Midland & District Business Women's Association (MDBWA)
P.O. Box 714 L4R 4P4 Midland, ON, Canada

Happy mother's day to all you amazing women who make that pb&j complete! Whether you have kids, pets, or partners you hold it down for, this day is for you! Heck, even if you're celebrating being an awesome MF'er we're here for it! Today we celebrate you! Thank you for all you do! #womensuportingwomen #gratitude #mothersday #wegotogetherlikepeanutbutterandjelly

Let's have some fun! What are you getting a gold medal in?

Thank you nurses! We wouldn't be here without you and celebrate you today and every day! #NationalNursesDay #bekindtonurses #theychooseyourneedlesize

Before we chow down on some tacos today we are definitely ready to sort through some shit and get organized, are you? That's what Get Organized with Erin has in store for us at our upcoming May 19th connect and learn online meeting! We're also excited to add a take out meal from Pier 21 to make this a complete evening! Make sure to register today at https://mdbwa.com/event-4281866

Thank you teachers! We are lucky to have some great ones in our area! It's been a year and we are so grateful for all you do! We vote for you to have the summer off as reward! #ifyoucanreadthisthankateacher #nationalteacherday #gratitude

Attention all students 15-29 years old! The Summer Company Grant Program is accepting applications until May 23rd! Through this program you can receive up to $3,000 to kick-start your business idea while receiving mentor business support from local business leaders! Check your eligibility and submit your application today! This is a great opportunity! https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-summer-company-students

Now more than ever the topic of Work-Life Balance is so important! Make sure to join us online for our first meeting of 2021 featuring Jennifer Kendall! It's sure to be a great evening of connections and learning as we shift together! Add on your take out feast from Georgian Shores Catering to make it complete! Registration closes at 6pm and can be done at www.mdbwa.com/events

Wow! Check out the support and start up guide for home-based food businesses! We’re all shifting together!

Just 7 days away from our first meeting of 2021! We're excited to shift this perspective and talk with Jennifer Kendall about what Work-Life Balance really means! Grab your girlfriends and head over to www.mdbwa.com/events to register today!

How fun is this?! Last day to submit your photo and win!

I spy with my little eye! Today starts the hunt! Tell us what you’ve seen!

Two weeks away from our first event of 2021! What better way to start the year than with a shift in perspective on this notion of work-life balance! Register today at www.mdbwa.com/events

"If not me, then who?" We are loving this quick 6 minute TED Talk to get you inspired and empowered today! Reciprocity and contribution. Perfect lenses to see things through as we move into the red zone. Express your gratitude and go be fearless! We're here with you!

While you're transitioning from holidays to back at work, back to virtual learning, or back to setting the alarm, check out this blog written by our January guest speaker, Jennifer Kendall, where she shifts the perspective on commitment and the new year. "As I look at the new year and reflect, I wonder what changes I will make in 2021 that will help me move a lesson noted to a lesson learned." - Jennifer Kendall, Inner Ninja Training and Coaching... https://www.theinnerninja.ca/post/new-year

Check out this FREE Ask An Expert series for small businesses to stay COVID safe!

Happy New Year! What are you most looking forward to?

We are SO excited for 2021 and our first meeting of the Year! Hoping you will join us, take a look at our event and register today on our website.

Take a look at what we've been up to this past month! From our virtual holiday event, to checking out businesses in the community and seeing the progress downtown Midland, there has been some wonderful things happening this month.

Wishing you lots of magic!

