By Samantha Cart
The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Network of Women (NOW) is dedicated to promoting the professional development of working females.
West Virginia’s 10th largest county by population, Putnam County is home to 56,848 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 50.8 percent of which are women. With large industry employers like the Toyota Manufacturing Company of West Virginia, Inc.; Appalachian Power Company and CAMC Teays Valley, the NOW Woman Up event and others like it are shining examples of why the Mountain State has the nation’s second-lowest employee turnover rate.
According to Ashley Alford, vice president of programs and events for the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, the mission of NOW is to be a resource for women of all ages in the business community. The group currently includes 40 members and holds meetings every third Thursday of the month, which are open to all women.
NOW also hosts an annual American Red Cross blood drive, women’s conference and regular workshops and seminars on professional and personal development, as well as social gatherings.
The first Woman Up event was held in 2011. While the event is centered on professional life, Alford says the overall purpose is women supporting women.
“This event generates a lot of positive energy in a supportive environment for women,” says Alford. “By coming together for this one-day event, not only do the women get to bond, but they leave the event with new knowledge and inspiration.”
This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, May 17 at the Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Hurricane, WV, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The chamber expects around 150 women in attendance. Event sponsors include prominent Putnam County businesses such as Appalachian Power, Toyota, DOW Chemical Company, CAMC, West Virginia American Water, MVB Bank, Dave Hobba Builder, Poca Valley Bank, American Home Inspectors, Teays Valley Storage and Yeager Insurance.
The schedule includes personal strategic planning sessions, nine workshops and time for networking.
“The women attending will leave feeling energized,” says Alford. “The day will include topics relevant to all women. These topics include organization, finances, strategic thinking, running for office, small business startup, networking tips, work-life balance, dressing for success and much more. Not only will the women have a day packed full of information, but they will also get a chance to shop at the pop-up shops.”
Women interested in this event can RSVP to chamber@putnamcounty.org or online at www.putnamchamber.org. The cost is $50 for chamber members and $60 for non-members.
About the Author
Samantha Cart is the production manager for Executive Ink and its publications. A graduate of West Virginia University, Cart has worked as an editor, social media specialist and freelance writer. She is a native of Buffalo, WV, and currently resides in Birmingham, AL, with her husband. Cart can be reached by email at sdc@wvexecutive.com.
