WOMAN IN THE LEAD: Arlene Dickinson

The Doyenne of CBC's Dragons' Den

We here at WOMAN.ca are big on Twitter-metrics. If I really want to vet public opinion on a private citizen, I do a search on their name on Twitter. Not Google. In this sense, we're early adapter to the media practice of Twitter-torial. As the Men We Love feature has proven so popular over the past few months (or maybe that's just the Joe Fresh-effect), we're launching a new series called WOMAN in the LEAD.

The guiding principle of this series: when given 140 characters, people get right to the point. No pulling punches, no mincing words. For each woman we profile in this series, we will let the Twitter Search on their name do all the talking. And in many cases, it's a case of "'nuff said".

Arlene Dickinson is president and CEO of Calgary-based Venture Communications, a marketing communications firm with 2006 sales in excess of $24 million. Dickinson, who ranked No. 18 on PROFIT's 2006 list of Canada's Top Women Entrepreneurs, joined Venture as a partner in 1988, become sole owner in 1998, and transformed it from a local operation into one of Canada's largest independent marketing firms, with offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa.

In addition to Arlene's busy roles as president of Venture, mother of four children and grandmother of one, she finds time to lend her skills and leadership to benefit the industry and the community. She served for many years and in various board roles, including chair, with Ad Rodeo and is past co-chair of the National Board for Kids Help Phone. She is a director of the Calgary Municipal Lands Corporation, 2016 Homeless Foundation, a member of the International Women's Federation (IWF) and a director of the Recreation for Life Foundation. As well, Venture does extensive pro bono work for several non-profit organizations.

This is what we all really think of Arlene Dickinson.

WOMAN.ca's favorite is @toddblevins.

PhilCaines: "Marketing must enable business and drive measurable results." -Arlene Dickinson. Good thing @stephenjoyce is talking about analytics on Wed
about 23 hours ago from TweetDeck

acoupleofchicks: Marketing is art for commerce sake Arlene Dickinson opens # orc09
about 23 hours ago from TwitterBerry

jaimehorwitz: #orc09 Arlene Dickinson my second favourite CBC Dragon is about to speak at ORC.
about 24 hours ago from mobile web

orcconference: #orc09 Arlene Dickinson, CEO Venture Comm Ltd. waiting in the wings!!! Canada's most powerful woman, Pinacle award, 2008 mgt achievement
about 24 hours ago from TweetDeck

acoupleofchicks: Hanging with arlene dickinson she is much hotter in person! #orc09
1 day ago from TwitterBerry

toddblevins: Arlene Dickinson is the James Dean to my Fonz.
27 days ago from TwitterFon · Reply · View Tweet

zomb_etsy: Saw my idol Arlene Dickinson speak at a conference today and she was sooo amazing. Asked a question & got a picture too! <3
11 days ago from web

somenmondal: Arlene Dickinson just stated the importance of having a CFO sooner than later... Great advice

PRChick101: At the Women of Influence at MTCC waiting for Arlene Dickinson to speak. A packed house. Erin Davis from CHFI just did the welcome.
11 days ago from TwitterBerry

Guin: I just got an email from Arlene Dickinson saying she likes the updates on the Dragons' Den site. Cool :)
13 days ago from web

NAIT: @zomb_etsy Thanks, we have great staff photographers who are also alums. Have fun on Friday! Arlene Dickinson is very entertaining. #yeg

zomb_etsy: I'm seeing my IDOL speak this coming Friday (marketing genius Arlene Dickinson) - I need a good question I can ask if I get the opprt. Help?
18 days ago from web

dibegin: CBC's Arlene Dickinson was fantastic at both sessions today-amazing story. @lyndasteele Great job too! #yeg
19 days ago from Twittelator

christinaonline: Dragon Arlene Dickinson's presentation tonight was awesome! Amazing speaker and funny to boot. Was definitely worth going to.
19 days ago from web

lyndasteele: Who has the coolest job in the world? Me! Just wrapd day with Arlene Dickinson - she is most impressive...
19 days ago from web

Si Si Penaloza
		About the author:
		Si Si has cultivated strong ties with editors, producers and publishers at all major Canadian media outlets. She is a seasoned print, radio and broadcast specialist. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in Maine, Si Si moved to Manhattan to study Film at New York University. Her strengths lie in contextualizing relevant content for a broad audience. She's driven to stay competitive and at the top of the market - commissioning exclusive features and launching bold initiatives.
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