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The San Luis Obispo Women's Network is a lively, diverse group of women
dedicated to supporting, encouraging and empowering women to reach their
fullest potential both personally and professionally. Its beginning date
back to 1979 when Connie Framberger had left her job, was unemployed, and
was looking for focus. Connie was ;looking for other business women to talk
with, and since there were not many women in business at that time, Connie
decided to begin a personal and career development group rather than a service
club. Pandora Nash was working with Connie's husband, and she and Connie
met for lunch to discuss the possibilities of starting such a group. In
September 1979, the first group of women (approximately 20 women) met at
Howard Johnson's in San Luis Obispo. There was no formal name for the group,
no officers, no specific agenda or policies, and no fancy brochures. People
just showed up and paid for a salad bar lunch. |
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During
the first six months, the group was growing in size by 10 members per month
without any publicity and without formal officers. Shortly thereafter, the
group developed a steering committee, and it was decided the group should
move to a larger location since Howard Johnson's could no longer house them
without prior reservations. Other locations the group moved to were Corcoron's,
the Breakers, and the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall. Luncheons were all
catered by women. These were the days of the famous "Cheesewiz Enchiladas."
In an effort to keep the luncheons simpler, the group then moved to This
Id House. This was the only time This Old House was ever open for lunch,
and they offered us a buffet luncheon. As the group grew in size, they filled
the front, back and bar areas of the restaurant. The only problem with this
location was that not all of the members could see the speaker during the
programs. In the search for a larger location where all members could participate
in the program, Women's Network moved to William Randolph's. It did not
take long until we outgrew that location and moved to Pacific Suites in
1987 (now Embassy Suites). |
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In
September 1980, Patricia Ashbaugh created the by-laws for Women's Network.
Betsey Nash became the first president of the San Luis Obispo Women's Network,
and a board of directors was developed. At that time Women's Network established
rules that members were not allowed to hand out business cards or solicit
business at the luncheon meetings so that no one would feel threatened or
intimidated. Members were, however, allowed to use their directory for solicitation
at any time. Dues were approximately $20 per year, and the newsletter and
the directory were also published for the first time that year. In 1981,
Women's Network was written up in Saavy Magazine, a women's business magazine.
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In
2003, we now have announcements, mini-commercials to solicit business, ads
in the newsletter, testimonials to thank other members, giveaways, a marketing
table at the luncheons, vendor fairs, open house, and table-top networking
where we hand out our business cards at each meeting. Women's Network has
never been involved in politics or taken a radical approach in any subject
area, We offer Womentoring, not just mentoring. Although we have never had
any male members, men have attended as guests and speakers, and they have
given advice on occasion. One man actually said the name Women's Network
would never work, but we know differently. Our programs and speakers have
always been on subjects of interest to women either personally or professionally.
Meetings are a place where we can come together with issues and feel supported.
Women's Network has developed the current monthly meeting format with a
luncheon and program. Through the years we have had special events and educational
meetings with top guest speakers. Each year we host an open house and a
vendor fair. We publish a membership directory annually and a newsletter
once a month. Many women have expressed what a positive difference Women's
Network has made not only in their careers, but in their lives. Whether
you're seeking a lead or a friend--or both--you've come to the right place. |
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