(Jackson, MS/March 26, 2007) On March 8, the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC hosted a "3-Minute Meeting" networking event for women business leaders in the Jackson area. Modeled loosely on the concept of "speed dating," the event began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while Baker Donelson female attorneys and Jackson business women met and mingled. Then attendees moved from room to room for "3-Minute Meetings" where they were able to introduce themselves to other attendees, explain their profession or position, exchange business cards, and discuss the type of business referrals that would be most suitable for them. The event, which was held at the Firm's Jackson office, was attended by business women from a wide variety of industries including banking, accounting, restaurant/food services, government and non-profit foundations.
"Effective networking is crucial to the success of any business person," said Sheryl Bey, a shareholder in the Firm's Jackson office and a member of the Women's Initiative Steering Committee. "Our goal in hosting these events is to provide area business women with a forum that encourages sharing of business and referrals in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere."
Baker Donelson plans to make this a quarterly event, gradually increasing its size to include even more women from the Jackson business community. Business women interested in receiving information on future Women's Initiative networking events can contact Sheryl Bey at 601.351.2400 or sbey@bakerdonelson.com.
The Baker Donelson Women's Initiative is a firm-wide program designed to enhance the role of women attorneys at the Firm. Launched in April 2006, the initiative focuses on advancing the economic value of the Firm by more fully capitalizing on the talents of its women attorneys, improving the recruitment and retention of women attorneys, increasing the representation of women in leadership positions at the Firm and improving career development for the Firm's women attorneys. As part of the initiative, Baker Donelson implements a number of activities including work-life balance seminars for the Firm's women attorneys, a mentoring program that provides Baker Donelson female associates with guidance in career path planning and leadership development, and a series of events for area business women.