Embrace WEConnect, Get Certified

The Export for Success participants joined women business owners from across the country at the Canadian Briefing here at the WBENC Conference.   Josie Mousseau, Deputy Director, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) did a fantastic job organizing a full agenda that allowed the business owners to network, learn and share best practices on how to leverage business through supplier diversity programs.  WEConnect Canada's Betty Wood and Mary Anderson were present to lend their expertise to both certified and non-certified women business owners. They also welcomed the new President and CEO of WBENC, Pamela Prince-Eason.  The combination of presentations from the Consul General Los Angeles, Shelley LeBrun of TD Canada Bank and round table "speed networking" set the room buzzing with chatter about how to access global supply networks.

The highlight of the afternoon was a presentation by Kenyatta Lewis, Director of Supplier Diversity of MGM Resorts International.  Kenyatta was incredibly engaging, funny and a great source of information for the audience.  With over 62,000 employees, MGM Grand operates a multitude of properties and purchases everything from frozen appetizers to cleaning services. Looking for innovative, sustainable products and services, MGM Grand spends billions of dollars every year.  She encouraged the women business owners to embrace certification through WEConnect Canada.  Several Canadian companies had prearranged meetings with Kenyatta through the Consul General's office in LA and were hoping to access new business through their supplier diversity program.

Another engaging presentation was made by a panel on how to leverage supplier diversity programs through WEConnect certification.  Numerous tips were given by three successful business owners including Ruth Grady, Northern Abrasives, PEI; Leslie Meingast, The Personnel Department, BC, and Stephanie McLarty, REfficient Inc., ON.   They all shared their personal experiences on making connections with Fortune 500 companies and encouraged the women to be persistent in their pursuit of new business.   

The day wrapped up with an International reception with delegates from China, India, UK, Peru and of course Canada. 

- Tanya Priske
Lead Project Manager
wbinortheastern@eastlink.ca
Centre for Women in Business
www.msvu.ca/cwb