Clarence Chamber of Commerce hosts 'Women in Business Conference'

The Annual Women in Business Conference originally began as a way to help women that are entering and re-entering the workforce. It’s a day that offers the opportunity for them to become informed and to help network with other women who have already gone through what they are starting.

“Connection is so important,” said Clarence Chamber of Commerce President Judy Sirianni. She adds that it makes a difference knowing successful women in the workforce and that getting great advice from them really helps.

The event is hosted by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce and will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at Samuel’s Grande Manor, 8750 Main St. in Clarence. It is celebrating its second year. This year’s theme will be “You and the Health of Your Business.”

This year’s keynote speaker will be Mary Anne Cappellino, BAC Health and Wellness Director. Cappellino motivates her audience to positive lifestyle changes and has more than 20 years of experience in her field. She is a wellness consultant, author, exercise trainer and has designed several different fitness programs.

The BAC has even given three women a two-month free membership to the gym. These women, under personal training guidance, are receiving a full body makeover and will unveil their results at the conference.

“I’ve seen them,” said Sirianni. “Wow, what a difference.”

Along with these makeovers, two other women will receive free makeovers from the Bon-Ton and JC Penney.

A panel discussion, “Creating the Best Image While Networking,” will also take place at the conference. The facilitator of this discussion will be Chris Klein of 97 Rock and Oldies 104 radio personality. On the panel there will be Financial Planner Colleen Fitshenry, Entrepreneur and Vice President of “Just Ask Josh” Loretta Kaminsky, Owner of Silver Lining Jewelry and Accessories Amy Rath and President and Owner of Old Glory Flags Jennifer Cooper. These successful businesswomen will be there to provide an informative discussion to women who are entering the workforce.

There will also be four helpful workshops at the conference. The Education Opportunities workshop will be held by Dr. Kim Rutigliano of Empire State. Megan Wagner of WNED will be doing a workshop titled Social Media. Susan McCarthy from Buffalo State will host the Entrepreneur workshop and Financial Knowledge for Women will be held by Karen Jurek from Sqroi Financial.

During breaks, women will have the opportunity to visit a retail and informative setup with local businesses where they will promote their products and give information about their services all while networking with other businesses and professionals.

“I’m hoping that they’ll come out of this with some great connection, knowledge of what they can do and how to do it,” said Sirianni. “Most of all, it builds their self esteem that they know that these groups are available to them.”

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Roswell Park Cancer Institute will have a table full of information and various health brochures to help educate the women who attend.

There will also be a basket raffle held from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The afternoon will come to a close with a networking cocktail hour. The cost is $50 per person for the entire day and includes all of the activities and lunch. Everyone is invited to the conference. Call the chamber office for additional information or to register for the event, 631-3888.