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DTSTART:20260917T140000Z
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SUMMARY:2026 Advancing Women to the Top Conference
DESCRIPTION:Do you work with women or have women in your workplace?\n\nTreat them to Northeast Alabama's premier women's conference: Advancing Women to the Top Conference\, a professional development event designed for women in every stage of their career. Join us on September 17\, 2026 at The Venue at Coosa Landing for a day of inspiration\, networking\, and community.\n\n\n\nKick back and enjoy local food and wine\, connect with coworkers and new friends\, and hear from industry leaders across Alabama who will share insight on leadership\, empowerment\, and growth.\n\n\n\nWhat is it?\n\nAdvancing Women to the Top is an annual conference created to inspire\, equip\, and empower women in the workplace. Attendees will gain tools for personal and professional development while building valuable connections with peers and local businesses from Etowah County and beyond.\n\nWhat to expect:\n\n\n \n Engaging and dynamic speakers\n \n \n Networking opportunities throughout the day\n \n \n Breakfast\, lunch\, and an afternoon "wine down" session\n \n \n Breaks with snacks from local caterers\n \n \n Vendor Village featuring local businesses (cash encouraged for purchases)\n \n\n\nHow to attend or support:\n\nGeneral admission is $85 per person\, with a $20 early-bird discount through September 1st. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and include multiple seats\, added benefits\, and direct support for the event.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker Bios & More Information \n\n\n\nEmcee: Farrah Hayes | Executive Director\, Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama\n\n\n\nCierra Cottman | Alabama Regional Manager\, NextOp Veterans\n\nCierra is a workforce strategist\, speaker\, and leadership architect passionate about helping people step fully into their voice and influence. After more than two decades working across workforce development\, executive leadership\, and generational dynamics\, she saw firsthand how talented professionals especially women often shrink in rooms they were more than qualified to lead. That realization fueled her mission: to equip leaders with the clarity\, confidence\, and executive presence needed to command the boardroom\, connect across generations\, and lead at human speed. For Cierra\, leadership isn't about titles it's about impact\, voice\, and the courage to show up fully.\n\n\n\nAngela McKenzie | Senior Vice President and Head of Accounting Operations\, Regions Bank\n\nAngela oversees enterprise-wide accounting functions with a focus on process optimization\, system modernization\, and strong internal controls. A 32-year Regions veteran\, Angela began her career as an internal auditor and has held leadership roles across banking operations and human resource finance. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of North Alabama and a B.S. in Accounting from Alabama State University. Angela has served on the boards of Alabama State University and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and is actively involved in Women in Finance\, the Birmingham DEI Network\, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority\, Inc.\, and her community. She is a recipient of the Regions Bank Better Life Award and is the proud mother of one daughter\, Maya.\n\n\n\nEllen Skrmetti | Author\, Comedian\n\nEllen is a Birmingham-based comedian\, writer\, and entertainer who turned her lifelong love of making people laugh into a comedy career in 2020. She honed her skills through comedy writing classes and Chicago's renowned Second City\, developing a distinctive voice and comedic style. Her popular sketches\, including "Hey\, Jesus" and "Kitty Potter\," have earned her a growing social media following\, while her book\, Hey Jesus\, It's Me\, further showcases her humor and storytelling. Originally from Mississippi\, Ellen lives in Birmingham with her husband\, two children\, and three dogs.\n\n\n\nTrue Crime on Easy Street \n\nMeet the team behind True Crime on Easy Street: Katy Givens\, Kelly Turner\, and Scott Wright. Together\, they bring a unique combination of legal expertise\, psychology and criminology\, journalism\, and local history to their exploration of true crime stories from the region.\n\nKaty Givens\, Esq. is a Cedar Bluff native\, Jacksonville State University graduate\, and practicing attorney. A 2026 graduate of Birmingham School of Law\, Katy provides a legal perspective and insight into the cases explored on the podcast.