April 2018 Newsletter
A Division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce 
April 2018 Newsletter  
CHAIR'S CORNERS
Welcome to Spring

Even with the weather not cooperating, spring is in the air as we celebrate lots of activities with both the Chamber of Commerce and Women’s Network. Banquets, Showcase and naming of the Small Business and ATHENA Young Professional finalists are now complete, and I realize as we work our way through budget and nomination committees, my term as your Women’s Network Chair is winding down. It truly has been a wonderful and humbling opportunity to get to represent such a remarkable organization at this level. Leadership is simple when you have a strong team and a clear vision. I’m so proud of our organization and the fact that no matter what obstacle is placed in front of our volunteers you lead through the change without hesitation or fear. Our passion and common goals are a true recipe for success, and it is with great pride I get to tell our story over and over to those who want to know more about our group. For this month’s newsletter I thought I would share one of those recent conversations with you. Because sometimes as a group I think we forget how impressive our organization really is to outsiders. How easy everyone makes their hard work, dedication and passion for this group look as we orchestrate through activities and lift each other up through celebrations and friendships... Read more
APRIL 2018 CALENDAR
UPCOMING LUNCHEONS

Presenting Sponsor
Welcome Sponsor

Downtown Appliance Home Center
Date: May 17, 2018
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location:   Peach Tree
(120 E Nifong Blvd # D)
Making Millennials Great: Employee Engagement and Retention"

"Making Millennials Great: Millennial Employee Engagement and Retention" is a conversation you don't want to miss. The Millennial population will make up nearly 35% of the workforce by 2024 (according to Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Jeff Kortes along with his millennial counterpart, Randy Wilinski, provide a blueprint suitable and insightful for every generation. You'll learn how millennials think, how they're motivated, and why they will (or won't) go the extra mile. Most importantly, you'll come away understanding the Five Pillars to building the millennial generation and unlocking its creative potential. 

Advance registration is appreciated.  Online pre-registration is $15 for members and $18 for guests until 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.  After the pre-registration deadline, attendees can pay at the door.  Walk-in prices will be $18 for members and $21 for guests. 

2018 Debin Benish 
Outstanding Businesswoman Award 
Now Accepting Nominations!   

Debin Benish started Delta Systems Group at a time when women were not encouraged to venture out on their own, not to mention in a technology field. During her 18 years in business, Debin and her staff trained thousands of people in Mid-Missouri on many different software programs and provided computer network support to hundreds of companies. 

To honor Debin's memory of volunteering and supporting small businesses, the Women's Network, in conjunction with Delta Systems Group, would like to select a businesswoman who has achieved great success in her business to receive the annual Debin Benish Outstanding Businesswoman Award. Click below to nominate someone today!

Nominations are due May 11, 2018 at 5 p.m.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Amy Sajko | Commerce Bank
Kelli Van Doren | LOVE INC of Columbia
Nicole Grant | Service Master of Columbia
Kayla Shern |MFA Oil Company
Wendy Cole | Winter-Dent & Company
Erin Ringer | Great Circle
Brandi Huebner | Eat Fit Go Healthy Meals
Brianna Lennon | Candidate Lennon for County Clerk

A GLANCE AT RECENT EVENTS
Women's Network April Luncheon Seminar
Attendees enjoyed an inspiring keynote by Karin Hurt focused on having the tough conversations. Karin's book is available for purchase on their website:
The presenters Winning Well model book can be purchased through their website!
Women's Network April Luncheon Seminar
The Changing the Odds Committee welcomed women from the community who took part in their Spring Seminar focused on Financials and Education. Participants enjoyed speakers from around the community who presented on various topics ranging from budgeting, banking, and education... And thanks to all the participants from the 2017 Holiday Party Silent Auction, the committee was able to purchase each participant their very own personal finance resource book!


The Marketing Committee is in the midst of their website redesign! Head shots will be required for members to be featured in our on-line directory. Check your profile, and submit your head shot to Brandi at the Chamber if you do not currently have one!

NEW MEMBER WELCOME 4

Date: April 12, 2018
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Masonic Home

If you are a new member in the past six months, or are a member that is interested in meeting new members, join us for the New Member Welcome!

FREE for new members, $10 for everyone else
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsor Columbia Daily Tribune, U.S Cellular
Location Masonic Home
Door Prize Sponsor Focus on Health Chiropractic
New Member Welcome Gift White Dog Promotions, LLC
MEMBER PROFILE
Get to know Kristen Henry, Director of Business Development for Schaefer Autobody Centers in Columbia. When the Columbia location opened about two and a half years ago, Kristen started commuting from her home in Wentzville. She always loved the auto industry as well as marketing and training, so business development in the auto industry was a perfect fit for her. Originally from St. Charles, Mo., Kristen received her Bachelors from University of Missouri St. Louis. In her free time, she loves traveling, walking and hiking with her husband their two dog children, Trixie and Chewy. Read more

Name: Kristen Henry
Company:  Schaefer Autobody
Website:  http://www.schaeferautobody.com/shop/columbia/
Phone: (636) 305-8288
STRATEGIC PLANNING

You’ve all heard the phrase “A strategic plan must be a living, breathing document”. Well, we’re here to report that our plan is most assuredly alive and doing well! Progress is being made in each of our committees towards the objectives they set in meeting each of our five goals: Strategic Outreach, Empower Leaders, Committee Involvement, Relevant Programming and Diversify/Engage Membership. Please be sure to ask your committee chairs the next time you attend a meeting about their progress. And for specific questions, feel free to contact Ann Merrifield,  amerrifield@ccis.edu .
Show someone how thankful you are for their role in your life by sending them a rose in celebration of ATHENA week!

$5 per rose. Roses will be hand delivered by the Special Events Committee on May 22, 2015.
Profits from the roses benefit the Changing the Odds committee.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE


Presenting Sponsor
Date: April 25 , 2018
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Walton Building (Chamber)
Communication

Please join us for our March round-table discussion on Communication!

Your Co-Chairs Valerie Zumwalt CoMo Leaders,  and Danielle Harrison ,  Landmark Bank,  invite you to attend this event. Though  FREE to attend , please register to help with seating needs. As always, bring your own brown bag lunch if you desire as well as business cards for networking. See you there!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE
How many meetings have we sat through where we thought "well, this could have been an email"? Don't be the culprit of those meetings! Here are 7 tips to keep your meetings efficient. This quick read on Insperity.com could lead to saved time and money for your company! 
WOMEN'S NETWORK MILESTONES & CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to the following Women's Network members who have achieved personal or professional milestones:

Congratulations to Jackie Carney of University of Missouri on the birth of her baby boy!

Congratulations to Danielle Harrison of Landmark Bank on her career transition from Commercial Lending to Wealth Management!

Congratulations to Jennifer Schenck of Connection Exchange , a finalist for the ATHENA Young Professional Award!

Congratulations to Connection Exchange , owned by WN Members Jennifer Schenck and Cara Owings , for their top five position for Small Business of the Year!

Congratulations to new member Brianna Lennon , of The Law Office of Mike Campbell , a finalist for the ATHENA Young Professional Award!

Congratulations!

Have you or someone you know accomplished a personal or professional milestone? Please let us know so that we can recognize these accolades in our monthly newsletter! Please fill out the Monthly Luncheon Survey or email Marketing & Communications Committee Co-Chair,  Sara Humm  to submit your milestone.
Women's Network, a Division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce
300 S Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 874-1132