By Miles Flynn | Southern Indiana Business Report
LYNNVILLE — The women who lead chambers of commerce in eight Southern Indiana communities drew inspiration from their own collaborative relationships to launch the Southern Indiana Women’s Conference. The inaugural event is coming up Friday, Oct. 15, at the Black Horse Barn in Lynnville, and among the speakers for the day will be Pat Koch of Holiday World. “It’s a brand-new event,” said Nancy Eckerle, executive director of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce and one of the conference organizers. “It’s never happened before.”
Eckerle told Southern Indiana Business Report that the idea for the gathering grew out of the regular conference calls she’s taken part in for the last 18 months or so with her peers at the Gibson County Chamber, Knox County Chamber, Linton Stockton Chamber, Perry County Chamber, Pike County Chamber, Spencer County Chamber and Warrick County Chamber. “We’ve become very good friends,” she commented.
The idea of expanding that spirit of camaraderie, and providing something of benefit for all women, took root. Cost for the day-long event and lunch is $50 per person, and the conference is open to anyone. “They could be women from all over the region,” Eckerle noted.
Organizers are planning for a crowd of 150 people, and they’re hopeful that the Southern Indiana Women’s Conference could become an annual happening.
In addition to Koch, who will provide the keynote address, other speakers include Tai Blythe, chief operating officer of the Vincennes-based PACE Community Action Agency, and a panel discussion featuring Ann Knies, owner of Chocolate Bliss in Jasper; Cindy Gaskins, co-founder of Sisson Steel of Winslow and a member of the Pike County Community Foundation; Lacy L. Crosier, co-founder and CEO of C&R Construction of Corydon; and Spencer County Sheriff Kelli Reinke.
Organizers sought speakers from across the region and who all bring their own unique perspective. “I think it will be a very uplifting day for everyone,” Eckerle said.
More information, and registration, can be found here.
Sponsors for the event include Kaiser Alumninum Warrick and German American Bank.