The MDBWA is proud to Spotlight one of our Members Lisa O’Driscoll. Lisa is the Owner/Operator of The Yoga House in Penetanguishene. Her yoga journey began in her early 20s and she’s been teaching in the Midland area since 2002 and in 2011 decided to open up the first dedicated studio in the area! Lisa’s students talk about her practice taking a hands-on approach that is gentle, encouraging and lighthearted. Her focus is supporting others to discover and release patterns o...f stress and tension, and to find more ease and joy through breathwork and movement. With over 1500 hours of Yoga Teacher training including Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Children, Restorative Yoga and she’s also a Reiki Master and looks forward to sharing her passion for yoga with you! Take a look at what Lisa had to say: 1What’s the business advice you would give today to your younger self? Take chances! Don't settle with the status quo especially if you are unhappy! You may not love every aspect of your job/business but LOVE some aspects of it. 2What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? That I left a great job as a Sales director of a hotel and took off to travel for 6 months...this also included bungy jumping off a 140-foot bridge! 3What’s your favourite part about what you do? Helping others with their mental, physical and spiritual well being. 4What is your favourite part about being a member of MDBWA? If you are a new member, why did you join? The community of women who help other women. For more details about Lisa O’Driscoll at the Yoga House, head on over to her website https://yogahousegbay.ca/, Facebook or Instagram (@yogahousegbay)

This year has flown by, and here we are at the end of 2020! 2020 has sure had it's trials, but there have been many bright moments throughout as well. Please take a look at our last newsletter of the year with some exciting news, Letter from the President, and great information.

Now this is how you pivot! Way to go on being creative and adapting! Super fun idea for the fam!

That’s a wrap on our 2020 meetings! Thank you Crock A Doodle and Georgian Shores Catering for some online holiday fun! 2020 has been quite the year and we loved getting to share in it together! ... #mdbwa #holidayfun #womensupportingwomen #potteryparty #midlandanddistrict #southerngeorgianbay #womeninbusiness #supportlocal #locallymade

As new Covid response measures are announced today we wanted to take the time to remember to breathe. Breathe in all you've done to adapt and pivot. Breathe in your transformation. Breathe in the support the community has for you. Breathe in the fresh winter air on this beautiful Winter Solstice. Breathe and know the summer light is within

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to register for our MDBWA Holiday Pottery Paint night led by Sam at @crockadoodleinmidland! Head on over to our website to register today! We cannot wait for you to join in the fun!

The MDBWA is proud to Spotlight one of our Members Susan Price-LeClair. The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle. Susan LeClair of LeClair Cremation Centre will guide you through the aspects of the cremation arrangements with compassion, dignity and respect. She is a dedicated professional and available to assist you in making clear decisions. In 1993 Susan graduat...ed from Humber College, Funeral Service Education Program and was issued a funeral directors licence by the Ontario Board of Funeral Services. In June 1994 she moved to Midland to pursue a career in the funeral profession. She has been a member of the Midland & District Business Women's Association (MDBWA) since 2008 and had spent four years with the Executive Committee as the Communications Director. She holds the honour of the "Meridian 2012 Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award" and is currently a judge of the "Meridian Women of Excellence Awards". LeClair Cremation Centre is a member of the Ontario Funeral Service Association, Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada, North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network and Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce. Take a look at what Sue had to say: 1What’s the business advice you would give today to your younger self? Find the time to take an evening or online business class or maybe some type of continuing education just for fun. As your business grows there will be less time for you. 2What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I was born and raised in Ajax although I have families ties to this area. My great-grandparents (and second-generation cousins) owned the furniture store "Dunlop's of Moonstone". 3What’s your favourite part about what you do? I don't really have a "favourite part" of my job although I enjoy running into former clients (especially widows) only to find they have found a new companion. Love can happen again no matter what age. 4What is your favourite part about being a member of MDBWA? If you are a new member, why did you join? I enjoy learning about the successes of each member. For more details about Susan LeClair at the LeClair Cremation Centre, head on over to her website https://www.leclaircremationcentre.ca/, Facebook (LeClair Cremation Centre), Instagram (@leclaircremationcentre) or Twitter (@LeClairCentre)!

We are only SIX DAYS away from our Holiday Pottery Paint Night next Wednesday, November 18th!! If you haven't already, REGISTER TODAY!! Registration closes on Sunday, so don't miss out and reserve your spot! There are kits for children if they want to join in the fun as well.

