Get party planning tips for the new normal with WIM Fox Valley
On Thursday, April 8, WIM Fox Valley will welcome Jennifer Cook, owner of Cook's Ice Cream and Sweet Boutique in Elgin, during the Zoom meeting from noon to 1 p.m. No fee for the meeting for WIM Fox Valley members; $5 for guests who are welcome to attend.
For meeting registration information, email pmsadv@sbcglobal.net no later than Tuesday, April 6.
Party planning during the "new normal" can be limiting, but it needn't limit the fun. "Until we can be together safely, we can still have parties that are stylish and sweet by using these tips and tricks," Cook said. She notes that with a little creativity, technology, and thorough planning, celebrations can still be memorable, enjoyable, and, most of all, safe. She will review party trends for spring of 2021 and different ideas for micro and virtual events.
"We look forward to having a little fun at this WIM meeting," said WIM president Joy Symonds. "With family spring and summer events ahead, Jennifer will provide us with fun ideas to make them unique and safe."
Cook started her business as a pushcart operator in Elgin's Festival Park in 2017. Her Cook's Ice Cream paved the way for other entrepreneurs by becoming the first licensed food vendor. The subsequent year, after the business evolved into the Scoop Bus, the Elgin City Council lifted the ban on ice cream trucks that was in place since the 1970s.
As an ice cream caterer and food truck operator, Cook enjoys being a part of family weddings, birthdays and graduations. In February of 2020, she opened a brick and mortar location, but the next month the pandemic hit. On July 30, 2020, Cook's Sweet Boutique was able to partially open and continues to navigate these challenging times facing small business retailers.
Cook's Ice Cream and Sweet Boutique prides itself as a community partner and has donated to many charitable causes. Cook remains active in her community as a volunteer and was awarded the Outstanding Woman of Elgin award in 2015. She currently serves on the Leader Luncheon Committee of the Elgin YWCA and Young Life Ministries-Fox Valley as a committee member.
Members of the WIM Fox Valley board of directors include Joy Symonds, WIM president and owner of Symonds Madison Funeral Home; Ann Louis, CPA, Louis Consulting, Inc., past WIM president; Melissa Davidson, CPA, Davidson Pargman & Company, LLC, treasurer; Michelle Groeper, Tails Humane Society, secretary; Kyla Brittain, director of development, Fox Valley United Way, membership; and Pat Szpekowski, APR, PR Strategies & Communications, Inc., communications.
WIM Fox Valley was founded in 1984 and is celebrating its 36th year of supporting local professional women. It is a leading women's business organization in Elgin providing professional development and business education scholarships and mentoring opportunities for area women. Members are comprised of women in business professionals and entrepreneurs in a wide range of categories. Area women are invited to join. For more information, visit www.wimfoxvalley.org.