offering our Coach Approach program, as well as group fitness classes and health initiatives like Breathe Well and Healthy Hips and Knees. Plus, we’ll have a dedicated spin studio.”

Noting downtown Kelowna’s lack of recreation centres, Taylor says the new YMCA’s planned partnership with Interior Health will focus on reaching patients transitioning from clinical to community programs.

And while opening a new YMCA location is quite an undertaking, Taylor says she’s still making time for her family’s health and fitness: “My kids play soccer now, but they also play other sports year round. Provincials and nationals are coming. I grew up playing ringette, and I love being on the ice. I’ve also played soccer for a number of years. But my biggest focus is getting the centre open.”

“

I’m big into fitness, so I love being able to work in that environment.

” Kelley Taylor

“CONNECT

...a business networking group for women”

Denise Martell

Is money controlling you?

Or do you control your money?

EVERY FAMILY NEEDS

FINANCIAL EDUCATION Knowledge is power, and WFG is determined to provide people throughout North America with a financial education that empowers them to have a better future.

Brenda Fischer CFP

Edward Jones Financial Advisor brenda.fischer@edwardjones.com 250-712-0508

Lillian Czaplan

Premier Canadian Properties happychappy@shaw.ca

250-717-7053

Contact Denise to register for a financial workshop.

LANDMARK FINANCIAL CENTRE | 1100-1631 DICKSON AVE, KELOWNA, BC V1Y 0B5 | 250-212-1780

Your Last Diet Centre At Your Last Diet Centre we use Ideal Protein’s medically designed and professionally supervised wellness protocol. This muscle-sparing, fat-targeting weight loss protocol was created for Olympic Athletes in France about 25 years ago.

Dieters lose the weight quickly without strenuous exercise. The Ideal Protein program is unique as it has a beginning and an end. You not only take the weight off and improve your health but, most importantly, you learn how to keep it off and that is why we are called Your Last Diet Centre.

With our combined training and personal experience, we will guide you to success and a healthier body. Ask about our impressive weight loss averages and most importantly how our dieters are successful at keeping it off !

Call to start now….(250) 763-2914 Be the Weight YOU want to Be!

3-1890 Ambrosi Rd | 250-763-2914 www.yourlastdietcentre.com

Karen Bass

Shiatsu Practitioner Elements of Change Shiatsu Massage Reminding your body of perfect health www.elementsofchange.ca 250-212-0888

Anita Kemp

Kemphy Cleaning & Detailing services Homes, Boats, Vehicles & RV’s kemphyservices@yahoo.ca

250-300-9268

We support and assist women in business, specifically CONNECT members by actively referring clients to sister members, and by encouraging and empowering each other and potential members.

Lynne Glata

Laurie-Anne’s Victorian Lace & Linen Quality, Affordable Table Linens laurie-annes.com lglata@telus.net 250-491-4221

Cheryl Butler

Accountant Altogether Tax Inc. 101 – 1054 Ellis Street Kelowna BC V1Y 1Z1 cbutler@altogethertax.com www.altogethertax.com Ph: 778-478-2188 Fx: 250-980-3200 TF:877-309-5484

Zonia Arnold

Living Naturally with WATKINS Quality Products zarnold@shaw.ca 250-769-6667

Faye Highland

Artist sfhighland1940@gmail.com 250-764-5422

Denise Jacques

Bébé D’or Children’s Blankets & Apparel www.bebedorblankets.com bebedorblankets@gmail.com 250-212-6784

www.connectkelowna.org

26 5 Women in Business 2017

CAPITAL NEWSC

Okanagan Natural Care Centre We celebrate 40 years! Okanagan Natural Care Centre has been serving the people of the Okanagan and far beyond as a multi-disciplinary, complimentary health centre.

We are accredited, experienced practitioners whose skills and vast knowledge enable us to personalize your pathway to health. We specialize in educating clients about wellness.

Each of our practitioners offers their own talents and gifts to share with you. We are passionate about providing beautifully matched services to each individual. We create transformation through a variety of modalities for growth and healing; Reflexology, BodyTalk, Kinesiology, Counseling, Iridology, Massage, Colon Therapy and Access Consciousness. We are keen to share our knowledge of herbs and nutrition.