Are you or someone you know looking for an fun, flexible and virtual Volunteer opportunity? The MDBWA is looking for a Female Student Social Media Volunteer! For 30 years the MDBWA has been managed completely by local women in business and we are hoping to bring on another future woman in business. If you are interested, send us a DM, share this post or get in touch so we can talk about this opportunity further. #localvolunteer #womensupportingwomen #studentvolunteers #southerngeorgianbay #mdbwa #womeninbusiness #womeninspiringwomen #downtownmidland

They gave their tomorrow so we could have our today. To those who fought and did not return, and those that returned forever changed, we remember you. Thank you for our freedom and the bravery and sacrifice for our future. #lestweforget

It's almost time for our November Holiday Pottery Paint Night! 2020 has been quite the year and what better way to get into the holiday spirit by join us online, November 18th from 6-8:30p as we get our very own pottery painting kits and private step-by-step instructions, from the fabulous Sam at Crock A Doodle. We will be making this beautiful 20oz mug while Georgian Shores Catering has created delicious individual tapas trays to enjoy for a tasty treat. This is a kid-friendly event with an option to add on their own individual snowman tile project! We're excited to take a break from business and have fun so make sure you register today! Take a look at our Facebook Event and Website to register and for more details!!

It's almost the end of October! So here is a recap on what the MDBWA has been up to this past month, along with some great events in the area, specials from our members and so much more! Take a look here:

The MDBWA is proud to Spotlight one of our Members Jackie Ramler. With over 25 years as a Wealth Manager, specializing in working with corporate owners, executives and their families. Jackie works with clients to grow, preserve and enjoy their wealth. An added dimension to portfolio management as a Responsible Investment Advisor, Jackie assists in aligning client's values and principles with their portfolio, using environmental, social and corporate governance risk screening.... Take a look at what Jackie had to say: 1What’s the business advice you would give today to your younger self? Wealth is simple - spend less than you earn and invest in growing assets. Invest in great companies and balance with property holdings to create multiple streams of income. Cash is 'Queen' and always have a reserve. 2What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? Life was not always easy - in and out of foster homes as a child, had to work multiple jobs during University, and ended up on food stamps at one point. 3What’s your favourite part about what you do? Working with clients to achieve their family's goals - seeing children graduate, buying the cottage of their dreams and ultimately retiring comfortably. 4What is your favourite part about being a member of MDBWA? If you are a new member, why did you join? I had been a member 20 years ago and wanted to reconnect with the strong and incredibly talented women of Midland once again. For more details about Jackie Ramler Portfolio Manager Raymond James Executive Wealth Advisors, contact Jackie by email at [email protected] or online at www.jackieramler.com.

This week is National Small Business Week, an annual celebration that the Business Development Bank of Canada has been organizing for over 40 years! Our town, this community we know and love would not be what it is without the incredible entrepreneurs that have built their businesses here. Now more than ever, it is so important to support Small Businesses. This year was not what any of us could have expected, but not only are there so many businesses still pushing through to give us the products and services we want and need, but there are NEW businesses opening up in the midst of everything going on and thriving! We recognize you this week and with our daily consumer choices as we work together to build our community's future through these uncertain times.

Like so many other community events, we are unable to host our usual award program. In this our 12th year, we have decided to shift focus from nominees and winn...ers, and simply tell the remarkable stories of women in North Simcoe (who live or work in Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny, Tay and Beausoliel First Nation) who have persevered through every challenge handed to us by 2020 - and who are making our community better for their efforts. All week we have been sharing these incredible stories, and you have responded! Keep sharing the positivity - like and share these fantastic stories, and above all, #supportlocal Stay tuned for more profiles of the businesswomen, entrepreneurs and volunteers whose journeys we are sharing as part of Project HerStory. #herstoryishistory #community #volunteer #entrepreneur #businessowner See more

Wow! Nicole French had our wheels turning last night! So many tips about ensuring our business is digital with some great shares and tools on how to accomplish that! With Small Business Week happening it’s helpful to have someone like Collaborative Haus Marketing equipping small businesses with the tools and performance big corporate companies have! Thanks again for being part of our meeting! Check out more about Collaborative Haus Marketing by heading to their FB Page or website at https://www.collaborativehausmarketing.com/

One of our member's Diane Ouimet-Schryver was recognized by the Meridian Women of Excellence Awards with their Project HerStory initiative, and here is HerStory:

What an incredible way to still be able to recognize incredible women in our community! Although life has changed this year and the Meridian Women of Excellence Awards cannot be held, they have found a way to shift and recognize the work of the outstanding women in North Simcoe! Help them by highlighting women that you would like to recognize by submitting your recommendation TODAY!

