Where was everybody?
Traffic was down, but business wasn’t.
The Santa Maria Women’s Network’s second annual Mini-Trade Show on Wed., Feb. 2, provoked a curious blend of disappointment over attendance and elation over success.
The event, held at the Santa Maria Inn, attracted about half of last year’s impressive crowd.
Did it matter?
Carrie Rosing, PCPA director of development, said she sold as many jars of her homemade jams this year as she did last! I nabbed the last jar of lemon curd from her decimated inventory and relished every tasty spoonful. It’s all gone, Carrie!
New Network member Amy Curti sold some impressive pieces of her Stella and Dot jewelry. She also got strong leads for home jewelry parties.
“I’m very pleased,” the delightful Curti emoted. “This was a big success for me.”
“I learned a lot,” she added. “This was my first experience with a trade show, and I know what to do better next time.”
About the smaller crowd, Virginia Hall commented, “Is everyone freaked out about the economy?” This was said as she gave me a complimentary mini-massage that rejuvenated my writing arm. (Hall does therapeutic bodywork and massage.)
But, she, too, was pleased at the day’s result: business prospects and a new client.
Similarly, Realtor Michelle Shipmann snagged leads for future deals.
From 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., the Santa Maria room at the Inn was home to about 40 vendors showcasing their products and services. You had to be a member of the Network to book a table. One gent, Mike Rauscher, joined the Network just so he’d have access to this trade show.
“Women are the largest part of my customer base,” said the purveyor of cleaning services, “so it made sense for me to join.”
A generous buffet table of varied cheeses and crackers, fruit, veggies, chicken tenders, and coffee and iced tea was available at the free lunchtime event. No one had to go back to work hungry.
Many familiar faces, including insurance agent Libbey Kelley and attorney Karen O’Neill, stopped by. Rebecca Sunda left her PostNet store on South Broadway to network and connect.
Network board member Patty Elswick is on a very fashionable cloud nine. She’s now a style consultant with Saks Fifth Avenue in Santa Barbara.
Patty and Saks offered as a door prize make-overs for six at the store. Included are mimosas and muffins and a 15 percent discount on purchases. Sue Olivera was the ecstatic winner.
The Women’s Network is like Topsy—it grows and grows and grows. Last year’s trade show brought in 10 new members and boosted membership to its current level of 67. One board member estimated that this year’s event will add another dozen or so to their roster.
Proceeds from the show will go into the Network’s “giveaway fund.” They grant a scholarship to a member who needs funds to complete a professional goal. In December, they also give around $500 to a needy organization or family. Not shabby for a small organization!
The Women’s Network will present its prestigious 2011 Women of Excellence Awards at a recognition dinner on March 2 at the Santa Maria Inn. The dinner is open to the public.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Feb 10-17, 2011.
