Wanda Heimbecker is the Communications and Business Development Manager of Whistling Gardens. She is recognized as a highly motivated, reputable, business professional with over twenty years of award winning success in the areas of; communications, public and media relations, program/special event facilitation, and financial management within the government, philanthropic, labour relations and corporate sectors.
As a self employed entrepreneur, owner of her consulting firm, she has represented over 100 clients, generating $13+ million dollars for numerous philanthropic endeavors. Wanda has co-authored a sales/mentoring education book “Sales Guru’s Speakout” reaching international distribution which is now translated into to several languages. Inspired by creativity, integrity and determination, she shares her husband’s authentic passion in transforming their century farmland, from a cornfield into a botanical garden. The vision for their “labour of love” was first introduced while they were dating. Building Whistling Gardens continues to reveal opportunities for discovery through botanical preservation, education while providing a venue for respite and celebration. “The gardens are our legacy. It’s a privilege to be on this remarkable journey requiring many sacrifices. The rewards can’t be measured when you are attracting like minded fellow nature enthusiasts who see the value of your work or offer you their trust as we host their most intimate sacred life moments.”
Tremendous industry support offers her encouragement as memorable moments welcomed prestigious guests as His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor who graced their gardens for their Peony Collection unveiling. Working in collaboration, or in a leadership capacity, her achievements have been recognized by industry peers, as a recipient of numerous national and municipal awards in the areas of: Garden Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, New Tourism Idea, Youth Television Programming, Youth Mentorship and a Federal Medal Recipient of the Canada 150 Award.
As a humanitarian, her core beliefs reinforce eternal growth and volunteerism, noting well over 70 community/leadership volunteer appointments contributing to provincial and municipal government boards, business associations, economic initiatives and philanthropic sectors.