WithIt will focus on education efforts
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 26, 2004
HIGH POINT — WithIt, or Women in the Home Industries Today, plans a busy year with a focus on industry education through national conferences, mentoring programs and regional activities
"Thanks to our industry sponsors, active members and the leadership of Karen McNeill Harris over the past year, WithIt is unquestionably on its strongest foundation as a nonprofit organization," said Jackie Hirschhaut, president of the seven-year-old association. "We are clearly poised to make a significant difference in the educational, mentoring and networking opportunities of our members."
With the Young Home Furnishings Executives, WithIt is co-sponsoring the second YHFE/ WithIt Leadership Conference, "Facing Challenge & Change through Leadership Excellence," Feb. 4-5 in Greensboro, N.C. Staub Leadership Consultants will conduct the event based on its whole-hearted leadership model.
A second learning event in Atlanta May 12-13 will be an educational conference designed to generate new ideas and jump-start professional growth for entrepreneurs and mid- and senior-level managers in larger companies, as well as for rising stars and students.
Continuing its effort to illuminate consumer preferences, interests and habits, WithIt will release a research project and white paper called "What A Woman Wants" at year's end.
The organization also plans to expand its mentoring and professional advice initiatives and to enhance its scholarship program.
In addition, WithIt will host a number of educational and networking events at High Point markets. These include a spring tent event at Market Square, the fall market WOW Awards, educational breakfasts and competitive intelligence sessions.
For more information, visit www.withit.org or contact Executive Director Sara Lyke at (336) 880-2188 or by e-mail at director@withit.org.
