JUNE 10, 2015 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015, 11:45 AM
BY AIMEE LA FOUNTAIN
CORRESPONDENT |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
A new subset of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce called the Brown Bag Lunch Bunch (BBLB) has formed for women business owners.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Ridgewood Chamber Executive Director Joan Groome of the group, which started in 2013.
The idea came about when some chamber members wanted to meet during the day because they were unavailable during regular early morning or evening hours for meetings.
“I thought, ‘This is perfect for a women’s group’ and that’s how it started,” Groome said.
Meetings take place at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Tuesdays.
The purpose of BBLB is to give Ridgewood small business owners a chance to network.
“It’s women helping women in business,” Groome said. “It’s a very dynamic group.”
Lena Antaramian, owner of Live Laugh Love Photography, specializing in children and family photos, has attended meetings for two years.
“Everyone’s energized and it’s great to see women achieving their objectives, making their dreams come true and building their businesses,” she said.
Groome estimated that about half of the members are new or experienced business owners and the rest work for various companies. They have backgrounds in many areas including healthcare, IT, financial advisement and marketing.
During meetings, the women give suggestions, help with referrals, plan events and offer encouragement.
“It’s about real situations and real concerns,” Groome said.
https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/lunch-bunch-builds-business-in-ridgewood-1.1352827
So…all of the business owners in Ridgewood are women?
I don’t get it…why are you turning your back on half your membership?
Very SEXIST
Imagine the outrage and protest if a Ridgewood Chamber Executive Director started:
– an all MALE chamber of commerce group for men helping men
– or maybe a YOUNG chamber of commerce group exclusive to owners under the age of 40
– or (God forbid) a WHITES ONLY chamber of commerce group exclusive to white owners.
– or ….
Joan has completley lost it…how could you do such a thing?
the Chamber has long lost its identity and now its time to shut it down.
I for one WILL NOT be renewing my membership…