Red Deer, Alberta Independent Business Women

The Independent Achievers Network was founded in 1992 in Red Deer, Alberta by two women - Jo-Ann Grimwood and Heidi Dandurand, who wanted to continue networking after the Business Women's Network ceased to exist. The two business women started a network with a limitation of one business per business category. In 1996, the business category restriction was lifted and Independent Achievers’ membership grew to the organization you see today.

To provide education and support to members in areas of business and personal growth.

The purpose of the Network is to bring together women of all walks of life for personal and professional growth, to initiate contact between women and reduce isolation, to provide a comfortable environment for sharing common career and social concerns, and to offer self-development opportunities. Women have come to our Network to meet other successful women, to make business contacts and to make friends. Independent Achievers is a non-partisan, non-religious, non-affiliated group and does not have any particular single focus interest. It does not lobby for any cause or idea.

This directory is designated to be a vehicle for members to promote networking in every sense of the word. Through the directory, you will have access to women who can provide a wide array of information, advice, products and services. By utilizing the Directory, you should be able to connect with other women for business or personal reasons.

Please remember that networking involves a willingness to share within the bounds of common courtesy.

Should you wish to correct or update the information in this Directory, please advise the Membership Coordinator as all additions and changes are published regularly in the Newsletter. If you move, change jobs, earn a promotion, or find a new interest, please let us know!

Meetings are usually held on the 2nd Thursday of each month. The meetings begin at 11:45 a.m. and end at 1:15 p.m. with networking available afterwards for those who care to stay.

Meeting fees are $14.00 for members and guests. Fees include lunch, GST and room rental.

Members are required to confirm attendance for themselves and their guests. Members are to contact May Johnson. Contact May at info@storesmart.ca or 343-7443 or 340-6899 to confirm their attendance. When making a reservation, adding a guest or canceling your reservation, please contact the Reservation Coordinator before 12:00 p.m. the Monday before our meeting date.

Confirmation of your reservation is imperative to ensure a place is reserved for you. If you have not confirmed by Monday at 12:00 pm, lunch will not be ordered for you.

If, due to unforeseen circumstances, you cannot attend, members are required to phone the Reservation Coordinator before 5:00 p.m. the Monday prior to the meeting. Members who do not cancel before 5:00 p.m. Monday, will be billed for the missed meeting.

2007 - 2008 Meeting Schedule
Sept 13	RSVP by Sept 7
Oct 11	RSVP by Oct 5
Nov 8	RSVP by Nov 2
Dec 13	RSVP by Dec 7
Jan 10	RSVP by Jan 4
Feb 7	RSVP by Feb 1
Mar 6	RSVP by Mar 1
Apr 10	RSVP by Apr 4
May 8	RSVP by May 2
June 12	RSVP by June 6

Promotional Materials will include all member handouts and/or promotional items. Members may place these on the designated promotional table provided at each meeting and NOT on each meeting table. Members are requested to pick up any excess literature/items at the end of the meeting.

Guests may only attend twice before making a membership commitment. After that, they will be required to join the Network and pay the membership fee. Members are reminded to advise their guests accordingly.

"Networking is the reciprocal process of getting acquainted for the purpose of doing business. It is also a great way to find friends, solve problems, achieve goals and have a good time."

Independent Achievers is run by a group of Executive Directors elected at the Annual General Meeting in June. Members can become involved by serving on the Executive or on any committee. A member wishing to assist or offer any new ideas may contact any member of the Executive.

Every member is encouraged to be active in passing along information, in sharing skills and ideas and in welcoming others to the group. The Executive meets the following week after our regular meeting to review the last meeting and make future plans. Members wishing to attend are requested to contact the Chairperson.

Membership applications are mailed or e-mailed out in August to prior year’s members. The membership fees entitle the member to a Membership Directory, a common display table, newsletter, newsletter advertising in 2 x 3.5" size, and an opportunity to participate in Trade Shows.

The Annual General Meeting is held during our June meeting and includes the election of the new Executive Directors. If you think you might be interested in an Executive position, review the Executive Positions' descriptions in the By-Laws and consider nominating yourself next May. A Financial Statement will be prepared by the Treasurer and presented to the members after the year end.

New Directory - In September and October, membership fees are collected, new photos are taken and new members are welcome. The directory will be handed out in November.

Home & Business Trade Show - November's meeting, promotional tables are provided for members to highlight their businesses on a first-come, first-paid basis based on room limitations.

Golf Tournament - July is our annual golf tournament. This is quickly becoming one of the highlights of the year. Our regular lunch meeting is replaced by a mini links golf tournament and BBQ.

A newsletter will be produced monthly to keep members informed. It will include: Executive Directors and phone numbers Future lunch meeting dates and topics A welcome to new members A bulletin at no cost for members to promote any items of interest, job searches, etc Updates and changes for the Directory Members are encouraged to submit any articles that would be of interest to the group. Please contact the Newsletter Editor for further information. Publication deadlines will be established by the Newsletter Editor.

A limited number of extra directories will be printed for future members. Also MEMBERS ONLY may purchase an additional copy of the directory for $10.00. Our organization is governed by a set of ratified Bylaws.