The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) welcomed 125 women to its second annual conference held at the Westin Hotel in Chicago, Ill., April 13-15, 2008.
“Even with a 13 percent increase in attendance over last year, the conference size continues to foster camaraderie and enables networking and the free exchange of ideas that have become a hallmark of the WIN Conference,” said Geralynn Kottschade, co-owner of Jerry’s Body Shop in Mankato, Minn., and WIN Chair.
Attendees were treated to a mix of presentations from industry leaders who focused on hot-button issues such as lean production and CSI, as well as personal development through classes on networking and dealing with conflict.
Five technical school students – Tiffany Zierler of Fox Valley Technical College, Samantha Kalbfliesh of Hudson Valley Community College, and Megan Gilbert, Amie Hixson and Andrea Jeffers of the Pennsylvania College of Technology – received WIN scholarships, which included free conference registration and WIN membership. While at the conference, the students were mentored by Lillian Maimone, co-owner of Marco’s Auto Body, Inc., in Monterey Park, Calif., Roberta Ferrara, owner of Budd’s Auto Body, Inc., in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and Jennifer Justice Haley, general manager of Mercedes-Benz of West Chester Collision in Amelia, Ohio.
“It’s very gratifying knowing that these young women all walked away with a sense of excitement and promise as they enter our industry,” said Trish Serratore, group vice president of industry relations for Automotive Service Excellence and WIN Treasurer. “Plus, they have a long list of people they can contact if they need a hand. I’m even told that one student received job offers.”
Other conference highlights included a scholarship walk which raised $2,290 and the presentation of the first annual “Cornerstone Award” for outstanding leadership and support of women in the industry to Frederica Carter, Akzo Nobel Communications Manager and WIN board member.
For more information, visit www.womensindustrynetwork.com.
