Empowering Connections: Highlights from the Corry Area Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Luncheon with Kathleen Ellwood
Empowering Connections: Corry Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Successful Women’s Luncheon
Corry, PA — The Corry Area Chamber of Commerce’s recent professional women’s luncheon on Wednesday was a resounding success, drawing praise for its networking opportunities and the inspirational keynote address by Kathleen Ellwood, a prominent coach and trainer.
Ellwood, who serves as the executive director of academic and career development at Gannon University, captivated attendees with her presentation titled “Rest Up, Fuel Up, Giddy Up.” Her focus on self-care and wellness resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing mental and physical health for long-term success.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Cherie Dickey, manager of the Corry Chamber of Commerce. “Attendees appreciated the warm atmosphere, the chance to network, and the motivational message from our keynote speaker. Many left feeling inspired and more connected to other professional women in our community.”
Ellwood’s presentation highlighted critical aspects of women’s health, including sleep, nutrition, and movement, particularly as women age. She began by addressing the historical exclusion of women from health research until 1993, which led to decades of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.
Focusing on sleep, Ellwood explained that women’s sleep patterns differ significantly from men’s, often leading to shorter sleep durations and more disturbances. She offered practical tips for improving sleep quality, such as meditation and maintaining a dark, cool sleeping environment.
In her nutrition segment, Ellwood discussed the importance of gut health and the alarming rise in sugar consumption over the centuries. She encouraged attendees to examine their relationship with food and opt for real, colorful foods rather than ultra-processed options.
Ellwood also stressed that women should tailor their exercise routines to their unique biological needs, particularly as they age. She shared her personal journey into weight training at over 60, emphasizing the importance of strength training alongside aerobic exercise.
The audience’s enthusiastic response underscored the relevance of Ellwood’s message. “Many attendees said it was a refreshing reminder to prioritize their well-being while juggling careers and family responsibilities,” Dickey noted.
The luncheon not only provided valuable insights but also achieved its goal of fostering connections among local professional women. Networking sessions before and after the program sparked immediate collaborations, with several attendees planning follow-up meetings.
Dickey highlighted the importance of supporting women in business, noting that they play a crucial role in the local economy. “By creating spaces where women feel seen and supported, we strengthen our entire business ecosystem,” she explained.
The event also addressed challenges facing women in business, such as limited access to mentorship and work-life balance issues. “By providing a platform to share resources and build support networks, we aim to break down these barriers,” Dickey added.
Looking ahead, Dickey encourages women to stay engaged through upcoming events, including the Downtown Corry Business Association’s September Second Friday BigFoot Bash and additional networking opportunities planned for later this year. Interested individuals can contact the chamber for more information or visit their website for details on future programming.
As the luncheon concluded, each attendee received a “SWAG” bag filled with self-care items, a fitting reminder of the day’s empowering message: women deserve to be heard, valued, and properly cared for in their health journey.
