Women in Business 2023

WOMEN BUSINESS IN

The COVID-19 pandemic put a tremendous strain on every aspect of daily life in the Tri-Cities But as restrictions ease, along with fear about the virus, we can pause to reflect

Leading the way to deal with the challenges of the past three years have been women entrepreneurs They have the skills and drive to support our community through bold action

As we all celebrate International Women’s Day, the annual Tri-City News Women in Business section looks at these efforts, as well as how women are changing the face of the business world through innovation

This special feature shines a bright light on women who are leaders in their businesses and who are making a big difference in the community We celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women

Celebrate International Women’s Day with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce for its annual celebration on Monday, March 6th

The event will recognize the gains that women have made in gender equity and the men who have supported and encouraged the change Attend to connect, inspire, and empower with peers from your community

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023 | 9AM – 12PM

WESTWOOD PLATEAU GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PRESENTED BY

Our team at Glacier Media ( Tri-City News, Burnaby Now and New West Record ) left to right: Noelle Chan, Tanya Kalra, Neeta Dhillon, Tierra Noble, Brenda Coulbourn, Vipan Aulakh, Cynthia Hendrix, Denise Haywood, Jennifer Kastelein, Vicki Magnison, Nicole Velasquez, Lara Graham (Publisher), and Nicole Young. MARIO BARTEL PHOTO

WOMEN BUSINESS IN COQUITLAM | PORT COQUITLAM | PORT MOODY

Councillor Nancy McCurrach

Elected as a Port Coquitlam city Councillor in 2018, She has been an inspiring advocate for policy change on gender equity and was the driving force behind bringing free menstrual products to civic facilities in Port Coquitlam Nancy was the recipient of the 2021 United Way Labour Appreciation Community Service Award recipient and was recognized for her work with gender equity both civically and nationally, as an elected official and community leader

Nancy created a Scholarship that supports female immigrants and refugees with their post-secondary studies, this award is offered through the Soroptimists of the Tri-Cities where Nancy continues to volunteer, an organization of women helping women and girls to be their best

After 31 years of service in the telecommunication industry, she was recognized with the TELUS Legend Award – the highest recognition a TELUS team member can achieve!

Nancy McCurrach (Port Coquitlam)

Good Dog

Good Dog is a women-owned local business that has been in operation for 14 years! Owners Heather and Vanessa are dedicated to not only ensuring that their daycare, boarding, training and grooming services are the highest standards for their doggy guests, but they also provide a nurturing and positive workplace for their staff Along with raising their own human children, they faced challenges of business ownership during the pandemic and now are staying ahead of their rapid growth into three locations (with the newest Rocky Point location being built right now and open late this Spring!) Being a beacon of positivity and guidance for their amazing team, as well as treating each client and dog as an extension of their own family, these women in business hope to inspire the next generation to follow their passions in life

604-968-4563

email: mccurrachn@portcoquitlam.ca

Michelle Bailey

Michelle Bailey is the proud owner of Qualicare Home Care Tri-Cities Qualicare provides caregivers, companions, home helpers, and nurses to seniors and people of all ages that require extra help in their homes Qualicare caregivers will do anything and everything their clients need to live the life they want to live in their homes This can include tasks like personal care and hygiene, homemaking, meal prep and cooking, grocery shopping, companionship, exercising and leisure activities, skilled nursing, and transportation to errands and appointments Michelle and her team have been credited with helping hundreds of families with care and home management needs for their loved ones since 2016

Qualicare’s amazing leadership team consists of Scheduling Coordinators Vida and Veronica, and Care Coordinator Aaron, LPN Together, they lead and mentor over 70 fantastic caregivers Michelle is proud of the reputation Qualicare has built of being a reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable home care provider for seniors in the Tri-Cities community

Qualicare is proud to have been voted as both Tri-Cities and Maple Ridge A-List finalists for 2 consecutive years, as well as winning the Franchise of the Year award in 2022, and the Better Together award in 2021

Michelle is happy to answer your questions about any type of senior care that you may be considering and will provide you with the information and resources you need to make the best decisions about the right type of care for your family Give her a call, she is always happy to chat

Laura Cindric and Alayna Stewart

604-726-5666 Port Coquitlam | Port Moody (coming soon) www.gooddog.ca

Thoma Doehring

Tri-City Paint & Design has been in the community for 30 years!

