A Day of Learning, Growth, and Connection

On February 8, 2025, more than 50 entrepreneurs, professionals, and business enthusiasts gathered at the Northern Lakes College Gym for the much-anticipated Business on the Lake Conference. The first Leadership & Business Conference provided a unique opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights, connect with industry experts, and walk away with actionable strategies to elevate their businesses.
A Powerful Lineup of Speakers
The day kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Jesse Semack, who shared her journey of turning a small business idea into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. Her story of resilience, innovation, and bold decision-making set the tone for an engaging and empowering conference.
Jesse challenged attendees to break away from traditional business norms and consider alternative pathways to success. Rather than rushing to scale up, she encouraged entrepreneurs to test their products, build a loyal customer base, and refine their strategies before making larger investments. She also emphasized the importance of continuous learning—urging the audience to research, understand their industry, and stay ahead of the curve.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in various sessions, including:
📌 Self-Care and Workplace Wellness with Susan Giesbrecht, discussed the importance of mental well-being in professional success. She highlighted essential healthy habits, including nutritious snacks, regular breaks, a dedicated hydration station, and the importance of social and community support.
📌 Simple Quarterly Reviews by Shane Rebryna, offered practical strategies for financial management. He explained why it is essential to closely monitor business financial metrics and discussed the different type of financial ratios.
📌 The Seven Sacred Teachings with Rosemarie Courtereille, explored how traditional wisdom can shape strong leadership. She explained that by applying these teachings, leaders create a positive, ethical, and supportive environment.
📌 Social Media Marketing Trends by Chana Trudel, equipped businesses with the tools to strengthen their online presence. She emphasized the importance of defining an ideal client avatar to better understand and connect with the perfect customer. She also shared valuable insights on selecting the right platforms and tailoring content to resonate with the target audience.
📌 Employee Engagement & Retention Strategies by Tom Bidart, provided insights on creating a motivated workforce. He offered his15 key takeaways to enhance team retention and engagement.
📌 Financial Foundations with Andrew Shupac, guided the attendees on smart money management for long-term success. He explained how to build wealth by reducing bad debt, understanding the differences between various savings accounts, and applying the Rule of 72 to grow your money wisely.
📌 Leadership in Action by Jasmine Neustaeter and Angie White, shared practical leadership lessons applicable to any industry. They shared valuable resources, including a self-evaluation sheet designed to help participants identify their leadership style based on their responses.
A dynamic expert panel also took the stage, covering essential topics like marketing, insurance, and accounting, helping business owners navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence.
A Conference That Left an Impact
The Business on the Lake Conference wasn’t just about learning—it was about networking, exchanging ideas, and empowering one another. Attendees left with not only new knowledge but also fresh inspiration and connections to help them take their businesses to the next level.
As the event wrapped up, one thing was clear: Slave Lake is home to an incredible community of driven individuals eager to grow and support one another. With such a successful turnout, we look forward to making next year’s conference even bigger and better!
Heartfelt Thank You!
A huge thank you to our inspiring speakers for sharing their wisdom and experiences—your stories left a lasting impact. Special thanks to our amazing emcee, Cleo Carifelle, for keeping the event engaging and seamless. And to our attendees, your enthusiasm and participation made this event a success.
Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep making waves in the business world!
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