'Blooming Orchids' event highlights women entrepreneurs

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Through their passion, drive and determination, women have made their mark in the business world and it is no different right here in The Bahamas. It is these qualities that inspired the organizers of “Blooming Orchids” to put on this event which is scheduled to be held at the Canal House at the Pelican Bay Hotel on November 19th, 2010, from 7:30pm to midnight.
Blooming Orchids is a cocktail expo that will feature 15 women entrepreneurs and give them the opportunity to showcase their businesses and what they are passionate about to the island of Grand Bahama.

“We are inspired by up and coming entrepreneurs and therefore felt the need to create an event and opportunity for these women to showcase what they have to offer and what they are all about” said Kerel Pinder, who is the co-organizer of the event along with her brother. “I have said many times myself I would love to go to affordable events that are different and filled with culture. Therefore that is what we hope to bring to you with this event.”

The event features Leshan Ferguson of Divine Beauty, Lyndah Wells of Lyndah Wells Photography, Chantal Bethel of Chantal E.Y. Bethel Fine Arts, Davina Rutherford of Mirage Weddings & Events, Beverly Cooper who does Home Decorating and Design, Georgia Taylor of Georgia’s School of Dance & Theatre, Sarah Kirkby of Barefoot Marketing, Anthea Bullard of Hardour Collection, Danielle & Lauren Johnson of Something Sweet, Erykah Monique of Erykah Monique and Co., Krystle Allens of Beautiful Reflections by Krystle Allens, Annissa Shepherd, Raquel Smith of Razzle Dazzle and Adrienne Wallace, Michelle and Grace-Ann Adderley of Strawberry Patch.

Blooming Orchids vendor Georgia Taylor, shooting the commercial for Blooming Orchids cocktail expo

Guests will have the opportunity to meet, greet and see what each of the different featured women entrepreneurs have to offer, all while enjoying great entertainment and music. There will also be a fashion show by Hardour collection and Bandolera in Port Lucaya.

Blooming Orchids exhibitor Lyndah Wells, shooting a commercial for Blooming Orchids cocktail expo, to be held on Nov 19th, 2010, 7:30p.m at the Pelican Bay, Canal House.

This event will give the entire Grand Bahama public more than just a party and more than just a mix and mingle but an entire experience and most importantly showcase the drive and talents of women entrepreneurs in Grand Bahama.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and are available at the Seventeen Shop and from Bandolera in Port Lucaya. Partial proceeds from this event will be donated to R.I.S.E. a parent support group that provides services for parents and families of special needs children.


Click here or the poster below for more information.

Chamber president impressed by local entrepreneurial confidence

Peter Turnquest

By GENEA NOEL

FN Senior Reporter

Freeport, Grand Bahama- Entrepreneurs are demonstrating an increased confidence in the local economy as several new businesses have opened within the last several months.

According to Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) president, Peter Turnquest this is more reflective of the fact that people are recognizing that jobs are few and far between and have taken the general advice and are creating their own income.

"We are very happy to see the number of people that are spreading their entrepreneurial wings and we hope that the population will support them so that they cannot only support themselves and their families, but hopefully grow into a sizable entity in Grand Bahama and really make an economic impact on the community," Turnquest said in an interview with The Freeport News.

While this may be good news for the economy, the Chamber's president said that individuals should start to think a little bit more outside of the box in terms of the types of enterprises that they are going after.

As the GBCC works toward its own economic plan for the island, Turnquest said the increased confidence in the economy ties into what they are trying to accomplish.

"We hope to encourage the creation of small and medium-sized businesses that will provide the bedrock for our economic revival and sustainability."

With new businesses being established, partially in the International Bazaar, Turnquest said that people are finally beginning to appreciate that they have a very attractive asset that has been underutilized.

"I think that it is very important for the Bazaar to come back as a viable shopping and tourist destination, because it creates a bit more touristic opportunities for the island in terms of things for tourists to do. I would like to see a few more higher end stores going into the Bazaar, but overall we are happy with the investment that is going on there," he added.

"If we continue with the trends that we have going, and there has just been a number of new businesses approved by the Licencees' Commit-tee, with the level of activity and shops that are going on there now – we are soon going to have a mini mall where you can get any kind of service you want – so I think it is exciting."

Incentives are currently being offered by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for persons going into business and despite rejecting the government's request to allow a business tax holiday, Turnquest said that its leadership is doing all they can.

"It is great that they (GBPA) are providing incentives for persons who want to do business. The GBPA is a private entity that derives its revenue from the licence fees, so there is only so much that they can do. I applaud them for what they are doing but I encourage them to look at other areas that they may be able to offer similar type of assistance," Turnquest said.

"I am hopeful that with the head start that they have given these businesses, they will be able to make something out of it so that next year when the licence fees do apply, these businesses will be able to pay their fees and will be able to continue in business and prosper from there."