Leeds Grenville Recognizes International Women’s Day
- Sarah Gillingwater
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
The Leeds Grenville International Women’s Day event, held on March 6th at the Brockville Memorial Civic Centre, was an absolute hit, even with the chilly winter weather outside. The sold-out event was buzzing with excitement and offered countless opportunities to network and celebrate the incredible women making a difference in the community. With the theme “Accelerate Action,” the evening highlighted the amazing contributions of local women in business and leadership.
One of the event’s highlights was a lively fireside chat featuring Julie Caffin, CEO of Brockville General Hospital, and Janet Campbell, founder of Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Foods. Attendees also had the chance to participate in “Ask the Expert” sessions and hear from some truly inspiring leaders.
A special moment of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Lynn Laming-Kerr of Kitley Grocery and Service Station. In a heartfelt pre-recorded message, Lynn shared her wisdom on running a small but vital grocery store in Toledo, Ontario. Her advice? “Open up the doors and just be present. Make sure you’re there.” She spoke about the challenges and triumphs of managing Kitley Grocery, a true community staple, reminding everyone of the incredible impact small businesses can have on their neighborhoods. Her words were a powerful reminder of the dedication, resilience, and deep connection that make small businesses so essential.
The majority of the crowd at the event were women, eager to soak up insights from seasoned business experts and fellow entrepreneurs in the community. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to learn from those who have been there, done that, and to connect with others who are on similar journeys. The shared stories and advice were incredibly valuable for anyone looking to grow or start their own ventures.
To keep the energy high and the atmosphere fun, there were plenty of gift bags, door prizes, and even a camera booth to capture the memorable moments of the evening. It was the perfect balance of inspiration, celebration, and lighthearted fun—a night full of learning, connecting, and creating lasting memories!
Media Release by Leeds Grenville Economic Development and Small Business:
BROCKVILLE – The Leeds Grenville International Women’s Day celebration saw a sold-out crowd of a 120 attendees for an evening of empowerment, connection, and action. Presented by Leeds Grenville Economic Development and Small Business Office at the Brockville Memorial Civic Centre on Thursday, March 6.
This year’s theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasized the remarkable contributions of women in business and encouraged bold steps toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important for us to recognize the many female entrepreneurs and the business and public sector leaders in Leeds Grenville. While there has been growth in female leadership, tonight was an opportunity to learn and inspire others to be part of shaping the region’s future,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
The evening featured a Fireside Chat with Julie Caffin, President and CEO of Brockville General Hospital, and Janet Campbell, Founder of Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Foods in Merrickville. Both leaders shared valuable insights from their professional journeys.
When asked about challenges that required bold action and delicate decision-making to achieve success, Janet remarked, “There will always be new challenges in business—that’s a constant. A global pandemic and a trade war with our closest ally are two extreme recent examples. Challenges push you to grow, learn, and evolve, potentially turning obstacles into opportunities. As entrepreneurs, we must adapt, stay flexible, and continuously improve our offerings, quality, and customer service. Every challenge presents an opportunity to assess strengths, weaknesses, and potential solutions to move forward.”
Julie spoke about strategies for maintaining focus and motivation during slowdowns or setbacks, emphasizing the importance of patience. “I’m not naturally a patient person, so it’s a skill I had to develop. Setting realistic expectations and building in time for possible delays helps manage the unexpected while reducing frustration. It’s also important to remember that everyone processes things at different speeds—what feels slow to you may be moving quickly for someone else.”
The evening also featured with an interactive "Ask the Expert" session, where business leaders rotated among tables to share their expertise..
The event concluded with the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Lynn Laming-Kerr of Kitley Grocery and Service Station. She is the twelfth recipient of the award, that recognizes a woman with over 20 years in business, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to community resilience. Reflecting on her work ethic, Lynn humbly shared, “Don’t ask anyone to do a job you wouldn’t do yourself. When things get tough, just go to work.”
A networking social closed out the event, leaving attendees inspired to take action and continue fostering leadership and innovation in their communities.
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