Tough Economic Times

BLUEFIELD — Pink and green camouflage, high-heeled combat boots and bouncy ponytails won’t last in the Army’s boot camp. But it might make a difference in the war for the economy. Area women who attended the Four Seasons Women’s Conference on Tuesday in Bluefield got a chance to sharpen their boot camp skills during the day-long event. The conference focused on surviving tough economic times, with good attitudes and smart leadership. The event featured keynote speaker Kim Knopf, owner of Mattress Warehouse; Beth Jackson, activities director at the Greater Bluefield Community Center; Betty Critch, executive director of the WVU National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health; Melissa Bunnell, a D.O. at Bluefield Regional Medical Center; Paul Neveu, certified employee benefit specialist, BPAS; Connie Saunders, president of Saunders Staffing; and Melissa Aguilar, executive director for Region One Workforce Investment Board.Knopf, who owns 80 stores in Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio, acknowledged that women have already made promising advances in the business world. When Knopf opened her first store, only 5 percent of businesses were owned by women. Today, nearly 70 percent of businesses are owned by women. But in a struggling economy, steps need to be taken to ensure women can survive the war. “For us, during a recession, we will have to remember that good is not good enough,” Knopf said. She encouraged women to focus on positive attitudes that center on change and opportunity, rather than disappointment or fear of the recession. She also told women to become better leaders and to expect leadership from others in charge. “We are the best, the stronger of the two sexes,” Knopf said. She continued to say that women are like underdogs, always working hard and playing smart when given opportunities. Knopf began opening stores at the age of 23 and continued to open a store every year for 20 years. It is her story that helps women like Ashley Steele from Tazewell, Va., see the opportunities available to them.“I really enjoyed this because I am 24 and it just hit home for me. I just got my MBA,” Steele said. “There is a lot to learn at such a young age.”For other women, the day-long event is a chance to get fresh ideas, listen to speakers and develop a camaraderie. For Cleaning Angel’s owner Lois Jones it is a day to explain her business and meet other business women in the area. The conference, held at David’s at the Club in Bluefield, is an annual event that strives to inspire, motivate and educate area women. It is sponsored by the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, along with area businesses.Lisa Huff, chairman of the GBCC, Lana Pentasuglia, chair of the Four Seasons Women’s Conference, George McConagle, vice chair of special projects and facilitator Angel James helped coordinate the ninth annual women’s conference.