It is with mixed emotions that we have decided to close our brick-andmortar store

The Tri-Cities has seen this family through hard times, celebrated the good and been a part of our extended family It has seen Thoma’s kids grow up - she had customers that were the parents of her kid’s school/dance mates Now that generation is buying paint for their 1st child’s room

But we’re not done yet!

You will still be able to access their 30 years of experience Thoma and Co Designs still offers full-service design for your home, including window coverings, and kitchen/bathroom renovations

After 30 years of transforming your houses into homes, we are still doing this colourful work

604-341-6164 I thoma@shaw ca www.ThomaandCo.ca

30Minute Hit, is a fast growing high-intensity fitness concept that offers a fun, fast-paced, and convenient boxing and kickboxing circuit for women in just 30 minutes Two locations in the Tri-Cities - 30 Minute hit Port Coquitlam and Port Moody have been inspiring and empowering women to lead healthier and happier lives for over 16 years Our no-class time schedule allows members to workout whenever is most convenient for them, allowing members with even the most hectic schedules to find time for fitness A certified trainer is always there to encourage, inspire and help our members achieve their goals while also creating a non-intimidating atmosphere for women to learn real skills We cater to all ages, fitness levels and have a free kid friendly area at all locations

We are so proud of the community we have built within our Hits over the years When a day at the office consists of meeting, laughing, and making an impact in someone’s life through health and fitness it is extremely rewarding and we feel lucky to be a part of their journey’s We help our members work out their stress, focus on themselves and build a healthy foundation, both physically and mentally Book a free trial and see what women in

Testimonials:

the Tri-Cities are talking about!

30 Minute Hit has been recognized by the Canadian Franchise Association and the Franchise Business Review as a Top Franchise in 2023

Best workout around! 30 intense minutes and you are done and feel great! Love all the trainers! Friendly and fun and know how to kick butt!

- Tawyna

I joined in mid December and I’m not exaggerating when I say it is life changing This group of ladies are so encouraging, positive and overall amazing Great workout for 30 minutes but it is so much more than just physical fitness, it is mental fitness! So easy with schedules, kids and everything else life has to offer Also with all the new safety measures I have never felt unsafe working out! Love this place, highly recommend it!

- Charlene

Councillor

WOMEN BUSINESS IN COQUITLAM | PORT COQUITLAM | PORT MOODY

KERI & LAURA

Sisters Keri and Laura have been resurfacing sundecks together for over 11 years Keeping it all in the family their father, a spouse, and friends combine to make up the hardworking NewPort Dry Deck Team

Keri and Laura were frustrated that deck recoating only lasted a short time After a lot of research, they found a better solution They discovered polyurethane deck coatings

The family was pleased that they could seal around wooden railing posts and bond to the stucco siding, without it having to be removed They even coat concrete! The sisters decided that homeowners, like them, would want a coating that would first and foremost, be waterproof as well as long lasting After resurfacing decks for friends, word started to spread and NewPort Dry Deck was born!

