PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise

Suzan Cooper Rochon:

I AM READY… to Start My Own Business

Suzan Cooper Rochon and her family returned to Thunder Bay after living in Winnipeg for 20 years. Suzan has over 25 years of successful retail sales management experience in small boutiques and big box stores. While still in Winnipeg, Suzan had worked in a lingerie store and developed a real passion for the lingerie business.

Upon her arrival in Thunder Bay, Suzan knew that she wanted to follow her retail passion but she also longed to be her own boss. She also wanted to be able to spend valuable time with her husband and son. She knew that running her own business would be hard work, but that it would allow her the professional flexibility that she was seeking to balance work and family life. Through research and networking with local women, Suzan discovered PARO Women’s Enterprise Centre and the Gateway program.

Suzan says that she felt immediately comfortable at PARO Women’s Enterprise Centre and that the helpful staff provided her with the resources and support she needed to get started. With help from the Gateway program, Suzan spent five months working with a PARO mentor who guided her through the essential steps of launching a business. Suzan learned how to write her own business plan, how to obtain the appropriate licensing and how to obtain funding for her startup. During these early months, she was also able to obtain Self Employment Benefits and maintain a supporting income for her family.

Suzan remembers her most memorable moment when Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director at PARO, approved her business plan and she knew it was the day when her business concept would start to become a reality.

Suzan opened the doors to her business, Perfect Fit Lingerie, on Red River Road in Thunder Bay in July 2007. The response to the business from the community has been overwhelming. Perfect Fit Lingerie offers professional fitting services and a selection of beautiful European bras in a full range of sizes. Suzan has also been strategically expanding her stock to include sleepwear, swimwear and other foundation garments. In just a short few months, Suzan has recruited three members of staff and she has been increasing her customer base through local referrals.

Suzan maintains close ties with the PARO Women’s Enterprise Centre as a member and a Circle member. She says that without PARO’s assistance, the business startup process would have been much more difficult and lengthy. Suzan highly recommends the Gateway program to other women who are ready to start their own business or have an idea that needs some professional nurturing.

Are YOU ready to start your own business? Talk to PARO about the Gateway program.

Gateway: A Path to Self Employment is a self-employment benefits program for women living in the Thunder Bay area whereby Employment Insurance eligible women receive benefits while working to develop their business plan and start their businesses. This program also provides weekly learning sessions as well as ongoing access to a business counselor.

Colleen Gouliquer:

I AM READY… to Grow My Business

Colleen Gouliquer has been a member of the PARO Women’s Enterprise Centre since opening her own retail tea business, Steeper’s, in 2005. During the start-up phase of her business, Colleen joined PARO’s Gateway program and benefited greatly from the program’s support, mentorship and business advisory services.

Since launching the first Steeper’s location on May Street, the retail tea store has enjoyed enormous success. Steeper’s offers an unprecedented variety of loose-leaf teas and steeping accessories. Customers enjoy a warm and welcoming environment in which to sample tea or shop, and Colleen offers unique expertise in matters of tea flavour and its health benefits. In 2006, Colleen opened a second location on Cumberland Street and has since made significant inroads in wholesaling tea to local restaurants and coffee shops. She has also developed and implemented an online shopping site, allowing customers worldwide to browse her product selection.

In recognition of her new business success, Steeper’s received PARO’s Business of the Year Award in 2005 and was nominated for the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce’ Business Excellence Award in the New Business category in 2006.

Since opening Steeper’s, Colleen continues to be active with the PARO Women’s Enterprise Centre. She attends many of their professional development events, networks regularly with PARO staff and members, and enjoys the cooperative opportunities that the relationship offers her.

Today, Colleen has returned to PARO as a participant in the Business Accelerator program. With PARO’s help, Colleen plans to take her business to the next level by franchising Steeper’s and opening more locations in Northern Ontario. Through the Accelerator program, Colleen is receiving the benefits of expert mentoring and personal coaching, workshops and entrepreneurship classes. She is also able to explore new opportunities to access credit and be supported by a PARO Peer Lending Circle. Colleen is currently working with a support group of advisors and is seeking expert direction in finding potential investors and partners for her business expansion.

“I’ve found the Accelerator program to be really flexible, and I need that,” Colleen says. She finds that the unregimented nature of the program is perfect for a woman with business responsibilities, and that it provides amazing resources on an as-needed basis. “The coaching I have received has been invaluable, and the emotional support from my advisory panel bolsters me on a regular basis,” she says. “The staff at PARO actively looks for opportunities to help,” Colleen notes. “They keep their eyes open for ways to connect people in networks for mutual benefit.”