Give yourself the gift of listening to the innate wisdom of your body. It knows what it needs to heal and be well physically, mentally and emotionally. Just like a flowering plant our bodies require regular care and love. We offer group and individual sessions.

If you are interested in improving your life, whether that be physical, relationship issues, business challenges, detoxifying negative behaviour patterns, improving efficiency – or even your sex life, we’d like to help you achieve your potential.

Visit our website for more information on therapies offered, articles on health and to sign up for our monthly newsletter. www.naturalcare.bc.ca We encourage you to call today; we would love to be the next step on your journey to recognizing your life potential.

3-1890 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna

250-763-2914 | www.naturalcare.bc.ca

We connect women in business.

Come see what we’re about.

kwib.org

Kelowna Women in Business provides networking, inspiration and education to support the success of women in business.

Red Fox Club chef living out a life-long dream By Carli Berry After learning a love of food from her father, Andrea Callan’s journey led her to the West Kelowna restaurant

“

Andrea Callan’s dream was to be a pastry chef.

The After becoming one at 15, she quickly realized her creative excitement mind needed a challenge and a life working with food led Callan to her current position as the head chef at Red Fox of it all was Club in West Kelowna, which serves indigenous food and really just wine. what drove The 36-year-old’s love of food began in Ontario with her me... family.

Her father has a baker’s degree and she remembers selling cookies at her father’s work and baking for fun.

“We would always do the homemade bread on our Saturdays,” said Callan.

She grew up in Southern Ontario and worked at an organic farm, which she said sparked her interest in forging supplies, which she carried with her throughout her career and at the Red Fox.

”

Andrea Callan

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At 15, she went to Europe and received a degree in Home Economics in Finland and studied at the Culinary Institute of Canada in P.E.I. from 1997 to 2000.

She’s worked as a pastry chef, sous-chef, in fine dining, in a pub atmosphere, as a bartender, in a bakery, selling wine and more.

She learned the business side of food in Oakville, Ont. working as a consultant at McGinnis Landing before bartending in London, Ont. “You really kind of want that diversity because it really gives you an idea of what your passions are but also a good driving force where you want to be,” she said.

After London, Callan moved to Ottawa and worked at Dish Catering, a high-end catering business, where she began to “formulate a lot of my passions.”

As an executive chef “we were doing the Ottawa Senators, the New Jersey Devils, private airplanes, we were cooking in Parliament Hill, special events for TV stars… just crazy stuff.You’re like ‘did I really do that?’ We got to do a ton of cool stuff.”

Her husband, Brian, and two sons, Mason, 10 and Spencer, 7, moved to Kelowna eight years ago with her to take a break from the hectic lifestyle.

Soon after she moved, her old dream came calling in the form of Quails Gate. She became a full-time pastry chef, which reignited her love of restaurants.

She took over as sous-chef position there, and she stayed for five seasons.

As fate would have it, the head chef position at Red Fox fell into her lap.

The official proprietor of the Red Fox Club found her resume and called her up asking her questions, and made her curious. She didn’t know who sent him the resume.

“We met in the parking lot. He said ‘this is what’s going on’ and opened his trunk.”

In it contained books for the restaurant. She met the owners, was hired and had 20 days to get the restaurant together.

“The excitement of it all was really just what drove me,” she said.

As a visual learner, Callan carries a sketch book and has a stack of them at home.

“If we do a new menu item we’re going to draw it,” she said.

Not only does Callan create the menus, she also grows the food.

She lives on a country property and grows ingredients for the restaurant during the summer.

“We picked 1,000 pounds of cherries off the tree. That’s been kind of exciting and rewarding too.”

She recommends anything off of the Red Fox Board.

The Red Fox Club opened in May, 2016 and the restaurant side is completely staffed by women.

For any woman wanting to move into a leadership role she said to “really never give up, we’re human like everyone else.”

They Said it....

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I always did something I was a little not ready to do.

I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.

”

”

MARISSA MAYER

Bobbi Story Heather Odermatt R U T LA N D OP TIC AL

We offer a great variety of unique eye wear for men, women and children and will accommodate after hours visits. We look forward to meeting you at our location in Willow Park Shopping Centre in Rutland.

