Four women were honoured at the annual BMO Celebrating Women program in Saint John, New Brunswick for their remarkable contribution to business and the community in one of three categories: Innovation and Global Growth, Community and Charitable Giving, and Expansion and Growth in Small Business. The program recognizes female leaders in local communities as part of BMO’s commitment to drive the advancement of women.

The following honourees were recognized at last night’s event:

Community and Charitable Giving: Anne McShane. Ms. McShane is the owner of The Feel Good Store, a wellness business located on historic Germain Street. Ms. McShane also sits on the board of the YMCA of Greater Saint John, is a former board member of the Saint John Human Development Council, and a former member of the Planning Advisory Committee for Saint John.

Ms. McShane tapped into her activism side prior to opening the store. Running her own business has helped her become more in touch with her community and its issues.

“It’s all about building a good community,” says Ms. McShane. “You want people to be happier. We want to do better. I think community is vital to wellness.”

Expansion and Growth in Small Business: Dr. Ali Crandlemire-Reid. Owner and medical director of the Fredericton Animal Hospital, Dr. Ali Crandlemire-Reid started the practice in 2012. Since then, the clinic – which offers medical and surgical services, as well as dentistry, massage, acupuncture, and dietary consultation – has tripled sales, expanded to three vets and 11 staff, and continues to maintain a customer-first approach. Additionally, Dr. Crandlemire-Reid’s hospital is the only one in New Brunswick offering laparoscopic surgery; this minimally invasive option for spaying and neutering allows the animals to recover quicker, and with less pain. She is also a member of the Canadian Veterinary Reserve and Cat Rescue Maritimes.

Expansion and Growth in Small Business: Erika Jones. Ms. Jones is the owner of Team Jones Royal LePAGE Atlantic, and was also appointed to CEO of Maple Leaf Homes Ltd. – a major manufacturer of modular housing in Atlantic Canada. Though she is a realtor with more than 18 years’ experience, she has also been vital in growing Maple Leaf Homes beyond residential homes and into vacation properties, including cottages and chalets, and commercial buildings.

Expansion and Growth in Small Business: Wendy Southworth. Ms. Southworth is a recruiter with more than 28 years’ experience in the industry, and is the president and CEO of Priority Personnel Inc. – a consulting firm that provides recruitment and staffing services to companies across a variety of industries. Recently, Wendy expanded the Priority Personnel Inc.’s offices in Fredericton, the latest step in their steady expansion. In 2016, Wendy was the founding member of the New Brunswick Atlantic II Chapter of the Women President’s Organization – a non-profit membership organization for women presidents, CEOs, and managing directors of privately held, multi-million dollar companies.
“It is important for us to recognize and celebrate the women in our communities who are dedicating their time and expertise to build businesses that help, inspire, and encourage,” said Aaron Naccarato, Regional Vice President, Western New Brunswick, BMO Financial Group. “We are pleased to honour them through this important initiative. BMO is committed to developing and furthering programs that support the advancement of women across the province of New Brunswick and nationwide.”

The BMO Celebrating Women program follows the bank’s second Catalyst Award win for its industry-leading work to accelerate diversity and inclusion in its workplace and its dedication to gender equality.

In addition, BMO has partnerships with organizations such as GroYourBiz, WBE Canada, Women Presidents’ Organization, SheEO, and Catalyst. It has also developed products that address the needs of its female clients, including the recent Women in Leadership Mutual Fund – the first impact investing mutual fund offered by a Canadian bank focused on gender diversity. It has also spearheaded studies around women entrepreneurs, such as A Force to Reckon With: Women, Entrepreneurs & Risk – an eye-opening report in partnership with Carleton University that debunked myths around the notion of women being risk averse.

For more information about BMO Celebrating Women, please visit: bmoforwomen.com and join the social conversation using #BMOforWomen.