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New West PR professional honoured locally and nationally

Movers & Shakers
Deborah Folka
New Westminster resident Deborah Folka has been recognized locally and nationally for her work in public relations.

New West resident Deborah Folka is making an impact in the public relations profession.

Folka was recently inducted into the College of Fellows of the Canadian Public Relations Society at its national conference in Kelowna. She was also awarded life membership in the society’s Vancouver chapter at its annual general meeting in June.

“These honours reflect her contributions and leadership in the public relations profession in Canada,” says a press release.

Born and raised in New Westminster, Folka graduated from New Westminster Secondary School and earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and a graduate degree at the University of Arizona, as well as the APR designation – the internationally-recognized professional accreditation for public relations practitioners.  Folka has worked in communications for both public and private organizations for the past 23 years and has run DLF Communications Ltd., a New West-based consultancy focused on crisis communications and issues management.

Business hosts bite-prevention seminar

A local business owner is striving to keep kids and families safe through some upcoming dog-bite prevention seminars.

Brigette Mayer, owner and head trainer of mutt & moggy Training and Pet Care, is presenting two free dog-bite prevention seminars, with the first taking place on Saturday, July 8 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Port Room at the Queensborough Community Centre. Parents and their kids will learn how to understand dog body language and how to act safely around dogs in their home and the community.

“My goal with these seminars is to help kids and families stay safe,” Mayer said. “The statistics are astonishing – by the time kids are 12 years old, 50 per cent of them will have been bitten by a dog, and 77 per cent of these dog bites come from the family dog or a friend’s dog. The key to dog-bite safety and prevention is early education for both kids and parents. These seminars are a fun and interactive way to learn how to speak ‘dog.’”

Another session will take place on Saturday, Aug. 12 from noon to 2 p.m. in the River Room at Centennial Community Centre. The sessions include fun, interactive activities to teach parents and their kids how to be safe around dogs.

The seminars, which are being hosted by mutt & moggy Training and Pet Centre and the New Westminster Animal Shelter, are sponsored by the Vancouver Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants program, which is administered locally by Family Services of Greater Vancouver.

Bosa supports bike race

Bosa Development has signed on to be the official champion sponsor of the New West Grand Prix.

The New West Grand Prix, the newest member of B.C. Superweek, will take to the streets of downtown New Westminster on Tuesday, July 11. Some of the best riders in the world, representing 13 different nationalities, will be taking part in the event that’s considered one of the most prestigious road cycling series in North America.

“We design connected communities, placing livability at the core,” Bosa Development president Ryan Bosa said in a press release. “Residents in Bosa communities can walk and bike everywhere. With our commitment to energize neighbourhoods and inspire residents, Bosa Development is excited to sponsor the New West Grand Prix.”

While Bosa Development will be the official champion sponsor of the New West Grand Prix, Domus Homes, 14 Property Group and Skyllen Pacific have all signed on as breakaway sponsors. Each of these real estate developers have projects underway in New Westminster.

“We are thrilled to have such great support for this event by the development community, said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “The New West Grand Prix wouldn’t be possible without the generous financial support of our sponsors and we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all our 2017 event sponsors.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at a variety of levels to enable businesses of all sizes to participate. For info on these opportunities and the New West Grand Prix, visit www.newwestgrandprix.com.

Business-related news and events can be sent to Theresa McManus at tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca