The Corry Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a successful professional women’s luncheon that drew praise for its networking potential and impactful keynote address. Kathleen Ellwood, principal coach and trainer at Cog Coaching and Consulting and executive director of academic and career development at Gannon University, served as the keynote speaker.
According to Cherie Dickey, the chamber’s manager, attendees expressed enthusiasm for both the supportive environment and Ellwood’s motivational speech. “Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” she noted. “Participants felt more connected to other professional women and left feeling inspired.” This event served as a vital platform for building relationships and sharing knowledge among local businesswomen.
Keynote Address: Prioritizing Self-Care
Ellwood’s presentation, titled “Rest Up, Fuel Up, Giddy Up,” emphasized the necessity of self-care and wellness strategies specifically designed for women in the workplace. She underscored the importance of setting personal boundaries and prioritizing both mental and physical health as essential components for long-term professional success.
Historical Context of Women’s Health
Opening with a historical overview, Ellwood discussed the glaring oversight women faced in healthcare research until 1993, when they were finally included. This exclusion had lasting repercussions on women’s health outcomes, leading to misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments attributable to a male-centric perspective in medical research.
Focus Areas: Sleep, Nutrition, and Movement
- Sleep: Women often experience different sleep patterns compared to men, marked by shorter durations and more disturbances. Stress is a significant contributor to poor sleep quality. Ellwood shared practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene, such as practicing meditation, engaging in body scan techniques, and maintaining a calming sleep environment.
- Nutrition: The keynote addressed vital concerns regarding diet, particularly gut health. Ellwood highlighted startling statistics about the rise in sugar consumption over the centuries and advocated for a mindful approach to nutrition that favors whole, colorful foods.
- Movement: With an emphasis on biological differences, Ellwood advised that women’s exercise regimens should be tailored accordingly. She recommended strength and resistance training, especially for women in perimenopause, highlighting personal anecdotes to inspire others to embrace fitness.
Encouraging Community Connections
The luncheon not only provided valuable insights but also sparked immediate collaboration among attendees. Networking sessions offered opportunities for establishing lasting professional connections. “We saw several spontaneous brainstorming sessions happen during the event,” Dickey remarked, noting the dynamic energy present throughout the day.
Supporting Women in Business
The event underscored the significance of supporting women’s roles in the local economy, featuring programs like KeyBank’s Key4Women initiative. Dickey stressed the importance of acknowledging women’s contributions and creating spaces for them to thrive in business. The discussions also touched upon the unique challenges women face, such as limited mentorship opportunities and work-life balance difficulties.
Looking Ahead: Future Engagement
As the chamber looks to maintain this momentum, Dickey encouraged women to take part in upcoming events, including the Downtown Corry Business Association’s September Second Friday BigFoot Bash and specialized workshops. Interested individuals can engage further by joining a committee or reaching out to the chamber via email at contact@corrychamber.com or by calling 814-665-9925. The Corry Chamber of Commerce is located at the Corry Higher Education Council, 221 N. Center St., Room 101.
Details about future programming will be published on the chamber’s website and social channels, ensuring ongoing opportunities for women in the community to connect, learn, and thrive.
