The Women's Success Network is continuing to build programming that reflects the interests, needs, and experiences of the incredible women in our community.

To do that, we need your voice!

We're inviting all members of the WSN network to complete a short survey to help us better understand:

• Who makes up our network
• Topics and resources that are most valuable
• How you'd like to connect and engage
• Ways WSN can best support women at every age and stage

Your feedback will directly influence future programming, networking opportunities, and resources as we continue to grow WSN as a welcoming, supportive community for women throughout the Blackstone Valley and beyond.



As a thank you for taking the survey, everyone who completes it by July 31st will be entered into a drawing to win TWO complimentary tickets to our signature summer event, Ladies on the Lake!

Whether you've attended WSN events for years or are just beginning to get involved, your perspective matters.

Take the survey here:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/KnbCW0K

Thank you for helping us shape the next chapter of the Women's Success Network. We can't wait to share what we learn—and to see you at an upcoming event!

Join the BVCC’s Women’s Success Network as we set sail aboard the beautiful Indian Princess on Webster Lake, for our 5th Annual Ladies On The Lake!

This highly anticipated event features a fabulous evening of networking, quintessential hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and spectacular views. Docked at Indian Ranch, the Indian Princess is a modern day replica of the river boats once seen cruising the Mississippi River. She is one of the few authentic riverboats left in the United States today, using her stern wheels as her only means of propulsion. Cruise with your crew for a unique voyage not to forget!

The WSN is proud to announce its participation in creating a Hope Garden at the Uxbridge Town Common, in support of Mental Health Awareness. Please join us in planting 500 yellow tulip bulbs inspired by the Yellow Tulip Project to help smash the stigma associated with mental illness.

Yellow tulips symbolize hope and happiness, and will be a great reminder for our community that hope does happen!

For more information, and to volunteer, please visit our website, www.blackstonevalley.or/events or click the button!

For additional questions on volunteering please contact WSN Chairwoman, Lynn Whitney-Turner at lynn@corebusinessxp.com or BVCC President & CEO, Jeannie Hebert at jhebert@blackstonevalley.org.

Blooming Hope: WSN to Bring the Yellow Tulip Project to Uxbridge This Fall

Written by Jeannie Hebert

For the past several years, the Women’s Success Network (WSN) of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce has rallied behind a project that is incredibly near and dear to our hearts: The Yellow Tulip Project.

What began as a single seed of hope started by 15-year-old Julia Hansen, determined to smash the stigma of mental illness after losing her friend to suicide, has grown into a powerful movement. For WSN, the yellow tulip has become a vibrant symbol that brings us together—not just in fellowship, but in a shared mission to bring the critical issue of mental health out of the shadows.

Our dedication to this cause has literally reshaped the landscape of the Blackstone Valley. Over the years, we have come together to plant 500 yellow tulip bulbs at a time, creating unforgettable, compelling bursts of hope across our region. From our roots plantings in Northbridge, Millbury, and last year’s planting along the scenic Blackstone bike path, our footprint of hope continues to expand.

Growing Our Impact in Uxbridge

This year, we are bringing our hands, our hearts, and our shovels to a new cornerstone of our community. On September 26, the WSN will gather to plant 500 yellow tulips on the Uxbridge Town Common.

When spring arrives, these bright blooms that symbolize happiness, positivity, and friendship, will serve as a stark, stunning reminder of resilience, a tribute to the silent struggles of those facing extreme stress, and a loud declaration that no one has to struggle alone.

Camaraderie with a Purpose

While the message behind the Yellow Tulip Project is deeply serious, the act of planting is a joyous, uplifting tradition for our network. It is an opportunity for us to extend true camaraderie and fellowship, working side-by-side to build a more compassionate community.

We invite you to join us this September in Uxbridge. Let’s get our hands dirty, strengthen our bonds, and plant the bulbs for a brighter, stigma-free tomorrow.

Save the Date:

· What: WSN Yellow Tulip Project Planting

· When: Saturday, September 26, 9:00AM (rain date September 27)

· Where: Uxbridge Town Common

Jeannie Hebert

BVCC President & CEO

jhebert@blackstonevalley.org

508-234-9090

Interested in volunteering at our next Yellow Tulip Project Planting? Click the button to sign up today!

