The Plant City chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will be celebrating its 15th anniversary Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Wells Memorial & Event Center.
The goal of the national association is to bring together women for growth in their personal lives and their careers, and to provide networking and business opportunities.
State Farm agent Courtney Paat has been a member of Plant City’s ABWA since the chapter began in 2000.
“I am an original charter member,” Paat said. “There were probably 25 to 30 women that were original members that first year.”
With the economy beginning to turn around, the Plant City chapter has started to grow.
“We’re seeing a resurgence in activity and interest,” Paat said. “People are willing to help and make it grow.”
Although the association targets businesswomen, anyone interested is encouraged to join or attend one of the chapter’s monthly meetings. The Oct. 28 celebration is open to the public and will feature guest speaker Gina Berry, ABWA’s national secretary treasurer. Berry will be speaking on why everyone should consider joining ABWA.
Like other monthly meetings, the anniversary party will have a catered lunch, a business meeting and networking opportunities for attendees.
“We would love to have people interested in the chapter come,” Paat said. “You don’t have to be a business owner.”
Paat moved to Plant City in 1999 and opened her business one year later. Her involvement in Plant City’s ABWA started as a way for her to meet new people, but it has grown into the opportunity to take on new leadership roles. She is currently the past president on the executive board, and has served as the association’s president, vice president of membership, program chair and publicity chair, in addition to serving on the fundraising, education and nominations committees.
“I’ve always kept my finger on ABWA,” Paat said. “I wouldn’t have stuck with it if I didn’t feel like it had helped me with my business.”
Paat said that she has heard other members describe Plant City’s chapter as a safe place to learn and grow with opportunities to help with committees, projects and more.
“The connections — the connections are the big part,” Paat said.
If a potential member wants to join the chapter but is worried about the time commitment, Paat still encourages them to come to a meeting and consider joining.
“We only meet once a month,” she said. “It’s less of a time commitment. There’s businesswomen from all over Plant City … that come and share. It’s really a good organization.”
Those interested in attending the 15th anniversary party should RSVP by Oct. 23.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
NETWORKING TIPS
Courtney Paat is a business owner and a 15-year member of the ABWA Plant City chapter. Over the years, she has developed and learned networking tips for success:
• Always wear a visible, readable name tag.
• When attending a networking event, make it a point to meet someone you don’t know.
• While at an event, don’t sit down. The point is to mingle and talk with people.
IF YOU GO
The 15th Anniversary of the American Business Women’s Association of Plant City
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28.
WHERE: Wells Memorial & Event Center, 1903 W. Reynolds St.
RSVP: By Friday, Oct. 23, to Rebecca Williams, rwilliams@mtoclean.com