10 Wednesday.April 25.2018 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com
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Community provides opportunities Nomination deadline: May 1 at 5 pm 8th Annual Women of the Year Awards Dinner: May 16
Nominate an outstanding woman For the 2018 Awards, there are three categories: A) Outstanding Woman In Business
B) Outstanding Woman With A Home-Based Business C) Influential Woman In Community Service
Note: Nominators do not have to be a member of Powell River Women in Business, nor do nominees. Nomination forms can be downloaded from prwomeninbusiness.com and emailed to info@prwomeninbusiness.com, or dropped off at Relish Interiors at 4670B Marine Avenue, when completed.
Awards Dinner
Our 8th Annual Women of the Year Awards Dinner will be held on May 16 at the Town Centre Hotel. WIB had a record number of nominees last year! We are looking forward to repeating that for 2018. Nominations are open until 5 pm on May 1.
Highlighting Great Achievers
For the past several years, Powell River Women In Business has held the Women of the Year Awards. This is our way of acknowledging and encouraging the women in our community to continue to do the good works that they put great effort, time and knowledge into, benefiting all of us and strengthening our community.
prwomeninbusiness.com
Powell River offers more options for returning mother and daughter SARA DONNELLY community@prpeak.com
Many people who grew up in Powell River and left may have considered returning to live here at some point, however, the question, “what will I do for work?” is often top of mind. This was definitely the case for recent returnee Caitlin Bryant. Bryant moved with her family to Lund as a teenager and after finishing her schooling, having a daughter and working locally for several years, she said she decided the time was right to pursue an education in arts administration in Vancouver. “When my daughter was just starting school I realized if I want to make a move and get out to university it should be now for her schedule,” said Bryant. Bryant and her daughter Claire, now 11, moved to the Lower Mainland in 2013 and Bryant began her studies. “I did a great program that had six months of course work and six months of practicum in arts administration,” said Bryant, who was then able to secure work in her field on a mostly contract basis. She and Claire made frequent trips back to Powell River. “We were coming up all throughout because we have family here and Claire’s dad is here,” said Bryant. After a while it was clear the work experience she was gaining in the city did not measure up to the happiness and quality of life she and her daughter had when they visited Powell River, she added.
WELCOME BACK: Caitlin Bryant REWARDING RETURN: Caitlin Bryant made the move back to Powell River with her daughter one year ago and encourages others considering the return to just go for it. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“We would come up camping and Claire didn’t want to leave, and I couldn’t argue,” said Bryant. “Nothing stood up to camping and having a more relaxed lifestyle closer to family.” However, work was Br yant’s main concern about returning as she felt like she was finally making strides professionally. “I was kind of on an upswing, trying to figure out how it was going to continue in Powell River and nervous about that,” said Bryant. When they did finally make the move, Bryant said she was pleasantly surprised by the opportunities she has been able to find. “The work I’ve picked up here is work that I would not have gotten in Vancouver simply because there are so many people there looking for work in the arts,” she said. Bryant said the key to carving out a niche in a smaller community such as Powell
River is being self-directed, having an entrepreneurial spirit and, above all, talking to people. “You have the opportunity here to make really personal connections and people really care about each other,” she added. Bryant said she hopes her story can help allay fears of others who may be considering the move but are concerned about the practicalities. “Work is something people are often worried about moving here,” said Bryant. “But the cost of living and pace of life is slower so it’s easier to piecemeal things together, more than in the city.” Bryant said she encourages others to return because now that she is back she sees many more possibilities. “Just jump in and create a life for yourself here,” said Bryant. “That’s the opportunity.”