February 2018 Newsletter
A Division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce 
February 2018 Newsletter  
Chair's Corner
A Letter to
Women's Network Members

Have you ever decided to take a chance and things did not go as smoothly as you imagined? Change comes at a different pace and comfort level for everyone. My own personal philosophy when things go wrong is to survey the real damage and then try to move forward with teachable moments.  Tina Fey says it best, “There are no mistakes, only opportunities.”

January for me held lots of opportunities! Yet all of those opportunities circled back around to lessons of trust, communication and clarity.  If you were not at our January luncheon you may have seen an apology email and be wondering “what was going on at the January lunch?”  As to not dwell on the negatives my lesson would be the need to always know your audience whether you are stepping on stage in front of a crowd or headed to an interview identifying the core values and beliefs of the group is key. . . Read More
FEBRUARY 2018 CALENDAR
2018 Carrie D. Francke Memorial Scholarship 
Now Accepting Applications!  

Each year, Women's Network provides a $1,000 scholarship to a female college student in Boone County, in memory of Carrie D. Francke. Carrie was ambitious, completing a political science degree at MU in three years, followed by earning journalism and law degrees. She served as Senator John Danforth's press secretary, as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, and on the University of Missouri Board of Curators. She died in a tragic car accident in 1989 at the age of 34. Carrie served on the Women's Network Steering Committee.

Applications are due April 9, 2018 at 5 p.m.
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. 

In addition to achieving great success in her company, Debin was actively involved in the Chamber and Women's Network. She served on the Chamber Board of Directors, Accreditation Task Force, Business Conference and Showcase Committee, Government Affairs, Education, Leadership Columbia, Women's Network Business Owners Committee, and Ambassadors. 

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.
UPCOMING LUNCHEONS

Presenting Sponsor
Welcome Sponsor

Christian Chapel Academy
Date: February 15, 2018
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Peachtree Catering & Banquet Center
Modern Mindfulness

Join Women’s Network for the February Luncheon where we will welcome yoga and life-coach Rebekka Mars. Her presentation is designed to help business professionals, of all backgrounds and specialties, recognize and remedy the effects of disconnection that comes with our modern culture. As our energy is diverted in many directions these days, the mind/body/soul suffers. Utilizing tools of yoga, exercise, meditation, and more, she will share reconnecting ‘lifehacks’ for your personal and professional life.

Advance registration is appreciated.  Online pre-registration is $15 for members and $18 for guests until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2018   After this pre-registration deadline, attendees can pay at the door.   Door registration p rices will be $18 for members and $21 for guests. We hope to see you there! 
Date: March 8, 2018
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Peachtree Catering & Banquet Center
Presenting Sponsor

Welcome Sponsor

Manor Roofing & Restoration
Date: April 5, 2018
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Peachtree Catering & Banquet Center

Join us as we welcome national speakers Karin Hurt and David Dye as they present "Winning Well - Mastering the Art of the Tough Conversation."
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsor

The Trust Company

Silver Sponsors

Christian Chapel Academy

Tiger Family Chiropractic and
Wellness Center


Date: February 21, 2018
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Shakespeare's Pizza, West

Come anytime in the timeframe, grab a slice of pizza,
and join us for some networking conversation!
MEMBER PROFILE
Jessica Gilmore, director of sales at Candlewood Suites—HWY 63 & I-70, has only been in Columbia for six months. But during that six months, she’s been intentional about getting involved and making new friends. She didn’t know anyone when she moved here from her hometown of Springfield, Mo. (where Cashew Chicken was invented…fun fact.) She moved here with her fur babies; 13 years young Shih Tzu, Bailey and crazy Calico Cat, Emma. She received her Bachelors of Science from Missouri State University, thinking she might work in sports or on a cruise ship. (Columbia is a close second to a cruise ship, Jessica.) Read more...

Name:  Jessica Gilmore
Company:  Candlewood Suites
Website:   https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/columbia/coucw/hoteldetail
Phone:  (573) 256-0200
MONTHLY PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

The Monthly Programs Committee meets the second Wednesday of each month to discover new and inventive programs for the Women’s Network monthly luncheons. The committee is dedicated to providing a wide range of programming that helps the professional and personal sides of each of our members. The goal of the programs is to challenge our members as our motto suggests: connect, empower, and engage. It’s important to us that we recognize we can help connect our membership to community issues and expose you to opportunities for personal and professional growth; empower you to lead and advocate in all areas of your life; and, assist you with engaging with others through interactive programming. We are always looking for suggestions for speakers and look forward to seeing some new faces at our next meeting! 
ATHENA SPOTLIGHT
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE: February Program


Presenting Sponsor
Date: February 28, 2018
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Walton Building (Chamber)
Negotiating

Please join us for our February round-table discussion on Negotiating, led by Meredith Shaw from The University of Missouri- Crosby MBA program.

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!
Welcome New Members!
Sandi Epple   | The Insurance Group
Kristen Blevins | Compass Health/ Family Counseling Center
Bethany Rawlings   | Alternative Community Training (ACT)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE
Women were largely the spotlight of 2017
following the re-definition of workplace and societal norms regarding women in the workforce. Take a look at this short Forbes article that identifies ways in which 2018 is likely to see continued change in the workforce, including sustained scrutiny on sexual harassment, and greater workplace flexibility for mothers in the workforce.
LEADERSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN
Women's Network is now accepting applications for Steering Committee and Co-Chair openings. If you are interested in taking on a leadership role within Women's Network, please complete an application and submit it to  Brandi Spurling  by March 31, 2017. 

WOMEN'S NETWORK MILESTONES & CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to the following Women's Network members who have achieved personal or professional milestones:

Congratulations to Michele Curry on her promotion to Treasury Services Sales Officer  with Commerce Bank !

Congratulations to Sara Riegel of CoMo Premium Exteriors on the arrival of her baby boy!

Congratulations to Kalynn Ramsey on her new position as Director, Membership Engagement
and Professional Development with Missouri Community College Association !

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