What's the difference between the Women's Success Network and the Women's Success Network Committee

Written by Lynn Whitney-Turner

One question we've heard recently is, "What's the difference between the Women's Success Network and the Women's Success Network Committee?" Since this newsletter reaches our entire community, we thought this would be a great opportunity to clarify.

The Women's Success Network (WSN) is all of us.

Every woman who attends an event, volunteers, mentors, sponsors, shares an idea, reads this newsletter, or simply wants to connect with other women in the Blackstone Valley is part of the Women's Success Network. Together, we are united by a shared mission:

To unite women to achieve their vision of success by creating a community of support and inspiration in their personal and professional lives.

The WSN Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers who help bring that mission to life. We work behind the scenes to plan events, develop programming, build partnerships, and create opportunities for women to connect, learn, grow, and support one another. Our role is to serve the network—not to define it.

Because WSN is your network, your voice matters.

One of our goals this year is to better understand the women who make up this incredible community so we can continue offering programs, events, and opportunities that reflect your interests and needs. We invite you to take a few minutes to complete our Community Insights Survey. Your feedback will help shape future programming, and as a thank you, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a raffle to win two complimentary tickets to our signature Ladies on the Lake event!

Whether you're a long-time member or are just discovering WSN, thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to learning from you and continuing to grow together.

Lynn Whitney-Turner

Owner

lynn@corebusinessxp.com

Maximizing the Summer & Fall Networking Rush: A Guide for Women in Business

Written by Jeannie Hebert

The warm weather months bring a packed calendar of outdoor mixers, community events, and regional gatherings. While the abundance of opportunities is exciting, the sheer volume of events scheduled in such a short window can feel overwhelming.

For women looking to advance their careers, grow their businesses, or expand their circles of influence, strategic networking is key. Here is how to make the most of the high-season networking rush without burning out.

1. Quality Over Quantity: Curate Your Calendar

You don’t need to attend every single ribbon-cutting, golf tournament, or candidate listening session to stay relevant. Look at the upcoming month and select the events that align best with your current goals, whether that’s finding new clients, seeking mentorship, or supporting a regional cause. Give yourself permission to say "no" to the rest so you can bring your highest energy to the ones you do attend.

2. Ditch the Pitch, Build the Relationship

The most impactful networking doesn't happen when you force a business card into someone's hand; it happens when you find common ground. Approach conversations with curiosity. Ask about their summer plans, their community involvement, or what projects they are passionate about right now. Authentic connection always outlasts a rehearsed elevator pitch.

3. Master the "Warm Introduction"

If walking into a crowded room or a busy outdoor pavilion feels daunting, look for the connectors. If you see a familiar face—like a Chamber leader or a board member you know—ask them for an introduction. A simple, "I've been meaning to connect with someone in the manufacturing/nonprofit sector, do you happen to know if anyone is here today?" can fast-track an impactful conversation.

4. Have a Seamless Follow-Up System

An event is only as good as your follow-up. In the fast-paced summer months, a stack of business cards can easily get lost in a car cup holder or a handbag. Try digital business cards (like a QR code on your phone linking to your LinkedIn), or make a habit of sending a quick, personalized LinkedIn message the very next morning: "It was great chatting with you by the food trucks yesterday! Let’s grab coffee before the autumn rush sets in."

5. Protect Your Energy

High-season networking is a marathon, not a sprint. If you have a major evening mixer on Thursday, try to keep your Friday morning clear of heavy meetings. Remember that taking time to recharge is what allows you to show up as your most vibrant, confident self at the next event.

The Bottom Line: Networking during the nice weather months should feel less like a chore and more like a celebration of our regional business community. By being intentional, staying authentic, and prioritizing real connections, you’ll turn casual summertime conversations into lasting professional partnerships.

How does this length and tone feel for the newsletter? If you need to trim it down further to fit an exact space constraint, just let me know!

Jeannie Hebert

BVCC President & CEO

jhebert@blackstonevalley.org

508-234-9090

WSN MISSION

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Women’s Success Network unites women to achieve their vision of success by creating a community of support and inspiration in their personal and professional lives.

The Women's Success Network (WSN) is a committee of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC).

Join our committee and help execute the WSN programs, projects and initiatives! Our volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the WSN by offering their time, skills and energy. We are women committed to our mission! For more information about the WSN or to become a volunteer, please email Lynn Whitney Turner, at lynn@corebusinessxp.com.