Colleen says she has a number of goals to reach for mid-2009 and will be ready to move ahead with her next location opening soon thereafter.

Are YOU ready to GROW your business? Talk to PARO today about the Business Accelerator program.

Business Accelerator works with women entrepreneurs to help enhance the growth of their businesses and to help them achieve sustainable livelihoods. The new Accelerated Social Enterprise program expands women’s entrepreneurial markets while working with the PARO team as consultants to share PARO’s learnings, and to help others develop innovative CED programs.

Co-op Development Workshop & Power Panel

The PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise is pleased to present two events about Co-operatives.

The events will take place on Tuesday, January 15 at the PARO Office in Thunder Bay. The first event begins at 9:00 am and will discuss the co-operative model, legislation, challenges, and the resources available to assist the development of co-ops. The second event begins at 12:00 noon and will be a panel discussion with Jennifer Henneberry from the Ontario Co-operative Association and Doug Dowhos from Teamwerks, a co-operative that is operating in Thunder Bay. This "Power Panel" will discuss their experiences with the group. The Power Panel will be available for access via teleconference. (please contact Pam at the PARO Office or by email now@paro.ca to arrange the teleconference access number)

The posters for the event are available in .pdf format so that they can be easily posted and forwarded to your networks.

Be Business Great

Cherie Callaghan is the owner of Forever Favorites Handcrafted Candles and Gift Baskets.

From the time Cherie was a teenager, she dreamed of owning her own business, so she began to research and refine her business ideas. She learned that, "the most successful people are those who find something they are truly passionate about." Cherie's passion is creating things, and she is especially fascinated with candles and how they are made.

Cherie is married, and the mother of an eight year old son named Chayse and a five year old daughter named Talya. Before the birth of her son, Cherie was employed as a sales representative. However, once her son was born, she and her husband decided that she would stay at home until their children reached school age. The decision to stay home was extremely important to them both, and they knew they had to find a way to make it work.

Deciding that candle making would become her new venture, she quickly discovered the difficulties of learning the craft, and also how very tight-lipped the industry is. She was met with obstacles at every turn: nobody was willing to help or share information, and finding good suppliers was next to impossible, especially in Northwestern Ontario. Yet, with the help of the internet, she built relationships with some quality suppliers and began experimenting. Her work began in the spring, and by the fall she was ready for her first craft market. With her beginnings of manufacturing out of her kitchen, over the next few years she continued to experiment and develop products, while attending craft markets throughout Northwestern Ontario. During this challenging and exciting time her key focus was being a good Mother. Her plan was to grow slowly and steadily, therefore she knew that she had to stay focused, gather her ideas and bide her time. Once both kids were in school she would be ready to expand.

In the last eight years the business has grown from selling at one very small local craft market to attending all the shows in Northwestern Ontario. Cherie has products in two retail locations in Dryden and has recently launched her website: www.foreverfavorites.ca. One of the website's key features is the "Send a Gift" option which allows customers to send unique gift baskets made from plant containers and house wares filled with her candles. Each basket is customized according to the customer's budget, and a personalized card may also be added and ship to the customer.

When Cherie first met with the PARO team in Dryden during a PARO on Wheels visit, she was looking for assistance in the set up and design of a website. As she does not have a retail location to showcase her complete line of products, Cherie recognized that a website would not only attract new business but enables her to continue providing outstanding service to existing customers. With the team's assistance, Cherie was able to connect with web designer Sherry DaRosa of MPG Web Design.

Since her initial meeting with the PARO team, Cherie has attended several of the workshops hosted in Dryden, has received assistance in developing her business plan, and has also joined the newly formed PARO Peer Mentoring Circle Limitless Ladies-all which she states have helped her grow her business.

Cherie's vision for the future is a plan to keep an open mind, to grow at a pace so that she can continue to have a healthy balance between family life and business, to continue to develop quality products that make people happy, and enjoy every minute of it!

Women in Distinction

Lois Nuttall

A life-long learner, Lois has graduation certificates from PACI, Kings Business College, Lakehead University (Math & Philosophy), Toronto Teachers' College (Primary Specialist) and Purdue University (Certified Travel Industry Specialist). In 1978, after 6 years of full-time teaching and with 3 small children at home, Lois began to work part-time in the family business, Iron Range Bus Lines. Subsequently, Lois and her sister Maria Hudolin established and grew Bayway Transit & Tours which offered accessible transportation, outbound tours to Minneapolis, Florida etc. and local tours. The company eventually merged with Happy Time Tours and Lois continued as a partner there until 1997 when she transferred the receptive end of the business to Lake Superior Group Inc. The company offers professional local guides, holiday packages, itinerary coordination and tours for motorcoach groups, conventions, relocating professionals and special interest groups (cruise ships, RV caravans, etc.) www.superiorvisits.com.

