BOOTS TO HEELS CONFERENCE OFFERS RANGE OF LEARNING
Over 150 southwest Iowa women attended Boots to Heels Women’s Conference Saturday, March 1 at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. The conference was designed to celebrate and empower women involved in or affected by agriculture. Keynote speaker Jenny Herrick from Sioux City, challenged attendees to tell a joke every day and don’t sweat the small stuff because it’s laughter we’re after. Herrick, a motivational humorist, founder and owner of a presentation business called “a.k.a. –All Kidding Aside” is devoted to providing evidence that laughter is a powerful medicine for the body, mind and spirit.
Conference participants self-selected four workshops with topics ranging from eBay to women’s health issues. Much discussion and learning took place in the fifteen small workshops held throughout the day.
Fine cuisine was a part of the conference. Pastries from Jacquelyn’s Bake Shoppe in Elk Horn and lunch from Spice of Life in Atlantic were featured. Desserts were from Darrell’s Place in Hamlin.
A style show showcasing fashions from Schweser’s, Nest Egg and Pretty Woman in Atlantic, Fourth Generation and B’s on Market in Harlan, and Electrified Design in Audubon was presented during the noon luncheon. Mistress of Ceremonies for the style show was Lin Brinker of Harlan.
Major sponsors included Iowa State University Extension, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Credit Services of America and the Iowa Soybean Association.
Other sponsors were KNOD, Marne Elk-Horn Telephone Company, Bro Business Center, Landmands National Bank, Cass County Farm Bureau, Audubon County Farm Bureau, United Bank of Iowa, Shelby County Farm Bureau, Audubon State Bank, First Whitney Bank & Trust, Farm Service Coop, Herbers Seed & Consulting, Nelson Farm Supply, Brocker, Karns & Karns, Smith Land Service, Precious Memories/Stitchin’ Tree Quilts, Nishnabotna Valley REC, East Pottawattamie County Farm Bureau, Shelby County State Bank, Main Street Market, Lindeman Tractor, Monsanto and First National Bank of Fontanelle, Greenfield, Massena, Anita & Correctionville.
Additional support came from Panama Transfer, Molly’s, 21st Century Cooperative, Midstates Bank and Farm Bureau Financial Services—Jill Neleman.
The Boots to Heels planning committee members were Audubon County—Mary Ottmar, Andrea Gleason, Rachel Hansen, and Judy Lange; Cass County—Steve Olsen, Michelle Behrends, Kate Olson, Kristy Pellett and Malena Sothman; and Shelby County—Terry Torneten, Paula Behrendt, Donna Ewert and Bev Schmitz.
Photo: Mary Meloy of Cherokee presents “Clearing the Clutter” during a workshop session at the Boots To Heels Women’s Conference.