OWIT GOALS FOR 2010

• Increase the growth of OWIT worldwide through current chapters as well as bring new countries and regions with new chapters and virtual members into the global network quickly
  
• Leverage the strength of OWIT’s international board and members to promote the value of the organization’s professional and trade network
  
• Utilize technology as an enabler to better communicate and to offer enhanced programming through webinars
  

Return to top

Celebrating OWIT-Toronto’s 10th Anniversary
The OWIT-Toronto Gala was hosted on Nov 4, 2009 at the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville. The Gala celebrates a year of OWIT-Toronto’s success and community. This year, the Gala commemorated OWIT’s 20th anniversary, and the Toronto chapter’s 10th anniversary.

The Gala featured a panel of founding OWIT-Toronto board members to mark the occasion. They were Nazreen Ali, vice-president, P&B Marketing Inc.; Monica Kowal, general counsel, Ontario Securities Commission; Mary Palmer, senior business consultant, Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, investment branch, ICT sector and Betty Penny, president, Penny & Associates Inc. Also featured was Maxine Westaway, executive director, The International Alliance for Women.

Each year, three women are awarded for their enthusiasm, high level of skill and their contribution to women in international trade. Nominations for next year’s gala open May 1. For more information, visit http://www.owit-toronto.ca/.

Joanna Townsend Award for an Export Champion

Kathleen Holland has been dedicated to assisting women-led enterprises expand export markets. Kathleen has participated in not-for-profit organizations such as TFO Canada, Trade Facilitation Office Canada.  TFO Canada actively assists exporters in developing countries.

Kathleen created Design Africa, a brand-led marketing vehicle that supports international market access for product designers and artisanal manufacturers from Africa. Design Africa helps to prepare and place these companies in retailers across North America and Europe.

Kathleen is committed to ensuring the success and potential of women-led companies, as was Joanna Townsend. Kathleen is the recipient of the Joanna Townsend Award for an Export Champion 2009. For more information about Design Africa, please visit www.designafrica.info.  

Woman Exporter Award
Jacqueline Sava is the business mind behind Soak Wash Inc. Since being founded in 2006, Soak is sought after in nine countries outside of Canada including Australia and the United Kingdom.

Jacqueline has also proven to be a committed community member. From actively participating in educational workshops to being a committed OWIT-Toronto volunteer, Jacqueline has devoted much of her time to assisting and encouraging others to reach their potential.

Jacqueline is the recipient of the OWIT-Toronto Woman Exporter Award 2009.  For more information about Soak Wash Inc, please visit www.soakwash.com.

Student in International Trade

Heather Stokes graduated as a top student in Georgian College’s first International Business post-graduate certificate class. Heather completed an eight-month internship as a Commercial Account Representative in the Construction and Manufacturing Department at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, working with international customers in the USA and Mexico.

Proving herself to be a smart and successful woman, Heather was selected as the inaugural candidate for the EDC-FITT (Export Development Canada – Forum for International Trade Training) Internship Program. Currently, Heather helps Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business, offering assistance in three different languages. 

Heather is the recipient of the Student in International Trade Award 2009.

On October 14, 2009, local entrepreneur, Jacqueline Sava entered the Dragon’s Den with her product, Soak. CBC’s The Dragon’s Den invites entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and products to a panel of Canadian business moguls.
In the past three years, Soak has generated $1 million in revenue. Sava hoped to make a deal to expand her business into the United States.

“Amazing entrepreneur,” Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venture Communications and Dragon commended Jacqueline’s ability to create a business with a growing market and potential. “You’ve done incredible things.”
Jacqueline Sava, an MBA graduate from Schulich School of Business, York University, developed Soak Wash Inc. in 2005. Soak wash is an eco-friendly fine fiber wash that does not require rinsing and is available in a variety of fragrances.

For more information about Soak wash and Jacqueline Sava, visit www.soakwash.com.

Susan Baka wins prestigious international award
OWIT-Toronto’s very own Susan Baka, president, Bay Communications and Marketing Inc. was awarded at The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) World of Difference 100 Awards luncheon on October 19th. Susan was awarded in the entrepreneurship category.

“I am truly honoured to receive this award and be in the company of such amazing and inspiring women,” said Susan. “Advocating on behalf of women entrepreneurs and exporters is my passion.” The TIAW World of Difference 100 awards recognize significant contributions to the economic empowerment of women. The awards are given to 100 women worldwide. 

Susan Baka is considered one of Canada’s top authorities on entrepreneurship and small business, especially for women. Baka has more than 25 years of communications experience.

As one of OWIT-Toronto’s founders, Baka is truly a strong, inspiring woman. Baka currently serves as OWIT-International’s vice-president of communications.

For more information about Susan Baka and Bay Communications, please visit www.baycomm.ca. For more information about TIAW, and the World of Difference 100 awards, please visit www.tiaw.org. 

OWIT-Toronto is pleased to announce the recent partnership with the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). FITT is a non-profit organization established by industry and government, committed to developing and providing quality programs, services and professional certification in international trade, designed to prepare businesses and individuals to compete successfully in world markets.

OWIT-Toronto and FITT are working together in order to reinforce their common mandates in serving Canada’s international business community and women involved in international trade. Alliances with like-minded organizations such as FITT will further support OWIT-Toronto members locally, as they grow internationally.

OWIT-Toronto members can enjoy the following benefits of this new partnership:

• FITT member rates for all events, including FITT’s 13th National Conference June 2-3, and FITT's Toronto Regional Event in Fall 2010
• Access to FITT's complimentary “Global Business Essentials” webinars
• Access to joint events and workshops to expand network of global business contacts and enhance practical trade skills
•  Information sharing to stay current on international trade issues

To register for FITT’s 13th National Conference, please visit http://www.fitt.ca/resources/conference2010.htm and indicate “OWIT-Toronto Member” on the registration form.

For further information on FITT’s Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, please visit http://www.fitt.ca/designation.htm