Through The Amethyst Group Lois also provides contract consulting - delivering marketing, coordination and Community Economic Development services for Thunder Bay Ventures and other clients.

Passionate about the potential of the Lake Superior area to provide a sustainable economy for future generations, Lois has always been an active volunteer - via North of Superior Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, Telecare, the Community Mentoring program etc. and currently through the citizen-based Lake Superior Place committee.

Married for 36 years to Dave, they agree their best work has been Gord (32), Ben (30) and Margie (29). As a new grandmother, Lois treasures flexible time, satisfying work and good health.

Consulting work with Thunder Bay Ventures provided my first introduction to PARO and PARO women. She was amazed at the transformations that she observed in a relatively short space of time (4 to 6 months). Prior to entering a PARO program, many of the women were soft spoken, unsure of themselves and at times, visibly timid. After completing a PARO program, they spoke with assurance, carried themselves with poise and confidence and were definitely focused - they knew exactly what their goals were - business and personal. Part of her wanted a dose of that new polish and self-assurance.

As Business Accelerator participant, Lois half kidded that she was probably the only one in the group that was de-accelerating (her husband was retired, kids grown, money in the bank). She joined Accelerator to research and realign future goals and directions. The strengths of the program for her were the expert coaching sessions, the professional workshops and 5 building block model used to measure success. As some have written: "Women are from Venus and men are from Mars" and the 5 block system is a wonderful representation of the multiple facets of life that are important to women. Financial assets, although very important, are only one - the others, if they are at healthy levels, make living very rich.

"The bonus of Accelerator for me has been the Protogenia Circle - 7 women with businesses who just gelled together to offer positive support to each other. We laugh, talk and eat together. You'll be hearing more from us!"

Alice Sabourin

Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Alice Sabourin has the experience of being raised in two worlds and has educated herself in the traditions, customs and values of her Ojibwe ancestors.

As an Aboriginal women, mother, educator, researcher, the holistic approach taken focuses on community building, maximizing strengths and developing the leadership skills of the next generation.

BEEDAUBIN RESOURCES

Beedaubin in Ojibwe means Rising of the Sun. Beedaubin recognizes the inherent ability of Aboriginal people, and supports the evolvement of arts and heritage to ensure enriching experiences for all generations.

Beedaubin Resources specializes in community arts projects, education, research and project management for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people, communities and organizations in North-Western Ontario.

Beedaubin Resources is a unique approach to creative vision, Alice Sabourin is of Ojibwe Heritage and works as a multi- media artist merging ideas, music and drumming with stories shared and found.

Being a self taught artist, Alice facilitates transformative approaches to community based arts projects.

Patricia Dellacecca

Patricia was born and raised in Fort William, Ontario. Her roots are actually from Italy. During the 1960's, both parents immigrated from Fano to Canada and raised their family in what is now called Thunder Bay.

Pat's career choice was to be an occupational therapist and today she still operates as sole proprietor with Superior Therapy Services as a registered Occupational Therapist. As occupational therapists believe that success, happiness, meaning and health stem from the ability to participate; that model serves her well and reflects in her daily life.

Nine years ago the opportunity came to take over Superior Therapy Services from a colleague who was moving away. When Dale and Pat left their families behind to move to Nipigon, they soon became captivated by the charm and pace of the area. Not only did they enjoy the surrounding area, the opportunities to spend quality time outdoors boating, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, but it also proved to be a solid base to raise a family. Pat and Dale now have a fun-loving 7 year old son named Benjamin.

Pat has always been involved in the community: Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and also the New Beginnings Circle. As an Accelerator member, she has appreciated the support and influence of PARO.

A dream of Pat's was to one day open a bed and breakfast. When the opportunity arose to embark upon her dream, in partnership with members of her circle, there was no hesitation to participate! The Skandia House was born. Pat brings her culinary expertise to the table. She specializes in both baking and meal preparation. She is quick to say, "we're just laid-back, down to earth people and we want others to experience this as well". This is reflected in the splendour of the newly opened Skandia House.

Tasha Sutton

Tasha has lived the majority of her life in Nipigon, where she raised her two daughters. She is now the proud first-time Gramma of beautiful Mya.

