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35 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,F ebruary 14,2019 insidehalton.com VISIT US IN STORE OR ONLINE AT BADBOY.CA VALENTINE'S DAY SALE NOOO TAX 65" VALENTINE'S DAY SALE 65" 4K UHD SMART 3HDMI · 2USB #117003 SAVE $220 $778 PAY NOOO TAX! *ON MOST ITEMS. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS * Start planning your dream vacation with hand-picked travel deals and inspiration just for Canadians Visit Metroland Media's Halton division photo- journalist Nikki Wesley is thinking outside the box, with a new profile series that aims to shine a different light on those who call Halton home. Interview subjects are asked to pose for photos with an item that is impor- tant to them. France Fournier, 56, is the executive vice- president of the Oakville Chamber of Com- merce and the mother of two girls. She is a longtime volunteer with the United Way and was part of the team who helped open the Whole Foods Market in Oakville. Describe yourself in one word: Determined Q: How would your parent/boss/sig- nificant other describe you? A: Loyal, committed and a builder of teams, of spirits, relationships and commu- nity Q: What are your favourite qualities in a person? A: Authentic, kind and generous Q: What is your idea of happiness? A: Sharing a meal with family and friends friends f Q: What are you most passionate about? A: My family, and a close second is help- ing people Q: What's your favourite smell? A: A wood-burning fire Q: Who are your heroes? Why? A: Anyone who does not let adversity in life define them Q: If you could give the world one piece of advice, what would it be? A: Stop and breathe. I think we have lost the ability to converse and debate in a re- spectful manner. Conversations become a competition of who's right and who will emerge victorious, instead of a construc- tive exchange. By being open, we can learn so much, especially it's OK to agree to dis- agree. Q: What is something you wish ev- eryone knew about you? A: People would be surprised to know that, despite my very public roles, I'm a quiet person. Q: Who in your life do you find inspir- ing and why? A: My daughters, Lise-Anne and Mi- chelle -- smart, courageous and funny, making their way in life Q: Describe Oakville in three words: A: Home, community, historic Q: What do you like most about work- ing with the chamber of commerce? A: Our team and the work we do on be- half of the Oakville business community Q: Why is this object important to you? What does it represent for you? A: There is a history to this green frog that touches two people who played a big part in my childhood. It has been with me for a very long time. The frog was a gift tofor a very long time. The frog was a gift tof my dad, and he kept it on the credenza in his office until his sudden death when I was 15. I was very close to the woman who made the frog; she always treated me as one of her own kids. I loved her very much. Sadly, she also passed away a couple of years ago. If you know someone who should be considered for this profile series, email Nikki Wesley at nwesley@metroland.com. NEWS France Fournier is the Executive Vice President of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. Nikki Wesley/Metroland THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: FRANCE FOURNIER SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT INSIDEHALTON.COM