Where does the time go!? Seems like I’m always typing updates, but apparently I haven’t posted to this WE Network Blog lately!

WE are entering our 5th year, and WE couldn’t be happier with the reputation and results of this network of amazing women.

Members and guests come and go, but the positive collaboration of forward-thinking women remains solid and will continue to do so.

WE have a few member announcements as this new year begins…

Congratulations to Tracey Hennessey, Tracey’s Tax Service LLC - on her expansion to a larger office, just in time for tax season.  The new address is: 32 S. Wisconsin Street, Elkhorn, 53121.

Kudos to Becky Merwin, Walworth County Fair Board Member, for her recent recognition as the Wisconsin Association of Fairs’ District IV Outstanding Fair Person. WE’ve always known Becky is outstanding - but it’s great for her to be publicly recognized for her work!

Gretch Hladish, Executive Producer of the Midwest Artist Network has announced the next phase of the Artist Search - it’s for Juniors - ages 9-17 and begins with live submissions on January 31. There will be 4 Sundays of live submissions, followed by 4 Saturdays of elimination rounds - all at Millie’s in Delavan.

The WE Network remains a sponsor of the contest, providing opportunities for young singers to pursue their dreams. Please spread the word. Ten winners will receive the opportunity to record on a compilation CD. The first CD from the 2009 contest is in production now and will be available for purchase soon.

Please mark your calendars and share the news of the Spring Boutique at the Finals competition on Saturday, March 30 from 10-3 in The Williamsburg Room at Millie’s. WE hope to see everyone there, whether as a participating business exhibitor, or a visitor. More information will be shared at upcoming dinner meetings and via e-mails.

All members in good standing should have received an invoice for renewal of 2010 annual membership fees. There has been no increase, due to the economy. Here’s to more than hope for 2010!  I didn’t realize the due date of 1/31/2010 did not print on these invoices, which were sent well in advance. Members remitting payment on or before this date will remain current in all printed and online directories. Thank you for your prompt payment and ongoing support. At just $10 per month, value of membership in the WE network far exceeds most expectations.

WE hope to see lots of members and guests on Wednesday, December 16 at Cafe Calamari for our annual Holiday Dinner Celebration. WE deserve a night out!

Farewell to November and Welcome December…

On November 18 a fortunate group of Geneva Lakes area professional women enjoyed another delightful evening at Café Calamari in Williams Bay. In addition to the networking and open exchanges always enjoyed, WE also had the opportunity to learn about estate wines from Professional du Vin, Steven David, owner of Niche Wine Marketing Inc.

Steven shared 30 years of experience and passion, and three wines which he recommends for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The featured wines are available for purchase locally at the Green Grocer in Williams Bay, and The Cheese Box in Lake Geneva.

First, WE sampled a nice Chardonnay from Paso Robles, California. The Eberle 2008 Chardonnay, owned by former Penn State linebacker Gary Eberle, is a 100% varietal and received a 90-point rating. In case any of us have fallen prey to the “bad rap” Chardonnay may mistakenly receive, the wine expert shared with us that “Chardonnay is actually the mother grape of Burgundy,” and should not be under-appreciated. Next WE enjoyed Inurrieta 2008 Mediadia, a lovely pink Rose, made from 100% Grenache grapes in Spain. Not to be mistaken with a white zinfandel, this slightly dry option is “one of the oldest and most noble wines to be served with dinner,” according to Steven. WE finished with “the serious stuff” – a 2007 McGuigan Merlot from the Limestone Coast of Australia. “This rich, savory, wine is chock-full of resveratrol, the natural life-enhancer,” we were told.
Niche Wine Marketing represents only estate wines, “which means we work with limited production facilities, where the owner stays with the grapes from the moment they are planted through the moment they are bottled, nurturing them every step of the way.” Steven David personally visits most of these wineries, around the globe, and distributes favorites through local eateries and boutique retail outlets. Watch for the January issue of The Spirit of Geneva Lakes for lots more great information on this fascinating and tasty topic…
Announcements Worth Noting:

Join WE Members, friends, and the community at The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa Saturday, November 21 for the Taste of Home - Festive in a Flash cooking demonstration, shopping and more…

WE Members and Friends are attending opening week shows of Hooray For Holidays! at Grand Geneva at discount prices! Be sure to let Denise know if you want to join our group on Friday evening, November 27.
Becky Merwin, Board Member of the Walworth County Fair was proud to announce that the legendary Beach Boys will be back on stage at the 2010 Fair!
Karen Ramsett, investment advisor, will have exciting news about new developments in her team coming soon.