Over the years, all of her family eventually moved to Thunder Bay but the exquisite surroundings of Nipigon has been a continuous draw for kayaking, hiking, skiing, photography and a reason to stay put. She has 16 years experience as the branch manager at Thunder Bay Insurance in Nipigon and enjoys meeting and serving clients.

Tasha's enjoyment and intrigue into the complimentary healing modalities i.e.: reiki, reflexology, therapeutic touch, yoga, tai chi and Light Language have evolved over the years. Her interest stemmed from the health challenges she experienced in her late teens. "Complimentary Lifestyle" provides relaxation and treatments in either the comfort of your own home or in the treatment room on site. Working with clients involves understanding the connections between body, mind and spirit, our choices and our lives. For her, a yoga practice and tai chi are essential. Making a difference by being involved her community has always been important.

Having joined up with the ladies of the Skandia House as on-site manager is a golden opportunity to cultivate warmth and charm in a classic bed and breakfast setting. The Skandia House ladies share the common goals to support each other, the business, and the area and for each. This group is proving to continually open doors for creativity, skills and abilities.

Women supporting women stepping forward has been the supportive model that PARO has modeled for Tasha in her 7 year involvement starting with the "New Beginnings" circle and more recently, the Accelerator program.

Judy Bertin

Judy Bertin started the B.E.L.T.S. Driving School through PARO's Gateway Program in 2004. She then entered the Business Accelerator Program and the on-site incubator. The Incubator provided her with the resources that she needed to develop B.E.L.T.S. as an Ontario Ministry of Transportation approved Beginner Driver Education Program and to receiving accreditation as an educational institute.

Judy is part of the Peer Mentoring Circle called Gemstones. In 2006, she was nominated for the Business of the year award.

"PARO helped to get me where I am today. There is always someone there to take time and answer questions. Roz has been a mentor to me."

Colleen Gouliquer

Steeper's is a retail tea store which provides premium loose leaf teas, steeping accessories and unique gifts. Upon graduating from Lakehead University with a business degree, she quickly discovered that self employment was the career for her! Colleen, along with her partner of 6 years, Jason, opened their first store in April 2006. With the strong support of the local community Steeper's expanded to a second location within their first year of operation. Steeper's tea is also available in several restaurants and coffee shops in Thunder Bay. In June of 2006 the online shopping site www.steeperstea.com was added.

In 2005 "Business of the Year" was awarded to Steeper's by the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise and in 2007 was nominated for a "Business Excellence Award" in the new business category, by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Colleen has worked with and used the services of PARO from the very early stages of her business planning. The equipment resources, valuable expert advice and assistance with the business plan were invaluable. Colleen continues to use the PARO Accelerator program as a resource to run her business, and she feels their support has been one key to her success.

Currently, Colleen is working on expanding Steeper's. Her goal is for everyone to drink good tea! She plans to expand the business across Canada.

Jan Hunter

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Jan began self employment during the summer of 2000 upon leaving a bookkeeping position after 8 years. Prior to that, Jan had spent time at A&P in the meat room; at the Neebing Roadhouse bartending and at two local ski areas working in the office.

Jan is married to Ross and is the proud Mom of two grown boys who now own a home together and live close enough that they are still handy to the fridge.

Very "happy to bee" a home based business; one of the best parts is the co-worker Zaida Sage; a black Labrador retriever. Now into her 7th year of self employment in total, (Jan's...not Zaida's) it really does just keep getting better and better. Not all of the lessons learned have been easy; but each and every experience has had its rewards.

In 2004 "Business of the Year" was awarded to Bee Happy by the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise and in 2007 Bee Happy was nominated for a "Business Excellence Award" through the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Today Bee Happy Candles works mainly with soy wax and bees wax offering a healthier alternative. The newest creation is a line of aroma therapy candles made from palm wax and fragranced with essential oils. Selling locally and nationally through the website beehappycandles.com; this terrific home based business continues to grow and evolve; making homes, businesses and neighbourhoods smell good everywhere there is a Bee Happy!

"I became involved with PARO during the summer of 2000; and for me it has proven to be an excellent experience both personally and professionally. The support of PARO and the knowledge available through there is phenomenal."

As a graduate of the Gateway program in 2001; Jan is now an active participant at PARO Presents and is also a member of the PARO Board of Directors. Having joined the Accelerator when it began, it was through this program that a new circle group was formed. Jan is very proud to be a part of the circle "Protogenia" which means Goddesses of Business.