3-590 HWY 33W, KELOWNA | 250.868.3480 | www.rutlandoptical.ca

Natasha Girard, Executive Director Natasha joined the Central Okanagan Hospice Association in September 2016 as Executive Director. With over 10 years of experience in the hospice sector Natasha brings much knowledge about organizational growth and sustainability, and has led many initiatives including organizational integration and capital projects. Natasha was committed to working on many local and regional committees to advance hospice palliative care planning and strategies. The Central Okanagan Hospice Association is thrilled to have Natasha be a part of a supportive and caring community.

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I am so thrilled to be joining such a compassionate, skilled, and driven team at the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. It is incredible to collaborate with a team of 225 volunteers who are so passionate and generous of their time and talents.

Jessica, Nicole and Nica have been so welcoming and I am blessed to be leading and working with them to enhance how we support the living and the dying in our community. They persevere to provide quality supportive care services and continue to engage our generous community.

Celebrating 35 years in supporting the Central Okanagan I look forward to meeting more incredible people and our supporters who have helped us every step of the way to help others.

Left to Right Nicole Brown, Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Hughes, Associate Director of Bereavement Services Nica Graziotto, Associate Director of Events and Business Development Natasha Girard, Executive Director

#104 – 1456 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E6 • www.hospicecoha.org • 250-763-5511

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Local woman selected to travel the world

Dragica Roy Many of Dee’s clientele goes back to her opening day And they are still with her today, Dee must have been doing something right Or her customers would have took flight The hair salon will slow down, with retirement in mind But if hair care is your interest she is still easy to find The business may be in the twilight years But she is delighted no one lost their ears So thank you to her many friends, she will still be here for a while So bring on the: cuts, perms, streaks, and styles

Dee’s Home Hair Care in business since September 1995

Deborah Stewart CE, CPE, CLT

250-763-1608 North Glenmore

Elfi Eades RT, CLT

Celebrating Ten Years in Business!

Owned and operated by Deborah Stewart, Custom Laser Hair Removal specializes exclusively in permanent hair removal using LightSheer Diode XC and EC laser technology and electrolysis. We are your one stop for permanent hair removal in the Valley, providing the best possible results to both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. The results are here!

Deborah obtained her credentials as Certified Esthetician and Certified Professional Electrologist in 1990 and expanded her permanent hair removal credentials in 2004 when she obtained designation as Certified Laser Technician. She has been providing permanent laser hair removal and electrolysis in Kelowna since 2004 and in March 2008 opened Custom Laser Hair Removal, providing clients with successful, expert, professional treatments. Her extensive skin care background compliments and enhances the safety and efficacy of both laser hair removal and electrolysis treatments for unsurpassed results time and time again.

Colleague and fellow Certified Laser Technician Elfi Eades RT, has over 16 years experience in the laser hair removal industry with 25 years in the health care field. Combined with Deborah Stewart, the clinic brings attention to detail in a relaxed, friendly, confidential and warm atmosphere. The clinic offers custom requests to ensure that your needs are met to the highest standard at each visit.

Deborah and Elfi aspire to continue to respond to increased demand for permanent hair removal for both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. Come see us in our location in the heart of the medical community; 1 1/2 blocks from KGH. CLHR: We are permanent hair removal.

765 Rose Avenue (1 1/2 blocks from KGH) www.CustomLaserHairRemoval.com Open Mon- Sat | 250-861-1141

BANKA

A Kelowna resident is one of 75 people selected from 25,000 applicants around the world to spend a year working, traveling, and exploring 12 cities as part of the Remote Year program.

Michelle Hargrave, a communications specialist, will be leaving Kelowna on March 4 to join Remote Year starting in Split, Croatia.

“When I stumbled across Remote Year, I knew it was the opportunity I had been looking for,” says Hargrave. “I was at that stage in my career where I needed to refresh my mind and soul, to reignite my creativity and combine my passion for travel. I took that scary leap of faith and trusted my dream, even when I didn’t know Michelle Hargrave how it was going to come together.

This program is intriguing as you’re pushing yourself outside any comfort zone but you’re not alone on the journey.”

Spending one month in each location, the Remote Year community connects with local cultures and business ecosystems, forming lifelong, borderless personal and professional relationships along the way.

“I’ve worked from home for a day or two but this program takes the idea of remote work to a whole new level,” says Hargrave. “Business today is largely done over the Internet, or by phone and video conference, so there’s no need to work from a traditional office.

