Business women want you (chris woodall) A change in format makes the Western Businesswomen's Association more "user friendly" for Whistler members. The monthly meetings give women professionals, business managers and entrepreneurs a forum to network and discuss issues that affect the ups and downs of the business world. But instead of a sit down dinner costing about $25 a plate, perhaps followed by a "chalk talk," the Whistler chapter of the WBA has opted for an informal meet and greet, usually at the business location of a featured member, for $5 a person to cover refreshments. The next meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 26, 6 p.m. at The Body Shop. Ann Ward of Ward & Associates, and Patti Stewart of The Body Shop are this meeting's featured business representatives. Ward & Associates is a sales and marketing consulting and training firm. The Body Shop is a cosmetics retailer with a conscience. The franchise has a charitable foundation that recently made a donation to Pearl's Place, a transition house in Squamish that serves the Sea to Sky corridor, including Pemberton. The WBA has received encouraging comments about its meeting format. "I had fun, and got to discuss real issues with other women in the retail industry," says Fiona Burke, owner of Chasmophile. "I thought this would be too businesslike with a bunch of feminists... what a great surprise," says Shirley Langtree, owner of Stancliff Lodge. "When I was new in town, these meetings gave me a chance to meet fun, interesting people," says Stewart. For more information, call Sue Adams or Sandra Cameron at 932-5506; or call Paula Campbell at 938-0887.