The Accelerator program has been an amazing experience for Jan. It was through the coaching that she learned to look at things in a different way which greatly helped her to accelerate the growth of Bee Happy Candles and ultimately accelerate herself in the process. "The expert speakers and various presentations which I was fortunate enough to partake in were helpful beyond words."

"I look forward to many more years of involvement with PARO in various aspects and in seeing more wonderful women benefit from this terrific organization."

Mary Jane Sussko

Migrating from the suburbs of New York City, seeking the solitude offered by the North, Mary Jane settled in the bush country of Northwestern Ontario. Rich with wildlife, endless shoreline to explore, sounds and smells to absorb, it is here where she applied her artistic abilities to create a style of life.

Mary Jane chose self-employment and a home-based business to enjoy the opportunity of raising her two sons. She feels that her sons are her biggest accomplishment, to date.

Her appreciation of the beauty of nature has inspired a theme that is seen not only through her work, but throughout her home as well. Deer can often be seen feeding in the yard with her Great Pyrenees majestically keeping guard. Dried herbs, flowers, and birds' nests adorn the stone fireplace. Collections of shells, antlers, stones, driftwood and other reclaimed items from the woods lay about, waiting to take shape in some new form. Although willow is the primary wood used in the construction of the furniture, other materials are occasionally used for aesthetic or functional purposes. In her studio, Rusticks browse among wind chimes made of copper pipe, driftwood creations, gourd birdhouses, barn board picture frames, framed mirrors, willow wine racks, and wooden baskets or planters of all sizes.

Mary Jane is unaware of anything more rewarding than being able to coexist with nature, create something from it and have it appreciated by others, without destroying it in the process.

Mary Jane first became involved with PARO through the regional Making a Difference Program in Dryden and then entered the Business Accelerator Program to further grow her business: Rusticks, Willow Art and Furniture.

Pam Brown

When Pam first contemplated starting a business, she considered many options including a restaurant, a video store, and a book store. She even considered becoming a land lord! At that time, she did not imagine that a kitchen and gift store was in her future.

A life long learner, Pam is always taking new courses and learning about new trends. Her store allows her the opportunity to keep up with new trends and techniques and to share what she has learned with her customers. Her store, Pam's Pantry, is also an outlet for her creative spirit where she can sell top quality kitchenware and a variety of useful and unusual products.

Not one to sit back and relax, Pam has even bigger plans for her store. She is planning to introduce cooking classes, etiquette techniques, a culinary information centre, an improved website and a monthly newsletter. She would also like to expand the store to include a test area and classrooms.

Pam is a community volunteer: she is a member of the Downtown Retail Promotion Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce Events Committee. By becoming involved in planning events, Pam has learned to appreciate all the hard work that volunteers do to make the community a better place. She believes that you can never say enough positive things about volunteers or give them all the thanks they deserve.

Through running her business, she has learned that if there is something that you want, you should make sure to follow the right channels as it makes for a speedier result.

"If it wasn't for the encouragement of my friends and family, my store would not have made such an impact. I have to thank my husband for believing that, 'you should try things, never let opportunities pass you by.'"

Photo - PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise

FedNor's Director General, Louise Paquette (left), congratulates Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director, PARO, on her organization's continued growth and success during a women's networking event in Dryden on Tuesday, October 23, 2007. The PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise is a not-for-profit organization that facilitates business development programs, provides business counselling for women, and oversees the successful lending circle network in the Atikokan, Superior North, Rainy River and Patricia areas.

Tiina Ahokas – A Youth Intern Success Story

Tiina Ahokas has turned her passion for organic clothing into a thriving, new business in Thunder Bay’s quaint shopping district. Natural Habit, located at 279 Bay Street, is a bright, trendy store where customers are encouraged to choose environmentally friendly and sustainably produced clothing. The store features the creations of local and Canadian designers, using fabrics made from hemp, bamboo, soy and organic cotton. The collection includes clothing for men, women and children.

So how does a Biology/Geography graduate from Lakehead University wind up a partner in a new retail business? According to Ahokas, her experience as a FedNor Youth Intern with Thunder Bay Ventures, a Community Futures Development Corporation, helped set her on the path to success.

Since 1997, the FedNor Youth Internship Program has provided recent post-secondary graduates with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to acquire the necessary experience and skills to secure permanent employment in Northern Ontario. In Ahokas’ case, she gained an appreciation for small business and community economic development, and made important contacts that would help her realize her dream. When the seed for a business idea began to germinate, the Thunder Bay resident knew exactly where to turn for help.

“I had worked with the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise when I was at Thunder Bay Ventures, so I felt comfortable approaching them for help,” explained Ahokas.

