For women in the Kootenay region, a soon-to-be-launched publication will be a “must-have” read.

Kootenay Woman is a new publication, designed to highlight products, services, and women who are living, working and playing right here in the Kootenays.

The publication wants to feature the women living in the Kootenays. Kootenay Women want to know what women would like to read about, discussion forums, services that they’re looking for and what is important to them.

“We want to emphasize the unique businesses and business owners, the women’s organizations, and the services that are readily available locally, perhaps even encourage travel within the Kootenays to support the regional economy,” said Janet Crandall-Swaffield, publisher of The Golden Star, and an advocate for the new specialty publication.

“There have been many influential women who have served as great business leaders and contributors to society right here at home.”

Kootenay Women is encouraging women to comment on their topics of interest.

Topics for Kootenay Women will include:

• Food, Recipes and Dining: There’s no doubt that some of the finest food available anywhere is right here in the Kootenays. We want to highlight it all. From chefs cooking in restaurants and cafes, to you cooking in your own kitchen. Share your ideas and stories with Kootenay Women!

• Health and Wellness: From personal development, to eating healthy and dieting, to practising alternative medicine, Kootenay Women encourages women in the Kootenays to help spread the word about the importance of living well!

• Business: There are so many women in the Kootenay region leading the way in their own businesses, advising others and helping to ensure the success of the economy in our region. Kootenay Women wants you to share your stories of success and ideas on how to ensure the bright future of the Kootenays.

• Education and Career: Who says you have to head to the city to learn? There are some fantastic colleges and training available in the area. For example, in the East Kootenays, the quickly growing College of the Rockies has their main campus and Gold Creek Campus in Cranbrook. They also have regional campuses in Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere and Kimberley, which offer unique programs and courses.

The College of the Rockies offers smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, up-to-date technology, great support services and professional, friendly staff. Just like the Kootenays, the College of the Rockies is a great place to live, learn and play!

In the West Kootenays, Selkirk College has educational options that can accommodate your dreams and aspirations. Take advantage of the variety of academic, career, vocational and technical programs part-time, full-time or online, that Selkirk has to offer.

There are many online education opportunities that offer a variety of ways to get an education, not to mention the many trades and apprenticeships that Kootenay women are taking on.

• Lifestyle: From discussing how to juggle a career and family to shopping smart during a recession, to taking advantage of recreational opportunities in the Kootenays Kootenay Women wants to hear your take on living, working and playing in the region.

• Home and Garden: Entertaining guests, looking into some “green” home renovations or ways to keep a pesticide free garden? Tell Kootenay Women your stories and tips on these topics and more!

• Entertainment, Music, movies and books: The arts and culture scene in the Kootenays is fast becoming as high calibre as any city. Kootenay Women wants to highlight local musicians, authors and artists making the Kootenays a brighter place! Let us in your favourite hot spots, films and books.

• Sports: Whether you are a hockey/soccer mom or are involved in the many great sports the Kootenays has to offer, a highlight of the sports in the Kootenay region is a must!

“With the launch of this new product, women in the area will be able to connect with one another unlike ever before,” said Crandall-Swaffield.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in a regional product like this, that will showcase the women right here at home. I look forward to hearing from women around the area on what we’ve done right, what we’re missing, how we could do better, and what they like best about the new product.”

To learn more, contact Crandall-Swaffield 250-344-5251 or editor@thegoldenstar.net.