SSWBN Founder’s Forum Breakfast.

 

Thursday’s South Shore Women’s Business Network’s breakfast featured a  ”Founder’s Forum” . The event was sponsored by Susan Peters of Mount Vernon Mortgage.   Ewa Devaney of Studio 123* gave a three minute presentation and offered discounts on facials for all SSWBN members (see below).

The packed room was treated to a panel discussion from the five  founders of South Shore Women’s Business Network.  Susan Hammond of scHammond Advisors; Jeanne Yocum of Tuscarora Communications, Ltd,  Vicki Donlon, business coach & broker, former publisher and author; Pat Mullaley of Circle Graphics and creator of the blog Golfgurls.com; and Nancy Boyle, former founder and president of The Words Company at Cornerstone Executive Suites.   Connie Nordahl, the sixth founder has passed away.

The panel discussion, moderated by current SSWBN president, Janet LaBerge of Dirty Deeds, was informative and lively.  Vicki Donlon recalled that when she first went to a South Shore Chamber event some twenty years ago, she was one of the only women there and all the men were talking about sports.  She was more interested in talking about business and found like minded souls in Susan, Jeanne, Pat, Nancy and Connie.  They began by meeting in Vicki’s living room and Nancy’s basement.  Other women found out about the group by word of mouth.  This was before the invention of the internet and cell phones.  Obviously filling a void for women, the group grew quickly and Vicki drew up a business plan for SSWBN that included a paid position of Executive Director.  This was a new idea at a time when other networking groups were run by volunteers.  The business plan outlined the need for office space and structured meetings that were offered at various times to accommodate the different needs of the members.  The three minute spotlight, room introductions and networking activities that were put in place twenty years ago remain an integral part of SSWBN today. 

Paying it forward and giving back to the community is something we have embraced to celebrate our twentieth year.  The founders have made important contributions to non-profit organizations and for the advancement of women in business.  Their legacy of collaboration for the benefit of women owned businesses and organizations in our community set the tone for our network.

Susan, Jeanne and Vicki demonstrated their shared camaraderie by interrupting each other, finishing each other’s sentences, disagreeing with each other and then coming to a consensus.  Pat and Nancy were safely on the other side of the podium, but clearly enjoyed listening to a conversational style that was familiar.  Their passion for helping women in business and their pride in creating the SSWBN was evident.  That same energy and passion was in the room that day with our current members, as it is at every event.  Our founders demonstrated that they are charitable, kind, intelligent, feisty and funny.  We are proud to follow in their footsteps.

*For the month of March, studio 123 is offering discount to all the SSWBN members for a European facial – $45 regularly priced $75.  Indulge yourself for a facial in a calm and lovely environment, heated mitts soothing music, delightful delicate aromas.   This includes hand and arm massage, cleansing, a gentle enzyme peel, manual pore extraction if needed, massage, and a finishing mask. These professional treatments are deep cleansing, hydrating and relaxing. The GM Collin skin care products are pharmaceutical grade, water-soluble and based on the finest natural ingredients and the latest technology.   Make your appointment TODAY. Check http://studio123norwell.com/ or call  (781) 659-8575.

Do you know someone undergoing chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer?  Studio123 is offering 1 free European facial.   Call Ewa at call (781) 659-8575.

South Shore Women’s Business Network
781-924-5160
info@sswbn.org