In a discussion regarding business training, Tracey Hennessey mentioned some great upcoming programs through WCEDA (Walworth County Economic Development Alliance) – www.walworthbusiness.com - See p.s. below.

WE Breakfast Roundtables are likely to return this winter. Denise will post updates soon.
Next meeting – (not so much a meeting…)  - Wednesday, December 16 WE will gather at Café Calamari for an enjoyable stress-free holiday dinner. Please invite friends, family members, spouses, etc. for a night of celebration. (Yes – men are welcome.) Advance reservations required. Members and their guests $25; non-members $35 – includes three-course dinner, tax and gratuity. Cash bar available.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Denise

p.s. - Thanks to Tracey Hennessey ~

Kauffman FastTrac©

Listening to Your Business™

Where is your business going in the next three years?

The Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (WCEDA) is offering two, three hour workshops specifically designed for entrepreneurs. This program will help you evaluate and measure your personal and business strategies, answering the question, “What do I really want from by business, and how do I get it?”

Become Your Own Business Consultant
No one knows your business better than you. Listening to Your Business gives you the tools you need to take a closer look at where your business is today, what you want it to look like in three years, and the steps to get there. 

Invest in Yourself

Whether you’ve been in business for twenty years or one year, Listening to Your Business can align your vision for your business with the steps to get you there. Your business is worth the investment.

Leave Listening to Your Business motivated and confident about the future of your business. Know your three-year vision and take steps to achieve your personal and professional goals.

WCEDA will be holding workshops in Elkhorn and Whitewater. Registration is $75 per person, and seating is limited to 25 people.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Elkhorn

Gateway Technical College Room #112 (Elkhorn Campus)

8:30am - 12:00 Noon

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Whitewater

Cravath Lakefront Center

8:30am - 12:00 Noon

Make a reservation

Get more information and directions

The fourth Wednesday evening of each month tends to be one of my most favorites – and September 23 was no exception.

A group of 15 professional women gathered in the private dining room at Café Calamari for another wonderful dinner meeting. WE again proved the ‘quality over quantity’ theory, as we shared a delightful evening of business and friendly exchanges. This is the kind of night WE all deserve to make happen for ourselves!

Highlights included ~

Upcoming Events:

Friday, October 16 – Journey for L.I.F.E. dinner/dance/boutique at Grand Geneva
(Tickets just $60 per person at our reserved tables – join other WE members and guests as we wear black and pink semi-formal attire and enjoy a wonderful evening in support of a great cause.)

Sunday, October 25 – Think Pink with WLKG – live music/awareness information/shopping & more!
(Join us at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge from 12-6 p.m.)

November 7-8 – WE Network One Stop Shop & Spa Boutique at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge
(The Ultimate Ladies Getaway – Don’t Miss It!)

WE members and friends will have business exhibits at all of these events – please help spread the word and attend those you are able to.

WE members will also be present and encouraged to donate door prizes at the Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce Member Showcase event at The Lodge at Geneva Ridge Tuesday evening, October 20 from 5-8 p.m. – Stop by the FREE wine tasting and get a sneak preview of the setup for other upcoming events!

Announcements Shared:

Betsy Hicks released promotional materials on the February 25-28 (2010) Elementals Living conference at Lake Lawn Resort – Making Choices…Moving Forward - Register early for special discounts – www.elementalsliving.com

New member Joan Isenberg was introduced. Joan is offering extremely affordable photography including printing, mattes and frames – see more at: http://www.photographybyisenberg.com

Denise Schultz announced that Joey Coleson is moving her shop – details in the bay… across Highway 67 to the building where Tickled Pink is located. Everyone wishes her the best in the move and can’t wait to see her expanded location later this year!

Next Meeting:

Wednesday, October 28 – Café Calamari – 7 p.m. - WE hope to see you there!

On Thursday August 27 WE sure enjoyed being back at Café Calamari, after moving around during the summer months. Once again we received spectacular service, enjoyed delectable dining, and experienced connected networking in the perfect setting. Our thanks go to the La Croix family, and their wonderful staff.

We had lots of announcements as the summer sun fades and the cool breezes bring in a busy fall line-up of fundraisers and business opportunities – here they are so WE can plan ahead accordingly:

September 2-7 – Walworth County Fair – support local families, businesses and organizations by attending our wonderful local fair. Call 262-723-3228 or visit www.walworthcountyfair.com for info. (WE Member Becky Merwin is a member of the Board of Directors.)

Saturday, September 5 – Pig in the Park – Little Food Playground Fundraiser at Reid Park in Fontana –4:30-10 p.m. Tickets $10 – Call 262-275-6136 or visit: www.villageoffontana.com for details. (WE Partner Kelly Hayden appreciates support of this important fundraiser.)

Saturday, September 26 – 2nd Annual Lake Geneva Hope Walk – Proceeds go to “Aurora Healthcare Breast Treatment Assistance Program” – visit: www.lakegenevahopewalk.com for more info.

Sunday, October 4 – Journey for L.I.F.E. - 5K Walk, Breakfast, Cookout & Raffle including Canines for a Cure Dog Walk – The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva - $35/person; $10/dog – 262-249-4750, ext. 3798

Friday, October 9 – Journey for L.I.F.E. – The Well Spa Bake Sale – 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. - 262-249-4750, ext. 3798

Friday, October 16 – Journey for L.I.F.E. - Dinner, Dance & Auction – 7-11 p.m. – The Grand Ballroom at Grand Geneva Resort - $70/person; $600/Table of 10 - 262-249-4750, ext. 3798

Proceeds from all Journey for L.I.F.E. events benefit cancer patients of Aurora Health Care of SE WI.WE Member Linda Moritz is one of the Grand Geneva employees involved in this not-for-profit organization and appreciates any level of participation or prize donations.

Tuesday, October 20 – Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce Member Showcase – 5-8 p.m. – The Lodge at Geneva Ridge – Visit exhibits of local businesses – complimentary wine tasting and appetizers. Call 262-275-5102 or visit: www.genevalakewest.com for more information. (WE member Kristina Ericson is coordinating this event and WE Network members are staffing the welcome table; encouraged to attend for networking; AND PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING A DOOR PRIZE REPRESENTING WE NETWORK – as WE will be promoting out upcoming Shop & Spa Boutique.)

Saturday & Sunday November 7-8 – WE Network’s Shop & Spa Boutique Weekend at Geneva Ridge – WE Members and other area professionals exhibit their products and services – shopping, pampering, networking and more! WE hope to see many neighbors, friends, and travelers who believe in supporting local business professionals as they begin their holiday shopping season. Kristina Ericson has agreed to assist with coordination and answer any questions you may have: (262) 745-4164. Early discounts in affect – register early to get the best rate and placement! Thank you to Kristina with lia sophia jewelry; Sue Wendt with Joshua Tree (jewelry and gifts); Jacque Gratz - Gold Canyon; Taume Kohl – SimplyFun; Lisa Ganson – Just Jewelry; Donna Stackpool – Stackpool Chiropractic; Denise Kahoun – Become; and Tina Lendman – The Dance Factory – we are off to a great start!

Whew! Do you know that blog entries are supposed to be only several lines of text? Oops! WE are an exception; WE have lots going on!

Hope to see you soon,

Denise

Hello and welcome to the Redesigned WE Network Website.

First and foremost, let’s all thank Georgia Stewart for her tireless dedication to this network, and the fact that she just gave up another weekend to help us all look good online - and to share our news, events, etc. with others. THANK YOU MADAME STEWART!!

Sometimes the best thing to do is take a step back (or a few); take a deep breath (or a few); exhale and allow clarity to prevail. We are returning to the original name and logo for the WE Network, because it just makes sense. We have never wavered from our original vision and mission - and we don’t intend to.

Stay tuned for future enhancements and growth of our network  - because that just makes sense too! In these economic times, small local business professionals who stick together will come out ahead…

This weekend was a wonderful one in the Geneva Lakes area. As many of us scramble to fit in all the “end-of-summer” activities, even more are counting the days to the Walworth County Fair (September 2-7). Saturday I was proud to be a part of the Cynthia Rauland Memorial Blood Drive - it warmed my heart to see so many diverse people gather to give life in honor of Cynthia’s…kudos to Bob, the family, and the hard working people at SE WI Blood Center for making that happen. Sunday a group of us enjoyed an outing to the Beloit Snappers game - what a wonderful job those folks do at reminding families about good old-fashioned (affordable!) fun in the sun! (See pix on our Facebook page - Women Entrepreneurs Network.)

THANKS AGAIN GEORGIA!! Hope to see  many of you Thursday, August 26 for our first Network Dinner Meeting back at Cafe Calamari for the season! Yay!