The Rockland Business Women's Network (RBWN) supports and empowers women by providing networking and educational…More opportunities. This non-profit organization focuses on leadership and professional development, building personal and professional relationships, and community support through scholarships and training. RBWN is dedicated to women helping women.<br /> <br /> RBWN usually meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Comfort Inn & Suites, Regency Ballroom in Nanuet, NY from noon to 2 p.m. RBWN also has a variety of after-hours networking events. Those dates and locations change—it's best to check the <a href="http://www.rbwn.org">website</a> for an up-to-date calendar.</p> <p><b>A History</b>:</p> <p>When a small group of women banded together in 1979 to form RBWN, their goal was to enhance the members' personal growth and expand their career goals.<br /><br />Those early kitchen table and living room meetings produced workshops, lectures and open discussions, some held at Rockland Community College, to accommodate their thirst for knowledge, networking and female support. The "founding mothers" were also community minded, so they created an annual "In Celebration" event, to recognize individual Rockland County women's accomplishments and community contributions.<br /><br />In the mid-80s to early 90s, several subgroups were formed: SOS for single/divorced women, Women in Business (WE) and the Rockland Women's Bar Association. During the 1990's, many changes took place as women moved forward in business and in the workplace. The organization's structure once again evolved into the cohesive group that exists now as RBWN. <br /><br />The RBWN Scholarship Fund, established in 1997, has donated over $10,000 to support local students with college scholarships and training and professional development opportunities for our members.<br /><br />Over the years we have been recognized by local and county government officials for the value of our mission and for serving the needs of many women. Today RBWN continues to encourage, nurture, connect, and advise a growing number of Rockland County business women; expanding our reach to facilitate business opportunities to Westchester, Orange and Bergen county business women as well.<br /><br />Beth Blecker, RBWN president and CEO of Eastern Planning, Inc. is excited about the RBWN's continued growth.</p> <p>Blecker says: "Over the past 30 years, RBWN has been recognized by local and county government officials for the value of its mission and for serving the needs of many women. RBWN remains one of the largest networking organizations for women in Rockland County and is still growing." Blecker also points out that the RBWN Scholarship Fund, established in 1997, has donated over $10,000 to support local students with college scholarships as well as training and professional development opportunities for RBWN members. The organization also supports a local charity each year.</p>