An Australian business woman known for championing gender equality and narrowing the wage gap between those men and us women-folk, will be in town this week addressing what’s expected to be a huge gaggle of women at the BMW dealership.
Freda Miriklis hails from Melbourne and is the president of the International Federation of Business & Professional Women.
Well, as I’ve mentioned in this column before, a chapter of this 84-year-old organization – better known as BPW – has been formed right here in Langley. And to help celebrate the creation of that group, Miriklis – the youngest president in the organization’s history – has been asked to attend the Langley chapter’s charter meeting happening Friday evening.
She’ll be joined by BPW Canada’s president Cara Cote of Saskatchewan, as well as other members of the international group – some travelling in from Mexico, Switzerland, Argentina, Africa, the U.S., as well as Sydney, Australia.
In addition to all the out-of-province guests, local chapter organizers are expecting women from across the Lower Mainland to attend the wine and hors d’oeuvre reception happening Friday, Jan. 24, starting at 6 p.m. at BMW Langley, 6025 Collection Dr. (the corner of Glover Road and the Langley Bypass).
Tickets are $40 and must be purchased in advance at 604-309-7808 or by email: bpwlangley1@gmail.com.
Britco growing its presence up north
I’ve been remiss in not mentioning a cool little deal reached between Langley’s own Britco – you know that group off Glover that makes and ships modular buildings around the world – and members of the aboriginal community in Prince George.
Through this partnership announced last month between Britco and the Lheidli T’enneh nation, they will establish a joint venture modular building rental and workforce accommodation business for the nation’s traditional territories as well as other areas of development in Northern B.C.
With half of its approximately 1,000 employees located in B.C., Britco’s growth in recent years has been the result of the investment in the energy sector in Western Canada.
In 2013, Britco opened a modular building rental business branch office in Prince George and has seen its business in the region expand significantly.
This partnership takes that growth a step further, said Britco president Mike Ridley.
“We are excited about working with Lheidli T’enneh – this is a powerful partnership. Lheidli T’enneh is a nation that is business savvy and our partnership will generate a lot of value for our customers, community partners, and other stakeholders,†Ridley added, noting that under the terms of the partnership, Britco will also be working with Lheidli T’enneh to provide them with jobs and skills training opportunities in the construction trades.
And the winner is…
Well, I can start by telling you it wasn’t me.
Turns out the lucky winner this time out is Langley resident T.C. Kasikci.
Congrats to this local guy who won the grand prize in Nufloors 40th anniversary dream vacation contest.
Entries were accepted throughout last year for the prize worth $10,000.
December was the deadline, and Kasikci’s name was drawn from thousands of entries. He accepted the prize at the Nufloors store last week, Jan. 16, and was congratulated by the entire Nufloors crew.
Admittedly, I’m jealous. Likely the biggest trip myself and my sweetie will be taking this year is to Vegas to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary.
If only I’d won… this is where those thoughtful bubble appears over my head in a pictures, and you see me dreaming of a luxury cruise to Alaska. Oh well, maybe next time. In the meantime T.C., enjoy!
Remember, I’m short and could possibly be squeezed into a steamer trunk for easy transport to some exotic destination – in case you were considering taking me along.