Keri and Laura take a lot of pride knowing family homes will remain protected

Adina Diaconu

WESTPRO is celebrating 5 years in business this year! Founder and Physiotherapist, Adina continues to grow the premier physio and massage clinic in the Tri-Cities Adina won the Young Entrepreneur Spike Award this past year, and WESTPRO was a finalist in two other categories - Best Business in Port Moody and Inclusive Excellence in 2022! Adina and her team of Physiotherapists

and Massage Therapists, all have one unified goal: to help our community live healthy, pain-free lives by providing quality 1-on-1 care If you find yourself in pain or need expert guidance to reach your mobility goals, the professionals at WESTPRO can help! This year, put your health first and come see our bright and welcoming clinic in the heart of Port Moody

from the elements for well over 20 years Their deck surfaces last and last Every year they replace hundreds of worn out vinyl and fiberglass decks with their unique waterproof coating: OmegaDeck a water based, troweled on polyurethane coating It’s seamless, easy to clean, and it doesn’t rip, tear or stain

“I love doing the estimates, booking the jobs, then having my sister and crews work their magic Whether it’s the deck, stairs, railings, or concrete entrances, the transformations are beautiful! We are passionate about what we do and it shows Getting to work with my family is the bonus” says Keri Belanger, Owner Nomaintenance, seamless, durable DecksthatLast, andLast!

604-256-1158 info@newportdrydeck.com www.NewPortDryDeck.com

Sherry Blamey

Unit 1 - 3130 St Johns Street, Port Moody www.westprophysio.com @westprophysio

Spraggs Law

Leaders in the Community for over 50 years, Spraggs Law supports Women in Business

Jessica Spraggs practices in the area of employment law, providing effective and supportive advice to her clients and takes a thoughtful and practical approach to ensure the best outcome Rachel Rabinovitch is a Human Resources Consultant and provides HR consulting services for small to mid-size businesses on a wide range of human resources matters As Chief Operations Officer, Jennifer Lawrence leads the firm to success, allowing each team member to function in top form for their clients Together Jessica, Jennifer and Rachel exemplify strong women leadership in business

This long-time Port Moody resident has been working in the financial industry for over 25 years Sherry’s passions include, people, planning and numbers She enjoys working hard to share the knowledge and experience she has gained over the years to help others Being a mother of three, she believes in empowering and educating youth, which is why she is a volunteer for Junior Achievement Seeing how unprepared many adults are on financial matters encourages her to start discussions on saving and investing as early as possible to help build ‘good habits’ with money

Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional (CFP®), Sherry’s clients enjoy the benefits of professional investment advice that is tailored to support short- and long-term financial goals by designing portfolios within appropriate levels of risk Sherry also provides support and guidance around specific financial events that her clients face throughout their lives It is hard to find a topic or experience that she hasn’t been through with a client over her career

“There is so much information out there these days I help you determine what is important and relative to you!”

Sherry is a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Fellow of the Securities Institute (FCSI®), which is the highest honor in Canadian financial services which is reserved for an exclusive group of financial professionals who demonstrate unparalleled leadership, integrity, commitment and dedication to their clients and industry

Senior Wealth Advisor

iA Private Wealth 7th Floor, 609 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5

T: 604-895-3331/1-800-665-2030 x 3331

Sherry.blamey@iaprivatewealth.ca

www.greenhavenprivatewealth.com

Ronnie Hough RID, CSP

EVERY GREAT DESIGN STARTS WITH YOUR STORY

After 30 years of designing amazing spaces, I still feel excited every time I work with a client on a new project Working together to tell your personal story through design is always a rewarding opportunity to create spaces that

reflect your family, lifestyle, and personal vision

I look forward to helping you bring your story to life

Two time winner of Georgie award Radioshow host and guest speaker

#202 - 1030 Westwood St., Coquitlam

604-464-3333

enquiries@spraggslaw com

www.spraggslaw.ca

Jennifer Lawrence Rachel Rabinovitch

Jessica Spraggs

WOMEN BUSINESS IN COQUITLAM | PORT COQUITLAM | PORT MOODY

Denise McIntosh

Denise McIntosh established Genesis Kitchens in 2007 after being part of the design industry since 1994 She enjoys an active presence within the community by supporting local sports teams, multiple charities, and the Austin Heights Business Improvement Association Although Denise originally specialized in Architectural Millwork, she discovered her true passion lay in kitchen design Her dream was to create a company that took the evolution of the kitchen from design concept to a finished product that clients can enjoy and appreciate for years to come Genesis Kitchens & Design is a full-service design center that offers full design services, specialized indoor kitchen, outdoor kitchen, and bathroom cabinetry drawings, as well as supplying cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, tiles, and flooring They are known for creating beautiful, functional living spaces throughout the Greater Vancouver area Genesis Kitchens offers a complimentary consultation where they combine their client’s esthetic choices, needs, and lifestyle within the function of their space

