Women of all backgrounds are joining PWI!  Membership is for everyone, including budding entrepreneurs, business managers and executives, artists, volunteers and retirees.

Everyone has their own networks. Members are encouraged to invite their contacts to quarterly power lunches to further expand their networks through meeting others. We are enhancing skills and making new opportunities through supporting each other in a positive atmosphere.

PWI- Professional Women’s Initiative of Galena Announces their Partnership with The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce

Our Power Lunches co-hosted by The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce begin with registration and a time for networking followed by lunch and nationally known guest speakers. Each member will have the opportunity to give a "30 second commercial" promoting their business or discuss a special event or fundraiser. Power lunches are held quarterly  at The DeSoto House Hotel in Galena. Experts speak on topics such as communication skills, public speaking, general business issues, stress reduction and more.
Several times each year we have Special Events such as networking socials, holiday parties, booth expos and more.

Our newsletter offers the latest on today's women, upcoming events and provides an opportunity for members to promote their business or charitable interests.

The History Of PWI

The Professional Women’s Initiative of Galena was born after a discussion between co-founders B’Ann Dittmar and Mary Sheahen. Both are business women in Galena and were looking to create opportunities for women to connect and support one another.

The initial discussion occurred late in 2005 and the two pulled together a focus group of local women to present the proposed idea and seek feedback.

That focus group loved the idea and signed on to be the first official board of PWI. Those members included: Amy Alderman, Melissa Kaiser (now Conley), Jennifer Steines, Betty Fields, Jackie Richardson, Carrie Melton, Robin Vaughn, B’Ann Dittmar and Mary Sheahen.

The goals set forth were: networking with other women, development of new relationships and friendships, creating an expanded support network, sharing expertise and having fun!!!

The first meeting of PWI, after a successful incorporation as a non-profit organization, was held on March 8, 2006 and drew 125 people. The goals were shared with the larger group and members were signed up.

In 2012, PWI and The Galena Are Chamber of Commerce joined in a marketing partnership to expand the networking opportunities for both organizations. Monthly luncheons have been changed to quarterly Power Lunches with National speakers presenting important and relevant topics.

Membership continues to remain very steady and feedback from members has kept the organization consistently changing to meet the needs of the members. New board members have added new views and approaches to the organization. All board members, since the organization was conceived, have been active and involved, which is what contributes to an ongoing vibrant networking and learning opportunity.

To understand more about how PWI functions, check out our By-laws.