Our sincerest congratulations to the following members:
 
Eileen Libby of MacPherson, Leslie and Tyerman LLP, was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench and also the new President of the Law Society of Saskatchewan. 

Sheila Unique  now has a live radio show on 91.3 FM CJTR, Regina Community Radio, her show will air every Thursday live at 11:00 am. Energetically Speaking, hosted by Shelia Unique will focus on the energy in the body and how it impacts on what we say, what we do and its relationship with the body. 

Shelley Brown of Deloitte. was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network. 

Kim Weimer of Fastener Warehouse Ltd. was chosen as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network. 


Information from the March/April Bulletin, Volume 15 Issue 2

2009 Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan
Member of the Year Awards

Emerging Business

Congratulations to Rachel Mielke, this year's recipient of the Women Entrepreneurs Member of the Year Award for Emerging Business. Rachel started her business, Hillberg & Berk in 2007. Located in Regina she has recieved national and international attention being the only Canadian jewellery designer to be invited to the pre-Oscar gifting lounge in Los Angeles. She was featured on CBC's Dragons' Den where she pitched her jewellery designs and gained one fo the Dragons, W. Brett Wilson as an investor. This attention has contributed to tremendous growth for the company within the last year. Her company designs, manufactures, wholesales, and retails high end-end jewellery. The company vision is to become the premier name in the high-end designer jewellery marketplace and to be one of the major players in the global market. The jewellery designed by Rachel is both versatile and sophisticated, made with freshwater pearls, semi-precious and precious gem-stones. She is growing her business nationally breaking into the eastern Canadian market with future plans to penetrate even more internationally. Not only is she growing her jewellery collection worldwide, but she also plans to use her business success to inspire others with a professional speaking career.

Rachel Mielke, Hillberg & Berk being presented Emerging Business Award by Michelle Robstad on behalf of RBC Royal Bank.  

Existing Business

Congratulations to Pat Katz of Optimus Consulting, one of the recipients of the 2009 Women Entrepreneurs Member of the Year Awards for an Existing Business. Pat began her business over 23 years ago and like many working women, she was managing a young family while balancing a career. The desire to have more flexibility moved her to launch her business. While working part time she began her educational consulting business and within 2 years the business became full time. Through her speaking, training and consulting services this entrepreneur helps groups and individuals find ways to reduce the overload and stress in the workplace. She is the author of several publications and books about finding balance, organization and productivity. Her business has grown over the years and the secret to her success is she remains true to her vision and she continues to be in touch with her market. She has three keys to her marketing strategy: Delivery Excellence, Original Content, and Professional Presentation. She is aware of and sees key opportunities for growth in the business.

Laura Small, Shelley Chrunik of BDC presenting Existing Business of the Year to Pat Katz with Optimus Consulting.

Congratulations to Kim Weimer of Fastener Warehouse, the next recipient of the Member of the Year Award for Existing Business. Kim began her business in 1994 and has gone on to become a major Canadian supplier of industrial fasteners. By offering quick turnaround for customers and the ability to locate hard to find products, in 15 years this company has become a leader in many areas. Utilizing strategies for empowering employees has helped maintain excellent customer service. These success factors have allowed the company to enjoy low employee turnover and the ability to secure larger contracts. Over the years, the business has grown to provide nuts, bolts, U-bolts, abrasives and other machinery parts to the Prairie Provinces, Ontario, North Dakota, Lebanon and Brazil. With future plans to expand into the United States and open locations in Alberta and Regina, revenues continue to reach record highs and they are set for continued growth.

Laura Small, Shelley Chrunik of BDC presenting Existing Business of the Year to Kim Weimer of Fastener Warehouse.