Getting motivated with the 9B Ladies

BONNERS FERRY — 9B Ladies Feeling Great in 2018, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, brought local ladies together March 23 at the Kootenai River Inn and allowed them to get to know each other, open lines of communication, and motivate each other in their businesses and ventures.

From professional grandmothers to local business owners, the room filled with laughter at times and silent concentration at others.

There was a raffle during the event for a varied collection of products from local businesses which were put together in unique arrangements, allowing attendees a chance to win and try out local wares.

At the center of each table was a bouquet of daffodils which were arranged and supplied by Sugar Plum Floral & Greenhouses, which added a splash of spring to the room. Bonners Ferry Living Local magazine was also present at every table as well as the marketing manager, Alison Henslee, who came to show her support.

Dennis Weed spoke first about the upcoming business opportunities and touched on the subject of the upcoming tourist season and the impact it has on Boundary County.

Mike Haycraft then spoke about understanding and optimizing communication. He began his session by asking each attendee to introduce themselves and what they do, which helped the ladies open up and feel more comfortable with each other. He then handed out a five minute personality test and explained what each of the four categories represented. The exercise helped the attendees to better understand their personality traits and opened the discussion on how it affects the way they communicate. In the presentation Haycraft spoke about how body language, words, and tone of voice help people communicate, and provided the ladies with communication tips that will assist in everyday life.

Following a break for lunch, Tasha Swisher gave her presentation ‘Say Yes and Learn How Later!’ She gave a motivational speech which included how building her network marketing business has changed her life, her goals, and her perspective.

At the entrance of the event, each attendee received a bag containing various things from local businesses, such as a key chain from Magicians Custom Paint and Body, a portable drink container from Riverside Auto Center, a notepad and hand sanitizer from Mountain West Bank, and a lotion sample from Bathologie with Teresa Norman, as well as a unique planner designed by Swisher.

“I couldn’t find a planner that met my needs, so after lots of planning, my husband and I came up with this design,” Swisher said. “This is a sneak peek.”

In between the main speakers, local business ladies had the opportunity to tell the attendees about their businesses, which allowed the community members to not only get to know one another, but it also allowed new friendships to blossom.

Bringing local business owners together to meet, greet, and tell others about their businesses allows not only friendships to grow, but it brought a personal face, name, and personality behind the business name.

Meeting face to face allowed each party to evaluate, not only the business aspects, but the personality and the story behind the business. Starting a business may be challenging, and meeting new people can be as well. Connecting with community members, especially other business owners, not only assists the businesses, but the networking allows each business owner to assist another. In Boundary County, many residents are willing to reach out and help people when and where they are able, which brings a richness to the community.

Networking and motivational events, such as this, not only allowed 9B Ladies, and other motivational people, to come together and socialize, but also assist in community growth and prosperity.

The final speaker was Debbie Heiser with Three Vines Consulting and Leadership Development. She spoke about dreams, goals, and passions, and showcased ways to accomplish them. She works with individuals and organizations and assists them in leadership development and life strategy skills, which assisted the business minded women that attended the event to build goals, as well as themselves as individuals.

Concluding the event, the ladies were treated to a wine and socialization time. The attendees left the event with renewed drive and motivation to set and accomplish their goals, and maybe new friends.

“I really enjoyed the meeting,” said Lori Allen. “I felt that it was a great way to learn, relax, share and network. It is fantastic seeing people put themselves out there and follow their dreams and goals.”