Text Box: 2008 Chamber Officers, Directors:   Chairman  Steve Padgett   Chair-Elect  Mark Hudson   Secretary Larry Fox   Treasurer Shannon Kennedy   Past Chairman Roger Holland   Board of Directors Ted Alexander Suzanne Amos Janet Berry Martha Bivins Dr. Bruce Boyles Larry Corry Darlene Davis Charlie Holtzclaw Dr. Linda Hopper Kitty Hoyle Mark Hudson Allen Langley David Schweppe Seth Stevens Sandy Tallant Dr. Steve Thornburg Rick Washburn John Young

Text Box: InterAction Text Box:   Shelby NC - The Cleveland County Chamber is pleased to announce the kick-off of a new program for professional women.  The Cleveland Women’s Network (CWN) is a professional networking organization for women in all stages of their careers dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth and encouraging participation and recognition in the Cleveland County Chamber.  A Kick-Off Luncheon will be held on May 21st from 12 noon to 1:30 pm at Owl’s Eye Vineyard & Winery.   Cleveland Women’s Network, the initiative of Stephanie Trogdon, Cleveland County Chamber Vice President for Membership Services, and Katherine Panther-Potemkin, Founder and Executive Director of Learning for Life, was created in response to requests from Cleveland County’s own women for an organization to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, resources, and support specific to the needs of professional women.  This is exactly what CWN, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization will provide by offering interesting and fun-filled events in a supportive and relaxed environment focused on addressing, promoting, and advancing women’s interests and concerns.   Currently one out of every three Chamber member businesses are directed or owned by a woman.  And approximately 36% of the area businesses are owned by women.  In addition, there are numbers of women employed by Cleveland County businesses.  CWN programs will provide education, networking, mentoring, and recognition for these women through meetings, educational seminars, roundtable discussions, support groups, and social events.   The May 21st event will feature Kimberly P. Johnson as the keynote speaker.  Ms. Johnson, a Shelby native now living in York, South Carolina, is a highly published children’s author and dynamic speaker.  She has written nine books, among them a series of three adventure books, Paperback Poetry Part 1 and Part 2, the Tag-Along Fred Series, and Motivational Reading Posters.  In addition she has developed and helped fund a summer learning program for Head Start and has established scholarships through two North Carolina community colleges to assist students in pursuing a degree in education.  Ms. Johnson’s appearances include the Today Show in New York City, guest reader at the 2002 White House Easter Egg Roll, and guest speaker for many local and national organizations.  She has received numerous awards, the most recent of which is the 2008 Honorable Kentucky Colonel Award for being an international ambassador of good will and fellowship.   If you are a professional woman, please make plans to join us for the Cleveland Women’s Network’s first event of 2008.  The event is sponsored by The Small Business Center at Cleveland Community College, RE/MAX Select, Owl’s Eye Vineyard & Winery, Rose Hill and the Cleveland County Chamber.  Reservations are required.  Admission costs: $18 for chamber members, $28 for non-members.   KICK-OFF LUNCHEON   MAY 21 12 – 1:30 PM OWL’S EYE VINEYARD & WINERY SHELBY   RSVP online at www.clevelandchamber.org

Text Box: May 2008

Text Box: Quick Links Text Box: Cleveland Women's Network

Text Box: In This Issue:

Chamber Homepage

Chamber Calendar

Community Calendar

Business Directory

Member Services

 

Do the Best Companies Join Chambers?
Business After Hours

Tourism News

Banner Ad Sales

Cleveland Women's Network

Letter from the Chairman

Ambassador Spotlights

Going Green in the Workplace

Community News

Event Pictures

Renewals /
 New Members
Referral Summary
Thank You Corner

Upcoming Events