Denise is not stopping there she has now brought on three Outdoor Kitchen cabinet lines

and is excited to take the functionality and design of the Indoor Kitchen outside! She has also opened a sister Company

“Inside Out Kitchens” in Penticton and services the south Okanagan region as well as greater Vancouver Your lifestyle and needs are important to Denise and her team From project start to finish Genesis Kitchens & Designs and Inside Out kitchens ensure every detail is considered, so they can provide the most accurate price quotes, the most suitable products, and offer design suggestions to make your Indoor Kitchens, Outdoor Kitchens, or other living spaces come to life

1037 Ridgeway Avenue, Coquitlam 604.937.7336 www.genesiskitchens.ca

Nancy Gattey

IIn business over 20 years, Creekside Fashions has gained a reputation for providing irresistible fashions, great fit along with exceptional customer service Nancy Gattey, owner of the Boutique, has spent over four decades in the Fashion Industry

“We genuinely care about our customers We want them to look great and feel even better!” The store carries an assortment of quality brands to offer you a selection of both casual and special occasion styles and a focus on products “Made in Canada” “When we select brands we carry we always look for designs that pay tribute to a woman’s body because we value quality, great style, comfort and a flattering fit” In store you will find an outstanding selection from Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman Designs, Sympli, Tribal Fashion, FDJ French Dressing Jeans, Gilmour, Parkhurst Sweaters, Brighton Collectibles, Michael Kors and more!

Check out the Creekside Fashions Facebook and Instagram pages for a great overview of what’s happening in the store You can watch a live fashion show Friday at 10am every week!

“If you are in the area, we welcome you to drop in and visit us at the store, but if not, we welcome you to browse through our website and become part of the Creekside family! We are dedicated to helping you find the perfect items to fit your body type and

Nicole Parsons

Windsor Plywood is a locally owned and operated Family business Nicole has spent her life immersed in the home improvement industry and has worked as a part of the family business for the past 25 years In that time she has seen many changes in not only the industry but also in her customers Women are responsible for over 90% of the purchasing decisions in a family and that is evident by the foot traffic in the store Women are a big part of the DIY market It doesn’t matter if you are replacing a lock or renovating an entire house Nicole and her team are experienced, knowledgeable and offer a level of customer service that you will not find anywhere else

2700 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam 604-941-1768 windsorplywoodcoquitlam.ca

Little Gypsy’s Fine Jewelry, Gifts & Gallery started with a giant leap of faith Owner Lydia Podobnik had spent a lifetime creating art whenever she could, with a background in painting, carving wood and stone, and creating one of a kind jewelry, all while working full-time in health care All that changed in 2015 when she made the exciting yet terrifying decision to undertake a complete life change, leaving her full-time job to open a gallery showcasing locally made art and jewelry What started with a hand full of artists aside from Lydia herself has grown to a small space filled to the brim with the creations of over 50 BC artists - everything from jewelry to pottery, paintings, wood and stone carvings, art glass and so much more Lydia has received the A-List Award for Favorite Jewelry Store in Port Moody for the last 4 years in a row, as well as the 2020 award for Arts in Business, all while doing her best to navigate the challenges of the last few years, including increasing her online presence with an updated website along with tackling social media! The gallery also has an ever-expanding metaphysical side to it, featuring healing stones and crystals, smudging items, Tarot and Oracle cards, singing bowls and more, a place to address the spiritual

while dressing up the physical! Thankfully with the support of this amazing community and loyal fans the doors are still open! Lydia would like to thank everyone for their continued support and in helping to keep the arts alive in Port Moody!

