Mary Kate Gobleck
The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce will host its 10th annual Women’s Forum on Tuesday, May 12, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the newly renovated historic Lounsbury House. This year’s Woman of the Year recipient will be Mary Kate Gobleck, president and founder of Reliance Merchant Services, a woman-owned and operated credit and debit card processing corporation focusing on Fairfield and Westchester counties.
“I’m so flattered and surprised to have been chosen for this award! I enjoy supporting my fellow women of Ridgefield, and I find the give-and-take of a support network in town essential for the growth of a local business! As I celebrate 10 years owning Reliance Merchant Services, I realize that I have always attended the Women’s Forum each year with my staff. Connecting to all the energy, success and camaraderie of these women is rejuvenating. I would like to thank all of my clients, my family and my friends for encouraging me to be a better person each day. Thank you and congratulations to the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Forum on 10 years of excellence!” said Ms. Gobleck.
“Not only are we delighted to present the 2015 Woman of the Year Award to Mary Kate Gobleck in recognition of her success as an outstanding female entrepreneur and role model, but also in honor of her service to Ridgefield as a businesswoman, mother, volunteer, and community leader,” said Susan Ahlstrom, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “Mary Kate served as a Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce board member for seven years. She is connected to so many women in our town by six degrees or less, and there isn’t anyone out there who doesn’t light up when you mention her name. It is an honor to celebrate Mary Kate as Woman of the Year, and we invite her friends and colleagues to come join us on May 12 to celebrate with us.”
The annual Women’s Forum aims to connect women with one another and with personal and professional tools, organizers said.
This year the Chamber has partnered with the Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls to broaden the meaning and message of the event. There will be four dynamic guest speakers, including keynote speaker comedienne Christine O’Leary. O’Leary will share her personal story of transformation by finding and honoring her truth and the power of laughter. Additional speakers include Deanne Mincer, author of The 52: Discovering the True You in 52 Simple Lessons, Tricia Hyacinth, manager of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Fund for Women & Girls, and Dr. Dorothy Martin-Neville Ph.D., creator of AskDrDorothy.com and 5 Steps to Living Your Dreams.
This year’s event will kick off later in the day to allow women with varied work and life schedules to attend. The afternoon will begin with high tea and networking, move into a presentation session, then continue with cocktails and dinner and networking and keynote speaker. The day will be highlighted by makeovers and will include interactive activities, a raffle and silent auction, and the awarding of the Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year. As always, there will be shopping in the boutique area of exhibitors and retailers. Tickets may be purchased at $99 per person online at RidgefieldChamber.org under Events.
The 2015 Women’s Forum is sponsored by Craig’s Fine Jewelers. Additional event sponsorships are available to local businesses and include advertising value, tickets to the event, and exhibiting. To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit RidgefieldChamber.org under Events, call 203-438-5992 or email jmulhern@ridgefieldchamber.org