Formed in 1961 as the Peterborough Chapter of the Canadian Advertising and Sales Association, the network has evolved into a dynamic and growing membership of women with diverse backgrounds and careers who meet to share their knowledge and experience and promote their businesses.
Network members are entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, administrators, writers, media representatives, computer specialists, and health care providers just to name a few.
Upcoming Events
The Diamond Agency Presents Ahren Belisle
November 20 @ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PMAhren Belisle has skyrocketed onto some of the biggest stages in comedy—despite only performing st...
at The Venue
Horizon Family Naturopathic Clinic’s Holiday Open House
November 21 @ 5:30 PM - 7:00 PMThe season of connection is here- and we’d love to celebrate it with you. Join us for an eveni...
at Horizon Family Naturopathic Clinic
Dwayne Gretzkey
November 26 @ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM19+ Event Presented with the support of Ontario Creates and FACTOR Dwayne Gretzky is Canada’s grea...
at The Venue
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Latest News
Navigating The Imposter Complex
Many thanks to our January meeting speaker Tanya Geisler who was very engaging and spoke on “Navigating the Imposter Complex”. We explored what the Imposter Complex is, how it shows up, and most importantly, what to DO about it when it tries to keep us out of our world-changing action.
You can read all the notes from her [...]
Predatory Marriage: A Wills & Estates Perspective
The Family Law Connection
Predatory Marriage
A Wills & Estates Perspective
By Jaclyn Giffen, B.Soc.Sci., J.D., M.A.
In many Canadian provinces, including Ontario under the Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA), by entering into a marriage any existing legal Last Will and Testament is automatically revoked. This means that the will that you would have made prior to such marriage is [...]
Things to consider when looking for a therapist
Things to consider when looking for a therapist
by Allyson Lucas, NorthStar Wellness
THE SEARCH
Ask for recommendations from your friends or family. If your workplace has a Human Resources Department, EAP program or insurance company, you may want to consult with them. Visit websites such as Psychology Today, Google local therapists and browse their websites.
Learn [...]
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🧶 Member Spotlight: Tracy Minnema Founder, Owner, Chief Yarn Officer — A River of Yarn 📍 Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | LinkedIn | Bluesky
Tracy Minnema’s lifelong journey with fibre arts began when she was just five years old, exploring crocheting and knitting. Over time, her creative passions expanded to include sewing, dressmaking, needlework, and quilting. After earning a Fashion Merchandising diploma from Fleming College and working in Toronto’s fashion industry, Tracy shifted paths and pursued a certification in Technological Studies at Queen’s University, specializing in Clothing & Fashion.
She went on to enjoy a thirty-year teaching career in Family Studies, with a focus on clothing and fashion, in Brampton, Cobourg, and Peterborough. In 2021, she retired from formal education—but her love for textiles never faded. In 2015, she founded A River of Yarn, a physical studio and e-commerce hub offering luxurious yet affordable hand-knitting and crochet yarns, patterns, and accessories.
“In 2025, we are celebrating ten wonderful years of creativity, community, and craft.”
Education remains a core part of Tracy’s mission. She teaches workshops and classes for knitters and crocheters of all levels, and travels across Ontario to fibre festivals, guild gatherings, and trade shows—often presenting seminars and hands-on sessions. Recently, she’s expanded into textile innovation, designing original patterns and working directly with fibres and materials to bring fresh, inspired offerings to her customers.
Tracy joined WBN to connect with other women in business. “After starting my business, I realized I didn’t know many local business owners, so I decided to join the WBN.” Serving on the board as Program Director opened her eyes to the many resources available to women in business. “Over the years, I’ve truly enjoyed collaborating with so many talented women, and I’m grateful for the friendships that have grown through the WBN.”
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🌟 Board Member Spotlight: Tina Thornton Program Director — YWCA Peterborough Haliburton
Tina Thornton joined the WBN board to give back to the many women who have supported her throughout her career. As Program Director, she’s focused on deepening her understanding of the business side of WBN so she can contribute even more to the work of the board in the years ahead.
Her most powerful memory as a board member came during a packed WBN meeting. “One of the organizers of Our Daughter's Home stood up to spontaneously and passionately express the need for a women's-only house for adults living with developmental disabilities. The entire room of women was completely silent as we listened to her plea for support, and many, like myself, could not help but shed a few tears.”
In that moment, over 70 women were united by one brave voice speaking her truth. “Since then, through a tremendous amount of hard work and community support—including from some of the amazing members of the WBN—the project came to fruition. As a membership, we’ve been able to watch this passion project develop into a community partnership with a successful conclusion.”
For Tina, this moment captured the true power of community and the heart of WBN. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when women come together with purpose, compassion, and a shared commitment to change.
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