The Women in Business (WIB) Committee is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in business can connect, grow, and thrive. Through meaningful programming, events, and initiatives, the committee empowers personal and professional development while strengthening relationships within the regional business community. Meeting monthly, the WIB Committee collaborates to plan impactful opportunities that inspire connection, elevate women in business, and support the continued growth of our local economy.
Meet the Committee!
Laina Neudorf
Co-Chair | Founder & Success Strategist | LPT Success Solutions
Professional Snapshot: My career began in revenue operations and large-scale industrial project environments, where structure, coordination, and execution were critical. I started working in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland in 2008 and was on site for several major projects, including the Scotford Upgrader Expansion 1 and North West Redwater (NWR). Those experiences shaped how I think about systems, sequencing, and operational clarity long before I became an entrepreneur.
I run LPT Success Solutions, where I work with founder-led businesses that have grown successfully but are now feeling the strain of growth behind the scenes. Many are in the $750K–$2M range with growing teams and steady clients, yet key decisions, processes, and responsibilities still concentrate at the founder level. My work focuses on strengthening the structure underneath a business so it can continue growing without increasing pressure on the founder or team. Working across many businesses allows me to see patterns that individual founders rarely have the vantage point to spot inside their own company.
I often describe my role simply: I help founders strengthen the structure underneath their business so growth stops feeling harder than it should.
Committee Connection: I joined the Women in Business Committee because I care deeply about creating spaces where women can connect honestly, learn from one another, and feel supported at every stage of business. One of my goals this year is to help strengthen programming that balances practical business insight with real community connection.
Local Link: That same desire for meaningful connection led me to create Cringe Stories, a community networking event built around honesty, humour, and shared experience. It offers an alternative space where people can connect authentically, share lessons openly, and support one another without the pressure of traditional networking.
While I’ve been building my business in the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County community since 2024, my connection to the region goes back much further through my work in the Industrial Heartland. One thing that stands out about this region is how deeply relationships matter—people collaborate, support one another, and show up when it counts.
Coffee Chat Fact: Strong coffee, a good book within reach, and a Wordle puzzle to start the day — simple joys go a long way.
Marguerite (Rita) Hemmes
Co-Chair | Associate Financial Advisor | Co-operators Financial Investment Services
Professional Snapshot: Attending accounting courses led to an interest in finance which now spans 40 years. A 20 year career in banking included a role in business planning and financial analysis in addition to helping business owners, including farmers, with their business and personal investments. I left a position of Business Advisor to focus on helping people with their personal financial goals. Those roles included addressing personal financial needs including income protection with life insurance and culminating with a stint as a stockbroker prior to partial retirement. I decided I wasn’t ready for retirement and still felt a passion to help people wade through all the information to reach their financial goals.
Part of my banking career included working in the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont areas and when an opportunity came up to work in this community again, I jumped at it.
I’ve earned several financial licenses etc over the years and currently achieving yet one more. The financial industry changes and so do the education requirements. Currently working on the Professional Financial Advisor designation.
Committee Connection: I Joined the committee to make financial literacy/information more approachable for business and personal goals.
Local Link: We have such a diversity of industry and agriculture and that coupled with the ability to improve the financial lives of people in all sorts of careers is very gratifying. I feel I can make a difference in their financial futures including improving financial literacy at all levels.
Coffee Chat Fact: I used to teach running clinics when I was an avid runner….I completed 35 full marathons (marathons are 42 km) and half a dozen ultra marathons (over 42 km). Now just going much shorter distances.
So you could say that I’m not only a fiscal coach but also a physical coach.