\n\nKelly Turner is a Centre native and Auburn University graduate with a BA in Psychology and minor in Criminology\, as well as an MS in Psychology from Jacksonville State University. As the creator of True Crime on Easy Street\, Kelly brings her background in psychology and criminology to the podcast and its exploration of criminal cases.\n\nScott Wright is the managing editor of the Cherokee Post-Herald in Centre\, Alabama\, with nearly three decades of experience in journalism. A 1993 University of Alabama graduate and author of two books on local history\, Scott brings his experience in research\, reporting\, and storytelling to the podcast.\n\nTogether\, the three hosts combine their professional backgrounds and knowledge of the local area to examine the people\, events\, and stories behind true crime cases close to home.\n\n\n\n\n\nAGENDA\n\n*subject to change\n\n9am - Three Crow & Connections Breakfast\n\n9:25am- Welcome\, Farrah Hayes\n\n9:30am Speaker: Angela McKenzie\n\n9:50am Cherokee County Award\n\n10:00am Break\n\n10:25am Keynote Presenter: Cierra Cottman\n\n11:25am Calhoun County Award\n\n11:35am - Lunch Break\n\n12:35pm Etowah County Award\n\n12:55pm True Crime on Easy Street\n\n1:40pm Marshall County Award\n\n1:50 Buffalo Rock Wine Down Hour\n\n2:15pm Headliner: Ellen Skrmetti\n\n3:15pm Conclusion\n\n3:30pm Attendees Dismissed \n\n \n\nMenu\n\nThree Crow & Connections Breakfast\n\nFall Flavored Create-Your-Own Coffee Station by Three Crow Coffee\n\nChicken & Waffles\n\nVariety of Croissants\n\nMini Muffins\n\nFruit & Yogurt Parfait\n\n\n\nLunch\n\nCreamy Tuscan Chicken & Pasta\n\nHouse Salad\n\nParmesan Green Beans\n\nCake by Sinful Sweetz\n\n\n\nBreak Bites\n\n\n\nThe Gathering Table by Local Joe's\n\n\n Sweet Potato Biscuits w/Maple Butter \n Becky's Mini Donuts \n Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls\n Garden Party Dip w/Pretzels and Veggie Straws \n Pimento Cheese Pinwheels \n Cream Cheese with Assorted Fruit Pepper Jellies & Crackers / Pita Chips\n\n\n\n\nBaked Goods\n\nIce Cream Bar\n\n\n\nBuffalo Rock Wine Down & Beverages by Buffalo Rock\n\nAll-Day Beverages\n\nUnlimited Wine Hour\n\n\n\n\n\nVendors:\n\nEtowah Pregnancy Testing Center\n\nThe Southern Bank\n\nS5 Elite Performance\n\nMcClellan Family Chiropractic\n\nA Golden Lady Boutique\n\nGadsden Pelvic Rehab\n\n1641 Marketplace South\n\nMr Tee's Screen Printing\n\nDowntown Tan & Boutique\n\nVictory Cheer & Tumble\n\nGadsden Regional Medical Center\n\nRiverview Regional Medical Center\n\nJacksonville State University\n\nGadsden State Community College\n\nWKXX 102.9\n\nBox Runners\n\nService Trek\n\nNew Image Weight Loss\n\nLyrical Forte\n\n\nSponsorships are available at the following levels:\n\n\n\nPresenting Sponsor ................................$5\,000\n\n\n Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, highest recognition at event\, table with premiere seating for up to 8 seats with the option to include additional seats up to 16\, choice of speaker slot and introduction\, video recognition\, constant mentions throughout programming\, recognition in all promotional materials. Additional table giveaways.\n\n\n \n\nPlatinum Sponsor ................................$2\,000\n\n\n Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, higher recognition at event\, table with premiere seating for up to 8 seats with the option to include additional seats up to 16\, video recognition\, more mentions throughout programming\, recognition in all promotional materials. Additional table giveaways.\n\n\n \n\nGold Sponsor .. ..$1000\n\n\n Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, higher recognition at event\, table for 8\, mentions throughout programming\, recognition in all promo materials. Additional table giveaways.\n\n\n \n\nSilver Sponsor .. ..$500\n\n\n Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, table for 4\, recognition at event\n\n\n \n\nBronze Sponsor ..............$250\n\n\n Support the event with the option to attend! Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, recognition at event. One optional seat. \n\n\n\nVendor Setup.............. $100\n\n\n Table set up at the event and sell products or services or share information. Must provide one doorprize for raffle.\n\n\n\nGeneral attendee seats are $85 per person. Register early to receive a $20 early-bird discount until August 31! Please contact us at philip.hall@etowahchamber.org if you are interested in sponsoring this event: 256-543-3472.
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\n
\nDo you work with women or have women in your workplace?
\nTreat them to Northeast Alabama'\;s premier women'\;s conference: \; \;Advancing Women to the Top Conference\, a professional development event designed for women in every stage of their career. Join us on September 17\, 2026 \;at The Venue at Coosa Landing for a day of inspiration\, networking\, and community.
