In 2004, a group of volunteers and staff members at the Garland Chamber of Commerce began to develop an idea to create a program that would focus specifically on the needs of women in business. As the concept evolved, these innovative women formed a unique strategy around three simple, yet powerful words: engage, enrich, empower; and thus, the Women’s Business E-nitiative was born.
The purpose was clear from the start – the Garland Chamber would sponsor the program in order to help strengthen women’s business opportunities in Garland, and by doing so, continue to fulfil the organization’s vision of a sustainable, high quality of life with a vibrant and varied business environment in Garland, Texas. As the WBe has grown in the last eight years, it has provided leadership development opportunities to hundreds of women in the Garland area through female-focused education events. From major manufacturing plant CEOs to retail small business owners and every position and industry in between, Garland’s professional women continue to see value in the economic partnering and relationship building offered through the WBe.
The Garland Chamber is not without help in its efforts to grow and maintain a program of this calibre. A committee of Garland business-women are selected each year to play a vital role in the direction and events of WBe, securing speakers that have demonstrated excellence in their chosen fields, all of whom can relate to the obstacles and opportunities of being a woman in the business world. Committee members work tirelessly to ensure each event stays true to the program’s foundation; engaging, enriching and empowering women in business. Personal branding, business coaching, obtaining a work/life balance and living an intentional life are just a few of the topics explored in some of WBe’s trademark Empowerment Luncheons.
While the focus of WBe remains centered on elements of business, the women of WBe certainly recognize the value of incorporating fun into each event. The group has hosted various events such as wine tastings at local business locations and each year hosts a Holiday Extravaganza complete with a fashion show of the season’s latest styles. WBe offers a platform for these types of laid-back, enjoyable events, which didn’t previously exist in business circles.
Studies show, women naturally search for a community to belong to; a tight-knit group with which they share common goals, obstacles and life-experiences; people who they can laugh with, learn from and appreciate. WBe is the group many Garland women have been searching for. The women involved mentor each other, encourage each other and when possible, do business with each other.
We invite you to engage in some of our empowering events and see how your life and career can be enriched by the Women’s Business E-nitiative.
