Jackson's WIN group for women: something you 'auto' know about

The Women's Impact Network, or WIN, is an effort launched earlier this year by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce to reach out to women in the region who want to strengthen their professional networks and have some fun while they're at it.

Jen Berti, membership director for the Chamber, is one of three women who worked together to build WIN, after the Chamber picked up some interest in the community.

"It wasn't just one person," Berti said.

She said after the Chamber received inquiries, she talked with Merideth Pobst on the Chamber board of directors, and Sara Gerau, Farmers Insurance agent in Jackson and wife of Chamber director Brian Gerau.

"From that, WIN was born," Berti said.

It took several months from that initial meeting, she said, but when they held the first WIN luncheon in May with the subject "Finding Work/Life Balance," they knew they had a hit on their hands.

"When you have an event, and for your first one, more than 100 people RSVP, I'd say that suggests there was a need for it," Berti said, laughing.

Jackson is a growing city, Berti said, and she sees a wealth of strong female leadership in the community.

And, she said, "we want speakers who can appeal to women of all backgrounds, all ages."

The common theme is giving back, Berti added. "The speakers volunteer their time. It's so great."

And, of course, there's the networking. Women bring their business cards, they mingle and talk in a relaxed setting.

It's not just about networking, Berti said: "We're a personal and professional development group. We want women to meet other women, but not just networking. We want them to feel empowered."

That's reflected in the topics already covered in WIN's luncheons, Berti said. One taught self-defense techniques, for example.

"We're teaching tools," Berti said, and women can take these tools to their everyday lives.

Each luncheon follows a similar format, Berti said. Tickets are prepaid, so organizers can have an accurate head count for food, and for an hour and a half on the second Thursday of every other month at the Jackson Civic Center at 281 E Deerwood Drive, women can network, eat, visit vendors and hear the speaker.

The next event will be Sept. 13, and will feature Amy Yabarra of Gearheads Auto and Diesel Repair in Jackson. Ybarra will speak on "What Women Auto Know" about auto repair, questions to ask, signs to watch for to get the best experience possible, Berti said.

"I see a lot of benefits," Berti said. "You have business recognition, personal contacts, lessons people can use in their everyday lives. Besides -- it's just fun!"

The luncheons are open to the public -- tickets are not dependent on Chamber membership, Berti said.

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630