As owner of Airdrie Eyecare Centre, Amy Forrest fosters an environment that promotes women.
Forrest has spent the last 11 years establishing relationships with her 40 employees by making personal connections, encouraging further education, and through team-building events such as potlucks and retreats.
“When you walk into a business it has a feeling,” says Forrest. “You can feel it when you walk in the door, and that feeling is not driven by the owners – it is driven by the team. So, if the team is strong, happy and supported then that feeling is positive, and you can’t fake that.”
Nominator Hilary Noble is a manager at Airdrie Eyecare. She says Forrest has created a collaborative environment with an emphasis on self-worth.
“Amy is honest, positive, fair and realistic with her team: we always know what is expected of us,” Noble says.
“Though dedicated to her work, she displays a healthy work/life balance and encourages us to do the same. We consider her a mentor and a leader and are all so fortunate to be able to call her a friend.”
Over the years, Airdrie Eyecare has given back to the community through volunteering at the Airdrie Food Bank, Airdrie Festival of Lights and Airdrie Pro Rodeo, and delivering Christmas hampers.