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Conference showcases women-owned businesses

Scores of women own Southern Illinois businesses, many of whom came together Thursday to display their products and network with other entrepreneurs.

Women highlighted their business sense at the 4th annual "Women Mean Business" conference at the Carbondale Civic Center. Guest Speaker Janet Dobrinsky, Director of Financial Education for State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, spoke about the dangers of identity theft.

Dobrinsky, who drew a number of women to the conference, said identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. She said about 26 percent of all identity thefts happen to people age 18 to 29. However, she said a growing number of older people are falling victim.

Dobrinsky urged listeners to avoid giving out personal information over the phone and to pay attention to incoming mail. Password protecting bank accounts, double checking itemized bills, and making sure Internet purchases are made only secure websites are also good ways to avoid victimization, she said.

"If the lock and key at the bottom right of the screen is closed, the website is secure," she said. "If it is open, find a secure website before giving out your information."

Dobrinsky said she believed the conference was a great opportunity for women entrepreneurs to get exposure and network with other businesses.

The conference evolved from an annual showcase held by the Southern Illinois Women's Business Council, said Conference Co-Chair Kathy Benedict. The council added member exhibits from the Business and Professional Women group four years ago and moved the showcase to the civic center in 2002.

Benedict said she thought the conference showed how many businesses are women-owned or managed. She also said it allowed others to see successful women in their chosen professions.

"It's fascinating to see how many businesses there are," Benedict said. "When you start making lists, you get surprised."

Women also provided the entertainment. The reunited all-women trio "For Healing Purposes Only" sang a cappella tunes while women laughed and mingled. A song about women wearing trousers brought much applause.

While Carbondale resident Colleen Springer-Lopez said she came for the musical group, she thought the idea behind the conference was interesting. Springer-Lopez, who brought her two children with her, said she was curious about what women in her community do.

Forty participants represented all of Southern Illinois at the conference. Patty Stokes, owner of Heartland Food Service, said she thought the conference was a great idea. A first-time conference attendee, Stokes donated refreshments as part of her business's showcase.

"It's an opportunity for the public to come in and see just how many businesses there are in the area," she said. "You can tell from looking around that the women-owned businesses can be very diverse."

Iva Dell Clay, a development specialist for the Women's Center and conference co-chair, said she was pleased at the variety of this year's exhibits. Clay said she got involved with the conference because it allowed women to have fun while sharing business sense.

"It's just a time for women to get together to share business concerns and professional concerns and just to have a little fun," Clay said, "and also to learn more so they can improve their businesses or improve their professional skills."

 

 

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