By Karen L. Chandler
Reading Eagle, Pa.
WWR Article Summary (tl;dr) Nancy Coco, a certified transformational life coach, spoke on the topic of how to stay motivated. She focused on a song, “Strength Courage & Wisdom” by India Arie, and described her own personal journey of leaving 30 years of teaching to start a new career as a life coach.
GREENWICH TOWNSHIP, Pa.
Just in time for September grape harvests, more than 80 women in business received a bounty of inspiration at the second annual Evolve Her workshop at the Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery, Greenwich Township.
Thursday’s event, presented by SCORE, a non-profit organization providing business mentorship and education, and the Pennsylvania Community Development and Finance Corp., attracted attendees from Berks and surrounding counties.
Nancy Coco, a certified transformational life coach, spoke on the topic of “Inspire Her,” and how to stay motivated.
Coco focused on a song, “Strength Courage & Wisdom” by India Arie, and described her own personal journey of leaving 30 years of teaching, including a position as director of professional development for educators at Penn State University, to start a new career as a life coach.
“I decided to call it a renaissance,” Coco said. “Today is for us to have that kind of renaissance.”
Coco attended last year’s Evolve Her workshop, was impressed by the atmosphere, food and other attendees, and was happy to receive an invitation to be a presenter at this year’s event.
“I left with so many connections that I’ve maintained,” she said.
Audience participation was key for Coco as she discussed the wisdom of listening to body, mind and spirit, and she offered time for audience members to spend on personal introspection.
Deborah Berger, owner of Hasch Daal Custom Embroidery, Silk-Screening, and Promotional Items, Maxatawny Township, volunteered her thoughts: “Strength, courage, and wisdom are inside of all of us. I have proven it to myself and we can all do it. Just believe in yourself.”
Also presenting at Evolve Her:
Andrea Folino, co-owner and creative director at Folino Estate, discussed engagement, encouraging business owners to be inspired with social marketing to brand their companies, and offered strategies for success.
Audience members looking for further specifics on running their businesses heard from Kimberly Stout, economic development specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration. As coordinator for the SBA Emerging Leaders program, Stout highlighted the importance of a growth plan that evolves with a business.
Laurie A. Grube, vice-president and Berks region manager of Riverview Bank, Muhlenberg Township — and a PCDfc board member — included details on the “5 Cs” of credit — character, capacity, capital, collateral and conditions — for business owners and discussed the importance of maintaining a relationship with a commercial lender.
Grube noted that businesses owned by women are multiplying five times faster than the national average, employ nine million people and are bringing in $1.6 trillion in revenue.
Laurie Sterner, government marketing specialist for the Kutztown Small Business Development Center, reviewed key elements for women to receive women-owned business certifications.
A review of various entity structures was conducted by Marie McConnell, a commercial attorney at Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba, Center Valley, Lehigh County.
Joellen Reichenbach, owner of Select Sales, Creative Marketing Solutions, discussed her tips and tricks for networking in business.
Lori B. Donofrio-Galley, executive director of the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber participated in the Evolve Her workshop as an organizing partner for the second year.
“A number of our women entrepreneurs who participated last year have registered again this year,” she said. “They appreciated the experience and relatability of the speakers who shared practical strategies and resources to enhance their businesses.”
Resourcefulness is the term Coco used to describe one of the benefits for attendees at Evolve Her, both with the opportunity to look within themselves and also to take the time to find inspiration with others.
“I think women continue to write chapters in their lives,” Coco said. “I think it’s when you’re most authentic when you’re sharing your experiences.”
