Fraser Valley Entrepreneurs Share Their Success Stories at Local Leaders Fraser Valley

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - February 22, 2016) -  Small Business BC, the province's premier resource centre for entrepreneurs, and Township of Langley have partnered to bring the Local Leaders event series to the Fraser Valley on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Golden Ears Business Centre in Langley, BC.

Local Leaders Fraser Valley connects small business owners with thought leaders and each other. It fosters the growth and development of local businesses in the Fraser Valley by giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to network with and gain inspiration from the top CEOs and business frontrunners in the community.

"Small Business BC is delighted to partner with Township of Langley to help strengthen the small business community in the Fraser Valley and throughout the Lower Mainland," says George Hunter, CEO of Small Business BC. "We're committed to working with engaged municipalities like Township of Langley across British Columbia to support the small businesses that are so critical to the economic health of every community in the province."

The event features complimentary appetizers and drinks from local businesses, the opportunity to mingle with over 150 BC start-ups and business leaders, and several educational presentations from accomplished entrepreneurs in the region, including:

• Township of Langley Mayor, Jack Froese, Founder, JD Farms
  • Welcome and Opening Remarks
• Sandee Krause, Co-Founder, Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery
  • What Makes a Successful Agri-Tourism Business?
• Emma Jane Davison, Owner and Cheesemaker, Golden Ears Cheesecrafters
  • Strategies for Marketing and Promoting a Local Artisan Products with Retailers
• Chilliwack City Councilor Sam Waddington, Founder, Mt. Waddington's Outdoors
  • Stimulating Local Tourism and Making a Positive Impact on Your Community
• Diane Morrison, Founder and General Manager, Wendel's True Foods
  • Listening to Your Customers for New Product Development Opportunities

"As Mayor of the Township of Langley and Founder of a family-run business that has been thriving for more than 30 years, it is my pleasure to take part in Local Leaders Fraser Valley and welcome participants to this exciting event," said Langley Township Mayor, Jack Froese. "Anytime we can share our ideas and experiences, we enhance and strengthen our local economy. The Township of Langley is pleased to team up with Small Business BC for this unique opportunity and we encourage local business owners to join us for this celebration of Fraser Valley entrepreneurs."

More details about Local Leaders Fraser Valley can be found at http://sbbc.co/LLFV2016. The public and media are encouraged to register today to attend the event at Golden Ears Business Centre (9525 201 Street, Langley, BC) on Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

About Small Business BC
Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. Through a wide range of products, services, education and resources there's a piece that fits with every business. No matter what stage or what skill level, when an entrepreneur finds themselves asking "How do I...?" Small Business BC is the one to call.

About Township of Langley
Recognized in 2015 by BC Business as the 6^th best city for work in the province, the Township of Langley is the place to do business to British Columbia. Supporting over 5,000 businesses in the community, our goal of supplying one job for each Langley resident in the labour force is consistently being achieved. Offering quick and convenient access to markets and international borders -- via ground, rail, water and air -- the Township is the ideal community to locate your business. Our unique lifestyle mix of urban/rural has something to offer to everyone and supports today's population of 113,000, a population which is projected to double in the next 30 years. The Township of Langley is proud to be a progressive leader and an economic powerhouse in British Columbia.

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