New Beginnings at the Heart of Orléans BIA: A Journey of Growth and Connection
Orléans, ON – The Heart of Orléans Business Improvement Area (BIA) has recently welcomed two new dynamic members to its team: Saoussane Boutarta as the Marketing & Communications Manager and Kamay Urquhart as the Member Concierge. Their first few weeks on the job have been an engaging blend of challenges, learning opportunities, and community building.
A Warm and Supportive Welcome
Upon joining the BIA, Saoussane Boutarta felt an immediate sense of belonging. The enthusiastic welcome from Executive Director Tannis Vine and Member Service Manager Rita Chalabi played a crucial role in easing her transition. Saoussane, new to the Orléans area, appreciated the supportive environment that allowed her to quickly acclimate to her new responsibilities and the local community’s unique charm.
Kamay Urquhart shared a similar positive experience. Despite the hybrid work model, the supportive and collaborative culture of the BIA was palpable. This atmosphere made Kamay feel at ease and ready to contribute to her role from day one.
Tackling Initial Challenges
Every new role comes with its own set of challenges. For Saoussane, the initial hurdle was navigating the office layout and familiarizing herself with Orléans’ geography. Meetings often included references to local streets and landmarks, which required additional effort to follow. With guidance from her colleagues and a helpful map of Orléans highlighting the BIA areas, Saoussane overcame these challenges and settled into her role effectively.
Kamay was initially somewhat unnerved when engaging with local businesses to convey the benefits of the BIA. After visiting 25 businesses, however, she recognized the importance of thorough research and asking pertinent questions to better understand how the BIA could support these enterprises. This approach helped her build confidence and become more effective in her interactions with members.
Memorable Projects and Achievements
Among the projects Saoussane has worked on, the Mother’s Day contest was particularly memorable. The heartfelt advice shared by mothers and mother figures touched her deeply, highlighting the solid personal connections within the community.
Kamay found great satisfaction in organizing member information into a comprehensive spreadsheet. This project provided a sense of accomplishment and promised to enhance the BIA’s ability to connect with and support its members more efficiently.
Looking Forward
The future holds exciting prospects for both Saoussane and Kamay. Saoussane is particularly looking forward to the arrival of a summer student and the launch of a video marketing campaign. These initiatives are expected to infuse new energy and innovative ideas into the BIA’s marketing efforts. Kamay is enthusiastic about implementing the latest member information sheet and participating in the various networking events and activities planned by the BIA.
In summary, Saoussane Boutarta and Kamay Urquhart’s first few weeks at the Heart of Orléans BIA have been a mix of learning, adaptation, and growing confidence. With the unwavering support of their colleagues and a series of promising projects on the horizon, they are excited to continue contributing to the Orléans community and its vibrant business landscape.