Women from both sides of the border will get together once again to discuss personal and professional development as the International Women’s Business Network season starts next week.

The group meets monthly each season since 2008 to mentor each other, network and learn about growth supporting women’s issues in the personal and professional worlds. The group is open to the public and meets every second Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Coffee Landing Cafe. The meetings include an optional lunch for $10, a guest speaker and group discussions.

This is the group’s fifth season, and the first meeting takes place Thursday at noon at the Coffee Landing Cafe. The season ends each year in May.

Each meeting typically focuses on a specific topic — last season included topics such as how the economy has affected businesses, social media marketing, setting and measuring goals, local grant opportunities, financial planning, tax preparation, managing employees, organizing your workplace, women’s health issues, yoga, creative writing, life coaching, personal safety through Tae Kwon Do and dressing for your body type and appropriate work attire.

Since its start, the group has had a total of 435 attendees throughout various meetings.

“I think that is amazing,” said Jenny Herman, who leads the group and is a professional business consultant for the Small Business Development Center in International Falls. 

She noted the first flyer for the group in 2008 stated that the goals of the group were “To take a break from your hectic day and to connect with peers, potential customers, and people who can make your work easier.”

“I think that we have managed to accomplish that goal, and others, too,” Herman said.

The group initially started as the International Falls Women’s Business Network, but with outreach to the Fort Frances, Ontario, area and participation from women across the border, “it has truly become international,” Herman said.

Last year, the group started a scholarship fund to be given to a female student from Koochiching County or Fort Frances who is pursuing a degree in business. No applicants were submitted for the scholarship, but fund raising for it will continue this season and the group will accept applications in the spring.

To attend the meeting Thursday or get on the email list about meetings, contact the Koochiching Economic Development Authority office at 218-283-8585 or email keda@businessupnorth.com. The group also welcomes ideas for meeting topics.