WIM Fox Valley to kick off new year of speakers Sept. 8
Women in Management Fox Valley kicks off its new year of speakers on Thursday, Sept. 8, with state Sen. Karen McConnaughay of the 33rd District.
The luncheon will be held at the Elgin Country Club, 2575 Weld Road, with networking at 11:30 a.m., luncheon and program at noon. Meetings adjourn promptly at 1:30 p.m.
Cost is $22 for members or $25 for nonmembers. Area women business owners and managers are welcome to attend this month's presentation.
Reservations must be made for attendance online at www.wimfoxvalley.org.
Sponsor for this month's meeting is Ramona "Monie" Burns, owner of MoMo's Concierge Services in Elgin. The company provides harmony, security and freedom at home and work through a variety of personal and professional services.
McConnaughay is the minority spokeswoman for the Senate Transportation Committee. She also serves as a member on the Education, Energy & Public Utilities, Revenue and Financial Institutions Committees. Additionally, she serves on the Committee on Restorative Justice, Higher Education Commission on the Future of the Workforce, the Committee on Pension Investments, as well as the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. McConnaughay also sits on the Education Funding Advisory Committee, the committee charged with proposing a state education funding system that provides adequate, equitable, transparent, and accountable distribution of funds to school districts.
She also currently serves on the National Conference of State Legislatures executive committee.
Prior to her election to the Illinois State Senate, Karen McConnaughay served as the county board chairman of Kane County from 2004-12 where she achieved remarkable success in lowering spending and reducing the size of government while bolstering accountability, efficiency and transparency.
Under her leadership, Kane County invested in the improvement of public transportation and safety, completed construction of the Stearns Road Bridge Corridor, constructed a new county jail, initiated the strengthening of emergency response services and replaced the county wide finance system.
McConnaughay has lived in St. Charles for nearly three decades as a parent, small business owner and grass-roots activist. She and her husband, John, can often be found spending time with their three adult children and grandchildren.
"Our WIM members are successful entrepreneurs, managers, and dedicated community volunteers," said Ramona "Monie" Burns, the 2016-17 WIM Fox Valley president. "We look forward to hearing state Senator McConnaughay and her experiences in Springfield."
Burns added, "We look forward to an exciting year of speakers and topics that will enrich our members and their businesses. We warmly welcome guests to attend our meetings to find out more about WIM Fox Valley."
Upcoming speakers include: Jill Card, owner of Jeans & a Cute Top, on Oct. 8; Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda Nov. 10; a book review panel on "You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" by Jen Sincero on Dec. 8; Paula Amenta of Elgin Community College on Zambia volunteer efforts Jan. 12; Kathy Hurt of Plano Molding/Caboodles Feb. 9; Michelle Santucci of Little Mac Boutique on March 9; Lisa Stamos, Quintessential Barrington magazine April 13; and an evening dinner celebration/McGraw Wildlife May 1.
WIM Fox Valley was founded in 1984. Members are comprised of business professionals, entrepreneurs and volunteers in a wide range of categories. Area women are invited to join. Visit www.wimfoxvalley.org.