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LEAP (Ladies of Excellence and Partnership)

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            The mission of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce is to advance positive business growth and community partnerships to promote a superior quality of life. It was in the spirit of this mission that a group of female Chamber members embarked on a revamp of the Chamber’s former Women Who Mean Business program.

            Officially launched in April, the Chamber’s Ladies of Excellence and Partnership (LEAP) program aims to advance business growth and partnerships among local women. LEAP exists to empower women in Forsyth County to make bold LEAPs in business and in life. LEAP ladies connect and encourage a diverse group of community leaders by offering fun, engaging experiences.

            “Being a new Chamber member, I was prepared to approach this aspect of growing our business like a job. I marked my calendar for appropriate events, set aside time in my schedule and committed myself to the task of networking for the greater good. And that's how things were going until I was introduced to LEAP. My first event was like no networking event I've ever experienced. We got to know each other as women, on a personal level before speaking a word about business. I sat at a table of women who freely shared themselves and formed an instant support system. The event activities were designed to bring us together, celebrate our strengths and remind us that women network differently than men. Not only that, but the deeper connection that's formed when we see ourselves through the eyes of other women serves us immeasurably in identifying our unique gifts in business. So if you're thinking about whether LEAP will be beneficial to you and your business, I would say spend five minutes with any woman who's been to an event! You'll have your answer,” commented Mona Kilgus from World Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

            LEAP meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 AM at Plum and Sage Tea Room (101 Meadow Drive in Cumming). These events are free for Chamber members and $30 for Non-Members.

            “Women network differently than men.  We tend to do business with those we know, like and trust and all of that takes relationship.  LEAP is a perfect opportunity each month for women in Forsyth County to meet and build relationships with other business women, so we can better support, encourage and uplift one another,” said Jackie Martin, LEAP Steering Committee member and founder of A Matter of Motivation.

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