Why not make your office anywhere in the world?”

Working remotely is a growing trend as employees strive to find a better work/life balance. Most telecommuters say they’re happier and more productive working outside the office.

The program includes: I took that • All travel to each city scary leap • All accommodations during the entire year of faith and • Co-working spaces with excellent internet in each city • Miscellaneous activities, such as community impact days, trusted my language classes, tours, and other community building dream... events Michelle took a leave of absence from her current position and launched a freelance business, Michelle Hargrave Communications.

“I’m over-whelmed with the support I’ve received from my peers in the communications field,” she said. “Everything from how to set up a business, to finding contracts, to invoicing software – they’ve provided advice and cheered me on along the way.”

You can follow Michelle’s journey on her website: www.michellehargrave.com

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Company

Gabriele Banka, CPA CGA

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

Rena Schellenberg, CPA CMA

Banka & Company is committed to helping clients Plan, Manage and Succeed. Our staff are knowledgeable professionals in their various areas of expertise, including Corporate Notice to Reader Engagements, Corporate Assurance Engagements, Corporate Taxes, Personal Taxes, and Small Business Taxes.

303 - 1630 Pandosy St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1P7 Phone: (250) 763-4528 Fax: (250) 763-4529 E-Mail: info@bankaco.com Web: bankaco.com

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Westbank First Nations Chief Advocating for Role of Women in Politics Continued from Page 6...

Eli, a community member who works in the band’s early childhood programs.

The Westbank First Nation also has several women working in its utilities department; women whom Lindley says have showcased incredible talents. “(Superintendent of Public Works and Utilities) Dawn McGrath is an amazing woman with a wealth of knowledge. Her passion for ensuring we have quality water is incredible. Krista Derrickson is involved in utilities as well. Utilities is something you’d assume to be male-dominated, but we have some very knowledgeable women in those areas – it showcases the variety of talents we have.”

Lindley says that it’s critical for elected leaders to embrace women’s organizations

and promote the inclusion of women in government roles – and this need extends beyond Canada’s First Nations community. Moving forward demands balance, she says, and having women at the decision-making table is an essential part of that balance.

“We need a variety of thinkers. We need to work collectively, just like we did thousands of years ago.”

Lindley says she’s eager to start moving forward with her council’s priorities, and expects the inclusion of more perspectives at council to provide a better foundation for making decisions.

“I think that as elected officials, it’s important to embrace other organizations and see the value they offer. We recently had an opportunity to meet a representative from the Chinese Canadian Association, and we’re going to be meeting with a West Kelowna women’s group soon.”

Bonnie Donovan

Lori Samuels

BOUDOIR PORTRAITURE: THE ART OF SELF APPRECIATION As a photographer with several specialities, my work with boudoir portraits is the most rewarding. It’s an art form of raw feminine humanity. It’s my passion to take real, average women, and show them how amazingly beautiful they are from another perspective; possibly that of a lover. Boudoir Art celebrates a woman’s soft, feminine sensuality. It’s her chance to bring forth and capture that part of herself to cherish for all time.

Clients often hire me to photograph them for their man. I say to do it for themselves first. It’s highly empowering. Some say they need to lose 20 lbs first, but I always tell them it doesn’t matter. A good photographer knows how to pose and light a woman to bring out her best features, no matter what. All woman have parts of their body they don’t like. The fact is that time goes by and we get older. Photographs are timeless, but we are not!

In fact, the BEST time to do a shoot is when a woman’s NOT feeling good about herself. She’ll fall in love with her images, and be filled with self confidence. This, can ignite passion in her relationship and in her life in general.

My joy is seeing my clients shift from a place of self doubt, to a state of empowerment and confidence.

I love to hear how this has changed their lives. They can look at their images daily, be inspired, and say, “This is me. I’m beautiful inside and out. I’m worthy. I love and value myself.” That, in turn, enables them to genuinely love and value others.”

