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Business Workshops

Business Workshops

We are excited to present a series of free business workshops designed to equip you with the latest tools and strategies for success. Sessions will cover how AI can transform your small business, essential knowledge on protecting your enterprise from cyber threats, and insights into the future of digital marketing. Additionally, an interactive session on creative hiring and retention strategies will feature an expert panel and hands-on activities.

The workshops will also be an opportunity for Shelburne Economic Development to gather information. Shelburne Economic Development is crafting a 5-year Action Plan to guide our community's growth and prosperity. We seek input from everyone who works or lives in Shelburne. During the workshops, time will be dedicated to gathering insights on current local economic conditions, identifying opportunities, and prioritizing future actions. 

Your involvement is crucial in shaping strategies that will drive Shelburne's economic development. Join us for these enriching workshops designed to propel your business forward!

Light refreshments will be served.

The project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, South Georgian Bay Community Futures, and the Town of Shelburne.

Workshops Location and Time

Location: New Horizons Seniors Club, 167 Centre St, Shelburne, ON (Entrance E)
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

We look forward to your participation.

Discover how artificial intelligence can transform your small business. The workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of AI applications tailored for small enterprises. Attendees will benefit from expert-led discussions, interactive sessions, and practical demonstrations, equipping them with the knowledge to leverage AI for enhanced efficiency, Marketing, customer engagement, and growth. 

This workshop is designed to empower you with the tools and strategies needed to harness the power of AI and drive your business forward.

Workshop Host | Emily Baillie

Emily Baillie is a digital marketing and AI trainer, speaker and professor. She works with organizations across Canada to educate and inspire folks to navigate the ever-changing world of digital marketing and artificial intelligence. With over 15 years of experience in the digital marketing industry, she has worked with large and small organizations including Canadian Marketing Association, ReMax, Resorts of Ontario, Orillia & Area Community Development Corp., United Way and GlaxoSmithKline. Emily advocates for a human-first approach to AI. She teaches at McMaster University.

In today's digital landscape, small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. This workshop is designed to equip small business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their enterprises from cyber-attacks. Participants will learn about common cyber threats, best practices for safeguarding sensitive information, and practical steps to enhance their cybersecurity posture - The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. 

Workshop Host Jonathan Wismer

Jonathan Wismer works on the Cyber Security Guidance team at the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. His team provides foundational advice and guidance supporting Canada’s Critical Infrastructure (CI) sectors. Most recently, his team released the Cyber Security Readiness Goals (CRGs), intended to serve as baseline advice for all CI sectors in Canada. Jonathan previously worked in the Cyber Centre’s defensive cyber planning group, along with other areas of the Communications Security Establishment. He has significant experience working with domestic and international partners on national security efforts. Jonathan holds a post-graduate degree in Security and Defence Management and Policy, an undergraduate certificate in Applied Cybersecurity, and a post-graduate certificate – along with a keen interest - in Industrial Control Systems security. Jonathan also volunteers on the board of a charity, Camp Aftermath, supporting veterans and first responders and spent, following over 10 years working as a Combat Engineer in the Reserves.

Explore the future of digital marketing in an engaging workshop designed to propel your business forward. This session will delve into the latest trends and strategies that are set to shape the industry in 2025. Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry expert, Emily Baillie, participate in interactive discussions, and learn practical techniques to enhance their digital marketing efforts.

This workshop promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Workshop Host | Emily Baillie

Emily Baillie is a digital marketing and AI trainer, speaker and professor.

She works with organizations across Canada to educate and inspire folks to navigate the ever-changing world of digital marketing and artificial intelligence. With over 15 years of experience in the digital marketing industry, she has worked with large and small organizations including Canadian Marketing Association, ReMax, Resorts of Ontario, Orillia & Area Community Development Corp., United Way and GlaxoSmithKline. Emily advocates for a human-first approach to AI. She teaches at McMaster University.

Register for Digital Marketing 2025: Trends to Propel Your Business Forward

Join us for an interactive session designed for small businesses, featuring HR, marketing, hiring, and legal experts who will share innovative approaches to attract and retain top talent. Our expert panel will provide valuable insights into creative hiring, retention strategies, and understanding legal considerations to mitigate risks associated with employment practices. Participate in hands-on activities and discussions to craft compelling job postings, enhance your employer brand, and implement effective retention strategies to keep your workforce engaged, motivated, and drive your business forward.

Register for Winning at Recruitment: Creative Hiring and Retention Strategies

Dana Gidge

Dana shows dedication and care in everything she does. She has been an HR professional for most of her career and her passion started early as she realized the best part of HR was relationship building. She enjoys creating an environment where employees can think big, have fun, and do good work. She understands that people are a business’ best asset and working on engaging employees is rewarding for all involved. Dana is well versed in many HR functions but her many years in the manufacturing industry has given her valuable experience in health and safety, training and development and legislative compliance. She is no stranger to hands on work and draws from a diverse knowledge base. She is certified in WSIB, ISO 14001 (environmental) and many other Quality Standards (ISO, QS and TS) and is a Certified Human Resources Leader.

Her ability to make relationships makes her a valued member of the RLB HR consulting team. What makes client work interesting and rewarding for Dana is the relationship that she forms with the client. They trust her and in return she ensures they receive the best personal service and top notch HR practices in the industry.

Dana’s unrelenting passion outside HR is her family. She married her university sweetheart and moved to Ontario. She is the mother of two active boys who keep her on her toes! She knows what hard work is and prides herself on passion for her job, her family and her friends. She is a regular volunteer at her son’s schools, a Director on the Guelph District Human Resources Professional Association and a Sunday school small group leader at her church.

Alexandra Magder

Alexandra is the co-owner of a multidisciplinary health and wellness clinic, recognized both provincially and locally for its exceptional work in the industry. Under her leadership, the clinic has grown from a team of two to over 25 employees within five years.

She is committed to embracing AI technologies to streamline both recruitment, administrative processes and treatment, enhancing the experience for patients and employees alike.

Prior to opening the clinic in Shelburne with her husband, Alexandra was the first Social Media COE and Director for General Motors Canada, overseeing brands such as Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, and Buick. In this role, she represented the Canadian business line and collaborated with international teams to advocate for social media adoption and governance across all GM divisions. Alexandra successfully led and managed several agencies, handling multiple departments including paid social, analytics, content creation, influencer programs, governance, social media management software, and government relations. She also worked on high-priority projects with GM Canada and GM International, which included leveraging social media as a recruitment tool for software engineers in the autonomous technology sector.

Stephanie Williams

Stephanie enjoys her current role as an Employment Services Consultant within the Career and Community Employment Services at Georgian College. In this role, she supports members of the Dufferin community, primarily youth with guidance on becoming and staying employed. Stephanie provides clients with employment related supports and coaching to alleviate and significantly reduce their individual barriers to attaining and keeping work. Stephanie also creates content for and facilitates job search related topics as well as one-on-one coaching sessions. Stephanie works with growing employers in Dufferin County to effectively develop work experiences for and with clients. 

Stephanie has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management from York University. Stephanie’s talent to communicate effectively with clients and employers with both empathy and thoughtfulness has proven to be a great strength, especially as it relates to communicating with the diverse groups within the Dufferin community. 

Stephanie absolutely loves to volunteer, especially when it comes to programs involving youth. She is an avid crime and history podcast listener who loves to walk and stay active by playing tennis, badminton and utilizing her home gym.

Diana Morris

Diana Morris is the Executive Director of the Dufferin Board of Trade (DBOT) and an Accredited Chamber Executive. She holds a diploma in Business Marketing and a certificate in Human Resource Management from St. Clair College and has taken the Certificate in Economic Development program at the University of Waterloo.

Diana joined DBOT in 2015 after relocating to Dufferin to pursue farming in the Hills of Mulmur with her husband. Together with their two teenage daughters, they are raising field crops, a small herd of pygmy goats, a few pigs, and some chickens. Building on her extensive experience in finance, marketing, and organizational management, Diana is committed to advancing the Dufferin business community through strategic initiatives and fostering connections that drive economic growth.

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