Did you miss this month's Women in Business?

Not just for women, these events are hosted January-April. Topics are selected and themed to be of particular interest to women business owners but all members are welcome to attend. Events are the last Thursday of each month January-April. 10:45-1:00 p.m. (though sometimes these times vary, based on presentation/activity) Events include a keynote speaker or workshop component.

Vision

A strong network of member-to-member support, camaraderie, inspiration and motivation, helping women business leaders to be successful in meeting their personal and professional goals.

The Chamber's Women in Business events are can't miss events. With superior speakers, prizes and surprises, we deliver more than you're expecting.

In February, our guest speaker Dr. Linda Lawrence from McLaren Breast Center gave an informative presentation on breast health in keeping with our theme: Celebrating Birthdays, because every birthday is a victory over cancer. The theme is from the American Cancer Society and became the jumping off point for a really memorable WiB event.

As you entered Red Knapps, you were greeted with colorful helium balloon bouquets at every table. There were sequined pink maribo trimmed tiaras at every place setting. Lisa's Confection Connection brought a stunning display of birthday cakes and cupcakes. Waterfall Jewelers displayed a gorgeous Pandora bracelet which we gave away later in the event.

PNC (National City), Comcast and LaFontaine Automotive Group also had displays and added raffle prizes to give away. LaFontaine also gave each attendee a birthday present. (The gift bags included a serenity stone bracelet--in a variety of colors)

As our VIPs addressed the crowd (each sponsor for the event gets up to 5 minutes in front of the group) we learned of their business services, but also their commitment to helping others, particularly those with cancer.

Waterfall Jewelers' Chris Strong, shared that watch battery replacements are free at their store, though a charitable donation is appreciated. Their donation jar identifies where the funds are going that month and include Lighthouse, SCAMP and individuals battling expensive health treatments.

LaFontaine's Kelley Hinsperger invited attendees to join them Thursday March 4 at Lafontaine for an evening networking event which will also launch a fundraising campaign spearheaded by Ryan LaFontaine to benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Ryan is a cancer survivor and this cause is personal for the entire LaFontaine family. With our help Ryan can be the Leukemia Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year. I know that all of us will want to help make that happen.

I am still amazed by Ryan's courage and fortitude while undergoing chemo-therapy. The Chamber was invited out to a tour of the new LaFontaine Green dealership and Ryan gave us an energized, informative one hour tour. . . . and he had just come from Chemo. We had no idea until Kelley shared that with us later.

EVERY birthday is a victory over cancer.

Even the "Oh!" birthdays . . . (Birthdays' ending in an 0, that make us go "OH!")

Our February WiB event was very memorable. From watching our gentlemen guests put on their tiara's too, to learning how Cancer has touched the lives of our peers. Learning how Cancer motivates us to do more and give more. And learning ways that we can participate in daily choices that may help prevent cancer.

Only a small percentage of breast cancer can be linked to a genetic cause that was there from birth.

80% of people (and yes, men get it too) who get breast cancer have no history of it in their 1st degree relatives.

Which brings us back to the Tiaras. Placing this Tiara in a place where you will see it every day--on your dresser, a shelf in the bathroom, on top of the refrigerator--is a memory tool. When you see the Tiara--smile . . . and remember that all of the choices you make today include ones that can help you prevent cancer--and have more birthdays!

Exercise.
Have no more than the recommended 1 glass of wine or 1 drink per day.
Do monthly self-exams.
Get your regularly scheduled mammograms.

And if you would like extra credit--urge your friends, sisters, mothers and daughters to do the same.