Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Women in business just got busier thanks to the WOW Trade Show that celebrated its 30th anniversary on March 11 at the Oliver Community Centre.
Sally Franks, one of the organizers, said the event was one of the best shows that WOW (Women of Oliver for Women) has ever hosted.
“It was a great success. We had approximately 700 attendees and there were 53 vendors.”
She noted there was a wonderful feeling of anticipation and friendliness that began at 9:30 a.m. before the show began.
“So many people were so happy to be able to wander about and renew old friendships without being hampered by [COVID] restrictions,” she said.
Franks noted they had many vendors who never participated before, adding that some travelled from Kelowna, Cawston and other parts of the Okanagan Valley.
Local dog trainer Nina Munckhof from Toes and Tails Wellness said it was great to see a lot of her friends at the show succeed in their own businesses. She had friends on either side of her, so it was fun sending clients back and forth.
“Being able to support other women in the valley is huge.”
Munckhof said Franks always encourages her to be a vendor at the show, describing the organizer as a “bonus grandma.”
The entrepreneur noted it was really nice to see new vendors such as the Oliver Senior’s Centre, Oliver Tourism, and many others.
As far as business goes, Munckhof said she made enough contacts at the show to keep her busy for a while. “It’s the only [public] market I do, and it would be really nice to see more markets for businesses.”
Thinking back to the height of the pandemic, Munckhof said last Saturday’s show felt like any other show before COVID hit.
“Last time people were hesitant, but things are definitely growing and changing.”
Linda Schultz from Sunkeya Farm Alpacas in Oliver said she noticed this year’s show was very busy with people happy to be out and about again after COVID-19 restrictions likely put a damper on numbers last year.
Schultz said it felt like business was more brisk at the show this year, adding she handed out quite a few business cards promoting her farm tours.
She praised WOW for its work in supporting local women and children through various programs. “The WOW seem very passionate about what they do.”
Local businesswoman Marilyn Reimer, who makes totes and hand bags, said she was very impressed with the number of vendors at the show highlighting women in business.
She noted the atmosphere and space were a good combination. And to top it all off, her business, Thirty-One, made a few direct sales and online orders.
Reimer said the event “gives women an opportunity to show that we are out there doing things we like to do.”
Reimer said it was nice to see people coming out again and socializing after COVID, which interfered with life over the past couple of years.
Avis Cooper, owner of Seams Sew Creative, said she really appreciated WOW members for their organizational efforts in putting on a “smooth” event.
Cooper makes one-of-a-kind machine-embroidered gifts for people.
“My focus is ‘let’s shop local.’ If you need a gift for somebody, why do you have to run to Penticton?”
Cooper admitted she is not going to make a million dollars but enjoys doing a hobby in her retirement.
She stated the trade show had a great turnout, noting everyone was so positive and acknowledged what others were doing.
Cooper said she moved to Oliver from a bigger city (Prince George) and really appreciates how everyone is so community minded. “They pull together. People see if there is a need and they respond to it. It’s not just a nice place to live but people around you are so caring and giving . . . they don’t walk by with their noses in the air.”
Sam Richardson from InnerVisions Hair Design felt some nostalgia since she recalled her mother taking her to the show when she was a little girl.
She noted the turnout at this year’s show was phenomenal. “The highlight for me was getting back out to a community event and connecting with community members.”
Richardson said InnerVisions did more retail business at the show this year than in 2021.
She commended WOW for giving back to the community in so many ways, adding there is so much value in Oliver because of these women.
“It’s important for women to stay connected and be able to support each other’s business and dreams,” she pointed out.