49 Queens Street Port Moody, BC 604-931-2662

littlegypsys@shaw.ca

littlegypsysfinejewelry.com

Michelle Law, CFP

lifestyle Whether you’re looking for a new pair of jeans, something for the office, or a beautiful dress for a special occasion, we can help you”

3325 Coast Meridian Road, Port Coquitlam 604-942-8554 info@creeksidefashions.com creeksidefashions.com

My primary goal as a Financial Advisor is to determine what is most important to my clients Through an established process, I build personalized strategies to help clients achieve their financial goals

I take pride in partnering with my clients through their life to help keep them on track

I specialize in retirement plans,

education, preparing for the unexpected and saving money on taxes

I grew up in Poco and established my office nearby in the beautiful city of Pitt Meadows

With my 19 yrs of experience in the Financial Industry, it is my honour to be a woman in business and to be able to build relationships within my community

Lydia Podobnik

Stop by W ndsor Plywood Ask for Nicole and let her know you saw her in Women in Business

WOMEN BUSINESS IN COQUITLAM | PORT COQUITLAM | PORT MOODY

In support of International Women’s Day, Westwood Honda is donating to the Tri-City Soroptimists. They are a volunteer organization aiding women leaving situations of domestic violence and improving the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment. We have collected gently used purses and care packages to donate to the women in need.

Westwood Honda is committed to treating women with the respect they deserve.

From service to sales, the women on our team are pleased to assist the women in our community with all of their automotive needs.

604-461-0633 604-461-8030

2400 Barnet Highway, Port Moody

Network Hearing Health is an independently owned and operated hearing clinic in the Tricities Co-founders Sandra Baker and Grace Shyng are Registered Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Practitioners They are both Clinical Assistant Professors with the UBC School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and actively participate in various professional, community and clinical education activities and committees

Network Hearing opened in September

Meet Sandra Baker & Grace Shyng

2022, and was built with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, particularly for those with hearing, vision and mobility challenges The clinic offers a full range of diagnostic and rehabilitation services, including:

Hearing Assessments (children, adults, seniors)

Hearing Aid services

Earwax removal

Tinnitus Management services

Earplugs for Musicians, Noise and Swimming

Network Hearing is a dream come true for Sandra and Grace They re longtime colleagues, having worked together in various capacities since 1994 With a combined 50 years of clinical experience, they have helped a multitude of clients manage their hearing loss and tinnitus issues through long-term client care relationships As local residents, they’re excited to offer a modern hearing health clinic in the Tri-cities that is true to their values and history together And

Chamber’s Women in Business program helps women succeed

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Women in Business (WIB) Program is composed of accomplished local female professionals, emerging leaders, and young self-starters The WiB Committee is responsible for the advocacy, motivation, encouragement, development and strengthening of women’s talents and leadership in the Tri-Cities They seek to bring together women and those who self-identify as women to further their success

Through various events designed to encourage meaningful connections, education, personal development, leadership skills, strategic thinking, assertiveness, self-awareness and mentorship, the WiB Committee strives for the success of all women

The committee members are entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators They are Vivien Symington (Chair), Hema Bhatt, Carrie Bokser, Lora Covinha, Navdeep Duggal, Adozinda Ferreira, Sandra J Horton, Shelley Linn, Claire MacLean, Rihana Peiman, Gauri Ratna, and Fatma Taha

Their goal is to connect women in our community with other businesswomen, supporters and collaborators to further their achievements and reach their goals

“Together, the Tri-Cities Chamber and the WiB Committee are passionate about supporting the

emotional, financial, mental, and physical strength of women in the Tri-Cities and work together to build a community in which women thrive,” says Vivien Symington, Chair, Tri-Cities Chamber Women in Business “Women have an enormous impact on economic success and are imperative to the continued prosperity, here locally, provincially and beyond”

