Barrie Public Library is proud to announce that Program and Outreach Librarian Chantale Boileau has been nominated for a Barrie Chamber of Commerce Women in Business award!
Chantale was nominated in the Intrapreneur category. This award recognizes people who best exemplify the intrapreneurial spirit - they possess a true passion for leadership from within the company, rising through the ranks, and pushing themselves and their coworkers to achieve big goals.
Chantale has been with Barrie Public Library since 2012. You can regularly find Chantale facilitating business programs and guest lecturing throughout the local business community.
“We are beyond thrilled that Chantale has received this recognition,” says Lauren Jessop, Barrie Public Library CEO. “Chantale is a tireless supporter of Barrie's business community. Not only does she creates opportunities for small businesses to highlight their expertise through community fairs, events and programs she is also an incredible great support to her colleagues. "
Chantale excels at building relationships with businesses, service providers and local entrepreneurs. In 2023 alone, the library offered 73 business development programs, some in collaboration with the Small Business Centre, which saw 1,019 participants. Some of Chantale's most notable achievements from the past year include:
- Transitioned 'Starting your Business' series, offered in part with the Small Business Centre, to a self-directed module online.
- Ran a Local Author Book Market with 40 Local Authors in December, 400+ people attended and heard authors do readings, talks and bought their books
- Over 2000 Comic Fest guests enjoyed over 40 expo vendors, a crew of cosplayers and interactive activities for superheroes of all ages!
- Invited 7 Local businesses to be a part of the Garden Expo in March for our Seedy Saturday, Gardening day with lightning talks from our exhibitors
- Assisted 20+ small businesses through Business Technology Coaches in 2023 to start/expand their businesses in Barrie & Simcoe County with Market Research assistance
- Jointly ran 36 business programs with Small Business Centre serving 333 participating entrepreneurs starting, running or expanding a local area business
- Partnered to host space for Xcelerate Now, a program dedicated to connecting Newcomers, Refugees, Immigrants, and International Student entrepreneurs for event ‘Choosing the Right Business Structure For You' in Feburary at Library. This project is funded and done in partnership with the County of Simcoe, and various business eco system partners
- Co-presented w/ Collections Manager for Editors Barrie: How to Get a Book on the Shelf at the Library for local authors
“Chantale is continually working to enhance what we offer at the library,” says Sandra Sydor, Barrie Public Library Manager of Community Engagement. “She’s an enormous asset to the business community in Barrie, and to our team," continued Sydor. "Receiving this nomination is a testament to her accomplishments. We’re very proud of her.”