Contact me by calling our office: Ph 780.998.9888 or email me at rita_hemmes@co-operators.ca
Tamara Dabels
Committee Member | Chamber Board Vice-President | REALTOR®, REAL Broker | Next Home Hub
Tamara Dabels has spent over 20 years dedicated to the growth and well-being of our local business community. Her journey with the Chamber is a long-standing one, including foundational experience as a former Executive Director. After a rewarding career in branch leadership—where she focused on guiding people through important financial decisions—Tamara transitioned into real estate. Today, she serves the Greater Edmonton region as a Realtor® with the Next Home Hub team at REAL Broker. For Tamara, real estate isn't just about property; it’s about the people and the relationships that make a house a home and a town a community. She brings a warm, steady hand and a wealth of local wisdom to everyone she works with.
A true neighbor at heart, Tamara currently serves as Vice-President for the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a Co-Chair of the Women in Business Committee. Her commitment to our region’s future is deep and varied, including her roles as a Member for the Town of Lamont Economic Development Committee and a Trustee for the Fort
Saskatchewan Public Library Board. In recognition of her two decades of heartfelt community work, Tamara was honored as a recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Having lived in Fort Saskatchewan for over 20 years and the Greater Edmonton area for more than 30, Tamara’s vision is rooted in connection. She believes that our region thrives when we support one another, from the small business on the corner to the families moving in down the street. She is committed to ensuring the Chamber remains a welcoming, supportive voice that helps our local entrepreneurs and residents grow together. For Tamara, there is no greater joy than helping this region continue to be a place where people truly feel they belong.
Payton Lozinski
Committee Member | Digital Marketing Coordinator | The Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Professional Snapshot: Payton holds a Bachelor of Professional Arts with a major in Communication Studies, giving her a solid foundation in strategic communication, digital marketing, and community engagement. In her role with the Chamber, Payton supports marketing and outreach efforts, promoting events, initiatives, and local businesses. With several years of experience coordinating events, she contributes to creating meaningful opportunities for connection within the regional business community. She is motivated by helping local businesses grow and strengthening the Chamber’s presence both online and in the community.
Committee Connection: Payton joined the Women in Business Committee as the Chamber's representative to support initiatives that empower and connect women across the region.
Local Link: Born and raised in Fort Saskatchewan, Payton brings a strong local connection and values the region’s growth while preserving its close-knit community.
Paula Wischoff Yerama
Committee Member | Job Coach / Business Developer | MCG Careers Inc.
Professional Snapshot: I thrive on variety and being involved in activities that allow me to connect with different people, to learn, and to build bridges. As a career development professional for the past 20+ years with the opportunity to work in different capacities and in different communities both locally and provincially, I have always been drawn to making a difference in my home community. Chambers of Commerce are important and valuable community hubs and my connection with the Chamber of the years has allowed me to experience Fort Saskatchewan through different lenses and to participate in activities and initiatives.
Committee Connection: Supporting women in business helps build strong families and communities. Creating support systems
and networks to ensure their success in all areas of their life, not just business, means they can thrive and be mentors to other women looking for opportunities outside of what might be considered “traditional roles”. I want to be a part of lifting women up, celebrating them, and supporting them to be leaders. Opportunities for providing mentorship and business training to youth in the community who
are having such a hard time finding employment is something I would love to help establish.
Local Link: My daughter and I moved to Fort Saskatchewan in 2005 and within a few months I was volunteering with the Minor Sports Association and finding myself falling more and more in love with our new community. While for many years my work was outside of Fort Saskatchewan I enjoyed being a vendor at the Famers’ Market and participating with the Chamber of Commerce through different facets of my work. In my current role with MCG Careers is Job Coach / Business Developer I have the honour of working with both job seekers and employers in the community and am excited for the opportunities that presents to positively impact individuals, families, communities, and businesses.
Coffee Chat Fact: I don’t sit still well so if I’m not working or volunteering you can usually find me teaching group fitness classes, training for a crazy adventure, or baking / canning.
Ellisa Wilson
Committee Member | Comprehensive Therapeutic Massage, Practice Owner
Ellisa Vogel is a Registered Massage Therapist with 20 years of experience, extensive training, and a special focus on Deep Tissue and Sports Massage. She is RAPID NFR certified and trained in Cupping. Ellisa also offers an educated, compassionate approach to helping clients manage physical symptoms related to PTSD.
