Women’s Business Council Forming In Danbury

DANBURY — According to the US Department of Labor, in 2010 women accounted for 47 percent of the labor force. An estimated 7.2 million majority women-owned businesses accounted for an economic impact of $2.8 trillion that translated into the creation and maintenance of more than 23.7 million jobs — 16 percent of all US jobs.

In 2010, the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce made history with the election of the Honorable Dianne E. Yamin as its first female chairman of the board. This year, that momentum continues with the introduction of the newly formed Women’s Business Council.

“The Women’s Business Council is an exciting new organization created to develop and enhance the personal and professional growth of women in the Danbury community through a collaborative network of guidance, education, support, and leadership. As chairman of the Board of Directors, I am thrilled to introduce this outstanding program and anticipate that the kickoff event will reflect the enthusiasm of the business community for it,” said Judge Yamin.

As an advocate for all businesses, the chamber is eager to support this expanding population.

“Never before have women wielded so much entrepreneurial control, and contributed as much economically as today’s numbers demonstrate,” said JoAnn Cueva, the WBC’s coordinator. “As with any person in business, businesswomen are most concerned about issues related to the economy; access to capital, access to markets, health care and health insurance reform, tax relief and broader support for small business. The WBC will work to develop programs that address these issues plus, offer other programs targeted to a decidedly female audience.”

The official kickoff of the Women’s Business Council is planned for Thursday, April 14, at the Matrix Conference Center, 39 Old Ridgebury Road from 5:30 to 8 pm, and will include a panel discussion of distinguished businesswomen that have made significant impacts in very diverse industries.

The event, “Inspirations: Conversations with Extraordinary Women,” will feature recent Senate candidate and former CEO of WWE, Linda McMahon. She will be joined by Jane Pollak, author of Soul Proprietor and host of Remarkable Women, restaurateur and owner of Good News Café Carole Peck, and Traci Morris, executive vice president at Cartus.

The discussion will be moderated by talk radio host and author Lisa Wexler and will be followed by a cocktail reception and book signings.

For more information call JoAnn Cueva, Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, 203-743-5565.