The not-for-profit organization, also supported by FedNor, provides business counselling and start-up support for women. Ahokas was eligible for help through PARO’s Gateway program that provides critical business plan development, counselling, online training, and financial assistance for women on employment insurance, helping them become self-employed.

“Like a lot of women, she did her homework, thoroughly researching all aspects of the business before taking the big leap and that’s evident in the location she’s chosen, said Royden Potvin, Manager, Thunder Bay Ventures. “The Bay area is a mecca for tourists and visitors seeking unique retail and dining experiences.”

In fact, its prime location is the reason why Ahokas and her business partner, Andrew Lower, chose the former chainsaw outlet, which had fallen into disrepair. After much hard work and many long hours, Natural Habit is where they hope to carve a niche in the market, helping others make wise choices part of their natural habit.

Valerie’s Extended Wear

Marathon, Ontario

At the young age of 27, Valerie Tymryk is already a successful entrepreneur, accomplished business women and an inspiration to all. Not only does she own and operate her own lucrative brick and mortar plus size retail store in Marathon, she has also added an online shop for the benefit, ease and comfort of all of her customers anywhere in Canada, especially those in rural, remote or northern communities.

Valerie’s Extended Wear caters to women size 14 and up as well as men waist size 44 and up by offering a variety of clothing styles and fashion lines from outer wear to undergarments. But Valerie will be the first to tell you that she is offering more than just great fitting, fashionable clothing. Since opening her shop in January 2006, Valerie has seen the emergence of plus size women coming out of their shells. At first, Valerie said, women would come into my shop dressed in black hoping that no one would notice them, but gradually over time the women began to feel more comfortable in their own skin. “I'm hoping my positive attitude and my plus size art collection will show plus sized women that there is nothing wrong with being big and that they shouldn't be hiding themselves,” exclaimed Valerie in one of our recent chats.

Although Valerie’s background is in Computer Networking, she could sense the need in Marathon for beautiful plus size fashions and with the help of the Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneurship Program she was able to fulfill the dream she had as a young girl when she first told her mother that she was going to be a business woman.

PARO has been thrilled and honoured to be able to support and encourage Valerie’s endeavors by connecting her with other women entrepreneurs in her community through workshops and on-going access to individual business counseling.

Valerie Tymryk

2 Ontario Street, Suite 5

Marathon, Ontario P0T 2E0

Phone: 807-229-8354 e-mail: valext@shawbiz.ca

NORVISTA ART CENTRE

Visions of Northwestern Ontario

My name is Laura Lea Wergin-Comeau. I was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The job I held in Wisconsin was the onsite IDX IS systems coordinator for a 21 provider physicians clinic. I married John L. Lawrence Comeau of Marathon and immigrated to Canada in Fall of 2004. I have always been an artist and have been involved in art exhibitions all of my adult life. I have been in juried exhibitions all over Wisconsin, so the move to owning an Art Center was an easy choice to make.

When I first moved to Marathon I was struck by the quality of artwork being produced in this town. Because the artists did not have an avenue by which to display or promote their artwork, I approached two other local women to form Marathon Artists Partnership, to organize the artists in the area and help make us more visible in January 2006. The next natural progression from this was to open up NorVista Art center in May 2006 providing a space in which all the fine-artists to display their work.

My primary goal is to provide art education opportunities for the community, to promote the artists of Marathon and the region, and form a tie-in to the tourism industry. I joined the Marathon Tourism Action Committee to learn and understand this aspect of the business. NorVista means North View - we use the slogan 'Visions of Northwest Ontario' for our mailings.

NorVista Art displays photography, oils, watercolors, acrylics, wood carvings, handmade jewelry and stained glass pieces on consignment. The art is rotated every 120 days to keep the exhibit fresh. Because I provide space for the artists to teach, I also carry fine art supplies. We recently added a small custom framing business within the center to help meet the artists’ needs in displaying their work properly. The local art club is now using Norvista on Sundays for their workshops and painting socials. I was recently elected president of Marathon Artists Partnership and have approached the city regarding adding an arts festival to the annual summer music festival this year. I just learned that the MAP members were given the go ahead by city council for the Fine arts/artisans portion of the Marathon Music festival and we are currently working on that venue for the first weekend in June (there is lots to be done!!!).

I now wear three hats, wife, business owner and president of the Art group. The biggest challenge has been learning all the ins and outs of running a business as a sole proprietor in such a short time period. The second biggest challenge I have faced is educating the community about the art center. Handling so much has been made possible by the outreach of PARO, offering business counselling, bookkeeping training and providing business oriented workshops and the support of the women of this community who are involved with the art here.

Laura Lea Wergin Comeau
Norvista Art Center
PO Box 681 Marathon, On P0T 2E0
807-229-5507

NOW Press Conference, Friday May 26th

Fueling Connections

Northern Opportunities for Women: "NOW" A Regional Outreach and Awareness Development Initiative

This week, Laura Diamond, PARO’s Regional Development Coordinator of the Northern Opportunities for Women project (NOW on the Road) traveled East, with our Women’s Enterprise Centre Business Counselors to Nipigon, Red Rock, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Longlac and Geraldton. It was an interesting partnership building, and information gathering experience. We look forward to the next PARO on Wheels trip which will be June 6th and 7th to Atikokan, Fort Frances , Kenora and Dryden. More details coming soon!

A big thank you to all who came out and supported our Official Launch and Press Conference for the “Northern Opportunities for Women” or NOW Project last Friday. As the pictures show, it was a huge success.

On Wednesday, your NOW representative attended an “Income Security Reform Workshop” hosted by the Income Security Advocacy Centre and the Thunder Bay Economic Justice Committee. Several models that are being considered for proposal to the new Minister of Community and Social Services, Madeleine Meilleur, were discussed. Ms. Meilleur has indicated that reforming social assistance will be one of her first priorities. Subject matter included: political context for First Nations, how the proposed Child Benefit should be delivered and identifying core principles to be used to evaluate the reform proposals. The group was very involved and came up with some proactive suggestions that the organizers will be considering when approaching the issue. We’ll keep you posted on how these new reforms may affect women and their families and how you can become involved. For some background information you can go to www.omssa.com or www.dailybread.ca. The website www.torontoalliance.ca also has information. Look for the MISWAA Report.

If you want to start a PARO Circle , or if you have some ideas on how the NOW project can continue bringing PARO’s services to you locally and regionally, please contact sandraw@paro.ca or ldiamond@paro.ca.

Look at us NOW. We look forward to meeting you!

NOW is a new project at PARO, provided in partnership with the North Superior Training Board and designed to bridge the gap to employment and training for women in the Northwestern Ontario region. This project is funded by the Trillium Foundation.

FedNor announces PARO funds April 27, 2006
001press27apr2006
L-R Frances Talarico (Program Administrator), Joni Sharkey (Loans Officer),
Debbie Squier-Bernst (Business Consultant, Bobby Jo Chenier (Business Consultant),
Lorraine Lortie-Krawczuk (President of PARO Board),
Louise Paquette (Director General of FedNor)
and Rosalind Lockyer (Executive Director PARO Centre)

Alice Sabourin Louise Paquette
Alice Sabourin (Beedaubin Resources) Louise Paquette (Director General of FedNor)

L-R Lois Nuttall ( Lake Superior Visits) &
Levina Collins (Economic Development Project Coordinator, Nipigon)

PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise believes that an investment in the growth and development of women-owned businesses will translate to wealth and job creation leading to sustainable and healthy communities for Northwestern Ontario . For close to twelve years, PARO has developed innovative and effective programs and supports to stimulate and nurture women’s enterprise. Through this new in-depth Women’s Enterprise Centre program, FedNor’s support will increase opportunities for women living in the North.

The intent of the Women’s Enterprise Centre program is to offer more business development services to more women in Northwestern Ontario on a more regularly scheduled basis. A comprehensive in-depth entrepreneurial training program will be designed specifically for northern women to provide integrated services with access to:

Business development training and services
Innovative e-learning opportunities to help break down isolation
Power Panels (expert advisors on special topics)
Networking Opportunities and Events
Counseling/Mentoring/Consulting (in person, on- line, telephone)
Financing (PARO Peer lending groups, working with partnering CFDC’s, and local banks, developing connections to Angel investors)
Investigation of new Markets (joint ventures, government contracts and international markets)

But mostly it will put “ PARO on Wheels”, a traveling van offering a visible, mobile information and training service for women living in outlying regional communities, visiting their home communities on a regular basis. Developing partnerships to provide linkages to more services will also be an important component of this program. This is a program that was asked for by regional and local women attending our strategic planning sessions and events for the last few years. PARO is very happy that this vision will become a reality with this program.

The support of FedNor for this program is essential to its success, and very much appreciated.

