Women in business group gels well

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 646, 23 July 1996, Page 16

Women in business group gels well

The recent launch of the region's Women Into SelfEmployment (WISE) network, which also covers the Waimarino area, on Monday 24 June was a resounding success with 50 women attending. Kevin Gibbard, ANZ district manager, spoke of the national partnership of ANZ & WISE Women. Beverley Main, the founder and national coordinator of WISE Women, gave an enthusiastic address about the aims and purposes of WISE Women and the wide range of benefits to women who participate in the network. She also briefly touched on the forthcoming local, regional and national CLEAR Women Into Self Employment Awards (see below) This was preceded by drinks and nibbles with socialising. The round of individual introductions highlighted the wide range of products and services provided by local business women in the region. A decision was made to meet on the fourth Monday of each month at the REAP Centre, Taihape. The topic for July will be costing and pricing by Karen Griffiths from the Manawatu Resource Centre. Vicki Clarke, Fitzherbert Rowe Development, will speak in August on marketing. Future topics include stress management with aromatherapy , and how to make the most of one' s working hours. WISE awards New Zealand women are taking up self employment at

a slightly faster rate than men. By the year 2000 they are predicted to own half of all new businesses. To celebrate the achievements of these key influencers in the business world the WISE (Women Into Self Employment) network has engaged the support of Clear Communications to launch a national series of awards for women in self employment. The awards aim to give women an opportunity to have their achievements recognised. This area' s awards will be presented in Taihape at 5.30pm at the REAP Centre on Monday 26 August. Finalists will win prizes including $1000 of business consulting and uniquely crafted trophies, by Dunedin potter Helen Pearce, who recently produced the muchadmired Cervena Plate Awards and is just one example of a successful woman in self employment.