She also provides child/youth sports and relaxation massage, with supplementary training in communication and approaches for neuro-diverse pediatric clients.
Stretching and therapeutic exercise recommendations are incorporated as needed to support each client’s wellness goals. For clients seeking an elevated experience, Ellisa offers Hot Stone Therapeutic Massage.
Francesca Degenhardt
Committee Member | Co-Owner & Operations Manager | Underground Jiu Jitsu
Professional Snapshot: My professional background is in logistics and account management, where I learned a lot about business, building relationships and the importance of thinking on your feet. These days, I've traded the logistics world for the exciting (and sometimes slightly chaotic!) adventure of co-owning and managing Underground Jiu Jitsu here in Fort Saskatchewan.
I've always enjoyed a good challenge, learning new things and finding ways to improve at what I do. I like having something to work toward, whether that's bringing a new idea to life, growing our business or finding ways to make a positive difference in our community. What motivates me most is seeing those efforts turn into something meaningful, especially when it brings people together. And if there's one thing I've learned along the way, it's that there's always room to grow!
Committee Connection: I'm a big believer that there's always something new to learn and room to grow, both personally and professionally. I enjoy getting involved, taking on new challenges and surrounding myself with people who are motivated, ambitious and aren't afraid to make things happen. I also genuinely love our community and want to play a bigger part in it. Through Underground Jiu Jitsu, I've seen firsthand how a business can offer so much more than just a service. We've built something that brings people together, and I'm incredibly proud of that.
I'm excited to learn from the women on this committee, bring my own ideas and experience to the table, and hopefully contribute to some great things for our local business community. I'm looking forward to being part of it all and seeing where this new opportunity takes me!
Local Link: What I love most about Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding region is the people and the sense of community. Even as the area continues to grow, there's still that small-town feeling where people know each other, look out for one another and genuinely care about what's happening around them.
Running Underground has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and families, many of whom have become much more than just familiar faces at the gym. I love that about this community. Business feels personal here, and I think that's something worth holding on to.
Coffee Chat Fact: I love a full house, a full calendar and a good laugh! Family is my happy place, but sitting still definitely isn't my strong suit. I'm always up for good company, a little spontaneity or a new adventure. Quiet weekends at home? Occasionally. But I wouldn't make a habit of it!
Leslie Palmer
Committee Member | Mortgage Broker
Professional Snapshot: My career journey has taken me through banking, leadership, skilled trades, and now the mortgage industry. Each experience has shaped how I approach my work, giving me a practical understanding of the financial challenges and opportunities people face. Today, as a Mortgage Associate, I focus on education, financial confidence, and helping individuals make informed decisions about homeownership. I have a particular passion for supporting people navigating divorce and separation, as well as women working in skilled trades.
What motivates me most is making a meaningful difference in my community. Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding region are home to hardworking individuals and families, and I believe everyone deserves access to clear information, honest guidance, and the confidence to make financial decisions that support their future.
Committee Connection: I joined the Women in Business Committee because I believe in the value of women supporting, encouraging, and learning from one another. Throughout my career, I've worked in industries where women have traditionally been underrepresented, and I've seen firsthand the importance of mentorship, meaningful connections, and opportunity. My goal is to help create an environment where women in our business community feel supported, confident, and empowered to grow. I want to contribute to initiatives that encourage collaboration, share knowledge, and celebrate the diverse experiences and achievements.
Local Link: I moved to Fort Saskatchewan about a year and a half ago, and having lived in several other communities surrounding Edmonton, I can genuinely say I love it here. The sense of community, welcoming atmosphere, events and activities the City organizes for its residents, and beautiful parks and green spaces all make it a wonderful place to call home.
I also appreciate the hardworking people who make up this region. There is a real sense of opportunity and economic growth here, and it's exciting to live and work in a community that continues to grow and thrive.
Coffee Chat Fact: I love to golf and I take my coffee black except for the occasional Caramel Macchiato.