This project is supported by Industry Canada / Fednor FedNor Logo

Media Links:

PARO WEC Press Release
(Microsoft Word .doc file)

Chronicle Journal Article April 27, 2006 - PARO on a roll

Thunder Bay News Source - FedNor announces PARO funds

Caramat Star Newspaper Article:
"PARO" BRINGS A HELPING HAND TO NORTHERN BUSINESS WOMEN
- About Angyline Millar's participation in PARO's Accelerator Program.

Angyline Millar

2005

While mining companies large and small are spending millions of dollars prospecting for gold in Northern Ontario, Rosalind Lockyer thinks she has found the mother load. "Women are the hidden gold in the North," says Lockyer, co-founder and executive director of PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise.

The untapped human resource will move the region's economy forward, she adds. Through times of crisis, history has proven women bring enough intestinal fortitude to drive towns, cities, regions and even countries out from the economic muck to the well-travelled road of success, she says.
Read this article: http://www.influentialwomen.ca/2005/NOBIW_Content_Winners_detail.asp?view=6857
& read overall awards review (download .pdf file here)

Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce 2005
Employee of the Year Award
Lori Wychopen Morin

Lori is a Business Development Trainer
with PARO's "Making a Difference Program"
http://www.tb-chamber.on.ca/index.asp?pg=awards

On September 21, 2005, Toronto's professional community came out in strong support of the 12th Annual Professional Breakfast of the Canadian Women's Foundation.
http://www.cdnwomen.org/eng/7/7s.asp

The Annual Professional Breakfast has raised a cumulative total of more than $1 million for Canadian Women's Foundation's work to help low-income women and the families they support become economically self-sufficient. Alice Sabourin of Thunder Bay is one of the many women who have been helped through the programs funded with money raised through the Breakfast. Sabourin planned and launched her own business, Beedaubin Design and Resources, with help from the Accelerator program at Thunder Bay's PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise, funded by Canadian Women's Foundation.

"I am most grateful for the help to leap into a dimension where I'm not limited in what I can become," says Sabourin.

A Special Edition of Making Waves magazine - Summer/Autumn 2005
http://www.cedworks.com/waves.html

Systemic Change, One Step at a Time
by Rosalind Lockyer, Maggie Milne, & Marina Robinson
The genius of the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise lies in its ability to develop programs that channel public and charitable funds towards the diverse needs of women in northern Ontario. PARO is the quintessential (and essential) intermediary. It connects up resources with the know-how peculiar to front-line practitioners and to the community sector's research institutions. Read this article (download .pdf file here)

COMMUNITY STORIES - 2005
PARO Presents, Women-Centered Social Purpose Enterprise, Northern Style
By Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director, PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise

PARO Presents, a social purpose enterprise, has many reasons for being. It exists to harness the engine of consumerism for the social good, for sharing, for working together, and for enhancing the spirit of community. PARO has a long history of bringing together women to work with each other and to work with diverse partnerships, funders, and networks. Across the North, PARO has built successful integrated programs, and CEDTAP has been a significant partner in this story.
Read this article: http://www.carleton.ca/cedtap/stories/paro_en.htm

The Ontario Women’s Directorate (OWD) recently hosted province-wide training, delivered by Eko Nomos Program Development Consultants, for women’s centres participating in the OWD’s Investing in Women’s Futures program. This training provided a framework and tools for program development to support women in creating sustainable livelihoods.

Photo of the women who participated in the province-wide training hosted by the Ontario Women's Directorate OWD’s Sustainable Livelihoods training event, March 30-April 1, 2005 (Toronto)
http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/owd/

Launch of PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
Date: 8-Sep-2004
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Launch for PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise and New Accelerator Program, 110-105 N. May Street, Thunder Bay, ON

Full description:
PARO is growing again. Join us for the Launch of PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise and find out about the New Accelerator Program - New for Women In Business - "Are YOU ready"?.

THUNDERING WOMEN FESTIVAL CREATES LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES - June 2004
http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/index.php

Imagine the likes of Canadian legends Susan Aglukark, Cathy Jones, or Sylvia Tyson mentoring Northwestern Ontario performers about how to make it in the biz. Working side by side on stage, or participating in one of 18 Learning Tents, artists, performers and artisans will have the opportunity to learn the best from the best at the first "Thundering Women Festival". Developed by PARO, the Festival is being staged in the new Chippewa Park on June 25, 26, 27 2004 in Thunder Bay Ontario. Under the guise of an entertainment-packed weekend, northern communities will see the impact of two years of growing and learning. Our artistically-bent women entrepreneurs will have gained a life-time of experience and formed life-long relationships which will “boom” on long after the curtain falls.
Read this article: (download .pdf file) http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/downloads/clife/paro_twf.pdf