Managing Editor
It began three years ago when two women wanted to connect professional accountants, auditors and information technology professionals with companies who needed them on a contract basis.
The original duo is no longer involved, but 280 more women are, led by Merrill Lynch financial adviser Joanne Heinrich.
As the group evolved into the Women’s Professional Network, it also adopted a mission statement.
That is: “Helping our fellow professional women friends enrich their lives by networking, mentoring and connecting, while learning about the local businesses who invite us in to see and hear what they offer our community.”
There are no dues, no website and no attendance requirements. There’s only a willingness to network.
Heinrich said the initial group met mostly at someone’s home or a wine bar for social interaction and networking, usually hosted by the company that employed the two leaders.
In 2008, one of the women retired from professional life and the other became inactive in the group, she said,
“I asked to take over the e-mail list to keep the group going ‘temporarily,’” said Heinrich.
All she intended to do was to continue the same types of gatherings, but had no funds to do so.
Late that year, while at Precision Imaging for a mammogram, Heinrich asked if she could bring the group for a tour.
“Of course,” she said she was told, with the business providing the refreshments.
“Well, that started it,” she said. The group had two events there. She began asking other businesses for the same opportunity. Yes, she was told, often.
Now, the Women’s Professional Network has three types of events.
• Evening events, such as last Monday at Daniel James Salon Downtown. The many locations visited include My Best Friend’s Closet, the former Fogle Fine Art and Consulting, Golf USA, Deluxe Laundry & Dry Cleaners and First Coast Oncology.
• Lunch and learn events, including with Lori Day’s New Day Solutions Network Essentials, Dave Josephson Growth Coach with Costco, several others and “Lunch and Get To Work” with Sandler Training Oct. 27.
• In-between events, such as lunch at Clara’s at the Cathedral and a tour of The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Last Monday, about 20 participants attended a 5-7:30 p.m. reception at the Daniel James Salon, which occupies four stories in the 107-year-old historic Drew Building.
James said he offered the salon to the Women’s Professional Network for the opportunity to network and introduce new guests to the salon.
“People are always surprised to find such a gem in the heart of Downtown,” he said.
James said he often opens the salon, an Aveda Concept Salon, to groups and guests, offering lunchtime demonstrations and evening gatherings. The salon also participates in the monthly Art Walk Downtown and other events, as well as giving haircuts at the Sulzbacher Center.
The only “unwritten rule” to join the network is that a participant should be referred by a member in order to keep the original network-and-referral intent intact, said Heinrich.
Participants can invite men, as well, she said.
Attorney Rachel McClelland recently began attending network events. She said she appreciates the opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to business women in a networking atmosphere.
“I try to attend functions as often as my schedule will allow. I love the concept of meeting at different places and learning about the different businesses,” said McClelland.
“WPN is less structured. The group dynamic is always different,” she said.
From 15-25 members attend each event, said Heinrich.
Events sometimes are open to friends and spouses, “but that’s up to the hosting organization,” she said.
Heinrich communicates with participants through Evite for events and e-mail for what she calls public-service announcements and “TYMBI” - “thought you might be interested” - information about job openings, nonprofit happenings, free or discounted events and other news.
Heinrich said the network has developed contacts among participants and expanded their knowledge of the area.
“It’s very fulfilling to hear about the businesses in our area and learn about different industries and services and what they do for our community,” she said.
“It’s a win-win because the businesses that invite us in view it as giving back to the community and as a part of their own marketing efforts.”
356-2466