As our Chamber is in the final month of our current fiscal year, there are several things we are looking forward to in the months ahead.

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Save the Dates FMWF Chamber of Commerce

This time of year is when we plan our Voices of Vision event and book a national speaker, and it’s one of the most exciting announcements we get to make each year. We’ve hosted an incredible lineup of speakers at this event in the past (remember last year’s event with NBA legend Shaq?) but every year, we get a consistent request from attendees: a woman to deliver the keynote. This year, we’re making that a reality. 2018 will be the first year we welcome a woman to the Voices of Vision stage. It’s about time, right?

While I can’t tell you exactly who she is yet, I know that she’s going to provide great inspiration, discussion and share her powerful story with everyone in attendance. Stay tuned because, in September, all will be revealed.

We also have two other exciting announcements this month.

One of several events for women in business — *Photo courtesy of Amazon. Best-selling author of “Girl, Wash Your Face” Rachel Hollis will be speaking at Women Connect in January 2019.*

First, we’re welcoming a best-selling author to the Women Connect stage in January. Perhaps you’ve heard of Rachel Hollis and her book, “Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be.” My staff and our Women Connect committee has been buzzing about her, and she’s been topping the best-seller lists and taking the speaking circuit by storm. A documentary about her will even run at two local movie theaters in Fargo on August 2.

This January will mark our fifth year of Women Connect programming and events, and Hollis is a perfect fit for our keynote speaker.

Next, we’re thrilled to announce and honor Judy Lee as our 2018 Legacy Leader, the Chamber’s most prestigious award for individuals who have led and positively impacted our community.

State Sen. Lee has been an active and engaged Chamber member for decades — serving several terms on our board — and is a tireless and relentless advocate for her city, her district, the metro and the entire state of North Dakota. She’s been a champion for health and human services over her entire legislative career.

I hope you’ll join us at our annual meeting in September as we honor her and present this award. We’ll also share the Chamber’s accomplishments of the past year and look ahead to the next.

Of course, there will be lots more to come. We’ll have a few new faces joining our board of directors, new committee chairs and volunteers, more exciting events and programs, and a renewed commitment to our members and community. Stay tuned, and I hope to see you around!