This session will examine the role of global networks in fostering international trade and the advancement of women in business, from the perspective of an international trade promotion organisation and that of a small business.

PRESENTERS:

Helen Hemmingsen was elected to the board of directors at OWIT-Toronto in 2018. Helen is an experienced industry consultant with a demonstrated track record of helping companies gain access to overseas markets. Skilled in business planning, international marketing, strategic planning, market research, and business development. She has an MBA from the Open University (UK). Cross-Canada sector expertise includes transit, construction, energy (oil/gas, renewables, nuclear), and advanced manufacturing (automotive and aerospace). Helen has her own consultancy firm, Hemmingsen Consultancy & Advisory, and is the Canadian representative for Innovas, a British firm based in Cheshire. Innovas provides consultancy support to both the public and private sector. Range of services include business support, trade & investment, talent development and research & intelligence.

Robina Bernard owned and operated Balloon Depot, a popular Canadian balloon wholesale business. During that time, she co-developed the Slide-N-Size balloon sizer, to help retailers and decorators produce properly-sized balloons. She was presented with the Dottie Blanchard Spirit Award for her contribution to the balloon industry. Robina formed Clik-Clik Systems Inc. (originally named MagMover Inc.) in 2002 to focus on her line of innovative display tools. She is especially proud of the invention of LoopLine, since the inexpensive and reusable line allows signs to be hung level every time, without the need for tying knots. The POP retail industry is now using LoopLine and the other innovation solutions from Clik-Clik.