News & Updates Press Release
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For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE April 17, 2013 ABORIGINAL ENTREPRENEURS ENJOYED THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, NETWORK & DO BUSINESS AT: I DO BUSINESS. National Summit & Tradeshow – Success for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs I DO BUSINESS. National Summit & Tradeshow was held on March 4th, 5th and 6th, 2013 in the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Toronto Airport. The three-day event was a great success, with over 150 individuals participating from coast to coast to coast. I DO BUSINESS. National Summit boasted a variety of top-notch speakers on business and Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, including David Chilton, Author of The Wealthy Barber Series; Dr. Marie Delorme, CEO of The Imagination Group; Mr. John Kim Bell, Founder of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation; and social media expert, Shane Gibson, of Socialized!. Aboriginal Entrepreneurs who attended the event report that the business workshops were very “informative, encouraging, and inspirational”. Participants also noted that the National Summit networking opportunities were excellent, with many people leaving the event with binders full of business cards representing new opportunities and new friends. DJ O Show, a performer and participant at the event, comments, “This National Summit has forever changed my life and proves the theory that it is so important for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs to stay connected across Canada”. The tradeshow had a variety of beautiful wares, including photography, jewelry and crafts, as well as information on a variety of Aboriginal Organizations and Businesses. At the awards dinner, participants enjoyed a number of talented Aboriginal entertainers, including a private concert from Inez Jasper, one of Canada’s top Aboriginal musicians. Two young dancers from the Cameron family in Toronto wowed the audience with their talented performance, including a traditional Chicken Dance. Latash and Delhia Nahanee of the Chinook SongCatchers’ really got the crowd going with an interactive traditional West Coast Spirit Dance. When DJ O Show, hailing from The Squamish Nation, took the stage, she kept the dance floor packed with her awesome DJing skills. The Alexis Principles Full-Day Seminar was featured on March 6th, the final day of the National Summit. This was a unique opportunity for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs, individuals, businesses, corporations, and government agencies to learn and practice how to do business together in a mutually beneficial, productive and safe environment. Participants report that they learned how to “be organized and think on your feet fast”, that “keeping the intent clear makes things flow better when developing your goals” and how to “communicate and approach a business deal” more effectively. Here are some highlights of what Aboriginal Entrepreneurs overall had to say about the event: · “… a fantastic event with lots of excellent contacts and resources for Aboriginal business people” – Randy Way of Aboriginal Initiatives Correctional Service Canada · “… one of the best events I've attended so far as an Aboriginal Entrepreneur” – Julia Valencia of Valencia Fitness · “I met some really great people networking and really enjoyed the workshops!” – Johl Ringuette of Nishdish Marketeria & Catering · “I would recommend I DO BUSINESS. National Summit to anyone wanting to, or currently starting, their own small business.” – Mike A.J. Beachey of First Nations Aviation Education For more testimonials about this event, visit the Talk It UP page. I DO BUSINESS. Community Ambassador Mini-Summits: Participants went home from the national event with new knowledge, high spirits and bright futures. National Summit participants have the added opportunity to share their knowledge with their communities by becoming an I DO BUSINESS. Community Ambassador. Mini-Summits are events that are hosted by the National Summit participants as Community Ambassadors. Mini-Summits have been designed to address interests and needs of emerging and existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs, and supporting organizations, utilizing the content from the National Summit. I DO BUSINESS. Mini-Summits bring opportunities to individuals and communities who could not attend the National Summit in Toronto. To sign up to be an I DO BUSINESS. Community Ambassador or request a mini-summit for your community, visit the Mini-Summits page. The I DO BUSINESS. Team would like to extend a special thank you to founding partners, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Joint Economic Development Initiative for the energy and effort they put forth to make this inaugural event a success. Thank you also to Elder Jimmy Dick for providing the daily opening with wisdom and grace, to Chief Tony Alexis for emceeing the National Summit and sharing with us the teachings of his father through The Alexis Principles, and to the many committee members, staff, volunteers, presenters and participants that made this event such a wonderful experience! Contact Information: John Kor National Lead I DO BUSINESS. john.kor@idobusiness.ca www.idobusiness.ca 705.934.4484 |
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