Port Stephens Women in Business (PSWIB) is a not-for-profit organisation based in Port Stephens.

t began as an initiative of a group of businesswomen who saw the need to help, support and encourage local businesses.

The group is committed to providing opportunities to connect with each other through educational and developmental forums.

It provides 10 events each year with a high-calibre keynote speaker and a member speaker held at a different local venue each time.

It also assists the community through an annual fundraising event.

On December 2, the 2016 Annual General Meeting and Christmas Party was held at Little Beach Boathouse, Nelson Bay to present the proceeds from its July fundraiser to the Yacaaba Centre.

Robyn Spencer, the fundraising committee organiser, presented a cheque for $3,000 to Lynn Vatner, the Managing
Coordinator of Yacaaba Centre Counselling and Information Services Inc.

“More than $5000 worth of prizes were donated by Port Stephens Women in Business members and local businesses to be used to raise funds for this worthwhile cause and we would thank our prize donors and the audience for their generosity,” Mrs Spencer told Bay News Of The Area.

The new 2017 Office Bearers and Committee for Port Stephens Women in Business include President Kylie Smiley, Mobile Marketing Link, Vice President Amanda Gascoigne, The Biz Buddy, Secretary Louise Catlow, LMC Lawyers and Treasurer Deborah Laut, The Business Organiser.

Committee Members are Emily Perry, Jane Parker, Peta Cussell, Bev Ryan, Melody Williams and Linda Scott.

“2016 was a memorable year for our group,” Kylie Smiley, President PSWIB, said.

“We introduced our new logo and developed a new website.”

“Our members can now manage their own business page on the site and gain access to other information such as mentoring and educational resources, event details and highlights of guest speaker presentations,” Kylie Smiley added.

By Jewell DRURY