One-hundred-and-ninety local women who represent business in the Hastings met this week to discuss plans for future growth for their network.
Hastings Business Women’s Network recently held their Annual General Meeting, which doubled as a fundraiser for breast cancer, with 65 attendees successfully raising more than $400 for the Breast Cancer Network Australia.
The AGM included a lively breakfast, with a number of fun activities including the annual bra guessing competition and the enforcement of a ‘wear pink or pay’ policy, and also featured a moving account of one member’s breast cancer journey.
Joining the continuing com-mittee members, President Kelly Lamb and Communications Coordinator Michelle Newman, are six new position holders — Vice President Kylie Morris, Secretary Stacey Newling, Treasurer Sandra Magann, Membership Coordinator Sue Jogever, Events Coordinator Carissa Dwyer and Professional Development Coordinator Susan Judd.
HBWN President Kelly Lamb said the new committee members, who bring a range of varied professional skills and bucketloads of enthusiasm to the network, were already hard at work on a number of activities planned for the rest of the year and into 2013.
“We have the HBWN Awards Gala on November 29, initiatives to reach new groups of business women in our local area and expand our connections across the Mid-North Coast, as well as the introduction of member identification materials to further strengthen the reputation of the network,” Mrs Lamb said.
Mrs Lamb thanked the outgoing committee members – Ann-Maree Crowe, Di Edgerley, Cheryl Eslick, Wendy Middleton and Melanie Wass – who all worked tirelessly throughout their terms to make the network the success it is today.
“Without their perseverance, dedication and commitment, all provided on a voluntary basis, the HBWN simply wouldn’t function,” Mrs Lamb said.
“The year 2012 has been one of exciting evolution for the HBWN and has seen the launch of our new brand and website, a varied networking and professional development events calendar and expanded membership benefits.
“Other highlights included our support of the Women in Business Mentoring Program, the Hastings Education Fund and the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge, as well as our sponsorship of the Woman in Business Awards in both the Wauchope and Port Macquarie business awards programs.
“We also launched a regular newsletter, grew our Facebook page and established a LinkedIn Group — all of this contributing to a growth in membership of over 25 per cent.”
