The Airdrie Women In Business Association has a new board of directors in place and there's a lot of new members in the ranks.

Five of eight members of the board are new, including President Melissa Bentley who says, even though the board may be new, there's no shortage of experience on it.

"All the women bring diverse business backgrounds and I think they're going to bring a fresh, new approach to the organization, so it should be fun."

The other new members of the board are Vice-President Alina Novacut, Treasurer Vanessa Thain, Marketing Director Renae Holmes and Membership Director Brenda Koch.  They join Secretary Rita San Martin, Meeting Director Charlene Gize, and Past President Jayne Kirby who are returnees.  

The AWBA has been running since 2004 and has been incorporated since 2009.  It has around 70 members among it's ranks.  Bentley says the organization exists to help and promote Airdrie women entrepreneurs.  "Through that," she says, "we do community awareness, business growth, community support and personal and professional development all through the community."

Bentley says women usually join the organization looking for development opportunities, both personally and professionally.  "Different ways that they can promote their business or their personal growth, a lot of networking.  We offer speakers and seminars and workshops and all of those things are designed to help the members elevate and promote and inspire and support whatever it is they're trying to do in the community."

Helping women get started in business is a focus for the AWBA according to Bentley.  "Usually if they're trying to start a business, the first three to five years is the toughest.  Giving them the tools they need to excel and really get past that and really get their brand and their name out in the community."

Bentley says the group has a kick-off event planned for the fall.  "It's called the World of Opportunities - Envision the Vision and it's happening on September 26th at Apple Creek Golf Course from 6:00 'til 9:00 pm.  It's a networking event to promote your brand and see and interact with your peers and just get them to envision your vision.  That's going to kind of be the kick off to our new season.  I think it's going to be a good new fresh approach and I think the members are really going to be successful this year."

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com