MRV Women in Business: Building Connections, Confidence and Community

When the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce launched MRV Women in Business in the winter of 2021, the idea was simple: bring women in our business community together and give them a place to connect.

That simple idea has become one of the Chamber’s most valuable ongoing initiatives. Each gathering creates an opportunity to meet someone new, learn from a neighbor, share a challenge or discover a way to work together. Those connections matter in a small community, where so much gets done through relationships and a willingness to help one another.

MRV Women in Business has also brought new life to the Chamber. It has introduced people to our work who might never have thought of the Chamber as a place for them. It has helped us hear from more of the women who own businesses, lead teams, work independently and contribute to the Valley in countless ways. Their energy, ideas and participation make the Chamber stronger and more connected to the community it serves.

The topics change from one gathering to the next, but the purpose stays the same. We want women to leave with a useful idea, a new connection and a stronger sense that they have a place in this business community. You don’t have to own a business or have attended before to join us.

Join us October 8 at the Round Barn

Our next MRV Women in Business gathering is Thursday, October 8, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Inn at the Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield. Please note this last-minute venue change: the event was originally scheduled for Joy Bar. We appreciate Joy’s support and look forward to returning there for another MRV Women in Business gathering. With the busy foliage seas

The evening’s program, “Why Getting Dressed Feels Hard—and What to Do About It,” features Katie Hardy, personal stylist and owner of House of Colour Stowe.

If you’ve ever stood in front of a full closet and felt you had nothing to wear, changed outfits several times before an important meeting, or bought something that looked great on someone else but never felt quite right on you, this conversation is for you.

Katie will share practical ideas for creating a more cohesive wardrobe that reflects your personality, saves time and helps you feel confident. Whether you’re meeting with clients, leading a team, networking or simply getting ready for the day, you’ll come away with strategies you can put to use right away. As always, there will be time to meet and catch up with other women in our local business community.

Please preregister by emailing [email protected].

Save the date for December

Our annual MRV Women in Business Speed Dating networking event returns on December 3 at the 1824 House Inn and Barn. It’s a chance to meet a lot of people in a welcoming, lively setting—and often the beginning of connections that continue well beyond the event. Watch for more details soon.

If you’ve been part of MRV Women in Business since its early days, thank you for helping it grow. If you’ve been curious but haven’t made it to a gathering yet, October 8 is a great time to start.