The Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), in partnership with Mid Iowa Insurance, will host its first Women’s Summit on March 25 at the Lake City Community Memorial Building. The event is titled “SHE Grows Here” and is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Organizers say the summit aims to highlight women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and contributions across Calhoun County and rural Iowa. The evening will feature local speakers sharing experiences in business ownership, agriculture, and community leadership, along with networking opportunities. A keynote address by Stacey Besch, an Iowa-based speaker, will focus on empowerment through community and faith. Besch, who has more than 29 years of entrepreneurial experience, also teaches at community colleges and leads leadership programs across the state. She is active in community initiatives, including efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking, and has given presentations in the listening area on multiple occasions. Organizers say the event reflects growing participation by women in business and leadership roles. Nationally, women own more than 40 percent of U.S. businesses, with continued growth in rural areas, including Iowa. SHE Grows Here is free to attend, though advance registration is required via www.calhouncountyiowa.com.