Covid has impacted us all, however for some, it has made inequalities even greater than before. Check out this quick video to learn more and sign the petition gender equality in the forefront of post-pandemic rebuilding plans. "Let’s reset normal by putting gender equality at the centre because gender equality puts everyone in a position to thrive."

TOMORROW is the last day to Register for our October event taking place next Wednesday Business is Digital with local marketing expert, Nicole French from Collaborative Haus Marketing! Head on over to our website at www.mdbwa.com/Events to register TODAY!

We see you #bosslady! Happy National Boss's Day!

We are 7 days away from our event Business is Digital with local marketing expert, Nicole French! We are so excited to have Nicole from Collaborative Haus Marketing speak to us, to meet with our wonderful members and guests, AND to have a fabulous take out food option from Midland Golf and Country Club again! If there is anything that this year has shown us, it is that we all need to be able to shift and adapt to digital solutions to maintain and grow our businesses long te...rm. Register TODAY on our website (www.mdbwa.com/events).

Did you know it takes and average of 7 seconds for people to form an impression of something new? We didn't either! But Marketing guru Nicole French and her team at Collaborative Haus Marketing did! Check out what more they have to say about how web design creates a better customer experience. Oh! And while you're at it, make sure to register for our online event next week as Nicole French will be our guest speaker sharing all things Business is Digital! Head over to https://www.mdbwa.com/event-3994003 to register today!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the MDBWA! This year certainly has been different than what we are used to, but there is still much to be thankful for. We are so thankful for our incredible community that has allowed us to be the Association we are today! Have a wonderful long weekend and hoping to see many of you in a few weeks for our October meeting!

We are TWO WEEKS away from our October Event with Nicole French from Collaborative Haus Marketing talking about "Business is Digital"! Do not miss out on this event, for more information check out our event here Business is Digital with local marketing expert, Nicole French or head to our website at www.mdbwa.com/events to register!

The MDBWA is proud to Spotlight one of our Members Karianne Copeland. Karianne along with her husband Brad, owns and operates Graffiti Art Inc. in beautiful downtown Midland. Having graduated from Business Administration with an accounting focus, her plan was to become a CGA. As opportunities arose, she found herself immersed in corporate culture. Although she is thankful for all that she learned in that environment, she knows she belongs in small business. Karianne loves b...eing a business owner and working closely with family and staff who feel like family. Her father is still active in their business at 78 years young and all of their children have worked for them in some capacity over the years. The sense of community this brings to their business reminds her every day how important it is to be part of the greater community. She really feels like she can make a difference and that is what is important to Karianne. Take a look at what Karianne had to say: 1What’s the business advice you would give today to your younger self? Very carefully consider every opportunity that presents itself to you as you never know what door that will open. 2What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am very shy and awkward in social situations. It takes a lot out of me to network. 3What’s your favourite part about what you do? Being part of a family and making a difference in the community. 4What is your favourite part about being a member of MDBWA? If you are a new member, why did you join? Surrounding myself with like-minded, strong businesswomen. For more details about Graffiti Art Inc. & Windswept Northern Lifestyle, contact Karianne by email at [email protected] or online at www.graffitiart.ca & www.windsweptnorth.ca.

October is around the corner, which means we are getting closer to our SECOND Meeting back! This is an incredible opportunity to hear from Nicole French of Collaborative Haus Marketing talking about "Business is Digital". Last month was so successful working with Midland Golf and Country Club to prepare a take-out food option for our members and guests that we are doing it AGAIN! Head on over to our website to register today!

SEPTEMBER UPDATE IS HERE!! Take a look at our newsletter to find out what you missed at our meeting last week, what's happening next month, updates from our members and so much more.

FALL IS OFFICIALLY HERE! What have you been looking forward to with the turn of the season? Pumpkin spice lattes? Apple Picking? Pumpkin carving? For us the end of summer signifies the start of our monthly meetings which brings excitement for all of us!

