Over 100 Attend Women in Business Conference on Adapting and Being Nimble in a Recovering Economy

Over 100 Attend Women in Business Conference on Adapting to Economy

With more than 100 attendees, the 2010 Women in Business Conference: Adapting and Being Nimble in a Recovery Economy gave businesswomen vital resources to ensure their companies can weather the ups and downs of current markets.

"I returned to my Billings office with workable ideas and plans to grow my business," said Kay Del Shelton, owner of Myrtle Leaf Natural Skin Care. "More importantly, I was inspired by powerful women passionate for life and their work."

Amanda Schultz, Michelle Johnston, Nan Gardetto, Crystal Baker and Ris Higgins

This year we were excited to welcome keynote speaker Nan Gardetto, the owner and CEO of the Franklin, Wisconsin-based Baptista’s Bakery and former vice president of the famous Gardetto’s Snack Mix.  Nan shared her compelling story of starting her current company Baptista’s Bakery, which was born out of the sale of Gardetto’s Bakery to General Mills, in August of 1999.  She also shared how her business has been the developmental tool for personal growth, as she developed it while the economy was faltering and while coping with the serious illnesses and deaths of two close family members.   

The conference also welcomed Honorary Guest, Ana Harvey, who opened the event with an address from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO). She shared how the federal agency is driving women entrepreneurs to success. Ana also spoke about her own success with starting and growing her own business, as a minority woman.

Here's a look at our our other remarkable speakers who contributed their knowledge to the conference - we thank them for their time and support:

Tricia Amato, Tamato Design
Crystal Baker, U.S. Small Business Administration
Rena Carlson, U.S. Small Business Administration
Susan Carstensen, RightNow Technologies
Rebecca Engum, Small Business Development Center
Chrissy Frank, First Security Bank
Donna Garnvik, Training For Excellence
Ris Higgins, Leadership Outfitters
Maureen Jewell, Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Julie Kostelecky, Anderson ZurMuehlen
Tiffany Lach, Sola Cafe
Dana Mahoney, O’Berry Collaborative
Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois
Toni O’Berry, O’Berry Collaborative 
Diana Pailthorpe, O’Berry Collaborative
Sydney Rick, Prudential Financial Services
Wendy Stewart, Montana Department of Transportation DBE
Cindy Taylor, Grasslands Renewable Energy