Local, state forums focus on women in business

Women's involvement in small business is a hot topic this spring, with local and statewide events targeting women in business set for April 25 and 27, respectively.

The Women's Day Symposium Empowering Women Toward Their Fullest Potential, will be held 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. April 25 at the Library Center. The symposium features 20 local businesswomen addressing topics that range from job search and organization skills to stress management, entrepreneurship and business financing. Marlene Chism will be the keynote speaker, presenting the program "Dance With Authority."

The cost of the event is $25 per person, including lunch. Seating is limited, and the first 20 pre-paid registrants will be eligible for a door prize drawing. To register, call 862-9284 ext. 23.

The event is sponsored by Greene County University of Missouri Extension-Business and Industry, the U.S. Small Business Administration Springfield branch, and SCORE the Senior Corps of Retired Executives Counselors for America's Small Business.

Show-Me Women in Business, the 2000 Governor's Economic Summit on Women in Business, will be held at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Columbia, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 27. Aida Alvarez, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be the keynote speaker, and guest speakers are Missouri Treasurer Bob Holden and Missouri Secretary of State Rebecca McDowell Cook.

Workshops include "E-commerce/E-business," "Basics of Starting a Business," "Exporting: What's In It for Me?" "Recruitment and Retention of Employees" and more.

The event is sponsored by the Missouri Women's Council and state Treasurer Bob Holden's office.

The cost of the summit is $50 before March 31; $65 after April 1. For more information or to register, call the Missouri Training Institute at 573-882-2860.