Because women work wonders.

On October 16th Port Alberni will play host to one incredible, full day of professional development and networking tailor made for all the enterprising women involved in business, whether they are owners, operators, or employees. Intros and a heartfelt Welcoming Address will be provided by Mayor Sharie Minions and event host the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, followed by two exciting panels featuring local women in business and a lively, inspiring lunchtime Keynote Address by Mandy Farmer, President & CEO of Accent Inns. All three panels are moderated. At midday participants can browse the Info Market and meet reps from business support organizations and institutions such as the North Island College business program, the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, and the Alberni Valley Employment Centre. Be sure to ask them what they can do to support and grow your business! The day concludes with a final panel and a second Keynote Address by Josie Osborne, Mayor of the District of Tofino.

The event takes place at Chances Rimrock Casino, 4890 Cherry Creek Road, Port Alberni, BC. Ticket price includes a locally-catered lunch and refreshments.

Funding for this event has been provided by the Province of British Columbia.

Questions can be directed to the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce at 250-724-6535 or [email protected].

Keynote Speaker Biography: Mandy Farmer, President & CEO of Accent Inns, has been recognized as Hotelier of the Year by Pinnacle Awards, an accolade that recognizes her decades of work within Canada’s tourism industry. Highlights from Farmer’s career include a commitment to the family-business, innovation through customer promotions and staff programs, rebelling against the ordinary through the creation of the Hotel Zed brand, and support of her local Victoria community and through charities that operate throughout the province.

Keynote Speaker Biography: Josie Osborne was recently re-elected to her third term as mayor of Tofino. A self-described ‘community builder,’ she grew up on Vancouver Island immersed in her parents’ small businesses and was strongly mentored in community service. After completing post-secondary education at UBC and SFU, she moved to Tofino and pursued a 15 year career in marine biology and environmental education before turning to small business and politics. Prior to becoming mayor, Josie served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Tofino’s destination marketing organization, Tourism Tofino. Josie currently serves as Chair of the Board for the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), and Vice Chair of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. In 2017, she was appointed by the BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change to the British Columbia Clean Growth and Climate Action Advisory Council.