History of Women's Network

In the beginning...

The San Luis Obispo Women's Network is a lively, diverse group of women dedicated to supporting, encouraging and empowering women to reach their fullest potential both personally and professionally. Its beginning dates back to 1979 when Connie Framberger had left her job, was unemployed, and was looking for focus. Connie was looking for other business women to talk with, and since there were not many women in business at that time, Connie decided to begin a personal and career development group rather than a service club. Pandora Nash was working with Connie's husband, and she and Connie met for lunch to discuss the possibilities of starting such a group.

In September 1979, the first group of women (approximately 20 women) met at Howard Johnson's in San Luis Obispo. There was no formal name for the group, no officers, no specific agenda or policies, and no fancy brochures. People just showed up and paid for a salad bar lunch.

Growing the organization...

During the first six months, the group was growing in size by 10 members per month without any publicity and without formal officers. Shortly thereafter, the group developed a steering committee, and it was decided the group should move to a larger location since Howard Johnson's could no longer house them without prior reservations. Other locations the group moved to were Corcoron's, the Breakers, and the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall. Luncheons were all catered by women. These were the days of the famous "Cheesewiz Enchiladas." In an effort to keep the luncheons simpler, the group then moved to This Old House. This was the only time This Old House was ever open for lunch, and they offered us a buffet luncheon. As the group grew in size, they filled the front, back and bar areas of the restaurant. The only problem with this location was that not all of the members could see the speaker during the programs. In the search for a larger location where all members could participate in the program, Women's Network moved to William Randolph's. It did not take long until we outgrew that location and moved to Pacific Suites in 1987 (now Embassy Suites).

We spent several years at the Madonna Inn, and most recently, we alternate seasons at the Monday Club and the Dallidet Adobe Gardens.

A board of directors was developed...

In September 1980, Patricia Ashbaugh created the by-laws for Women's Network. Betsey Nash became the first president of the San Luis Obispo Women's Network, and a board of directors was developed. At that time Women's Network established rules that members were not allowed to hand out business cards or solicit business at the luncheon meetings so that no one would feel threatened or intimidated. Members were, however, allowed to use their directory for solicitation at any time. Dues were approximately $20 per year, and the newsletter and the directory were also published for the first time that year. In 1981, Women's Network was written up in Saavy Magazine, a women's business magazine.

Women's Network today...

We now have announcements, 30-second commercials to solicit business, ads in the newsletter, testimonials to thank other members, giveaways, a marketing table at the luncheons, vendor fairs, open house, and table-top networking where we hand out our business cards at each meeting. Our website enables us to use email marketing with other members.

Women's Network has never been involved in politics or taken a radical approach in any subject area. We offer Womentoring, not just mentoring. Although we have never had any male members, men have attended as guests and speakers, and they have given advice on occasion. One man actually said the name Women's Network would never work, but we know differently.

ur programs and speakers have always been on subjects of interest to women either personally or professionally. Meetings are a place where we can come together with issues and feel supported. Women's Network has developed the current monthly meeting format with a luncheon and program. Through the years we have had special events and educational meetings with top guest speakers. Each year we host an open house and a vendor fair. We publish a membership directory annually and a newsletter once a month. Many women have expressed what a positive difference Women's Network has made not only in their careers, but in their lives.