Meaningful Networking

When the opportunity presents itself to meet a well-known community leader, seldom do you regret the time you commit. So it was for some 40 people who gathered at the Village Café in Egg Harbor for the Door County Women in Business meeting Feb. 25, when Wisconsin’s Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawson spoke as the guest presenter. They sat at tables of four and filled over half of the room in the intimate setting.

Dina Boettcher, founder of the new organization, introduced Lawton, who expressed her appreciation for the dedication they have to their work as small-business owners. She explained the importance of the roles women play locally and encouraged attendees to build their resumes and get involved in local issues.

Some women were intrigued to learn how the lieutenant governor got started in government. Gender issues were a hot topic. The lieutenant governor pleaded for women to stand strong on issues important to them.

“We are like snowflakes – if we stand alone we melt, but if we come together we stop traffic,” Lawton told them.

Boettcher formed Door County Women in Business in February 2009. She reached out to her friends and clients in the county to gauge interest and found the response overwhelmingly positive.

The first meeting was held one year ago. Door County Women in Business announced the group’s mission: to bring Door County women and their ideas together to incite positive change for themselves, their businesses and their community.

Membership for Door County Women in Business is open to anyone, though it obviously appeals primarily to women. Some are just starting out; some have their own businesses and some are retired. Membership simply means an individual is on the group’s e-mail list and they have attended a meeting or two.

Meeting times alternate every month between mornings and early evenings to accommodate all those interested in attending. Venues change each month and are usually hosted at a member’s business. Door County Women in Business attempts to select presenters from members of the group. Topics include everything from how to secure a business loan to improving time management skills to learning yoga tips.

“Our goal, especially with all the business owners, is to let them showcase their business and what they do,” says Boettcher.

Each gathering lasts nearly two hours, though members lingered a bit longer with Lawton. Members pay a $1 fee for each meeting they attend, which covers expenses like coffee or copy paper.

“The meeting’s mix of educational and networking opportunities is really what has allowed our group to grow and to be as successful as it is,” says Cindy Weber, vice president of Door County Women in Business. “I think it is exciting for all of us to meet new people and to broaden our horizons. The diverse education offering also makes it a lot of fun.”