At the inaugural Otago Women in Business luncheon yesterday
are (from left) Carolyn Edwards, Summerset Group chief
executive Norah Barlow and Haley Van Leeuwen. Photo by
Peter McIntosh.
The new Otago Women in Business network got off to a
flying start yesterday, when nearly 40 women attended an
inaugural luncheon at the Dunedin Club.
Organisers Haley Van Leeuwen and Carolyn Edwards were
thrilled with the number attending to hear guest speaker
Summerset Group chief executive Norah Barlow talk about her
career and the changes being undertaken in the retirement
home industry.
Mrs Van Leeuwen, a sharebroker with Forsyth Barr, said the
aim of the network was to hold a series of different events
for women to attend, some of them lunches and others pure
networking events, where those attending would be encouraged
to do business together.
"We also hope to organise networking tours where events are
hosted in boardrooms and selected workplaces."
Asked if there was a need in the community for the new
women's business network, Mrs Van Leeuwen said the numbers
spoke for themselves. Other women who intended becoming
members had apologised for not attending yesterday, due to
work and other commitments.
The aim was to grow the network's data base and grow the
regular attendance at events.
"You can have the biggest database in the world but it's
important to increase the percentage of those attending."
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