Book your tickets now!
This event has sold out for the last 3 years in a row. We expect the same for 2025. Purchase early to avoid disappointment!
Our Finalists Have Been Announced!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Press Reception
2025 Women in Business Awards Finalists
[Barrie, ON – Monday, February 10, 2025] The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is excited to unveil the finalists for the 2025 Women in Business Awards, proudly presented by Meridian. This annual event celebrates the outstanding achievements of women making waves in Barrie’s business landscape. We are thrilled to have Charlie and Amy Aust from 107.5 Kool FM as our Master of Ceremonies.
This year’s nomination process has highlighted incredible women and women-led organizations. Thanks to Awardify our awards management platform, every step of the nomination, acceptance and judging process was handled securely and transparently.
We’re blown away by the community’s response! Between December 2024 and February 2025, we received a record number nominations and acceptances! Our biggest year yet!
The Women in Business Awards shines a spotlight on women who are shaping Barrie through their innovation, leadership, social impact and fearless entrepreneurship. This is more than just an awards ceremony. It’s a celebration of trailblazers who continue to push boundaries and inspire leaders and innovators across the region.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our sponsors. Our presenting sponsor, Meridian, along with all our partners, have been unwavering champions of both the Barrie Chamber and the wider business community. A special thank you as well to Upsight & Sound for supporting today’s press conference. Please join us in recognizing these incredible organizations for their commitment to Barrie:
- Meridian
- Bill Gosling Outsourcing
- Doane Grant Thornton LLP
- BDO Canada LLP
- Georgian College
- Invest Barrie
- Alectra Utilities
- Downtown Barrie BIA
- Superior Home Health Care
- TD Bank Business Banking
- Skinsational Day Spa & Skin Care
- BarrieToday.com
- Barriston Law
- Busch Systems
- MTAV
- Chambers Plan
- Olive Oil Company – Barrie – Newmarket – Midland – Orillia
- 107.5 Kool FM
- Barrie 360
- Rock 95
- Wild Lotus Floral Designs
Now for the exciting part….
The finalists in each category, in alphabetical order:
Creative Visionary – Sponsored by Downtown Barrie BIA
- Alexandra Giroux, The Arts House
- Daria Montague, Healing Arts Micropigmentation Centre
- Amanda Patrick, Ladr Consulting
Community Impact – Sponsored by Alectra Utilities
- Nikki Glahn, Barrie Families Unite
- Peggy Hill, The Peggy Hill Team
- Sharon Smith, Connect Hair Studio Inc.
Entrepreneur – Sponsored by Bill Gosling Outsourcing
- Gagandeep Randhawa, Hukam Law Professional Corporation
- Christina Romita, The Transformation Station
- Candice Thomas, Evergreen Massage Therapy & Wellness Studio
Healthcare Hero – Sponsored by Superior Home Health Care
- Jennifer Connor, Daisy a Day Home Care
- Laura Fess, Vox Mental Health
- Kelly Hubbard, Hospice Simcoe
Intrapreneur – Sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton LLP
- Laura Payne, White Tuque
- Charlotte Richardson, Superior Home Health Care
- Pauline Stevenson, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
Visionary – Sponsored by Meridian
- Rebecca Bartley, Trooper Pet Veterinary Nursing
- Shannon Murree, Shannon Murree Group
- Kara Wardinger, Pawty Animals
Woman In Trade – Sponsored by Georgian College
- Courtney Bobbitt, Bertram Construction (Ontario) Ltd.
- Stephanie Gourlie Murray, Intent Stone Design958 / Discount Granite Plus Inc.
- Kim Roberts, Fix Auto Barrie North
Young Entrepreneur – Sponsored by Invest Barrie
- Emily Blocksdorf, Anchors Away Photography
- Maguire Boucher, The Hound Lounge Inc.
Congratulations Ladies! You’re an inspiration!
Join us Friday, March 7th, 2025 at Liberty North for our luncheon gala as we celebrate the incredible women leading Barrie businesses. This promises to be a day of inspiration, connection and celebration.
Tickets are over 70% sold – don’t miss out! Secure your spot now at barriechamber.com/women. Ticket sales close Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:59pm.
We look forward to celebrating these remarkable women with you on March 7th!
Paul Markle
Chief Executive Officer
Paul@barriechamber.com
121 Commerce Park Drive, Unit A
Barrie, Ontario L4N 8X1
(O) 705 - 721 - 5000 ext. 5
(C) 249-288-3540
Celebrate women that inspire! Friday, March 7, 2025
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer the Women in Business Awards for 2025. An awards luncheon that provides a platform to recognize the women that lead and succeed in Barrie. The nomination process is open to members of the public to nominate, recognize and encourage a woman or woman led business or organization that has excelled beyond their expectations over the past year. This awards program aims to honour local women who have shaped our community! By acknowledging social responsibility, entrepreneurial spirit, risk taking and innovation; trail blazers and leaders in our community will receive the recognition and accolades they so richly deserve.
