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The Illawarra Mercury is a foundation media partner of the IWIB with three staff members reflecting on the business partnership.
Illawarra Mercury business editor Greg Ellis said, “I have been involved in attending meetings and writing stories about IWIB and businesswomen involved since director Glenda Papac took over running of the peak women's networking group in 2007.
“IWIB had started a few years earlier and under the direction of Mrs Papac, was joined by Delyse Del Turco for many years.
“With Mrs Papac's ability to organise and innovate, it soon not only became the largest women's networking group in the Illawarra, but one of the biggest and most active networking bodies in the region.
“It originally met every six weeks at the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant in Wollongong with up to 250 women on its database by 2007 when more than 100 women attended meetings.
“Growth of the business was achieved by Mrs Papac's strong leadership, interest in every business involved as well as her continual support and encouragement.
“The meetings are attended by a cross-section of women of all ages from a broad range of businesses but a growing number of men have become involved over the years and are encouraged to contribute.
“They do so because they know supporting women in business is good for the whole economy and region.
“Mrs Papac has always ensured IWIB is Illawarra-run for businesses in the Illawarra and that all money raised for charity stays in the region. Always one to step out and try new things, there have been many innovations.
“One of Mrs Papac's goals has been to help more women become actively involved in prominent leadership roles in the community. In doing so she has continually led from the front.
“Her philosophy has to not be afraid of failure but to date everything she had tried has worked.
“Some of the most successful introductions have been the annual businesswomen's awards, the more informal IWIB Coffee Club networking events and large lunches with high profile speakers such as Turia Pitt, Dawn Fraser and Mark Bouris.
“IWIB now hosts two big lunches a year that are attended by up to 450 people. Mrs Papac and her advisory board will continue to innovate and grow the networking group for the good of everyone involved and the region.”
This advertising feature is sponsored by the following businesses. Click the links to learn more:
- Illawarra Women in Business
- Disability Trust
- Better Business Accounting
- JCI Illawarra
- Hillross Fairy Meadow
- Diamond Offices
- Projects, Management and Writing Specialists
- Celebrations by Robyn
- Wollongong Serviced Apartments
- Westpac Business Banking Wollongong
- Wendi Leigh Designs
- Tracy Sweeny Legal
- MBL Consultancy
- Making Faces Makeup Studio
- LBPR
- The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant
- Lotus Wellbeing Centre
- NEG Photography
- Wave FM
- Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers
- Thompsons Australia
- Essential Personnel
- Novotel Wollongong Northbeach Hotel
Illawarra Mercury marketing manager Tania Kimmins said, “We have proudly supported the IWIB since its inception, as we see it as a vital part of the Illawarra business community.
“The IWIB provides quality networking events that connect the business community and provides a professional environment for new and existing business partnerships to grow.”
Illawarra Mercury advertising features salesperson Rose Blyth added, “I have been attending functions and networking events on and off since the beginning - around 10 years.
“I deal with Glenda often, as I am her contact for advertising at the Mercury. She is super organised, sends me more information than I probably need at times and is a pleasure to deal with.
“Her passion for promoting IWIB is enormous and I am delighted to be associated with such a dedicated, professional businesswoman who always strives to put IWIB on the map.”
For more information, email events@iwib.com.au or see www.iwib.com.au or www.facebook.com/Illawarra-Women-in-Business-31502524012/ or Twitter.
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