Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual Women’s Forum, Your Power to Transform, Pleased to Announce Mary Kate Gobleck as Woman of the Year

The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce will host its 10th Annual Women’s Forum on Tuesday, May 12, from 2:00 – 7:00 pm, at the newly renovated historic Lounsbury House. Each year the Chamber honors one businesswoman as its Woman of the Year, and the 2015 recipient will be Mary Kate Gobleck, President and Founder of Reliance Merchant Services, a woman-owned and –operated credit and debit card processing corporation focusing on business relationships in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

"I'm so flattered and surprised to have been chosen for this award!  I enjoy supporting my fellow women of Ridgefield and I find the give and take of a support network in town essential for the growth of a local business! As I celebrate 10 years owning Reliance Merchant Services, I realize that I have always attended the Women’s Forum each year with my staff.  Connecting to all the energy, success and camaraderie of these women is rejuvenating. I would like to thank all of my clients, my family and my friends for encouraging me to be a better person each day. Thank you and congratulations to the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce's Women's Forum on 10 years of excellence!" says Ms. Gobleck.

“Not only are we delighted to present the 2015 Woman of the Year Award to Mary Kate Gobleck in recognition of her success as an outstanding female entrepreneur and role model, but also in honor of her service to Ridgefield as a businesswoman, mother, volunteer and community leader. Mary Kate served as a Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce Board member for seven years. She is connected to so many women in our town by six degrees or less and there isn’t anyone out there who doesn’t light up when you mention her name.  It is an honor to celebrate Mary Kate as Woman of the Year and we invite her friends and colleagues to come join us on May 12th to celebrate with us,” says Susan Ahlstrom, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

The annual Women’s Forum has grown to be a premier event designed to connect women with one another and with the personal and professional tools they need for optimum growth and fulfillment in all aspects of life.

This year the Chamber has partnered with the Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls to broaden the meaning and message of the event, and is proud to offer a program that will inspire and enlighten with four dynamic guest speakers, including keynote, comedienne Christine O’Leary. Ms. O’Leary will share her personal story of transformation by finding and honoring her truth and the power of laughter. Additional speakers include Deanne Mincer, author of “The 52: Discovering the True You in 52 Simple Lessons,” Tricia Hyacinth, Manager, Fairfield County's Community Foundation Fund for Women & Girls, and Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville, PhD, creator of AskDrDorothy.com and “5 Steps to Living Your Dreams.”

This year’s event will have a new format that will kick off later in the day to allow women with varied work and life schedules to attend. The afternoon will begin with High Tea and Networking, move into a presentation session, then continue with Cocktails and Dinner and Networking and Keynote speaker. The day will be highlighted by Make-Overs and will include interactive activities, a raffle and silent auction, and the awarding of the Chamber of Commerce Woman of The Year. As always, there will be shopping in the boutique area of exhibitors and retailers.  Tickets can be purchased at $99 per person online at RidgefieldChamber.org under Events

The 2015 Women’s Forum is generously sponsored by Craig’s Fine Jewelers. Additional event sponsorship are available to local businesses and include advertising value, tickets to the event, and exhibiting. To purchase your tickets or sponsorships, please visit www.RidgefieldChamber.org under Events, call 203 438-5992 or email jmulhern@ridgefieldchamber.org.

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Submitted by Wilton, CT

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