By Teresa Snow, MU Health Care, Women’s Network Chair

A fellow Women’s Network member recently asked me to explain the relationship between the network and the Chamber of Commerce.  It had not occurred to me that some of our members might only identify with the Chamber through their membership in Women’s Network and miss out on the additional benefit of networking and events sponsored by the Chamber itself.

Women’s Network is the largest division of the Chamber with more than 300 members and has been going strong for over 40 years. You must be an employee or owner of a business that belongs to the Chamber in order to join Women’s Network.

A big opportunity to find new value in your Women’s Network membership is to attend the Chamber’s Quarterly Membership Breakfast, or the “QMB,” on April 20 and stay for the Showcase CoMo event. Every ticket for April’s QMB includes a complimentary ticket to Showcase.

QMB is the largest gathering of the Chamber membership and a great place to grow your network. The breakfast program includes member spotlights, information from sponsors and an informative presentation about some facet of business affecting our community at large. The April QMB includes a community update titled: The Economic Impact of MU on the State of Missouri. Small Business of the Year finalists will be named and I’ll have a few minutes at the podium to recognize our Women’s Network’s members and recruit new ones. To get the best rate, sign up by noon on Thursday, April 14. 

On the same day, you can enjoy the Chamber’s Showcase CoMo at  the Holiday Inn Expo Center. The Showcase is just $5 for admission (or free if you attend QMB), and it’s always a great chance to see what Columbia businesses have to offer. Browse the booths where local businesses showcase everything from products and services to resources and involvement opportunities. There are always goodies and giveaways too. It’s a good chance to meet business owners face to face and increase your network.

Reminders:

• Leadership applications are open for Women’s Network.
• April 14 is our Spring Mixer at Central Bank, Broadway and 7 St., from 4:30pm-6:30pm.
• April 21 Professional Development Luncheon: Life, Death, Marriage and Taxes. This month only at the Elk’s Lodge off of Hwy. WW, east of Columbia.

Finally, if you find yourself with little time to connect in person, consider joining our new Facebook group for members only. You’ll find it at WN Membership Connection.

Best,

Teresa Snow

Women’s Network Chair

#WNOneThing