Area women stepping up

More opportunities abound for those who create them

Leaders of local organizations steeped in startups and networking say now is a great time for hardworking women to own a business.

And no career field is off limits.

Christine Weber-Bresky, president and chief executive officer of Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce, said watching women emerge as leaders in nontraditional career fields proved a surprise late in her 23-year tenure at the chamber.

“I didn’t expect the manufacturing,” Weber-Bresky said. “I didn’t think we would see that, and we are. I think it’s fantastic.”

Weber-Bresky was appointed president in November, she said, but she has been involved with business startups throughout her career.

“I’m seeing more and more women take chances and open up their own businesses,” Weber-Bresky said. And the types of businesses don’t necessarily fit preconceived notions.

“We have one woman at Olive and the Grape who has different oils and little things in her shop,” Weber-Bresky said. “It’s not only bigger business, but it’s unique businesses. And we’re seeing more and more women in manufacturing.

“We have a woman who runs No Limit Swiss with her husband,” WeberBresky said.

“It’s a manufacturing company. They manufacture small parts for machinery.”

With broader opportunities, a greater need developed for finding others in similar fields.

Networking of women at Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce is robust, according to Karen Tercek, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer.

“We have a lot of women when it comes to meetings,” Tercek said. “We just had a luncheon. It’s 50-50 men and women. They’re not all owners. Some of them are managing. I don’t know the number, but it’s pretty strong.

“There are female networking groups, but those are in larger geographic areas, like downtown Cleveland. But for our area, a lot of people don’t care. They want to grow their business. They don’t care if you’re a male or female.”

The characteristics that help women manage many tasks and schedules at the same time translate into business strengths, she said.

“I think there is a strong connection with females and the way they do business,” Tercek said.

“A lot of women are collaborators. They look to see opportunities in different places, and I think men feel the same way. I think women feel they have to work harder. I think there is still disparity between the sexes in the workforce. That’s just my own opinion. I think women work harder to get their businesses going. But all of our smallbusiness owners work really hard. And I think it’s different for the type of industry. Some industries have tougher barriers to get through. These aren’t solid statistics. They’re just general observations.”

Regardless, Tercek said the climate is right for business.

“Absolutely, the economy is good,” Tercek said. “Whether you’re a male or female, it’s a good time.”

Thinking of needs and opportunities, some Lake County career fields could use more female leadership, Weber-Bresky said.

“I’d love to see a few more women restaurant owners,” Weber-Bresky said.

“I think that would be fantastic. We’re really lucky to have so many women business owners in Lake County, and it’s paving the way for the next generation.”

“A lot of women are collaborators. They look to see opportunities in different places, and I think men feel the same way.” Karen Tercek, President of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce