Professional Women's Luncheon Oct. 25

By: Jim Charapich 

The Culpeper Business Women’s Group has partnered with the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce to offer the First Annual Professional Women’s Luncheon on Oct. 25. The keynote speaker is Carolyn Norton Schmalenberger owner of Norton Yacht Sales, Deltaville. “No-Guilt – Aiming for the Top” is the topic of the luncheon.

According to Debbie Stohlman, Operations Manager at the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, “There are real challenges for women to balance traditional roles while managing a professional career. We wanted to facilitate networking opportunities to support women’s professional development.”

The Culpeper Business Women incorporated in January of 2010. "As members of the Chamber of Commerce, they were the natural organization to reach out to in partnering for such an event” commented Ms. Stohlman. “Martha Snider, Membership Coordinator for the Culpeper Chamber, and I have wanted to organize this type of event for some time. Why reinvent the wheel… we have a great member to partner with.”

The event has gained a lot of attention. We are pleasantly surprised that the corporate sponsorships sold out so quickly. Thank you to Ameri Care Plus, Farm Credit and Country Mortgages, Home Instead Senior Care, It’s Up to You Fitness LLC, Pepperberries, Petersen Jewelers Inc, Shear Artistry, and Wakefield Country Day School for your support.

The keynote speaker is a great example of a successful professional woman. Her depth of experience, demonstrated success, and community service are remarkable. Some of her recognized achievements listed on her website (www.NortonYachts.com) bio are:

Recipient of Darlene Briggs Award for Excellence among Women in the Marine Industry in 1999.

Recipient of the Top Sales Award for Hunter Marine at the Annapolis Boat Show in 1999, 2000, and 2001

2008 YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award

Past Regional Advisory Board Member of EVB Bank

Recipient of 2009 National Chairman’s Citation Award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by Gary Jobson, May 6, 2010

2011/12 VA Marine Trades Association, President

Recently, Carolyn completed Yoga Instructor Certification.

The event is open to Chamber members and non-members. Registration is required. Seating is limited. Go to CulpeperChamber.com to register for the Professional Women’s Luncheon Oct. 25, from  11 a.m. to  1 p.m. at the Country Club of Culpeper.

Jim Charapich is the President/CEO of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at JimC@CulpeperChamber.com.