BURLINGTON, ON – On September 24, 2020, Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) hosted a virtual Women in Leadership meeting for farmer-members to discuss the latest chicken industry news and how to work together virtually in the new reality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CFO’s Women in Leadership initiative encourages the business, professional and personal growth of farmer-members, and aims to amplify farmer-members’ voices within CFO and the industry. The approach of the initiative is to provide networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities to help further share a culture where all farmer-members feel empowered, supported and equipped to succeed.
CFO was pleased to have guest speaker Carol Mitchell, former MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, join the meeting to share her insights on fostering and maintaining strong leadership in rural Ontario. Carol is currently a Principle with Counsel Public Affairs, specializing in Agriculture, Energy, and Rural Affairs, and has a hands-on understanding rural Ontario challenges and opportunities.
The meeting also provided an occasion to consult with farmer-members on tools and methods to continue to stay connected while the COVID-19 pandemic prevents in-person meetings and gatherings.
“We were thrilled to have Carol Mitchell join us and share her insights as a leader and advocate for rural Ontario at the Virtual Women in Leadership event”, said Ed Benjamins, Chair, CFO. “Carol’s unique perspectives were helpful in supporting our farmer-members as we encourage them to become more involved in leadership opportunities. The Women in Leadership initiative is just one of the ways that we encourage more voices from our farmer-members with a wide range of different perspectives and experiences, ultimately better representing the communities in which CFO serves."
“As we continue to navigate through our next normal during COVID-19, virtual meetings are an essential tool that help us work together while prioritizing health and safety,” said Rob Dougans, President & CEO, CFO. “The Women in Leadership meeting was a great example of digital collaboration, and we look forward to engaging with our farmer-members through more virtual events like our upcoming round of Regional Meetings taking place in October.”
Source : CFO