The world around us is rapidly changing and as the State of Vermont slowly begins its phased reopening process, business owners are stepping into unknown territory as they being to reopen while working to accommodate state guidelines and ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Fortunately, we’re learning this new world together and many of us fellow women business owners have found great success in their reopening (or how they’ve remained open as an essential business) that they want to share!
At this month’s WBON Rutland Chapter Meeting, you’ll hear from four women business owners on how they’ve navigated through the Stay Home Stay Safe Order, including their creative approach to remaining open and now navigating the reopening process. Now more than ever it will be important to help one another and share these approaches – you won’t want to miss this discussion!
Presenters:
Erin Anderson | Summit Creative Works
https://www.summitcreativeworks.com/
Whether rambling around outdoors or cozying up with a good book, Erin Anderson is a happy camper either way. Erin is a digital storyteller and the solopreneur behind Summit Creative Works where she helps small businesses share their stories through web design and communications. Forever tied to the mountains, Erin also works as an administrator for the Ski + Ride School at Okemo Mountain Resort. Erin loves lattes, rain, and the Pacific Northwest.
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Tami Napalitano | Awesome Graphics
Born and raised in Rutland, Vermont, Tami has always held family and community in the highest regard. She and her husband, Mike, founded Awesome Graphics in their home in 1994. A truly driven individual, Tami has not only sustained, but catalyzed the growth of Awesome Graphics with her mind for business, dedication to success, and lofty standard of perfection. Tami lives to spend time with her three children and her granddaughter, Maria. She enjoys traveling, warm weather, and competitive games of any kind.
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Bridget Scott | Speakeasy Café
Bridget Scott is the owner and operator of the Speakeasy Cafe in downtown Rutland. Having graduated with a degree in English Literature from Clemson University, and spent the requisite year abroad writing a terrible novel and finding herself, Bridget landed in the area for what she thought would be a six-month gig at a farm. Instead, 17 years later, she’s still in Rutland. From farm work, she moved on to a variety of jobs that included human services, human resources, construction, and theatre tech. No one was more surprised than she was to discover that serving coffee would be the most fulfilling and enjoyable of all these. So in 2013, she decided to make that her career by opening her own cafe, doing her part to make Rutland the unlikely biscuit capital of New England. She lives in Rutland with an ungrateful cat and enjoys reading, writing, crosswords, and of course, coffee.
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Wendy Windsor – Small Batch Designs
https://smallbatchdesigncompany.com/
Wendy launched her handbag collection in November 2019 at the Quechee Artisan Fair, after six months of planning and prototyping. The decision to start her own business came during a moment of clarity in early May 2019. Although she didn’t exactly know what the business would be, she knew it would combine her love for sewing, and eco-friendly, natural cotton. Her mission is to create one-of-a-kind pieces using the best artist-quality cotton that she hand-dyes in gorgeous colors. Each piece reflects the creativity of an artist, the technical skills of a seasoned designer, and the workmanship of an expert sewist. On her website: smallbatchdesigncompany.com you’ll find a variety of purses, duffels, crossbody bags, pouches, and storage baskets.
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Facilitator:
Kim Rupe | Rutland Economic Development Corporation
A born and raised Vermonter, Kim lives in the Village of Poultney, where her family has lived for over three generations. Kim holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Fitchburg State University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from College of St. Joseph. Through her work as Assistant Director at the Rutland Economic Development Corporation, Kim focuses on strategic initiatives within business growth, workforce development and community outreach. Kim serves as President Elect for the Rutland Young Professionals Board of Directors and also serves on the Poultney Rotary Club, Poultney Downtown Revitalization Executive Committee, and is a mentor for Everybody Wins! Vermont. Outside of work, Kim enjoys being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her three dogs.
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Due to concerns around the spread of the coronavirus all WBON chapter meetings for April will be held virtually through Zoom. An email containing the link will be sent prior to the event date. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Christine at info@wbon.org.
Please join us in thanking our Partners
Clute Wealth Management, Marketing Partners, and the Women’s Small Business Program (WSBP) at Mercy Connections.
