(Photo above Amanda Stuermer)
On April 15 at its monthly meeting at St. Charles in Bend, Oregon ConnectW launches its annual three-month membership drive with an inspirational live and in-person interview with Amanda Stuermer—founder and executive director of World Muse. The Bend resident’s social profit organization provides year-round programs to cultivate and activate the potential of women as catalysts for change.
Four years ago, Amanda created Muse Women’s Conference, an annual event that celebrates women and girls who are working to create positive change in their lives, in their communities, and in the world.
ConnectW, an independent, non-profit organization, was founded to encourage and support self-directed business women. Through innovative and educational programs, business opportunities, networking, friendship and fun, ConnectW connects women in all fields and endeavors—from entrepreneurs and professionals to women simply wishing to explore, expand and enhance their lives and environments. In addition to helping women build robust businesses and lives, ConnectW focuses on uniting its members to effect change in our community and beyond.
Although Connect W’s membership is at near record levels, the business and social network believes that more members means more connections and more fun. So this year’s membership drive, which runs from April 1 to June 30 will feature raffles, empowering speakers, and dinners. New members who join during this period receive a prize, as do the ConnectW members who invited them as guests.
“Come check us out,” says ConnectW president Diane Kulpinski. “We’ll make you feel welcome the moment you walk in during the 5pm networking period, and then again over dinner before our monthly program starts.”
Don’t worry about whether there are other people in your industry or not. ConnectW welcomes everyone. Indeed, ConnectW has found that members tend to refer business to those in their same industries as much—if not more—than anyone else.
If you can’t make it to April’s meeting, May’s speaker Elicia Putnam will be sharing insights about the importance of branding and how to do it on the cheap.
ConnectW annual dues are $175 a year, with the option of splitting that into three consecutive monthly payments.
For more information, please check out www.connectw.org or come visit in person. ConnectW meets at 5pm on the third Wednesday of the month at St. Charles (tickets are available on the website). You can attend without being a member, but ConnectW is pretty sure you’ll want to join. After all, where else are you going to find such a mix of business opportunities, networking, friendship and fun?