Last night's meeting with Jenn Walker (Dive Heart First Coaching) was really incredible! Having a conversation about Community over Competition, learning about CO-OPERTITION and so so much more! Many of us enjoyed a meal from Midland Golf and Country Club, which was spectacular, while others enjoyed their own home-cooked meals. We all came together with many returning members and new faces to connect with this community that we know and love.

TOMORROW is the LAST DAY to Register for our event MDBWA Presents: Community over Competition with Jenn Walker! Check out our website and Event for more information. With the option to add on a meal from the Midland Golf and Country Club so we can all share in a meal together and even add on a meal for the rest of your family - we have tried to think of everything this time around! We cannot wait to share in a sure to be incredible evening with all of you!

Today marks 7 DAYS until our FIRST MEETING back from the summer and entering into our 2020-2021 Year! Head on over to our website or event for more information: MDBWA Presents: Community over Competition with Jenn Walker ... Don't forget to register by Sunday, September 13th.

Love this so much!! This is so amazing and just shows what you can accomplish by pursuing your dreams and not letting the negativity that comes into your life hold you back. Such a powerful story, a great show for the kids with a wonderful role model to learn from.

HAPPY LABOUR DAY! From our Association to you, we hope you have had a wonderful long weekend and wish you all of the best with all of the new experiences on the horizon. Big changes happening over the next few weeks for many of us. New routines, new experiences and many different situations than what we have been used to. One familiar event we are counting down to is our September meeting! With all of the goodies we know and love and a few fun surprises (check out our website or FB event for more details!).

We are officially TWO WEEKS away from our FIRST MEETING back since June! We could not be more excited to be talking about Community over Competition with Jenn Walker! Head on over to our website at www.mdbwa.com/event (link in our Bio) and register today! #CommunityOverCompetition #MDBWA #CountdownIsOn

Happy Monday! #MotivationMonday Some of the greatest success stories are fuelled by passion. Don't hold yourself back in life or business if there is something you are passionate about doing and you want to pursue that. Do you already do what you love? Did your career path develop from a place of passion? We would love to hear more of your story!

With most of the economy opened back up and the kids returning to school very soon, there is starting to be more talk about a possible second wave. COVID-19 cases continue to decline, while businesses are planning safe return to work and navigating the current situation. Thinking about a second wave can be incredibly tough for businesses that have already been hit hard from this pandemic due to shutdowns. To be cautious, it's recommended that organizations of all sizes and ...industries plan for possible future disruptions - this is a very difficult task when already so much has gone into adapting to life as we know it. Have you put plans in place for your business in the event of a second wave? Has your business already adapted and continue to be managed in a way that it would not be affected in the same manner as previously?

The mentorship and business training of this program is invaluable! Not to mention the chance of a grant up to $5,000! Deadline for applications have been extended until September 4th! Apply today! Thank you Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia for proving this opportunity to our community!

What an incredibly powerful post showing the strength in "Community over Competition"! Have you taken a look at our event for September yet MDBWA Presents: Community over Competition with Jenn Walker. Shifting our mindset into a community-first model is so important now more than ever to build a better business and society.

We are SOO excited to announce our September 16th meeting with Jenn Walker talking about Community over Competition. Take a look at our Event and REGISTER today on our website www.mdbwa.com/events

HAPPY MONDAY! It is already that time to give you an August update with our Monthly Newsletter! The newsletter is full of great information including a Letter from our President, Association updates, and more. Covid-19 sure has caused us to make some adjustments, but we are so excited to shift together and start our monthly dinner meetings back up with a bang next month. Stay tuned for more Event information this week!

ONE MONTH from Today, the Annual Terry Fox run is taking place. This year a little different, wherever you are - Walk, Run or Ride to support the cause! COVID-19 has led to many shifts, adjustments and postponements - but cancer research cannot wait. This year is the 40th Anniversary of Terry's Marathon of Hope. Register as an individual, family or a virtual team and START YOUR FUNDRAISING NOW!... Where will you be participating this year from? http://www.terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/heartofgeorgianbay

We are officially ONE MONTH away from our September Meeting!! We can hardly wait to give you more details on what we have in store for you - get excited and get ready for a fantastic 2020-2021 year full of networking, inspiring speakers and so much more!