That is the boudoir experience.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Lori Samuels, a Kelowna - based Financial Advisor with Raymond James since 2005, has over 20 years experience in the investment industry. Lori is dedicated to delivering wealth management advice to clients, particularly women. Her knowledge, depth of experience and her strong interpersonal skills are significant assets when helping clients determine and achieve their goals. Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Calgary and has successfully completed several courses through the Canadian Securities Institute. She now holds the Chartered Investment Manager CIM® designation and her expertise and professionalism earned her the coveted Fellow of CSI, FCSI®, which is considered the industry’s highest award of distinction, and recognizes leading professionals for their outstanding educational dedication, experience and record of achievement. Lori has volunteered with many organizations over the years and currently volunteers her time with the BCSPCA.

102-3201 Richter St. Kelowna | 250-717-1662 Email: letschat@bonnebelle.ca | www.bonnebellephotography.ca www.bonnebelleboudoir.ca |www.projectmermaid.ca Find me on Facebook - Bonne Belle Boudoir

Johnson Legacy Wealth Management 250.979.2712 | www.johnsonlegacy.ca 500 - 1726 Dolphin Ave. Kelowna, BC

befirst active and have fun lifestyBelethe to join the new community HEALTH LS GOA ACHIEVE Kelowna Downtown YMCA! support modern cardio run cycle You can soon be active downtown with the help of your friendly YMCA in a conveniently located state-of-the-art facility.

JOIN EARLY AND SEE THE BENEFITS The first 500 new members will receive a welcome package worth up to $200 in value including: • • •

A choice of a free first month or free personal training session One pass per week to access the Kelowna Family YMCA and H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre until the new centre opens YMCA water bottle

Opening June 2017!

ymcaokanagan.ca/downtown

Visit our temporary sales centre to join your new YMCA community!

Towne Centre Mall (beginning Feb 27) Monday–Friday 10am–1pm, 3:30pm–5:30pm

downtowny@ymcaokanagan.ca

250-491-9622

30 5 Women in Business 2017

Sharon Black’s Objective is Simple:

What are you looking for in a Real Estate Professional?

We strive to bring you value through personalized service.

S

haron is passionate about Real Estate and about the value she brings to the table, not only in years of experience, but as a Certified Negotiating Expert, an Accredited Staging Professional and a Relocation Expert.

Honoured and Recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award it is not surprising Sharon continues to receive rave reviews and outstanding performance awards. For Sharon, the most fulfilling moment and the most exciting award, is the Thank You and Happy Smile from her client!

personal • passionate • proven Re a l E s t a t e C o n s u l t a n t • s h a r o n b l a c k @ r e m a x . n e t w w w. s h a r o n b l a c k . c a • 2 5 0 . 8 7 8 . 5 5 3 3 100-1533 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6G1 • Each office is independently owned and operated

CAPITAL NEWSC

Rockets cultivate training ground for women in business By Troy Durrell Women in the business force is more common now than ever before, and with the Kelowna Rockets Hockey Club, that statement is no different.

In fact the Rockets organization not only has many women working for it, over the years it has cultivated a training ground for young women and girls, many of whom get their first job as a member of the Rockets.

Known as the promotions girls, the group is in charge of pulling off the game day promotions at Rockets games, which includes events such as coupon or t-shirt giveaways as well as organizing activities for intermissions.

There are 16 girls on the promotions team, and for a lot of them, this is

their first job or they’re using it to earn some extra money while going through university.

Director of Marketing and Game Operations Anne-Marie Hamilton says this job can help the girls prepare for the future.

“The girls learn organization skills, promotion execution skills as well as customer service. There’s a lot of customer service interaction,” said Hamilton, who has been the Rockets marketing director since the club began operation in Tacoma. “They also learn decision making, and how to deal with people at a live hockey game, things don’t always go as planned, and you need to learn to make decisions on

Heather Persall REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR Heather Persall received a Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling in 2013, from the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling, an accredited training facility in British Columbia, Canada. She is a proud member in good standing with the Canadian Professional Counselors Association. This organization requires that she conduct her business practices according to the professional standards of competency strictly upheld by the CPCA. For more information about this organization, please go to www.cpca-rpc. ca. In addition, Heather also is a member in good standing with the Canadian College of Professional Counselors and Psychotherapists (CCPCP) which, in conjunction with the CPCA, designates the strict standards to which all members adhere. Their website is www.ccpcp.ca.

