Oh my!
So much chatter and conversation.
It was truly schmooze central.
More than 100 ladies and a few gents trekked into the Santa Maria Room of the Santa Maria Inn. The level of the constant buzz said it all: This was a highly successful networking opportunity.
More than 30 vendors were on site to dazzle, entice, explain, and entertain. There were complimentary massages from the congenial Virginia Hall of Therapeutic Bodywork & Massage and homemade cookies from the kitchens of Merrill Gardens (distributed by Lim Adams).
Almost every vendor offered a bowl of candy or plate of brownies.
This was a repeat performance for interior decorator Gredsa Johnson. When asked if participating in the trade show was worthwhile, she said, “Oh, yes, it’s been lovely. I have gotten business out of this show.”
Katherine Davis of Sensible Interior Solutions helped me out with a thorny decorating problem.
The Women’s Network didn’t want attendees to go away hungry and give up their lunch hour for the event; they provided a generous, complimentary buffet. A table in the center of the room offered chicken tenders, bruschetta, a cheese and cracker platter, one of the Santa Maria’s Inn’s always wonderful fresh fruit platters, cold cuts and snacks, and ice tea and coffee. Very nice, ladies. Thank you!
Artist Hattie Stoddard advised me not to miss the Town Center Gallery’s reception for artist Beverly Johnson to be held at the gallery on Feb. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Insurance agent and budding actress (with the Night Time Rotary Players) Libby Kelly was jazzed about earrings she bought from jewelry artist Sharon Duncan. Santa Maria Philharmonic Society Executive Director George Majoue manned his booth featuring tutoring services and enjoyed what he’s good at: connecting with people.
Radio DJ Tony Gonzalez, invited by the Network’s president Donna Randolph, circulated around the venue. Erica Weber of VTC food services waltzed around the room, enjoying, no doubt, food she wasn’t responsible for.
Immediate past president Christine Gerber beamed as she took in the success of the event.
The Women’s Network welcomes male members and vendors. Dr. Magic had a booth, as did Chuck Winkles of New Life Painting.
Women of Excellence Dinner on March 7
Each year Santa Maria ladies look forward to learning who the Network has selected for its prestigious annual “Women of Excellence” award.
Selected from a pool of candidates nominated by the general public, four Santa Maria Valley women will be recognized at a dinner on March 7 at the Santa Maria Inn. This is a fun evening.
There are ever so many terrific women in this community: entrepreneurs, activists, nonprofit dynamos. Choosing four outstanding candidates each year is a monumental task.
The four award categories are Women Taking Creative Risks, Women of Spirit, Women Helping Women, and Lifetime Achievement. The last I heard, community powerhouse Etta Waterfield will be the emcee.
Nominations for the award closed on Feb. 8, but sponsorship opportunities are available for people who wish to support the event at $250, $150, $50, and $20 levels. For reservations and ticket and sponsorship information, call the network’s voicemail at 929-7489.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Feb 9-16, 2012.
