Businesses are the economic backbone of our communities and the Southwest Business and Entrepreneur’s Expo coming up in Kola next week features a strong program with speakers and features that will resonate with business people from agriculture to technology, from oilfield service to home-based enterprises.
With nine speakers lined up, organizer Tiffany Cameron is excited about the day’s events and says, “It will be a great event, full of information and inspiration. We welcome anyone to come listen to our keynote, Kim McConnell and enjoy the other speakers.”
There will be lots to see at the Expo.
“We will have displays from our sponsors from Winnipeg, all our partner municipalities, and local businesses.”
Every year the business pitch competition presents feedback to the businesses fielding their entrepreneurial ideas before an expert panel. Eight businesses have registered this year. Judges for the
JUDGES
Whitney Moir, with North Forge Technology Exchange, has 10 years of leadership and management experience with a goal to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Liza Park brought energy to economic development in Virden, worked with the RM of Deloraine-Winchester and now works with Rural Manitoba Economic Development.
Bill Hogan is the Executive Director of Community Futures Westman and has owned two businesses.
Paul Keefe is the business advisor with the World Trade Centre Winnipeg. He began as a personal trainer, started his own consulting business and is passionate about helping small businesses.
SPEAKERS
Nine speakers with diverse backgrounds and skills include Kim McConnell, the founder and former CEO of AdFarm, one of the largest agri-food marketing communications firms in North America.
Scott Kasprick has a 25-year design and marketing career. He’s helped large and small businesses launch branded websites, social media and email marketing campaigns. He established a Brandon business, Reaxion Graphics nearly 16 years ago.
Kola Oloko is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. He’s had a career in consulting and banking and is now Business Analyst with Community Futures Westman.
Crystal Buhler is a Chartered Professional Accountant. She founded debtfreenorth.com and has over 10 years experience in insolvency, working with both a national firm and a boutique insolvency firm.
Stephen Sutherland is a dynamic and engaging speaker. He’s an experienced Mental Health Clinician and educator who has worked in the post-secondary and the non-profit sector in Canada the USA.
Tara Maksymetz and Carla Vanwart are Liaison Officers for Canada Revenue Agency who specialize in working with small businesses. They help self-employed people understand how to manage their tax obligations.
Sara Corrigal with Southwest Strength in Melita brings over 10 years of knowledge and experience with the health and fitness industry.
Kim Richardson is the owner and operator of Lucky Break Ranch where she looks after a variety of life changing programs and workshops – all equine based. She’s a qualified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. With riding lessons and trail rides as well, she has made Lucky Break Ranch a Manitoba Tourist Attraction.
Tiffany Cameron, Expo organizer, economic development professional and co-owner of Ice Cream Island in Virden is a visionary with practical know-how.
At the Southwest Business & Entrepreneur Expo you can hear these speakers, peruse the displays and see the business pitches.
Lunch will be available, included in the event registration. Cameron says you can register ahead, but walk-in registrations will be accepted that day – Feb. 8, in Kola, at the Mennonite Church Hall.
