Last fall, our chamber had the privilege of hosting the Warren County Women’s Mentoring Event in Norwalk. Dozens of local women registered for the morning event where a panel of speakers including Christina Moffatt, Alicia Benson, Rachelle Hunt, and Jill Anderson delved into topics like cultivating confidence and embracing risk. The post-event feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants said they left feeling empowered and inspired and wanted to continue that feeling somehow. Acknowledging a clear community demand for ongoing support catered to women in business, the chamber sprang into action.

The chamber created the Norwalk Area Women’s Collective (NAWC), a committee with a mission to offer Norwalk area businesswomen an opportunity to gather on a regular basis to network, mentor, and collaborate. Each month, all are welcome to join the committee at the Middlebrook Mercantile for coffee and discussion (no chamber membership required!). Topics are predetermined and stem from committee discussions, current events, or special requests. On occasion, guest speakers lead the discussion and recent speakers have included Orchard Hills Principal Sheila Taylor and the Chairman of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, Elizabeth Coonan. Since the first coffee in March, the group has discussed women’s history, work-life balance, health and nutrition, philanthropy, volunteerism, and women’s equality.  To complement these discussions, the NAWC committee provides take-home resources including links to relevant articles, videos, podcasts, or websites.

For those who have not yet experienced coffee with the Norwalk Area Women’s Collective, I invite you to put it on your calendar and join us on the second Friday of each month from 8-9 a.m. at the Mercantile in Cumming. Our committee aims to create an inviting, casual environment for honest conversation and loves to see familiar faces month after month. The Mercantile offers a menu of coffee, tea, and pastries for purchase so come early and get settled in. Registration through the chamber website is encouraged and open to anyone who wants to join. Upcoming discussion topics include Warren County conservation, organization, and shopping local with a fun holiday celebration to wrap up the year. If you would like to suggest a topic or would like to guest speak, please email me at info@norwalkchamber.org.

Last, but not least, please save the date for this year’s Warren County Women’s Mentoring Event which is set to take place on September 28 at the Red Acre Barn in Indianola. Together with the Carlisle and Indianola chambers, we’ve planned an engaging morning of speakers, discussions, and connection. Check out the chamber’s website for more information about this annual event (www.norwalkchamber.org/calendar).