History

In 1985, 48 women came together to form the Hill Country Women in Business. Their purpose-- "to encourage and support adult women in business, working to cooperatively provide advice and to foster the economic stability of membership". This lofty goal has been achieved throughout the club's history. Several of the founding members are still active in the club and enjoy successful businesses.

Since the early days, HCWIB has met monthly. Program subject matter has covered a broad range of topics including politics, economics and communications as well as social events such as style shows and suppers. Whatever the subject, members always enjoy an evening of social, educational, and networking opportunities.

As Kendall County has grown and become more diverse, our membership has reflected that trend. Our ranks have become an interesting mix of professionals, artists, and retailers all involved in their own business while giving helpful advice, steady friendship, and generous emotional support to the other members in our group. Many of our women have stated that the chance to gather with others of like mind and common goals is one of the highlights of their month.

As the Hill Country Women in Business look toward the future, we have an open book in which to define our evolution. Continued growth in our surrounding area will bring greater numbers of professional women looking for a support structure that mirrors their personal and business goals. The ongoing mission of HCWIB will be to reflect a balanced set of values including business, personal, social, and civic. Our programming and leadership will continue to reflect the charter established by our founders - "to encourage and support adult women in business, working to cooperatively provide advice and to foster the economic stability of membership".

Past Presidents

HILL COUNTRY WOMEN IN BUSINESS
INCORPORATED IN 1985

Current President – Bobbie French

Past Presidents

2009 Kathy Hubbard
2008 Leah Coyne
2007 Carolyn Dutson
2006 Jeanne Buchanan
2005 Sharon Tschirhart
2004 Kera Dutton
2003 Sharon Huckabay
2002 Christina Mitchell-Tomasini
2001 Suzann M. Woodward
2000 Gayle Eason
1999 Tenlee Lund
1998 Sue McCrary
1997 Carolyn Urban
1996 Marilyn O’Neil
1995 Debra Coward
1994 Lorrie Hengel
1993 Ola Horan
1992 Ann Reissig
1991 Nancy Holekamp
1990 Col. Bettie Edmonds (Ret.)
1989 Carolyn Fosdick
1988 Ginny Thompson
1987 Dee Roberson
1986 Marie Hicks
1985 Sylvia Mitchell

Woman of the Year

HILL COUNTRY WOMEN IN BUSINESS
INCORPORATED IN 1985

Current Woman of the Year – Helene Bachmann (2009)

Past Women of the Year

2008 Shari Keyes
2007 Carolyn Dutson
2006 Jeanne Buchanan and Leah Coyne
2005 Amy Anderson
2004 Sharon Tschirhart
2003 Beth Coyle and Patrice Davison
2002 Misty Thomas
2001 Bobbie French
2000 Gayle Eason
1999 Suzann M. Woodward
1998 Tenlee Lund, Sue McCrary and Elizabeth McRae, M.D.
1997 Cookie Edwards
1996 Carolyn Urban
1995 Marilyn O’Neil
1994 Debra Coward
1993 Jean Baggett and Ann Reissig
1992 Lori Hengel
1991 Marie Hicks
1990 Col. Bettie Edmonds (Ret.)
1989 Shirley Wilson
1988 Carolyn Fosdick
1987 Ginny Thompson