Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce celebrates ‘Next Generation’ with addition of Affinity Program and new strategic direction

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 7, 2016 – The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce has added an Affinity Program to benefit members and will reveal its new strategic plan, along with a revitalized brand, during a celebration at The Mezzanine on Thursday.

The Women’s Chamber Board of Directors and Executive Director Lola Woloch have developed a new strategic direction, which includes a commitment to create more value for its members, promote member businesses as much as possible, create relevant programming, and to be a strategic partner and advocate that positively impacts and moves the business community forward.

In order to better reflect its mission in the business community and ongoing progress with boosting economic vitality, the Women’s Chamber has revitalized its brand, to include a new website, logo, tagline and mission statement.

As part of this strategic plan to take the Women’s Chamber into the “Next Generation,” the organization has been intentional in: Targeting women who are leaders and have a voice in public policy; and creating collaborative partnerships that benefit business owners and expand their professional development, while increasing overall
economic strength in the region.

In addition, the Women’s Chamber has partnered with a variety of companies to launch the Affinity Program – business-to-business offerings that help members save money and grow their businesses. Through the Affinity Program, these special rates and services are available to members:

  • Up to 25 percent savings on health insurance premiums with Kaiser Permanente and Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, through InTANDEM HR Affinity Program, exclusive to Women’s Chamber members.
  • Savings on Workers’ Compensation Benefit programs with Associates Insurance Group Inc.
  • Savings up to 60 percent on supplies, copy and print needs through Office Depot savings program.
  • Savings up to 25 percent on new or existing Constant Contact accounts.

“We are grateful to Jan Weiland and her original vision, leadership and drive to create this organization, which is essential to the community,” said Lola Woloch, executive director of the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

“Now, 23 years later, as we launch the Next Generation of the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, our goal is to make a significant impact for our members and the community that we serve.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Candy Vandenberg, Business Banker, Ent Credit Union, President
  • Kristin Lutwack, Senior Media Consultant, FOX21, President-elect
  • Gina Kaiser, Owner, Kaiser Advertising, Secretary
  • Lori Kapu, Catholic Charities, Director of Finance, Treasurer
  • Deb Lemke, Area Administrator, Kaiser Permanente
  • Cynthia Latney, VP/Chief Nursing Officer, Penrose St. Francis Health Services; CNO, Centura Health
    South State Group
  • Ingrid Richter, Executive Director, Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation
  • Garrett Gatlin, Director of Leadership Development, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

TAGLINE

We mean business.

MISSION

Empowering our members through education, advocacy, and collaborative partnerships, focusing on economic vitality.

ABOUT SOUTHERN COLORADO WOMEN’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (SCWCC) was founded in 1993 and is a member-based non-profit 501(C)(6) organization.

SCWCC is committed to economic vitality for our members and our community. With strategic business and political relationships, we offer impactful connections to support businesses in the Southern Colorado region. We focus on strategies to create an environment for business success by providing networking and educational opportunities, building business relationships, and advocating for our members and the community we serve.

We work to provide members with meaningful networking with business colleagues, along with member-only business promotions, directory and calendar listings, plus sponsorship opportunities at branded special events.

At the Women’s Chamber, we have partnered with a variety of companies to offer the Affinity Program, which helps members save money and grow their businesses by having access to special rates and services for healthcare insurance, workers’ compensation benefits, and more.

In addition, we offer programs to support leadership, community and civic involvement through our Chamber, as well as opportunities for philanthropy through the SCWCC Foundation. For more information, visit SCWCC.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Becca Tonn
rebecca@blakelycompany.com
719-510-3333

SCWCC announces 2016 Accolades Business Leader of the Year and Annual Awards

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Aug. 16, 2016 – The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of
Commerce is pleased to announce the 2016 Accolades Business Leader of the Year, Young
Professional Leader of the Year and Member of the Year.

During a luncheon and award ceremony today at The Antlers Hotel, one person from each of
three categories was given an award.

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR

  • Ingrid Richter, executive director, Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

  • Dr. Rebecca Decker, founder and president, 2 R/D Ltd.

MEMBER OF THE YEAR

  • Doug Kelley, independent associate and director, Legal Shield

“We honored to announce these winners and their contributions to the business community,” said Lola Woloch, executive director of the SCWCC. “When professionals go above and beyond their duties to serve the community and provide leadership, the Women’s Chamber is privileged to highlight their talents and achievements.”

During the event, Dr. Pam Shockley-Zalabak, chancellor of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and professor of communication, was the keynote speaker. Her topic was “Building and Engaging in High Trust Communities.”

The master of ceremonies was Kimberly Price, veteran newscaster and Emmy Award-winning anchor of FOX21 Morning News.

Since 1993, the SCWCC has hosted the Accolades Business Leader of the Year & Annual Awards luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, its members, supporters and the business community.

The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce recognizes an individual as Business Leader of the Year who exemplifies the qualities of: outstanding leadership, exceptional business acumen and selfless service to the community. Nominees may be owners, consultants, or employees in business, government or non-profit organization with a business orientation.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN COLORADO WOMEN’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Founded in 1993, the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce exists to support, develop and create opportunities for women in business through education, information exchange, collaborative partnerships, and alliances that promote commerce and economic empowerment.

A membership-driven organization, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce empowers women through education, networking, community events, workshops, mentoring, and promoting the businesses of its members. For more information, to join, or register for the event, visit SCWCC.com.

ABOUT SCWCC FOUNDATION

Established in 2005, the SCWCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation, operated in partnership with the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. The SCWCC Foundation hosts annual programs and fundraisers to support its community endeavors, as well as accepting individual and corporate taxdeductible donations.

The Foundation supports a variety of charitable programs and causes annually, including the Karen Possehl Women’s Endowment, which offers scholarships to assist “unstoppable women” in achieving their educational goals at UCCS.

The SCWCC Foundation is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and scholarships for young women, as well as non-traditional students of all ages. Visit the SCWCC Foundation Facebook page for the latest news, events, fundraisers and updates on its work.

MEDIA CONTACT
Becca Tonn
rebecca@blakelycompany.com
719-510-3333