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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 is below. To participate via Zoom, please use this link/access info:

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Westmont Chamber Women in Business Council Planning Meeting

Tuesday, August 15, 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

1. Introductions, Agenda Additions & Approval of Meeting Minutes

Does the Council approve the draft minutes of the June 20^th Meeting?

2. Review of Council Leadership & Structure Review

A. Council Co-Chairs are Jessica Garrett and Lori Wrzesinski.
B. Council participation is open to all Westmont Chamber Members (non-members 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.

3. Council Meeting Schedule & Location

Council meetings will be held 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. It was suggested that a sign-up sheet be created for council members to host upcoming meetings at their business locations. The following dates are available for hosting: August 15, 2023, October 17, 2023, December 19, 2023, February 20, 2024, April 16, 2024 and June 18, 2024.

4. Council Mission, Goals and Responsibilities

Council members reviewed and approved 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 and Council Members will extend personal Invitations to key women in the community to attend the Council Meeting and the August 7th event.

8. Women in Business Council Activity Planning

The Westmont Chambers in the process of developing the scope of work and budget for 2024. What activity would the WiBC recommend to the Chamber Board for 2024? This list could include:
Business After hours event, social and networking event, participation in regional and State-wide Women in Business events. In addition, the identification and presentation of keynote speakers, mentor program and creation of a Women in Business banner and related marketing materials. The list of ideas submitted by Business After Hours participants is attached.

9. Meeting Adjournment & Next Meeting Schedule

The next meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2023 at Westmont Centre and via Zoom at 1:00pm. Are there any topics to be included in that agenda?

Westmont Chamber Women in Business Council Planning Meeting
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Westmont Centre and via Zoom

Meeting Notes

1. Introductions, Agenda Additions & Approval of Meeting Minutes

The following attended and introduced themselves: Catie Cassity, Michelle Clegg, Alison Clemens, Jamie Cunningham, Jessica Garrett, Mayor Ron Gunter, Carol Kempf, Patti Mielcarski, Joanne Rancich, Becky Rheintgen, Julianne Rizzo, Nancy Roach, Janell Robinson, Tracey Valerio, Alyssa Clemens Vegendla, Gaye Wagner, Lori Wrzesinski, Larry Forssberg, Lea Moore

May 31^st Meeting Minutes were approved.

2. Review of Council Leadership & Structure Review

A. Council Co-Chairs are Jessica Garrett and Lori Wrzesinski.

B. Council participation is open to all Westmont Chamber Members (non-members 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.

3. Council Meeting Schedule & Location

Council meetings will be held 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. It was suggested that a sign-up sheet be created for council members to host upcoming meetings at their business locations. The following dates are available for hosting:
August 15, 2023:
October 17, 2023:
December 19, 2023:
February 20, 2024:
April 16, 2024:
June 18, 2024:

4. Council Mission, Goals and Responsibilities

Council members reviewed and approved 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.

5. Council Funding & Activities

6. Council Interaction

7. 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.

8. First Women in Business Council Event Planning

The first event will be held on Monday, August 7th at Dynamic Perception Dance Company Studio (766 Burr Oak Drive, Westmont), from 5pm to 6:30pm.

Council Members are asked to volunteer for assignments for and at the event.
Alison Clemens and Alyssa Vejendla will generate an assignment list to track needs.
This will be an in-person event so no Zoom link will be provided.
The event will be no-charge for Chamber and Non-Chamber members.
Estimating 55 guests for the event
Chamber will create a Facebook Event for this event
Chamber will also create a Linked In page to help advertise events
Request will be sent out for food, monetary, and prize donations for the event (Alison Clemens)
Updates on the status of event planning will be mailed out to the WIBC
Business cards to promote the event were reviewed and approved. Cards will be available for pick-up starting 6/22/23 during regular Chamber business hours (9am – 5pm) and at Clemens Enterprises, Inc. (41 N. Cass Ave.) during Thursday Cruisin’ Night evenings). Council members are asked to pick up the cards and circulate them to promote the event and to also advertise the event on their social media channels.

Tasks/Assignments
A. Event theme and décor – Jessica Garrett
B. Event food/refreshments – (The Chamber will provide $200 towards refreshments.)
C. Event Schedule of events – Jessica Garrett, Lori Wrzesinski, Larry Forssberg
D. Event messaging, signage, and takeaways - TBD
E. Event networking opportunities - TBD
F. Event prizes - TBD
G. Event set-up needs/resources - TBD
H. Event Volunteers (check-in, food/refreshments, speaking roles, prize drawing, networking and overall event oversight) - TBD
I. Other elements/activities?- TBD

9. Meeting Adjournment & Next Meeting Schedule
Next meeting will be Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 1:00pm at Westmont Centre, One South Cass Avenue, (conference room)

Date and Time

Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Location

Westmont Centre and Zoom
One South Cass Avenue
Westmont, Illinois 60559

Fees/Admission

No fees to participate for WCCTB Members.

Website

http://www.westmontchamber.com

Contact Information

Larry Forssberg
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