Dear Vermonter,
As
the summer ends, it is time to look forward to the
12th Annual Women’s Economic Opportunity
Conference. This year’s program will take
place on Saturday, October 25, on the campus of
Vermont Technical College
in
Randolph Center.
Over the years
Vermont’s economy has grown
and changed in
Click to hear Senator Leahy's
invitation to the 12th Annual Women's Economic
Opportunity Conference
many exciting and unexpected ways.
From industries in agriculture and tourism to the
expansion of innovative small businesses, there are
many new potential opportunities to be found. The
growth of
Vermont’s economy has been
matched only by the constantly evolving roles of the
countless talented women who drive it. According to
the Vermont Center
for Women’s Business Studies, women-owned firms
generate an impressive $1.5 billion and currently
employ more than 35,000 Vermonters. In 2006,
approximately 39 percent of all
Vermont
businesses were owned, or partially owned, by women.
While the number of Vermont women-owned
businesses
is on the rise, we must continue working to
encourage greater growth. This fall, we hope to
empower more individuals as we focus on how to
achieve a balance between a successful career and a
rewarding personal life.
At
the Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference this
year we will focus on achieving professional goals
while managing family, finance, and stress.
The program includes engaging presentations on
business, technology, life management, and stress
elimination, all while focusing
on
how to juggle these many factors simultaneously.
All of our presenters have experience navigating the
complexities of the Vermont business sphere, and offer valuable
knowledge and understanding.
Our
keynote speaker this October will be Marilyn Skoglund, Vermont
Supreme Court Justice and mother of two. Justice
Skoglund
offers unique perspective and inspiration.
After
passing the bar exam on her first try while
raising her seven year-old daughter,
she
went on to rise through the ranks of the Vermont
Office of the Attorney General. She served as
both Chief of the Civil Law division and Chief of
the Public Protection division before her
appointment in 1994 to the District Court,
and subsequently the Vermont Supreme Court in 1997. In
addition to her impressive career, she raised two
extraordinary daughters while facing the
difficulties that come with being a single mother.
The
Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference is a
valuable resource for
women looking to further their career, or for those just
entering the business world for the first time.
This year’s program promises to span a wide range of
topics, catering to those looking to expand their
business, begin a new venture, or just deepen their
understanding of Vermont’s ever-changing
economy.
Marcelle and I look forward to seeing you in
Randolph
on October 25.
Sincerely,
PATRICK LEAHY
United States Senator