Join us as we celebrate International Women’s Day at Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club on March 8 over a delicious brunch buffet with inspiring speeches, a panel discussion, and open networking We are excited to have Shachi Kurl, President, Angus Reid Institute as our keynote speaker We also are thrilled to welcome our panelists, Dr Indira Samarasekera, first woman president of the University of Alberta and Dr Martha Piper, first woman president of the University of British Columbia, co-authors of NERVE: Lessons in Leadership from Two Women Who Went First, plus our moderator Paige Petriw, Councillor, City of Port Coquitlam, and CEO, Spotlight Events

Throughout the year, the WiB Program hosts a number of large and small networking, educational, and philanthropic events to provide our members one-of-a-kind opportunities for personal and professional development Check out our WiB events at tricitieschamber com

as women entrepreneurs, caring mothers, female MacGyvers, and downright depend human beings, Sandra and Grace believe t consistent, reliable, client-centred approac key to providing successful hearing health care over the lifetime

Contact them today to see how they exemplify quality hearing health expertise and service Trust matters Experience makes a difference Let Network Hearing help you with your Hearing Health for Life

www.NetworkHearing.ca

Christine Tossa is a highly accomplished Realtor with over 16 years of experience in buying and selling real estate in the Greater Vancouver area She has established herself as a leader in the industry, consistently ranking among the top 10% of all Realtors in Greater Vancouver and being recognized as a favorite Realtor in the Tri-City A List Awards for the past five years Her extensive knowledge of the Tri-Cities and exceptional communication skills make her a valuable resource for her clients Christine’s true passion is empowering women in the industry As a solo Realtor, she is supported by her two female assistants, and together they are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable space for women in real estate She is determined to work with like-minded clients and to embrace the endless possibilities for women in the field For Christine, her work is not just about closing deals, but about creating a positive impact on her clients’ lives by creating smiles and donating a portion of her closing to a charity of her clients choice!

Christine approaches her business with passion, urgency, and kindness, and is dedicated to achieving the best results for her clients If you’re looking for a Realtor who will work with you, not just for you, Christine Tossa and her team of women are the perfect choice

In her personal life, Christine is an avid painter, wildlife enthusiast, reader, and photographer She also actively gives back to her community, as a group sponsor for the Tri Cities Moms group, which supports local women and provides food hampers to those in need She believes in making a positive impact in the lives of those around her

Independently

Remax

Adoz nda Ferreira Carrie Bokser Claire MacLean Fatma Taha Gauri Ratna

Hema Bhatt Lora Covinha Navdeep Duggal Rihana Peiman Sandra Horton Shelley Linn

Vivien Symington (Cha r)

Christine Tossa

BONITAZARRILLO

Canadaʼ s theme for International Womenʼ s Day 2023 is Every Woman Counts. But the reality is that this is still only a hope for too many women in Canada today. Too many women continue to be sidelined by poor pay, multiple jobs, and a lack of choices – in childcare, in education, and even in employment.

Canadaʼ s care economy – which includes the healthcare system – is in crisis. But the care economy is the backbone of Canadaʼ s economy and employs 1 in 5 Canadians. The physical, psychological, and emotional care of people is encompassed by the care economy Without it, society simply cannot function. Care workers – especially nurses – are disproportionately women, especially immigrant and racialized women, who

have been underpaid and undervalued for decades because of gender discrimination. Now is the time for the federal government to step up and end that discrimination. It is time for them to do the work required to improve the working conditions of nurses across this country. We trust our care safety net in Canada, but it has not received the recognition, support, or respect it deserves for a very long time. Whether a Canadian is seeking healthcare, long-term care, childcare, education, dental care, or needs a personal support worker, they expect that quality care will be available, along with the workers, institutions, and systems that enable the delivery of that care.

On this International Womenʼ s Day, I urge the people of Port Moody, Coquitlam, Anmore, and Belcarra, as well as Canadians from coast to coast to coast, to champion the valuable work of nurses and other women in the care economy by calling for better pay and working conditions. When we achieve that, Canadians will know that Every Woman Counts.