#WIB2025 #PowerfulWomen #BarrieChamber #WomenInBusiness
Meet Our MC's!
We're thrilled to announce that the ever-entertaining Charlie and the fabulous Amy Aust from 107.5 Kool FM will be gracing us as MCs for this year’s Women in Business Awards!
Charlie, whose wit and charm light up the mornings on Kool FM. Known for sharing her hilarious and relatable 'mom thoughts', she's guaranteed to keep us smiling and engaged. Her knack for storytelling and bringing laughter to the everyday will make our celebration even more memorable.
Joining her is Amy, a Barrie native and a voice that's been captivating our airwaves for nearly two decades, will bring her dynamic energy and infectious enthusiasm. As a self-proclaimed foodie, pop culture aficionado, and social butterfly, her vibrant spirit is sure to add an extra layer of excitement to our event!
We can't wait to come together to celebrate the achievements of phenomenal women in business with our hosts who embody the spirit of our community. It’s going to be filled with inspiration, celebration, and thanks to our MCs, a lot of fun!
Meet our Keynote Speaker!
In 2018, Charmaine Williams became the first Black woman elected to Brampton City Council. She later served as an MPP, where she dedicated her efforts to making streets safer, ensuring families had access to essential social and recreational services, and advocating for an integrated transportation plan in the region.
Charmaine’s beliefs, values, and courage to advocate for people have been shaped by her professional and personal experiences. Before entering politics, she built a 19-year career as a certified Multi-Systemic Therapist, Behavioural Consultant, and Counsellor. She has been a strong voice for families and children facing domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, neglect, trauma, and other personal challenges. Charmaine also contributed to several therapeutic programs and organizations, including Associated Youth Services of Peel, the Youth Substance Abuse Program, Peel Children’s Centre, and the Reach Out Centre for Kids in Peel and the Halton Region.
Speaker
Julie Martini is the Vice-President of Public Affairs for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. With over two decades of marketing and communications experience in the financial services sector, Julie combines her professional background and studies in cultural anthropology to form a unique understanding of the challenges, opportunities and human behaviours that are driving transition in Ontario’s business community. In her current role, Julie serves as a key strategist and advisor in shaping the narrative in support of Ontario’s business community.
A graduate of McGill University, Julie also holds the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®) and Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP®) designations, and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
Julie is a proud mom of two, community volunteer, and veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.
EVENT DETAILS
LOCATION
Liberty North,
100 Caplan Ave Unit 1, Barrie, ON L4N 9J2
DATE
Friday, March 7, 2025
TIME
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
11:00 am- Registration & Networking
12:00 pm- Welcome from MC's & Lunch Served
Keynote Speaker: Charmaine Williams,
Presentation of Women in Business Awards
EVENT TIMELINE
*Subject to change
Launch of Nominations (and Acceptances Open):
Friday, December 20, 2024
Nominations Close:
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 2:00pm
Acceptances Close:
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 2:00pm
Judging Open:
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Judging Closes:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 2:00pm
Press Reception:
Monday, February 10, 2025 at 12:30pm
Early Bird Ticket Rates Close:
Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11:59PM
Ticket Sales Close:
Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:59PM
WIB Gala:
Friday, March 7, 2025
GALA MENU
· Caprese & Charcuterie Skewers; A delightful pairing of flavors, featuring a fresh bocconcini, tomato, and basil skewer alongside a savory charcuterie selection of salami, roasted beet, and olives. Drizzled with rich Italian fig balsamic for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
·  Pan seared chicken supreme drizzled with black garlic dark balsamic vinegar served over asparagus risotto and chefs vegetables
·  Vegetarian option - Fresh vegetable stir fry over rice
·  Family style platter of mini pastel de nata custard tarts served with Coffee/Tea
Book your tickets now!
This event has sold out for the last 3 years in a row. We expect the same for 2025. Purchase early to avoid disappointment!
Nomination, Acceptance and Judging Review Process
Our awards management platform, Awardify, is a user-friendly, secure, and Canadian-made solution specifically designed to streamline and enhance the nominations, acceptances, and judging processes. Its capabilities underscore the platform's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency and fairness.
Our esteemed panel of judges is carefully selected from across the Ontario Chamber network. This strategic selection of judges ensures an impartial evaluation of nominees, focusing solely on the merits of their applications and their business acumen. The Barrie Chamber is dedicated to a fair and unbiased review process.
To further support our nominees, we've introduced a Nomination Acceptance Tip page. This resource guides nominees through the acceptance process, offering valuable insights and tips to ensure they can fully leverage this opportunity. This initiative, accessible to all nominees, demonstrates our commitment to equality and support for every participant.
The Barrie Chamber elevates our awards approach with strategic judge selection, enhanced nominee support, and a strong focus on security and transparency. The very best of luck to all of our nominees.