The Leader Newspaper // Special Features Celebrating Women in Business 2019

celebrating women IN BUSINESS Celebrating women across the globe By Emma Clark As International Women’s Day celebrations gained momentum across the globe, Soroptimist International Barossa Valley were keen to bring the event to a local event, holding their first International Women’s Day breakfast in 2013. It was small beginnings for the group to host this event, bringing 120 women into the Nuriootpa Sporting Complex on a Friday in March - to eat the most important meal of the day, raise funds for SIBV’s charities and have the chance to network with other women. Since then the event has grown as guest speakers including Poh Ling Yeow, Leigh McClusky, Rebecca Graham, Fiona McIntosh and Kate Taylor set the tone for the International Women’s Day celebrations and giving others an insight into who they are and what they do. This year, organisers have turned to their own backyard to select a guest speaker with Krondorf’s Jess Greatwich set to speak to a sell out crowd with a theme of “Tangible Solidarity”. “There’s the opportunity for women to be more visible in society and in business, that can be a catalyst for making changes,” said Jess. Jess together with her partner, James Ehrat are co-owners of Krondorf Creek Farm and Barossa Walk and have two children, Georgia and Charlie. In addition to this, Jess is the membership co-ordinator for Barossa Tourism and has a swag of previous experiences including legal youth advocate, hostel manager, farmers’ market manager, bar tender and waitress, among others. Jess said she is deeply honoured to be asked to speak at the event. “I don’t think what I have is extraordinary,” said Jess. “I hope to be if not inspiring then practical. If I can be practical and useful then that would be really great. “Everywhere you look, there are amazing people that have got a story to tell.” Jayne Pfeiffer, Soroptimist member, is looking forward to the event and the chance to hear Jess speak. “We have always got an invitation to go to Adelaide and we decided, we are for women and children, and one of the biggest recipients from this is the young carers,” said Jayne. Jayne looks back at the journey this event has taken, particularly around supporting young carers. As she tells the story of a young carer, who was caring for his mother and received a scholarship through SIBV, the tears start to well in her eyes. That young carer’s journey was unique to others their age, but not to other carers. “This was a young person that worked half their life, being a carer and studying and got a job,” said Jayne. “There’s been some amazing kids, as young as five, that are carers. My hat’s off to all those kids. “There’s 90 young carers in the Valley and Soroptimist International Barossa Valley have helped them with Christmas in July, camps, some years we will give up to $4,000 for their annual scholarships.” The young carers programme through Carers and Disability Link is one of the main benefactors from the International Women’s Day breakfast. In receiving a speaker’s fee, Jess will be able to support Medecins Sans Frontieres and Indigenous Literacy Foundation. “I love supporting these organisations and their ideals are quite aligned with Soroptimists,” said Jess. Soon after opening Krondorf Creek Farm, Jess set out to also encompass a philanthropic attitude and continues to support these two organisations. She said it’s about fostering connections, adding “we are in business to make a difference”. “We are fortunate, beyond measure to be born in Australia... living in the Barossa there’s no where else in the world where James and I can turn an abandoned property into what is now our own business... we are fortunate beyond any measure,” said Jess. “I am in a position where I can be visible and proudly say that I own a business. “I can have an idea and turn it into something. “Behind every successful woman is another five behind her who has supported her and sometimes they are not behind, they are in front of you and have inspired you - whether they realise it or not.” Soroptimist International Barossa Rental Specialists Jayne Pfeiffer, Soroptimist International Barossa Valley with Jess Greatwich guest speaker for this Friday’s Barossa International Women’s Day Breakfast. Barossa Valley is one of the biggest clubs in Australia and it is expected to reach the 40 member mark this year. The International Women’s Day breakfast is the biggest event on the Soroptimist International Barossa Valley calendar and it will be Barbara Ludlow’s first function as new president. YOUR PREMIUM CHOICE for rental management in the barossa valley It’s more than a rental to us, it’s our passion. We offer friendly, personal service and up-to-date industry knowledge. Why do our clients find our approach a refreshing change? We return calls. We follow up. We are committed to helping you. CALL LISA ON 0414 335 660 FOR An obligation-free rental APPRAISAL Jodie Reimann, Administration Coordinator and Lisa Akeroyd, Director of Barossa Rental Specialists. Tell us a bit about the business... Describe your role? I see myself as the caretaker of a landlord’s valuable property. I develop rental management strategies and facilitate day-to-day operations with a high level of personal service. To do this I also need a reliable team as our company rapidly grows. I am grateful for Jodie Reimann as my Administration Co-ordinator, who is equally committed to our business and to this industry. We are both very “hands on” and enjoy building good working relationships with our landlords, tenants and tradespeople. What do you enjoy most about your business? It’s a privilege to be helping people with the next chapter in their lives. We are passionate about rental management and want to make a difference in terms of service standards in this industry. Do you have a motto or goal that you strive towards? We suggest that we are “your premium choice” because we aim to give premium service where 22 - “The Leader”, Wednesday, March 6, 2019 every landlord and tenant is treated with respect. We only do rentals so we aim to do it well. What’s that ‘something special’ that makes your day at work? When we solve a problem for someone. Whether it’s finding the right tenant for a landlord or the right home for a tenant, resolving a maintenance issue or just helping someone through the rental process, it always feels rewarding to be of service. That’s the “something special” that makes this job our passion. Do you have something you would like to share that people may not know about you? It appears I am the Barossa’s only Certified Professional Member of the Real Estate Institution of South Australia (REISA). This certification recognises the efforts of members who exceed the normal requirements. I’m proud of this, it demonstrates my commitment to professional development. REISA believes this is a standard all members should aspire to. PROUDLY A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MEMBER, REISA  KNOWLEDGE  RESPECT barossarentals.com Lisa Akeroyd  PASSION  ACCESSIBILITY 0414 335 660 [email protected] BA23911