THUNDER BAY, ON. - March 19, 2008 ~ The PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, will host 
the first Northern Ontario Women’s Economic Development Conference (NOWEDC) Open to all women in the Lake Superior region. The NOWEDC is the first regional economic development conference devoted to advancing business development opportunities for women. Kirsti Tasala, Regional Development Coordinator, they are expecting women from Duluth and the Minnesota northshore communities.
The PARO Centre with its partners; the North Superior Training Board and the Community Economic and Social Development Program (CESD) Algoma University College, will host the first Northern Ontario Women’s Economic Development Conference (NOWEDC) on April 29-30, 2008 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay.
The conference will focus on the themes of: Building a Business in Northern Ontario; Creating Sustainable Livelihoods and Growing Our Northern Communities. It will showcase eminent women leaders involved in business and community economic development.
The keynote speakers include:
Cathrine Ann, Award-winning rags to riches EntrepreneurCathrine has won numerous entrepreneurial awards including the prestigious YWCA Women of Distinction award. Her inspirational story will be portrayed in an upcoming book and screenplay
Diane Redsky, Director of Programs, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Winnipeg
Diane has long worked to address the myriad of issues facing Winnipeg’s Aboriginal community in all areas of health, justice, education and social services. Diane is a Board Member of the Canadian Women's Foundation.
Melanie Conn, Director of the Canadian Women’s CED Council Melanie Conn is a long-time feminist and community activist. Melanie is a founding member and director of the Canadian Women's CED Council, co-founder of WomenFutures CED Society and the Co-Chair of GPI-P (Genuine Progress Index-Pacific).
The keynotes, workshops, and panels will focus on women as the economic drivers of the north and provide a forum for developing innovative, women-centred solutions to help build strong and sustainable Northern Ontario communities. One aim is to open doors to future business and community partnerships by creating networks between all stakeholders who recognize the value of women inlocal and regional economic development.
Registration is $149.00 for both days, $99.00 for one day and $75.00 for students and youth (25 years and under). Limited subsidies are also being offered on a first come, first served basis based on need.
To register or for more information on the complete conference program visit: www.nowedc.ca