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From the President's Desk
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A happy 2023 to you all! We hope you celebrated the start of 2023 safely and in good spirits with family and friends. 2022 was another transformative year for OWIT-Toronto. Our past President, Helen Hemmingsen, graciously passed the reins to us after leading - with unflinching dedication, inspiration and commitment - an increasingly growing community of women in international trade. As we take on the presidential role, we would like to acknowledge her leadership and many accomplishments, thank you immensely, Helen. We also want to let you know that you are still in good hands. Between us and the incredible OWIT-Toronto Board, we are striving for greater impacts for women in international trade.
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Women Trade Leaders Recognized at Awards Ceremony
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Our prestigious Export Awards were held in person at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre on December 1, 2022, celebrating the achievements of women who, through their careers and personal commitments, foster international trade and the advancement of women. The Awards ceremony provides special recognition to our Canadian women exporters and international trade professionals.
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Special thanks to our valued 2022 Export Award sponsors
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Highlights from the OWIT-Toronto Export Awards Luncheon
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OWIT-Toronto Annual General Meeting
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Join us for our Annual General Meeting on Monday, February 27, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The AGM is open to all members.
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OWIT-Toronto Welcomes New Co-Presidents
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OWIT-Toronto is pleased to announce and introduce its two new Co-Presidents for the 2022-23 year: Justine Namara and Audrey Ross.
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OWIT-Toronto participated in a roundtable in December organized by the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada and the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council. Guest speaker, the Hon. Jean Charest, Partner with McCarthy Tétrault and Honorary Chair of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, highlighted the long-term relationship between Canada and Vietnam and said the country offers many opportunities for Canadian companies, particularly with the new Indo-Pacific Strategy.
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The Africa Trade Conference 2022, held virtually last November, facilitated dialogue, networking, and information exchange about trade in Africa and trade with Africa. It examined the opportunities and challenges of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, an agreement encompassing most of Africa to enable economic development. Joining a host of global presenters was OWIT-Toronto’s VP International, Susan Baka, who was part of a panel discussing how to unlock the potential for women to trade sustainably.
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OWIT INTERNATIONAL & OTHER CHAPTER NEWS |
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OWIT International Highlights
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New chapters to expand your global network….. Virtual happy hours to connect with members around the world… A celebration of OWIT small businesses…. |
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OWIT International welcomes Ghana as the newest chapter to join the international network. In the pipeline are Tijuana, Eswatini and Tanzania….Happy Her Hour is a casual bi-monthly virtual event held during the noon hour that provides an opportunity for OWIT members to network with others from chapters around the world. Check www.owit.org for the next one.
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Building a Resilient Supply Chain
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By now, we are all well aware of the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the knock-on effects it has had, and continues to have, on global value chains. The importance of building a resilient supply chain has become a top issue for businesses with international reach. In our webinar with the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), we discussed how companies can make their global supply chains more resilient without weakening their competitiveness in the marketplace. Read more about the practical steps that small businesses can take to respond and act upon today’s supply challenges. |
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Celebrating Black Women Entrepreneurs in Trade |
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In celebration of Black History Month, our partner, the Women Entrepreneur Knowledge Hub (WEKH) is hosting an event on February 28th, 2023 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. EST to recognize the achievements of Black women entrepreneurs in trade. In partnership with Africa Trade Desk, this event will highlight the successes, challenges, and unique experiences of exporting Black women-owned businesses. The event will also share best practices, resources, and opportunities for Black women entrepreneurs. WEKH will also share findings from its most recent report on the Black women entrepreneurs. |
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Stay tuned for details about an OWIT-Toronto event in partnership with Borden Ladner Gervais to commemorate International Women’s Month.
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Canada Launches Indo-Pacific Strategy
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Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy identifies 5 interconnected strategic objectives including expanding trade, investment, and supply-chain resilience.To foster open, rules-based trade and support Canada’s economic prosperity with the Indo-Pacific region, Canada will invest $244.6 million. |
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Women’s Canada Trade Mission to the United Kingdom
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In recognition of International Women’s Day, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, the Honourable Mary Ng, will lead a women-focused Canada Trade Mission to the United Kingdom March 13-16, 2023. Register for the Trade Mission here. |
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Our partners, Canadian Women in Food, are back yet again with Full Tilt 2023 as part of the International Women’s Day celebration. Register to explore their Marketplace and learn more about products and services to accelerate your growth in the food and beverages sector. |
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WEConnect International Certificate for Women Business Owners in Canada |
As of January 4, 2023, WEConnect International began offering a 3-year certification, from 1 year, to bring added value to women business owners in Canada who wish to make connections with corporate buyers and/or take advantage of their globally recognized women owned logo. See the global announcement here. |
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Don’t Miss Out on Any Member Benefits!
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Did you know that as a member of one of OWIT’s chapters, you are AUTOMATICALLY part of the OWIT International global network? Your complimentary OWIT International membership adds value to your local chapter membership by offering you added benefits and resources.
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Check Out What Our Partners & Sponsors are Doing!
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