Creating a Stronger Women’s Business Community in 2017

Bells were ringing. Snowflakes were floating above. People were dressed in colorful holiday outfits. Smiles, laughter and enthusiasm warmed the twenty seven degree air. Four thousand people of all ages gathered on a green bridge in Seneca Falls, New York, one of my favorite places since it is the birthplace of the Women’s Rights Movement, and also believed to be the “Bedford Falls” in the beloved holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

In the gathering where 3 of my #261Fearless Boston Marathon running mates, my husband of 27 years and 5 Women TIES women entrepreneurs. As the drone flew over the bridge just before the race started at 4:40 p.m. on December 10th, everyone looked up smiled and waved. For once in the harshness of the post-election period, love, hope, community came together to electrify the darkening skies. It was community at its best.

My goal has always been to create a Women TIES community with the same sense of warmth and positive energy through events, gatherings and online communication. YOU have been an important part of this special grouping of women and you might not realize it. Every single woman who belongs to our group, attends our events or participates with us online contributes in a positive way to our entrepreneurial, pink spirit, joy and enthusiasm for sisterhood in business. I’d like to believe Women TIES has also become part of your wonderful life.

In 2017, I want to create a better community of closeness between women living from Albany to Rochester, Watertown to Binghamton, the Finger Lakes to the Mohawk Valley and Central New York. For this to happen, I need input, feedback and ideas. I also need women to attend more of our events regionally and participate with other women by introducing yourself to them, buying from them, creating deeper conversations and calling me to connect you more to other women in our group.

As I head off to the Women’s March on Washington on January 20-21, 2017 with 100 women to stand shoulder together in another positive group atmosphere to show our sisterhood and spirit for our equality; and as I prepare for my Boston Marathon “once in a life time” dream to run with thousands of people with your financial and mental support, I know community is the most important part of making any group a worthwhile one.