CENTRAL BEDEQUE – Feb. 7, 2020 – Realizing that 45 per cent of its members are businesses or organizations managed by women, the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI (CCAFLIPE) decided to organize an information tour focusing on the services offered to businesswomen. And according to the participants’ comments, the tour was a resounding success.
The eight participating women had the opportunity to learn about the services of four organizations and agencies located in Wellington, Summerside and Central Bedeque.
The Francophone Businesswoman’s Tour began with a luncheon presentation at the Wellington Rural Action Centre, the event’s main partner. Raymond J. Arsenault, CCAFLIPE’s events coordinator, began by explaining the details of the tour and telling participants about upcoming events that might be of interest to them. Josée Ouellette, the Centre’s client information officer, then told them about the Centre’s various support services for businesses and community organizations, as well as the move of her office to a different space in the building (at the entrance of the RDÉE Prince Edward Island hallway).
The female caravan then made its way to the offices of CBDC Central PEI in Summerside. Loans officer Tania Bernard gave the women a tour of her organization’s facilities and then gave a brief presentation on its loan programs and entrepreneurial support services.
The group then drove to the Rural Women’s Business Centre (established by the PEI Business Women’s Association) in Central Bedeque. Manager Shelley Jessop first guided the delegation on a tour of the Centre’s large and fantastic facilities, which include offices for private meetings, a large work and meeting room, a roomy kitchen and more. And, of course, she informed them about the various support services she offers to rural businesswomen.
Finally, at the same venue, Katelyn Godfrey, senior account manager of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), told them about the organization’s loan programs and the many support services and resources it offers, both in person and online.
During and after each of the tour presentations, participants asked many questions to learn more about the specifics of the programs, supports and funding available. They all appreciated the tour and the information that was shared. Some indicated that they were more motivated as a result of the visits. The tour ended with a final snack and informal discussions.
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PHOTO 1: At the third and final stop of the Francophone Businesswoman’s Tour on Thursday afternoon, seen from left are Amy Richard, financial administrative assistant with RDÉE Prince Edward Island, Marcia Enman, manager of La Voix acadienne, presenter Katelyn Godfrey, senior account manager of the Business Development Bank of Canada, Josée Ouellette, client information officer with Wellington Rural Action Centre, and Shelly Jessop, manager of the Rural Women’s Business Centre.
PHOTO 2: At the Wellington portion of the Francophone Businesswoman’s Tour last Thursday, from left are Patricia Devine, manager of the province’s Rural Action Centres, and Robyn Gallant, owner of Eventurous Consulting, with tour organizer Raymond J. Arsenault, activities coordinator for the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI, and presenter Josée Ouellette, client information officer with the Wellington Rural Action Centre.
PHOTO 3: At the second stop of the Francophone Businesswoman’s Tour in Summerside on Feb. 6, are, from left, Marcia Enman, manager of La Voix acadienne, presenter Tania Bernard, loan officer with CBDC Central PEI, and Karen Langevin, yoga teacher.
For more information :
Raymond J. Arsenault
Activities coordinator
Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI
902-854-3439, ext. 231
raymond@rdeeipe.org
Josée Ouellette
Client information officer
Wellington Rural Action Centre
902-854-3439, ext. 228
josee@rdeeipe.org