Whole Heart Counselling is a Kelowna based private practice offering Client-Centered Counselling to individuals and couples, including support groups, and structured programs. Specializing in Anger Management, we help others to overcome struggles such as stress/anxiety, grief, teen or family issues, life purpose, care-giving, transitions, identity and life crises and any other issue that separates you from your own self-empowerment.

Whole Heart Counselling Holistic, Intuitive, Empowering

#7-1873 Spall Road | 250-575-8555 letschat1to1@gmail.com www.wholeheartcounselling.com

Women in Business 2017 531

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the spot. It’s a great character building job because you do deal with different demographics of people, anywhere from kids to senior citizens, and fans are usually very passionate people.”

It’s a job that doesn’t get a lot of recognition, but without them, game day entertainment wouldn’t be entertainment at all at Rockets games. Many young girls have joined the Rockets and moved on to university and different careers over the years.

They are all hardworking individuals who deserve more credit for what they do behind the scenes to ensure game days go off without a hitch, said Hamilton.

The Rockets also have several other women working in their business, including office staff, Carrie Pansegrau, Kim Sylvester and Theresa Molley as well as team photographers Marissa Baecker and Cindy Rogers.

Sarah Simpson Byrne (aka Sims) FOUNDER & DESIGNER

“Once you discover what you are meant to do, a passion truly develops and you can barely think about much else.” Sarah Simpson Byrne (aka SIMS) Founder & Designer of SIMS Jewelry Co. The “More Than One Way to Wear” accessories line created in Kelowna, began in 2008, after 11 years in the Corporate World.

Compliments started this passion for creating Versatile Jewelry from gifted designs. A compliment can make anyone’s day, this fires Sims up to keep creating wildly popular, affordable, fun way’s to add new looks to necklaces in a FLICK! SIMS Attachable Pendants, useable as wine, purse, & key charms to zipper pulls, plus easy multi-use gifts! Known for the necklace wearable in 5 WAYS too!

Get SIMS on-line only $2 S&H, Shows, Markets, & Boutique Stores in Orchard Park Mall; The Artful Hand, Influence, Blue Ginger… Like SIMS Jewelry Co. FB page for more details!

www.AreYOUwearingaSIMS.com | sims@simsjewelry.com

The bank of game changers BDC is where you need us to be: right there with you in Kelowna As the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, we’re there to give you the financing and advice you need to grow your business.

To contact our Kelowna Business Centre, email Martine Hickman, Business Centre Manager at martine.hickman@bdc.ca or call 1-888-INFO-BDC bdc.ca

financing. advising. smarts.

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I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff 13

Maxine DeHart

Featuring Headliner Laurie Elliot

Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor. She was originally elected in 2011 and was re-elected in 2014 for a further four year term. As result of this, she has been appointed as a Director on the Central Okanagan Regional District Board and is the City appointee on the Board of the Downtown Kelowna Association. Maxine will also Chair the City of Kelowna’s Civic and Community Awards Committee. She is an alternate appointee on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board.

Maxine is the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre, where she has been employed for 30 years.

She is also celebrating her 19th year with the Kelowna Capital News this spring, writing the popular business column “Straight from DeHart”.

She has received many awards, including the United Way Award of Distinction; Toastmasters International Communications and Leadership Award; YM/YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Leadership and Enhancement; Commemorative Medal - Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Community Citizen of the Year; Kelowna Chamber of Commerce President’s Award and the Mayor’s Spirit of Kelowna Award.

Maxine is the founder of the hugely successful Maxine DeHart, United Way - Ramada Hotel Drive-Thru Breakfast which has raised thousands of dollars for the United Way over the past 18 years.

MAXDEHART@TELUS.NET

Julie Pringle I fulfilled a dream when I started my company in 2016. The perfectly created image should evoke a feeling within the hearts of your target market.

After all, it is emotion that motivates people to buy, consume or take part. A food shot should make the mouth water, a photo of a personal trainer should make you feel a sense of motivation to work out, a beautiful home or custom closet space should inspire you to live bigger, better and more contented, and a professional headshot should say exactly what the subject wants to be said about them.

250-469-4502 www.snapcommercialphotography.com julie@snapcommercialphotography.com

Laurie Elliot The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society is presenting I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff 13 on Saturday March 11 at 8 p.m. at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. This special presentation is one of Vernon’s biggest stand-up comedy events of the year.

