By Cara Spilsbury
For the 14th year, the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce will host the Winning Opportunities for Women conference, providing local businesswomen with an annual opportunity to network, share ideas, and enjoy a day together.
Women in the local business community, from high school students ready to start their careers to experienced business leaders, will converge on the campus of Northern Essex Community College, 100 Elliott St., on March 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year's conference, Reach for the Stars, features local women who have succeeded in business along with speakers who will discuss the paths to inspiration and courage for business success.
Professional coach Jackie Woodside will share the five essential elements needed to "Be the Star That You Are." Her presentation begins at 8:30 a.m., after a half-hour of registration and networking.
Diane Danielson, the founder and chief social media strategist for the Downtown Women's Club professional network and career Web site, will share seven lessons she learned "Taking the Path Not Only Less Traveled, But Not even Recommended." Her presentation concludes at noon.
During lunch, participants will break into groups to talk about the people from whom they have learned courage and inspiration.
A panel discussion after lunch includes Nancy Carace, president of Pest End exterminators in Plaistow, N.H.; Joan Stygles Hull, executive director of Merrimack Valley Hospice; Diane Lovallo, chief nursing officer at Merrimack Valley Hospital; Terry Stubbs, president of ActiveMed clinical trials; and Susan Leger-Ferraro, founder and president of Little Sprouts and winner of a 2010 Small Business Administration award for women in business.
The day concludes with the award for the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce WOW Committee Woman of the Year.
Winning Opportunities for Women was started by the chamber in 1996 to provide local women in business a forum in which to support each other and exchange business tips and other information to promote the growth of women in the business community.
The conference has boasted many well-known speakers and presenters over the years, including noted journalist Liz Walker, author Meredith Hall and former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey.
Cost to attend the is $79 for chamber members and $89 for nonmembers. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Call Chamber Vice President Leanne Eastman for information at 978-373-5663 or e-mail her at leanne@haverhillchamber.com.
