More than 200 attend Chicago networking event

More than 200 executives from the retail and consumer products industry attended the Chicago region’s networking event March 11, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill.

The event featured a presentation by Matthew Kelly, an internationally acclaimed speaker and author of The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose; The Seven Levels of Intimacy and The Dream Manager. The founder and president of Floyd Consulting, Kelly shared his belief that an organization can only become the best version of itself if the people who drive it are striving to become the best version of themselves.

Opening and welcome remarks were made by co-chairs Marla Thompson and Kelly Muno.Participants at the evening event enjoyed a reception prior to the presentation.

In a post-event survey, attendees called the event "a great experience and a way to meet fellow women colleagues,” and noted it was "very well run and extremely valuable.” Others praised the event's "business and social benefits,” "energy and quality of attendees,” and the "diverse representation of CPG companies, experience and backgrounds.”

Next networking in October

The Chicago Region’s next event, "Winning with Relationships” will be Thursday, Oct. 21, in downtown Chicago at a location to be announced. The evening program will include a reception and a presentation by Procter & Gamble veteran Barb Hartman, the only female recipient of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' Robert B. Begley Award, and retail executive Kathy Steirly, a past Chain Drug Executive of the Year, who was named one of Mass Market Retailer's "Six Who Made A Difference” and Chain Drug Merchant of the Year. The two will offer advice on developing relationships that lead to outstanding business results in today's difficult environment.