Comedian Laurie Elliot headlines the 13th annual celebration of International

Women’s day. Elliott has made a name for herself as one of the most versatile and entertaining comics in Canada.

She is a three-time Canadian Comedy Award-winner for Best Female Standup and recently received her fourth Canadian Comedy Award-nomination for Best Female Stand-up and a Tim Sim’s Encouragement Fund Award-winner.

Elliott’s stand-up credits include the

2017 is booking fast!

Contact us today to secure your date!

CRASIAN. A hybrid food. North American street food meets Asian. Bi-culinary.

It's "I can't decide between fast food or take out". It's savoury. It's salty.

It's sweet, sour & spicy. It's everything you've ever wanted. It's fun. It's crazy.

It's the best of both worlds.

Home-made. Fresh. Crave-able.

Crazy asian street food.

Nothing brings people together like good food.

Weddings, house parties, staff functions, reunions...

Any questions?

Find us around town and the entire Okanagan Valley serving up "crazy Asian street food"

/crasianfood

@crAsianfood

@crasianfoodtruck

www.crasianfood.com

Women in Business 2017 533

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Toronto and Montreal Just For Laughs Festival (her 2009 Gala performance was nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Taped Performance), the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, the Vancouver Comedy Festival, the Hubcap Comedy Festival in Moncton, the Comedy Factory in Rotterdam, Raw Comedy Club in Stockholm, and a gala run at the Cape Town International Comedy Festival in South Africa.

Television credits include a starring role in Almost Audrey, a pilot for The Comedy Network co-created by Elliott and Greg Lawrence, recurring roles on Much Music’s highly rated series Video on Trial, CBC’s The Red Green Show (for which she received a Gemini nomination for Best Ensemble Cast) and The Jon Dore Television Show (The Comedy Network/IFC) which she also story edited. Other select TV credits include panelist on George Strombo Tonight (CBC) and Match Game (The Comedy Network) and appearances on But I’m Chris Jericho! (web series), The Debaters (CBC), Single White Spenny (Showcase) and the feature films Moon Point and A.l..

A prolific screenwriter, Elliott is a writer for Eva Longoria’s animated comedy

series Mother Up! (City/Hulu). She story edited My Babysitter is a Vampire (Fresh/ Disney/Teletoon), Almost Heroes (E1/ Showcase) and The Jon Dore Television Show (The Comedy Network/IFC). Other writing credits include: Total Drama, Camp Lakebottom, Grojband, Rocket Monkeys, Detentionaire, Skatoony, 6TEEN (Teletoon); Sidekick, Scaredy Squirrel, Almost Naked Animals (YTV); Taste Buds (TVO); Popcultured, Comedy Inc. (The Comedy Network); Video on Trial (Much Music); and The Debaters (CBC).

Elliott has lent her voice to a number of animated series including: Total Drama, Skatoony, Detentionaire, Atomic Betty, Braceface (Teletoon); Scaredy Squirrel, Bob and Margaret, Medabots, Timothy Goes to School, Jacob Two Two, Moville Mysteries (YTV); Chuck & Friends (Treehoouse); Time Warp Trio (NBC); Brave New Waves, He Said/She Said (CBC Radio) and more.

Her live two-woman show Dickwhipped, which she co-wrote and co-starred in, was Patrons’ Pick at the Toronto Fringe Festival and won a Canadian Comedy Award for Funniest Play.

Originally from Montreal, Elliott is now based in Toronto.

Tickets for I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff 13 Featuring Headliner Laurie Elliot are $35 for adults, $32 for Seniors and $30 for Students. Call the Ticket Seller at 250-549-SHOW (7469) or log on line to www.ticketseller.ca for tickets and more information.

They Said it....

“

We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes - understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON

Donna Bennett

”

Donna’s passion is helping clients have personal journeys of discovery, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that enrich their souls and lift their hearts.

She is a full time independent travel consultant, available 7 days a week, to provide you with the personal service that you deserve.

Together with her husband Greg Bennett, they have formed “Travel with Greg and Donna” and have over 21 years of combined experience.

Donna would love to use her knowledge and expertise to help you plan your next Ocean or River cruise, Land Tour, or All-inclusive vacation!

