ABWA Imperial River Chapter
2020 Monthly Meetings, Events & Professional Development Programs
MONTHLY EVENTS:
When: 2nd Wednesday of every month
WE ARE CURRENTLY HOLDING OUR MONTHLY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS ON ZOOM.
Theres is no charge, but we are grateful for your donations via your Eventbrite registrations.
Find out about our meetings by following us EVERYWHERE:
WHEN IN-PERSON MEETINGS RESUME:
When: 2nd Wednesday of every monthWhere: Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center, 9931 Interstate Commerce Dr, Fort Myers, FL
Time: Networking starts at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner and speaker/activity.
Tickets: Visit our Eventbrite page to reserve your seat and dinner ($35). All meals include a pre-set salad and dressing w/ rolls and butter and Chef’s Choice Dessert, water/iced tea, coffee/tea. Cash bar in the lobby.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS:
In addition to professional development programs, ABWA Imperial River Chapter presents several social gatherings each year, some of which help to raise funds to send local businesswomen to professional conferences and seminars throughout the year. Sponsorship opportunities are typically available; for more information, contact us at Info@ABWAImperialRiver.org
GOT A SUGGESTION for speakers, events or topics?
Email us at Info@ABWAImperialRiver.org.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS and EVENTS:
NOVEMBER 11, 2020 – Susan McManus, Champions for Learning
Susan McManus is a former fourth-grade teacher. Champions for learning is an Education Foundation of Collier County. It was founded by community and business leaders 30 years ago. Susan McManus spent the first three years on the Board of Directors, followed by 27 years as Executive Director and President, pursuing the non-profit’s goal of creating life-changing learning experiences for Collier County students.
NOVEMBER 19, 2020 – Black Friday Palooza! Prize Drawing
This event replaces Bingopalooza. If you are a current Bingopalooza ticket holder, please click here to read important updates about how to get a refund OR convert your tickets to the Black Friday Palooza prize drawing at a significant advantage! First, second, and third prizes will be awarded, with a ticket sales incentive for Imperial River Chapter members.
Prize drawing will take place at Palm City Brewing OR online via Zoom
Get your tickets now at ABWAImperialRiver.Eventbrite.com
Funds raised are used for the professional development of local businesswomen.
DECEMBER 9, 2020 – Imperial River Holiday Party
Eat, drink and be merry! As we reflect on our year, both personally and professionally, we gather to take comfort and joy in the sisterhood provided by the ABWA organization. Join us for cocktails, networking, dinner, good conversation, and maybe a little bit of “Secret Santa” action, too…
Previous Programs in 2020:
January 8, 2020: Lois Margolin from the Coral Springs Chapter of ABWA on self-esteem.
Lois Margolin is a CPA who recently sold her international reservation software company, Chelsea Information Systems. She now offers concierge accounting services through Lois Margolin LLC. Her roles in the ABWA organization have included the past president of the Coral Springs FL Chapter, past chair of the Tri-County Council in South Florida, as well as a past District I Vice President of the ABWA national organization.
February 12, 2020: Barbara Evans – Chief Development Officer for the Harry Chapin Food Bank
Barbara Evans was appointed Chief Development Officer with Harry Chapin Food Bank in September 2019. In her role, Barbara is responsible for building the philanthropic strategy for the Annual Fund and Endowment and execute this strategy through cultivating relationships with major philanthropic individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations to help the Food Bank achieve its mission to lead the community in the fight to end hunger.
MARCH 11, 2020 – Kevin Brady, International trade specialist
Kevin Brady is a certified global business professional for the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University (SBDC at FGCU). Together, America’s SBDCs comprise the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States and its territories. Kevin strategically assists SWFL companies to expand internationally and diversify revenues. He’ll discuss how to understand and simplify importing processes and responsibilities.
This event is CANCELED due to restrictions related to COVID-19. We hope to reschedule it sometime in the future.
April 15th – BEER for a CAUSE – Come Party With Us on TAX DAY!
It’s Tax Day and you are STRESSED OUT! Knock off work and come on down to Palm City Brewery to party with us.
You buy a beer, we get a dollar to help fund professional development opportunities for local businesswomen.
We’ll also be holding a 50/50 raffle, and there should be a food truck on-site as well. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, support a local brewery, and maybe win some $$$ to go with that tax refund 🍻 😄 🍺
APRIL 8, 2020 – Meeting and Speaker POSTPONED until July.
MAY 13, 2020 – K.C. Schulberg, Executive Director of the Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK).
K.C.’s background merges film, television, marketing, and fundraising with hands-on civic engagement and community organization will bring a new global set of tools to the Calusa Waterkeeper’s mission: to protect and preserve the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal waters
JUNE 10, 2020 – Tracy Connelly winner of the 2020 Fundraising Executive of the Year award.
Tracy Connelly is Vice President of Development at the Guadalupe Center, an Immokalee organization whose mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. Since 1984, Guadalupe Center has been achieving this mission and making a significant difference for students and families of Immokalee through three extraordinarily successful programs: Early Childhood Education, After-school Tutoring and Summer Enrichment, and Tutor Corps.
JULY 8th, 2020 – Alicia Miller Executive Director of the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center.
Alicia will talk about how deaf or hard of hearing people make great employees. Also on hand – staff member Lisa Myhand and her interpreter Deb McClain.
AUGUST 12TH, 2020 – Anne O’Neill, Director of Business Development, nuVizz, Inc.
Anne O’Neill’s business experience spans multiple industries over two decades. She currently serves as the American Business Women’s Association’s National Secretary/Treasurer (2019-2020). Anne is exactly who we need to tell us definitively, “ABWA – What’s In It For You?”.
NOTE: Our traditional August “Awards Night” is postponed until we can safely be together again in person.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 – Heather Turco, Crime Prevention, LCSO
A former NBC broadcaster, Heather is now a crime prevention specialist with the Lee County Sheriff’s office. She will be talking about what to do if there is an active shooter situation and other crime prevention tips.
OCTOBER 14, 2020 – Tamara Pigott, Executive Director, Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau
Tamara Pigott was appointed Executive Director of the Lee County VCB in 2010. She oversees the promotion of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel as a travel destination to targeted domestic and international visitors, including vacationers, and business travelers. Pigott looks forward to joining the group and discussing the latest on the value of tourism in Lee County, where we stand today, and the outlook moving forward. She can also share a broad overview of the Lee County’s response to its residents through the its LeeCares Individual Assistance program.