By Andrea Nicholl
March will celebrate professional development and business proficiency with the Border City’s 10th annual Business Education Month.
Six partners including Community Futures, the Lloydminster Construction Association, Streetscapes Co., Lakeland College, the Chamber of Commerce and the Lloydminster Learning Council will promote education and training through a series of workshops and professional development seminars throughout the city.
“It’s really to promote education and training for businesses throughout Lloydminster,” said Darlene MacDonald, executive director of the Lloydminster Learning Council.
“We are really trying to connect and reach out to the business community - businesses and non-profits alike.”
Business Education Month will kickoff on March 9, at Lakeland College, with a luncheon and keynote speaker Chris Johnson, also known as Dr. Laugh. The month long celebration of education and training will commence with a Dr. Laugh’s presentation about humour in the workplace and its ability to reduce stress, decrease absenteeism, increase productivity and promote a sense of team.
“Every year it just gets bigger and bigger, and every year more employers are attending,” said MacDonald. “It’s just a great opportunity for employers to thank their staff, enjoy a lunch and get professional development from a keynote speaker that will talk about something that affects all businesses.”
Each partner will provide an opportunity for professional development through one of six specifically-designed workshops. Speakers will come from across the country to discuss issues and training in the workplace pertaining to a range of businesses, large and small.
“The better you train your staff, the better the job they do, and the better your business works,” said MacDonald.
“We just want businesses in Lloydminster to be the best that they can, and we’ve already got an awesome business community so it’s just taking that next step.”
Business Education Month will wrap up with an evening “Celebrating Women in Business.” MacDonald encourages all business owners and home-based entrepreneurs to attend the ladies-only event for networking opportunities and an evening complete with a supper, keynote speaker, trade show and fashion show.
For information and tickets for the kickoff luncheon or the women’s wrap up event call (780) 875-9013. For workshops and professional development seminars throughout the month, contact the primary host.