KVI Travel B.C. License #26896 CLIA #00326233 IATA #96526312

donna@kvi.travel www.travelwithgd.com 1-877-760-2583

FH&P LAWYERS LLP Heidi Taylor, Partner Family Law: • Property Division • Support • Guardianship • Parenting Time • Pre-Nuputial Agreements

Erin Cram, Associate Family Law: • Property Division • Support • Guardianship • Parenting Time • Pre-Nuputial Agreements Estate Litigation

Amanda Haugan, Associate • Wills, Estates and Trusts • Real Estate and Strata Law • Corporate and Commercial Law

Nancy Ling, Associate • Wills, Trusts, Estates and Incapacity Planning • Estate Administration • Real Estate and Land Development • Corporate Transactions and Business Law

Carolyn Cyfra, Associate Family Law: • Property Division • Support • Guardianship • Parenting Time • Pre-Nuputial Agreements

Gillian M. Dougans,

Associate Counsel, Lawyer & Mediator • Personal Injury • Employment Law • Commercial Litigation • Mediation • Elder Law

400-275 Lawrence Avenue Kelowna, BC 250.762.4222 www.fhplawyers.com

34 5 Women in Business 2017

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Tracey Harrop-Printz CPA, CGA, CFDS

Award winning writer at UBC Okanagan

Tracey is a chartered professional accountant and chartered financial divorce specialist. With Spence Valuation Group since 2005, Tracey specializes in business valuations, financial litigation support and business interruption insurance calculations. She has had exposure to virtually every industry in Canada. Her CFDS designation provides her with the necessary training to assist clients with the financial aspects of a separation or divorce including gathering information and preparing future based projections to help clients in their decision making process.

Spence Valuation Group is an independent, professional firm practicing exclusively as expert advisors in business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, litigation support and business interruption insurance. With offices in Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, and Toronto Spence Valuation Group services clients throughout Canada.

250-448-7450 (Kelowna) | 800-658-7450 www.spencevaluation.com | tprintz@spencevaluation.com

r edscope media Life is about being social...

Renée Sarojini Saklikar

social media, social marketing, social events

ROSANNE TING-MAK BROWN RedScope Media was started in 2011 offering social media marketing, public relations and event co-ordination to small businesses.

In addition to continuing to support businesses with their marketing, we started producing our own events including Okanagan Spirits Winetender’s Mixoff which is now heading into it’s 5th year!

One day we recognized ladies wanted an opportunity to sell their used clothing and created the Kelowna Closet Cleanout. This event runs spring and fall, and has raised over $10,000 and 6000 lbs of clothing donations for local women’s charities in the last three years. This popular event has now expanded to include the Kids Closet Cleanout. After discovering our passion for running community events and helping businesses promote themselves by engaging with the public, we wanted to build something bigger. After researching local opportunities, the BC Interior Sportsman Show was created to promote our local hunting and fishing community. 2016 was a successful inaugural year, and we are excited to bring the event back to Kelowna April 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2017.

www.winetenders.ca | www.kelownaclosetcleanout.com | www.bcinteriorsportsmanshow.com

Award-winning Canadian writer, Renée Sarojini Saklikar was the tenth annual Writer-In-Residence at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Saklikar writes thecanadaproject, a life-long poem chronicle. Work from the project is widely published in journals, anthologies and chapbooks. The first completed book from thecanadaproject is Children of Air India, un/authorized exhibits and interjections, (Nightwood Editions, 2013) winner of the 2014 Canadian Authors Association Award for poetry and a finalist for the 2014 Dorothy Livesay Poetry Award.

Renée is currently a mentor and instructor for Simon Fraser University, and co-founder of the poetry reading series, Lunch Poems at SFU. With Wayde Compton. She co-edited The

Revolving City: 51 Poems and the Stories Behind Them (Anvil Press/SFU Public Square, 2015).

Her current work includes the long poem, “Thot-J-Bap,” excerpts of which can be found in the journals Eleven Eleven, The Capilano Review and online at DUSIE and The Rusty Toque as well as in chapbooks published by Nous-Zot Press and above/ground press.

Renée was recently appointed Poet Laureate for the City of Surrey. She collects poems about bees.

Renée spent two weeks on campus in early February, meeting with students and writers to do critiques of their written work, selecting the winners of the Short Story Contest, visiting classrooms for readings of her work, and meeting with local writers.

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