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June
19, 2007
MANISTEE – It’s
official! The Women’s netWork signed articles of incorporation
and adopted by-laws Tuesday when members met for their first
official board meeting. The new corporation will be known as the
Women’s Economic Resource Center (WERC) and is filing for
501(c)(3) not-for-profit status. “This is an historic day
for women in our region,” said Judy Crockett, a founder of the
organization and chair of the new board. “What started out as
a two-day professional development seminar for women in May 2005
has grown to a network of professional women over 600 strong.”The
mission of WERC is to actively cultivate and support the
professional development and leadership of women and girls in
Manistee County and the surrounding area. The mission will be
accomplished through programs of WERC, such as the Women’s
netWork luncheons, the Women’s Empowerment Giving Circle,
Women’s Business Support, LUNAFEST, Career Mentoring, and
Personal Finance.
WERC will also build partnerships with other programs and organizations that are working to provide sustainable livelihoods, leadership opportunities and access for women and girls.
The newly-formed Board of Directors of WERC includes: Judy Crockett, Chair; Vanessa Buhs, Vice Chair; Joni Purgiel, Treasurer; Cindy Lokovich, Secretary; Karen Bruchan, Kathy Ervin, Janice McCraner, and Roz Jaffe.
Several committees were also formed. Chairs of committees include Julie Quinn, Jo Hall, Shari Wild, and Kendra Thompson. Professional advisors to WERC are Jacque Wallace and Connie
Krusniak.
“The
Women’s netWork has achieved marked success and notoriety in
the two years since it began,” said Crockett. “With the
formation of the Women’s Economic Resource Center and the
filing for nonprofit status, we have set the stage to actively
unite and partner with others to cultivate opportunities for
women and girls.”WERC will act as a central force in the
gathering and distribution of information and resources that
support the professional development and leadership of women and
girls. WERC will promote issues that impact women’s economic
rights as well as provide support for diverse groups and
organizations of women to work together on projects.“All women
are encouraged to participate in WERC,” said Crockett. “We
hold our regular monthly “Women’s netWork luncheons on the
third Thursday of each month.”For more information, email
manisteewomen@yahoo.com.
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