Monday, April 8, 2013

Welcome Karen Flavelle – Power Walk 2013 Ambassador



We are honoured to have Karen Flavelle on board as one of our ambassador’s for the Dress for Success Vancouver Power Walk 2013! Karen is the Chief Executive officer of Purdys Chocolatier and has been monumental in the success of one of Vancouver’s most renowned companies. A leader in both the local and international community, Karen has proven to be an inspiration to many women across the globe. Karen encompasses everything that Dress for Success stands for and we are so excited to have her join the 2013 Power Walk!

Many different experiences have provided the tool box for Karen to successfully lead Purdys, the largest Chocolatier in Canada.....a B.Comm from Queen's, living in Japan and Asia for 2 years, speaking fluent French, being trained in classic packaged goods marketing at General Mills, developing innovative new products at Product Development Partnership in the UK, and growing a popular chain of 140 restaurants: Swiss Chalet.

Sport, particularly endurance sports like running, road biking, roller blading and skiing, give Karen the high energy she is known for.

At over 106 years old, Purdys is a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, giving customers their favourites while exciting them with new ideas and chocolates.

Giving back to Africa, where 70% of the world's cocoa comes from, is an integral part of Purdys. Currently Purdys is working to educate farmers in the Ivory Coast to help them increase their incomes through growing more productive farms with better quality beans, and helping the women be more successful in their businesses. In addition, Purdys contributes to many, many local Canadian organizations with a focus on helping children and their families. Karen is currently active on the International Council of Shopping Centres’ Board of Governors.

Karen’s past Board positions include: Retail Council of Canada, BC Business Council Board of Governors, BC Business Laureate Hall of Fame Board of Governors, Canadian Association of Family Enterprises (Personal Advisory Group Chair), Confectionary Manufacturing Association of Canada, International Council of Shopping Centres (Provincial Retail Chair), Retail Merchants Association of BC, Young Presidents’ Organization (BC Forum Chair, WIN Regional Chair, WIN GCC Chair).

Business awards received: Influential Women in Business Award, Centennial Recognition Award – International Council of Shopping Centres, Business Hall of Fame – Vancouver Board of Trade, #1 – Golden Plate Readers’ Choice Award, BC Hall of Fame for Excellence in Food Processing (Lifetime Achievement Award), One of the Biggest BC Businesses Owned by Women, “One of Top 50 Companies to Work for in Canada”, Henry Singer Award for Excellence in Retailing, and WXN Top 100 of the Most Powerful Women in Canada.


We can’t wait for you to meet Karen at the 2013 Power Walk on May 11thRegister a team for the walk now!

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