Published: March 07, 2008 12:37 pm            

The wiz of women

In “The Wizard of Oz,” a young Judy Garland braided her hair, put on a blue and white dress and slipped into a pair of dazzling ruby red slippers. With her basket and dog, Toto, Garland slipped into one of pop culture’s most recognized characters — Dorothy.

The movie, filmed in 1939, is a timeless tale about finding the true desires of the heart. With Dorothy and her friends comes a cast of characters who search for their ultimate happiness along a yellow brick road.

To achieve icon status, a movie must develop an universal theme that can be applied to the reality of the real word, not just Munchkin Land. “The Wizard of Oz” is a perfect example, with themes and characters that apply to many of today’s situations.

The Bluefield Chamber of Commerce will showcase this universal theme during the 8th annual Four Seasons Women’s Conference on March 18.

“The idea behind using ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as a theme for the 2008 Four Seasons Women’s Conference originally came from the thought that successful businesswomen use heart, brains and courage,” Chairperson Lana Pentasuglia said. “Delving a little further, we discovered that Dorothy, in a way, reflected the modern-day, independent woman. She helps three men, defeats a nemesis and eventually finds her own way home.”

All while wearing fabulous shoes, she adds.

Pentasuglia, who is a volunteer for the conference, is the director of education at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. She hopes that this year’s theme will help women realize all of the different roles and how they can be related to Dorothy and her cast of friends.

The keynote speaker will be West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland. Also speaking will be Sharon Peery, director of career services at Southwest Virginia Community Center; Jean Clary Bagley, president and owner of Clary and Associates of Century 21, and first chairwoman of the Virginia state chamber of commerce; Donna Carter, designer and owner of d.c. designs; and Natalie Tennant of Wells Media Group, LLC.

All of the speakers will focus on the “Wizard of Oz” theme and provide lectures using references to the Wizard, the yellow brick road, the Emerald City and the ultimate location — home.

This year, there will be two main speakers, Ireland and Bagley. Also, the conference will be held at David’s at the Club, in Bluefield.

According to Lisa Huff, chair-elect of the chamber of commerce and vice chair of special projects, the new location will give women a chance to participate in interactive booths.

The booths and the lectures follow the mission statement of the Four Seasons Women’s Conference which states, “... We aim to help women build confidence, create possibilities, and arrive at reasonable solutions to the challenges they face in their personal and professional lives.”

The conference focuses on the physical, emotional, financial and educational well-being of area women. And planners for the event believe that the conference is diverse and can offer something for everyone.

“Different types of women can come — a stay-at-home mom or someone wanting to get back in the workplace — it is really for any woman. For the professional woman, it is an excellent networking tool,” Pentasuglia said.

Both Huff and Pentasuglia began planning the event last fall and depend on volunteers. This year, more than 30 people have taken the time to volunteer for the conference.

“It takes a fantastic team of ladies and volunteers and a lot of hours, time, dedication and commitment,” Huff said.

Last year, more than 160 women from different walks of life attended the annual event.

Tickets and tables are still available for the conference, which will begin at 9 a.m., on March 18. For more information about prices and availability, contact the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce at 327-7184.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.