Women in Business Council
Meeting of the new WCCTB Women in Business Council. This meeting is being held at Westmont Centre and participation is also available via Zoom. The Meeting agenda packet is below. To participate via Zoom, please use this link/access info:
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Meeting ID: 859 5985 4495
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Westmont Chamber Women in Business Council Planning Meeting
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 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
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Introductions, Agenda Additions & Approval of Meeting Minutes
Introduction of meeting participants and interest in Council activities.
A. Are there any additions to the meeting agenda?
B. Review and approval of the May 31, 2023 draft Meeting Minutes (attached).
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Review of Council Leadership & Structure Review
A. Council Co-Chairs were appointed by the Chamber President. The Council Co-Chairs are Jessica Garrett and Lori Wrzesinski.
B. Council participation is open to all Westmont Chamber Members (non-member are invited to attend one meeting or event as a guest).
C. 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.
D. 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.
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Council Meeting Schedule & Location
It was the consensus of the group to schedule Council meetings on the third Tuesday of every other month at 1:00pm. This would total six meetings per year. The location will be at Westmont Chamber Office or at a remote location as selected by the Council. The preference would be for locations that offer wireless access so we may also connect with those that can participate via Zoom.
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Council Mission, Goals and Responsibilities
Council members reviewed and updated the draft Women in Business mission statement and goals to read:
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. Events, Programs & Services: The Council established a plan for the Women in Business Council Business After Hours as the first activity to help bring the Council to life and create positive energy on the launch of this Women in Business Council. The first event will be held on Monday, August 7th at Dynamic Perception Dance Company from 5pm to 6:30pm.
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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. Each year in October, the Council will plan and present a scope of work and schedule to the Chamber Board for review and approval so they can best manage the overall resources available to all Westmont Chamber members.
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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.
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Council Next Steps
A. The council has begun the plan for the first meeting of the Women in Business Council event for Monday, August 7th.
B. Jessica Garrett will update both the Chamber Executive Board and Board of Directors on Council plans.
C. WCCTB Staff will issue a press release on the formation of the Council to create awareness of this new group and to encourage participation.
D. WCCTB and Council members will post press releases and event announcements on Social media.
E. WCCTB and Council Members will extend personal Invitations to key women in the community to attend the Council Meeting and the August 7th event.
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First Women in Business Council Event Planning
The first event will be held on Monday, August 7th at Dynamic Perception Dance Company from 5pm to 6:30pm. What is our plan for the event to help launch the Women in Business Council?
A. Event theme and decor
B. Event food/refreshments
C. Event Schedule of events
D. Event messaging and takeaways
E. Event networking opportunities
F. Event prizes
G. Event set-up needs/resources
H. Event Volunteers (check-in, food/refreshments, speaking roles, prize drawing, networking and overall event oversight)
I. Other elements/activities?
IX. Meeting Adjournment & Next Meeting Schedule
Confirm Tuesday, August 15th at 1:00pm at Westmont Centre as the date, time and location of our next meeting.
Westmont Chamber Women in Business Council Planning Meeting
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Noon 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
Draft Meeting Minutes
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Introductions
Introduction of meeting participants and interest in Council activities. Meeting participants included Becky Rheintgen, Jessica Garrett, Kim Novovesky, Gaye Wagner, Alison Clemens, Lori Wrzesinki and Larry Forssberg.
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Council Leadership & Structure Review
A. Confirmed Council Co-Chairs were appointed by the Chamber President. The Council Co-Chairs are Jessica Garrett and Lori Wrzesinski.
B. Confirmed that Council participation is open to all Westmont Chamber Members.
C. Confirmed that the Council may form ?teams? to help plan events, programs and/or services on behalf with the approval of the Council participants.
D. Confirmed that 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.
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Council Meeting Schedule & Location
Participants discussed which day of the month and time of day works best for the Council to convene.
It was the consensus of the group to schedule Council meetings on the third Tuesday of every other month at 1:00pm. This would total six meetings per year. The location will be at Westmont Chamber Office or at a remote location as selected by the Council. The preference would be for locations that offer wireless access so we may also connect with those that can participate via Zoom.
-
Council Mission, Goals and Responsibilities
The Council members reviewed and updated the draft Women in Business mission statement and goals to read:
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. Events, Programs & Services: The Council established a plan for the Women in Business Council Business After Hours as the first activity to help bring the Council to life and create positive energy on the launch of this Women in Business Council.
D. It was the consensus of the Council that the first event will be a Women in Business After Hours event. The location will be the Dynamic Perception Dance Company at 766 Burr Oak Drive. The date for this first event is Monday, August 7, 2023 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.
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Council Funding
In a brief review of Westmont Chamber committee funding, it was noted that 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. Each year in October, the Council will plan and present a scope of work and schedule to the Chamber Board for review and approval so they can best manage the overall resources available to all Westmont Chamber members.
-
Council Interaction
The Council discussed how we can best 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 Council agreed to each help identify Women in Business events, programs, services and organizations that would be mutually beneficial to interact with, either on a one-time or ongoing basis. Please share this information with WCCTB Staff.
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Key Next Steps Discussed & Approved
A. The council has begun the plan for the first meeting of the Women in Business Council event for Monday, August 7th.
B. Jessica Garrett will update both the Chamber Executive Board and Board of Directors on Council plans.
C. WCCTB Staff will issue a press release on the formation of the Council to create awareness of this new group and to encourage participation.
D. WCCTB and Council members will post press releases and event announcements on Social media.
E. WCCTB and Council Members will extend personal Invitations to key women in the community to attend the Council Meeting and the August 7th event.
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First Council Meeting Agenda
The first Women in Business Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20th at 1:00pm at the WCTB office at 1 South Cass Avenue and also via Zoom? The Council convenes on the third Tuesday of every other month at 1:00pm (or at the call of the Chair Leaders). The agenda for this meeting will be to further develop the August event and the launch of the Women in Business Council
VIII. Meeting Adjournment
There was a motion to adjourn by Alison Clemens, second by Kim Novovesky and upon unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned.
The next Women in Business Council meeting will be on June 20th at 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Westmont Centre, in the first floor conference room.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry M. Forssberg
Executive Director
Date and Time
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
This meeting will convene on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 1pm
Location
Westmont Centre
One South Cass Avenue
Westmont, Illinois 60559
Fees/Admission
No fees to participate for WCCTB Members.
Website
Contact Information
Larry Forssberg
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