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PARO Announces Northern Ontario’s Business Women of 2019 and Celebrates 25 years

THUNDER BAY -- On November 8, 2019, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) celebrated business-women and change-makers throughout Northern Ontario.
PARO

THUNDER BAY -- On November 8, 2019, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) celebrated business-women and change-makers throughout Northern Ontario. Since 1995, PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise has helped thousands of women across Northern Ontario to start, grow or build new business opportunities. The 2019 PAROBiz25th Event and Awards Gala recognized the achievements of women who successfully turned their entrepreneurial ideas into prosperous businesses. The event offered a community of support and brought together like-minded individuals who want to make a positive impact for women in business. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of PARO and its influence across the region.

The 2019 PAROBiz Event kicked off with an inspiring address from the keynote speaker, critically acclaimed Academy Award winner, Cree singer-songwriter, Buffy Sainte-Marie. Known for being a disruptor of the status quo, Sainte-Marie is a pioneer and tireless advocate. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums, in 1982 became the only Indigenous person to win an Oscar and spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. PARO surprised Sainte-Marie, presenting her with a special PARO Inaugural Women’s Voice Award. “Buffy has had a remarkable career and is a true Canadian hero. She is a musical change-maker and a tireless advocate for human rights and the environment. She has inspired so many PARO women and continues to empower women all around the world”, says Lockyer. PARO was honoured to have the opportunity to have Buffy Sainte-Marie as the event’s keynote speaker.

The PAROBiz Annual Event and Awards Gala is designed to encourage investment in women-owned startups and shopping in women-owned businesses. To foster this, the event featured a Pop-Up Market with local products and vendors. PARO featured several workshops hosted by local businesses, including Craft Revival and Wake the Giant, discussing strategies and success stories.

The evening portion of the PAROBiz Annual Event and Awards Gala featured the Awards Gala. PARO’s Founder and CEO, Rosalind Lockyer says, “There are hundreds of PARO women achieving their business dreams in their communities and moving the region forward as change-makers. This year’s winners are role models who represent diverse ages, cultures, and sectors. PARO is thrilled to celebrate 25 years and the value and potential of women in business”. The award recipients are as follows:
-Partner of the Year Award winner, Dan Munshaw the Manager of Supply Management for the City of Thunder Bay, award sponsored by Bay Credit Union
-Circle of the Year Award winner, In-Development Circle comprised of: Kim Cuthbertson, Pam Tallon, Christine Singleton, Myliece Maletta, and Yuk-Sem Won, award sponsored by MNP
-Change-maker Entrepreneur Award winner Lori Paras of The Hub Bazaar, sponsored by Sandi Boucher of Mishkwe Enterprises
-Building Bridges of the Year Award winner Tanja Ruth of Shadows Caring Hands, award sponsored by Perfect Fit Lingerie
-New Business of the Year Award winner Louise McKissick of Maamawi Counselling Centre, award sponsored by Jones & Associates Insurance
-Established Business of the Year Award winner Erin May of the Body Mind Centre, award sponsored by Christina Reder of Christina’s Home and Garden
-Alumni of the Year Award winner Suzan Cooper Rochon of Perfect Fit Lingerie and Fashion, award sponsored by Jennifer Biron of Redhead & The Chef
-Rising Star Award winner Anne-Marie Colanego of Prime Gelato, award sponsored by Shelby Ch’ng of Unveiled Bridal Boutique

Congratulations to all 2019 award winners and nominees and thank you to everyone who attended this year’s event. Special congratulations, to Rosalind Lockyer on 25 years of transformational leadership that has paved the way for women to achieve their dreams.

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