Women in Business Council

Our purpose is to provide a platform to empower and inspire the leadership role of women in the workforce. We advance women's leadership skills and foster their business growth through networking, mentorship opportunities and educational seminars designed specifically for women.

The goal of the committee is to create a business relevant platform where professional women can gather together for networking connections, resources and business education. The Council will host networking events, services, resources and programs for women to further their career leadership goals. In addition, the Council will present an annual recognition award to a woman that supports the mission and goals of the Women in Business Council. Further, the Council will survey members to self-identify areas of expertise in which they are willing to mentor and advise others members.

Westmont Chamber Women in Business Council Meeting
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Westmont Centre and via Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85959854495?pwd=eFNBWlJhWHhtWWdlVXp2dUZzZ1FLQT09
Meeting ID: 859 5985 4495 Passcode: 423960 Phone +1 312 626 6799

Meeting Agenda

I. Introductions, Agenda Additions
Introductions of attendees in-person and via Zoom

II. Message from Co-Chair Lori Wrzesinski

III. Business Networking Events, Programs & Services

Discuss plans, times and form teams to organize events and programs:

Multi-Chamber Women in Business Event with Keynote Speaker
- TBD at 8:00am to 9:00am
- Speaker: Mary Ann Kaufman, Owner,
- Location - FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park
- Cost: Attendance, Expo Table, Sponsors Discussion
Women in Business Holiday Luncheon Plans
- Date: Tuesday, December 10^th from 12:30pm – 2:30pm
- Place: Neat Kitchen + bar, 246 N Cass Avenue
- Volunteers:
  1. Jessica Garrett and Tracey Valerio volunteered to organize the event
  2. Send out request for volunteers
- Activities
Women in Business Mentor Service (database to share knowledge, skills and resources). There was activity on this project but it was delayed to yield to overall workload.
- Chamber staff will send out a google form for women in the Chamber to fill out. This information will be used to start the Mentor Database.
- The form will consist of the following items:
  1. Name
  2. Title
  3. Business Name
  4. Contact Info
  5. Bio (optional) 250 words or less
  6. 3 Experiences/Skills that you would love to talk about
- Form submittal date

Upcoming Events
- Attached listing

V. Meeting Adjournment & Next Meeting Schedule
The next meeting is scheduled for December 17th, 2024 at 1:00pm at Westmont Centre and via Zoom?

Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau
WCCTB Programs, Events & Services Overview

I. Introduction
Provided in this document are recommendations presented from our Chamber committees to provide specific Chamber programs, services and offer special events. These recommendations are designed and structured to serve Chamber membership, enhance the value of the Chamber and to support the goals and initiatives of our strategic plan as outlined below.
Westmont Chamber Vision
To be the source, the voice and the choice for the Westmont business community.
Westmont Chamber Mission
To promote, connect and support businesses and tourism in the Westmont area. The Westmont Chamber of Commerce and tourism Bureau is the:

Source for new business relationships and community information
Voice for identifying and expressing the concerns of business community
Choice for promoting and marketing Westmont

Westmont Chamber Values
Honesty – Integrity – Trustworthiness – Pride
Westmont Chamber Strategic Initiative Initiatives

Promote all that Westmont has to offer
Demonstrate and increase the value of Chamber Membership
Develop financial independence

The following recommendations outlined were presented Women in Business Council for review and approval by the WCCTB Executive Board and the WCCTB Board of Directors. The proposed scope of work was approved for 2024 to be undertaken by the Women in Business Council.
II. Women in Business Council
Responsibilities: Hosting and participation in local, regional and state-wide educational, networking and social events to promote and inspire leadership of women in the workforce.

Mission Statement: Our purpose is to provide a platform to empower and inspire the leadership role of women in the workforce. We advance women's leadership skills and foster their business growth through networking, mentorship opportunities and educational seminars designed specifically for women.

Goals: The goal of the committee is to create a business relevant platform where professional women can gather together for networking connections, resources and business education. The Council will host networking events, services, resources and programs for women to further their career leadership goals. In addition, the Council will present an annual recognition award to a woman that supports the mission and goals of the Women in Business Council. Further, the Council will survey members to self-identify areas of expertise in which they are willing to mentor and advise others members.

Co-Chair: Jessica Garrett, Dynamic Perception Dance Company
Co-Chair: Lori Wrzesinski, All in Health and Life Coaching

Meets – 3rd Tuesday of every other month at 1:00pm on February 20, April 16, June 18, August 20, October 15, December 17, or at the call of the Chamber or Committee Leadership, via a hybrid meeting at Westmont Centre or at a member location.

Council participation is open to all Westmont Chamber Members (non-members are invited to attend one meeting or event as a guest).
Council shall form “teams” to work with staff in helping plan events, programs and/or services on behalf with the approval of the Council participants.
Council programs, services and events shall be approved by a majority vote of the Council, the Westmont Chamber Executive Board and the Westmont Chamber Board of Directors.

Council Funding & Activities
The Women in Business Council is self-funding as are all standing committees. Funds are generated primarily through event and program fees, donations and sponsorships. Chamber Staff provides support services for all activities and the legal platform to gather and present programs and events.

Council Interaction
Council will interact with local resources, area Chambers of Commerce, State of Illinois Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to plan and/or participate in Women in Business events, programs and services. There will be additional opportunities to interface with government, educational institutions and a variety of organizations that are engaged in and support Women in Business goals.

The Women in Business Council recommendations for the scope of work for 2024 include:
Educational Workshops/Seminars - Host at least one event focusing on a topic that will educate Chamber membership. This does not generate any revenue but does require staff hours to promote and market the event.
Multi-Chamber Events - Host or participate in at least one event with other local Chambers. Event may include a speaker and/or a networking event.

Mentoring – Create a mentor database as a tool to share expertise among the membership.

Youth Career Talks – Make at least one presentation/assembly to a local high school student body and one presentation/meeting with College of DuPage students, on career choices.
Illinois Chamber of Commerce Events – Participate and promote pertinent events as appropriate.
Volunteer Projects – Identify causes/issues that members can volunteer time, talent, or treasure towards.
WiBC Promotion – Participate in Chamber Open Houses to promote the council to other Chamber members. Create a Women in Business banner and other related marketing materials.
Approved XXXX

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Date and Time

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Meeting convenes on Tuesday, February 20th at 1:00pm at Westmont Centre, the meeting will adjourn at 2:30pm.

Location

Westmont Centre at 1 South Cass Avenue, 1st floor conference room
Westmont, Illinois 60559
and via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85959854495?pwd=eFNBWlJhWHhtWWdlVXp2dUZzZ1FLQT09

Meeting ID: 859 5985 4495
Passcode: 423960

Phone +1 312 626 6799 US

One South Cass Ave. Westmont IL 60559

Fees/Admission

No fees to participate for WCCTB Members.

Website

http://www.westmontchamber.com

Contact Information

Larry Forssberg
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