Are you a business woman looking for a peer group for support and ideas? Are you interested in issues facing women today?
Then make sure not to miss the first session of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Women in Business? series on Jan. 31.
‘I’m very excited about this opportunity. This is something we’ve never done before,? said Chamber President Sue Welker.
The idea of a ‘Women in Business? series began almost three years ago when chamber members came forward with an interest in the subject. In February of 2005, chamber employees formed a focus group to learn what topics interested women chamber members.
By the fall of October, a plan was in place.
‘When you consider the entire chamber membership, about two-thirds of our member companies have women in decision making roles,? said Chamber Executive Director Penny Shanks. ‘When you learn who your chamber members are and what they are interested in knowing, it opens the door for many other opportunities.?
The goal of the ‘Women in Business? series is to provide area business women with opportunities to network with peers while maintaining a close hometown connection for themselves and their business.
According to Shanks, the advisory role in a woman’s life that was once filled by family is now often left void. By meeting with peers, local business women can find the mentoring they need.
‘There is an energy and rejuvenation when you interact with our peers,? said Shanks. ‘Women share so many challenges ? home versus work versus scheduling versus everything else ? being able to share those issues with other women is important.?
The ‘Women in Business? series also fits nicely with Welker’s theme for her term as president of health and wellness in the work place.
‘Certain health issues are unique to women,? said Welker. ‘At these meetings, we can speak freely. They are a safe place to talk about issues, either in groups or one-on-one.
‘Women can comfortably share ideas and be a little more open, especially when they find other women who share their concerns. These sessions are a camaraderie where you can find a source of information or support.?
The first of four sessions is on Jan. 31 from 7:45-10 a.m. at the Clarkston Community Schools Administration Building. The morning features guest speaker Ellen Schettling Whitehead ? local resident, author of Shell Song and Clarkston Schools employee.
‘I’m really excited to have Ellen’s presentation,? said Shanks. ‘She’s going to be talking about her book and inspiration; but on the side, what she has done and the passion she has shown for her book is amazing.?
The other three sessions include:
? A workshop on identifying and employing your strengths with facilitator Patrick Banks of Banks International in February.
? A panel discussion on business issues, such as finances and marketing, in March. Part of the discussion will involve how to benchmark your business.
? A field trip in April. Although a destination is not yet finalized, Shanks said the goal will be networking.
‘Each of these are a different way to network and learn something new,? said Shanks. ‘On the side we’re hoping our women in business will take further steps and set up their own meetings and sessions to make even stronger connections.
When all is said and done, one question begs to be asked whenever the theme ‘Women in Business? arises: What about Men in Business?
With a smile, Shanks assures the sessions are open to men; however, the topics will be women oriented.
In addition, she emphasized that all the other chamber sponsored functions will remain throughout the year and open to all chamber members.
‘We’re not giving up any of our other networking or skill building activities,? said Shanks. ‘This is just another opportunity.?
Reservations are required for the Jan. 31 session and the cost is $10 per person. The chamber is offering a buy one get one free ticket special ? and encourages everyone to bring a guest.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call 248-625-8055.