New Hamburg Board of Trade to host inaugural International Women’s Day event

By Amanda Nelson

For the first time, the New Hamburg Board of Trade will host an International Women’s Day event aimed at inspiring and connecting local business owners and entrepreneurs.

The event will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 2-4 p.m. The theme is Women Lifting Women. The relaxing atmosphere welcomes women of all ages to connect and learn from one another and focuses on real stories, honest conversations and women supporting women.

“There is no single right way to build a career or a business, but it helps when someone a few steps ahead turns around and says you are doing better than you think,” said Lillianne Dunstall, president of the New Hamburg Board of Trade.

The International Women’s Day event will take place at the Waterlot in New Hamburg, and snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

“We are very grateful to Lynn Hall, owner of the Waterlot, who has provided a generous discount to support this event,” said Dunstall.

“We are also incredibly thankful to renowned local chef Adam Brenner, owner of the Garden Stand, who is supplying the food at no cost and donating the chairs for the event. That kind of support is a great example of local business helping local business. We are also speaking with a great local business about donating cider for the afternoon.”

With a strong lineup of guest speakers, Dunstall said everyone will walk away feeling inspired and connected to the women in their community.

Speakers include Shelby Behling, founder and president of Clean & Tidy Inc., who will speak about taking her business to new heights; Kathie Jordan of Kathie Jordan Design, a nominee for the 2025 Waterloo Region Women of the Year Awards in the arts and culture category; Kristi Chambers, owner and operator of Evoke Fitness and Rehabilitation, who has more than 15 years in the business and has built a strong team of women; and Dunstall herself.

“I will also be speaking about my own journey, from a Grade 12 education to vice president of North American operations at a Fortune 500 company and author of The Unlikely VP,” she said. “I will be addressing imposter syndrome, something many women experience.”

The event is open to any woman looking to grow her career, start or run a business, or connect with other businesswomen.

Board of trade members will receive the first opportunity to register. Space is limited, so people are encouraged to get their tickets as soon as they are posted.

There is no cost to attend the event; however, donations will be accepted with all proceeds supporting initiatives addressing intimate partner violence in the Region of Waterloo.

Tickets go on sale Feb. 23 on the New Hamburg Board of Trade website at www.nhbot.ca and on Eventbrite.