Happy Friday! Here is a great article for you to take a look at going into the weekend. Google is such an incredible company, and there are many great tips that can be taken from their remote work policy. With many businesses deciding whether or not to have employees return to work at all or continue to work remotely for a TBD time-frame, making sure your creating the best home-work environment is important.... We would love to hear from you: After many months for some working from home, what have been some of the biggest benefits or struggles you've experienced?

With September around the corner and our 2020-2021 year not far away, we wanted to introduce to you the MDBWA's Executive Committee!! Jaime Armstrong President Anjali Harvie Vice President Michaila Chodur Website Director... Norie Ventura Treasurer Sarah Hughes Communications Director Lisa O'Driscoll Director We are so excited to share what we have been planning all summer for you all!

Clear communication is extremely important when sharing your message digitally. This is a great article to sharing 4 tips to improve your writing and communication by taking extra steps during your free time. Take a look and let us know if you found it useful as well, or what your tips are when communicating digitally!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday Monday! Rain or shine we hope you enjoyed this wonderful long weekend - summer sure is flying by! What have been some of your highlights this past weekend in the area?

This summer is FLYING by!! We are already at the end of July which means we have our monthly update here for you. Take a look and see what we have been up to, some of our feature members and details on our 2020-2021 year fast approaching!

REMINDER: This is the last week to submit details to be a speaker for our MDBWA Members during our meetings from September through June. Fill out this form attached with all the information needed, or share with someone you know that would be a great speaker! DEADLINE: August 1st... After August 1st, we will finish planning our 2020-2021 season for our MDBWA Members! Time is flying by and we can hardly wait to get back to our monthly digital meetings (until we can meet again locally).

We are now in STAGE 3 of re-opening and are hoping that we will be able to meet in person in the near future. No matter the venue, we can hardly wait to start up our monthly meetings again in September! Our meetings take place from September-June (excluding December) on the 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. During these meetings we connect, network and learn from a variety of speakers! We are looking for leaders and experts in their field to share their expertise with our membe...rs! Our members are very interested in the following: Doing Business Online - Digital Shift Mindset & Motivational Topics Personal & Professional Growth Social Media for Business Business Supports (Accounting, Bookkeeping, Leal, Funding, etc) Digital Marketing Other Business Development Topics If not you, did someone else pop into your mind that would be a great speaker for any of these topics? - Share this with them! Speaker Sign up: https://www.mdbwa.com/Speaker-Form or email us at [email protected]!

CALLING all experts, leaders, and change makers! MDBWA is currently accepting proposals for guest speakers to be featured presenters at our monthly networking meetings for the 2020/2021 meeting year! Check out the range of topics our members are interested in below! If you or someone you know would make an awesome speaker to a powerful group of women in the community then make sure to DM or email us a blurb about a topic or two you'd like to share with us as well as a few se...ntences about you! Our meetings may be online and in person so don't let distance stop you from suggesting yourself as a speaker! Think big, think far, think out of the box and share with us your proposals! Share this post too! DM or email us at [email protected] TODAY and get your proposal in for us to consider YOU! We're excited to connect and THRIVE and can't wait for you to be part of our exciting movement of women supporting women to achieve great things together!

Today is a big day! Today in Simcoe Muskoka you are now required to wear a face-covering in all indoor public spaces including businesses and public transit. Today it was also just announced that as of this Friday, July 17th (other than in the GTA region) we will begin entering into Stage 3 of the re-opening plan. This includes the opening of parks, community centers, libraries, indoor restaurant settings, casinos (no table games) and so much more! ... How do you feel about this? Are you excited? Nervous? Will you jump back into "normal" life as stage 3 opens up? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

TODAY TODAY is the last day to register for our Virtual Escape Room Summer Social Event taking place this upcoming Wednesday, July 15th at 4PM! Don't miss out on this fun afternoon adventure working through puzzles and challenges together. Take a look at our event page and register on our website to register and for more information at https://www.mdbwa.com/event-3884435