Dawson Creek and District Chamber of Commerce re-launches initiative recognizing local businesswomen

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Dawson Creek and District Chamber of Commerce has announced a new initiative to highlight businesswomen in the south peace.

Working Women Wednesdays was soft-launched last year, according to the organization’s executive director,  Daneka Hussey-Hughes.

It is to recognize local working women to “bring light to the wonderful women who help build our businesses and economy,” in Dawson Creek, according to a Facebook post.

Hussey-Hughes told Energeticcity.ca the program didn’t “get off the ground” in 2025 because the chamber was undergoing an “internal rebuild.”

“I ran five or six last year,” said Hussey-Hughes. “Then I started stockpiling them, so we could relaunch. I realized very quickly that in the community, you have to go to your businesses to get [nominations].”

“So many of them are one or two-person businesses [where] you really have to go door to door and be like: ‘hey, I am here to help you.”

The Dawson Creek and District Chamber of Commerce is an organization which supports business advocacy, issues, and networking for local businesses and non-profits in the area.

Hussey-Hughes told Energeticcity.ca the chamber currently has 175 businesses registered and supports 2,000-plus employees involved in local organizations.

To qualify for inclusion, the organization must be a chamber member. They must also be a woman and hold a supervisory or management position within the business they represent.

Those nominated will be featured on Wednesdays on the Dawson Creek and District Chamber of Commerce’s social media platforms, using the hashtag #SheisDawsonCreek, and in the organization’s monthly newsletter.

While not being a chamber member does not disqualify a nominee, they must register with the chamber to be considered.

Hussey-Hughes expects nominations to be featured bi-weekly online.

“We have had new businesses sign up because of initiatives like this,” said Hussey-Hughes. “It does increase our membership in a way. It does not mean we don’t feature men, but just on a different day.”

To nominate a local businesswoman for consideration, visit the chamber of commerce’s website or email Hussey-Hughes at executivedirector@dawsoncreekchamber.ca.