The summer of 1986 was a significant time in Irene Khatter's life. She was the director of Marketing for the international accounting firm of Touche Ross in Calgary ... a job and a city she loved. But that summer, on a trip home to Cape Breton to visit her family, Irene was introduced to a man named John Khattar. It was the proverbial "love at first sight".

Their long-distance romance lasted for several months, but it soon became clear to Irene and John that something would have to give. John had already established himself in law practice in Sydney and although it wasn't out of the question for him to move, they came to the decision that Sydney would be their best choice for a permanent home together. It was a choice they've never regretted.

Rather than lose lrene as an employee, the firm of Touche Ross decided to create a job for her ... a job with regional, national and international scope. And, best of all, a job which Irene could take home to Cape Breton with her. Since much of her time was spent linked up technologically to the other company offices, or travelling to other provinces, and other countries, Cape Breton was a good place for Irene to be.

As John and Irene's family grew -they now have two daughters Alanna and Monica - and their lives became more and more hectic, they decided it was time to rethink their priorities to allow more time for each other and their children.

Irene took a three-day-a-week job as Tourism Marketing Manager with Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation. She loves being part of the tourism industry in Cape Breton.. . an industry which she says has a vitality and a life blood that's positive and refreshing.

Leisure time for the Khattars is spent at their cottage in Ingonish... summer and winter, and when they feel the need to get away they hop on a plane for a jaunt to Toronto or New York.

As John puts it, "We have the best of both worlds."