S.W.A.T. Networking, the premier professional businesswomen’s organization in our community celebrates 8 years at all seven meetings in February! Who would imagine that an impromptu lunch meeting with a few friends in 2009 would turn into S.W.A.T. Networking (Successful Women Aligning Together), the premier professional businesswomen’s organization in our community? After their first successful business lunch meeting in 2009, Dr. Robyn Spirtas, (who holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and spent 26 years in private practice), and a handful of friends decided to meet on a monthly basis.
The result? S.W.A.T. (Successful Women Aligning Together) Networking organization! Lunch meetings were originally held at Theresa’s Restaurant in Bradenton. The location provided the perfect setting for its members to discuss their various businesses, bond with shared interests and enjoy a good meal. As time went on, S.W.A.T needed to find a new location to accommodate its increasing membership. Flash forward eight years and Spirtas, Founder and President of S.W.A.T., along with Deb Gerard, Executive Director, manage a 7-chapter, over 300-strong group of professional businesswomen from all walks of life. Their vision remains the same as that first lunch meeting years ago: to provide a warm and welcoming sisterhood, where women network their business (in a non-compete atmosphere), form close friendships and make a positive difference in the community (ex. the Blessings Bag Project, Inc. through member Betsey Plante and S.W.A.T.-sponsored guide dog, Sadie, through member Karen Conkel at Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc.).
S.W.A.T. offers many levels of memberships and the opportunity to network and sponsor a meeting. Members can also learn a new trade or share a hobby at our member-sponsored social events. Chapters include Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Manasota, Parrish, Brandon, Venice and Anna Maria Island. Monthly meetings are held at convenient lunchtime hours at lovely venues. Guests, friends, mothers and daughters (future S.W.A.T. sisters!) are always welcome! For details about attending a S.W.A.T. meeting or for more information about S.W.A.T. visit www.swatnetworking.com or contact CEO, Dr. Robyn Spirtas 941-962-0884 or director@swatnetworking.com
Written by Lori Armstrong, Professional Writer and Business Assistant