Network breakfast to mark day for women
This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on February 16th, 2010.
The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:
On March 8, KV Networks will host its 5th Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, one of a number of events taking place across our region to mark International Women’s Day 2010.
KV Networks is a business networking group for women entrepreneurs in the Kennebecasis Valley and surrounding areas. The group was formed five years ago and aims to promote women in business and provide a support network for members to further their business goals.
“When the group started there was only six of us, and it was about support for women doing non-traditional things and being entrepreneurial,” says Janet Kyle, one of KV Networks’ founding members, of the group which has since grown to more than 50 members. “Our approach is very casual, but very worthwhile and effective.”
The group meets twice each month on Thursday mornings. Meetings alternate between roundtable discussion and information speakers, where members and guest speakers discuss their own industry and areas of expertise.
“A lot of women have left 9-5 jobs to do something a little outside the box, while still juggling the other aspects of life,” Kyle said. “We meet to support each other and act as a sounding board. There’s a powerful, positive energy at our meetings.”
New members are welcome. While a membership fee of $2 is collected at each meeting, and donated to local charities or non-profit groups, there is no formal membership process. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and represent a huge range of entrepreneurial enterprises, from financial planning to hypnotism.
“Being new to town, I had explored several other network groups and gone to other meetings, but joined KV Networks because it is an open, inclusive environment for meeting people from a wide range of ages and business areas,” says Teri Woosnam, who has recently relocated to Saint John to operate her own business, and joined KV Networks after it was recommended to her by a customer. “It’s about promoting business, but also network, helping people and sharing information.”
In addition to the biweekly meetings, which are open to anyone interested in attending, KV Networks hosts two public events each year, featuring guest speakers and door prizes. In addition to the International Women’s Day breakfast event, the group also marks Small Business Week with an event.
The 5th Annual KV Networks International Women’s Day Breakfast will take place March 8 from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. at Kings Valley Wesleyan Church. Tickets are $20 each and the registration deadline is March 3. For more information, visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