\n
\nKick back and enjoy local food and wine\, connect with coworkers and new friends\, and hear from industry leaders across Alabama who will share insight on leadership\, empowerment\, and growth.
\n
\nWhat is it?
\nAdvancing Women to the Top is an annual conference created to inspire\, equip\, and empower women in the workplace. Attendees will gain tools for personal and professional development while building valuable connections with peers and local businesses from Etowah County and beyond.
\n\nWhat to expect:
\n\n\n - \n
Engaging and dynamic speakers
\n \n - \n
Networking opportunities throughout the day
\n \n - \n
Breakfast\, lunch\, and an afternoon &ldquo\;wine down&rdquo\; session
\n \n - \n
Breaks with snacks from local caterers
\n \n - \n
Vendor Village featuring local businesses (cash encouraged for purchases)
\n \n
\n\nHow to attend or support:
\nGeneral admission is $85 per person\, with a $20 \;early-bird discount through September 1st. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and include multiple seats\, added benefits\, and direct support for the event.
\n
\n
\n\n
\n
\n
\n\n
\nSpeaker Bios &\; \;More Information \;
\n
\nEmcee: Farrah Hayes | Executive Director\, Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama
\n
\nCierra Cottman | Alabama Regional Manager\, NextOp Veterans
\nCierra is a workforce strategist\, speaker\, and leadership architect passionate about helping people step fully into their voice and influence. After more than two decades working across workforce development\, executive leadership\, and generational dynamics\, she saw firsthand how talented professionals &mdash\; especially women &mdash\; often shrink in rooms they were more than qualified to lead. That realization fueled her mission: to equip leaders with the clarity\, confidence\, and executive presence needed to command the boardroom\, connect across generations\, and lead at human speed. For Cierra\, leadership isn&rsquo\;t about titles &mdash\; it&rsquo\;s about impact\, voice\, and the courage to show up fully.
\n
\nAngela McKenzie | Senior Vice President and Head of Accounting Operations\, Regions Bank
\nAngela oversees \;enterprise-wide accounting functions with a focus on process optimization\, system modernization\, and strong internal controls. A 32-year Regions veteran\, Angela began her career as an internal auditor and has held leadership roles across banking operations and human resource finance. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of North Alabama and a B.S. in Accounting from Alabama State University. Angela has served on the boards of Alabama State University and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and is actively involved in Women in Finance\, the Birmingham DEI Network\, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority\, Inc.\, and her community. She is a recipient of the Regions Bank Better Life Award and is the proud mother of one daughter\, Maya.
\n\n
\nEllen Skrmetti | Author\, Comedian
\nEllen is a Birmingham-based comedian\, writer\, and entertainer who turned her lifelong love of making people laugh into a comedy career in 2020. She honed her skills through comedy writing classes and Chicago&rsquo\;s renowned Second City\, developing a distinctive voice and comedic style. Her popular sketches\, including &ldquo\;Hey\, Jesus&rdquo\; and &ldquo\;Kitty Potter\,&rdquo\; have earned her a growing social media following\, while her book\, Hey Jesus\, It&rsquo\;s Me\, further showcases her humor and storytelling. Originally from Mississippi\, Ellen lives in Birmingham with her husband\, two children\, and three dogs.
\n
\nTrue Crime on Easy Street \;
\n\nMeet the team behind True Crime on Easy Street: Katy Givens\, Kelly Turner\, and Scott Wright. Together\, they bring a unique combination of legal expertise\, psychology and criminology\, journalism\, and local history to their exploration of true crime stories from the region.
\n\nKaty Givens\, Esq. is a Cedar Bluff native\, Jacksonville State University graduate\, and practicing attorney. A 2026 graduate of Birmingham School of Law\, Katy provides a legal perspective and insight into the cases explored on the podcast.
\n\nKelly Turner is a Centre native and Auburn University graduate with a BA in Psychology and minor in Criminology\, as well as an MS in Psychology from Jacksonville State University. As the creator of True Crime on Easy Street\, Kelly brings her background in psychology and criminology to the podcast and its exploration of criminal cases.
\n\nScott Wright is the managing editor of the Cherokee Post-Herald in Centre\, Alabama\, with nearly three decades of experience in journalism. A 1993 University of Alabama graduate and author of two books on local history\, Scott brings his experience in research\, reporting\, and storytelling to the podcast.
\n\nTogether\, the three hosts combine their professional backgrounds and knowledge of the local area to examine the people\, events\, and stories behind true crime cases close to home.
\n\n
\n
\nAGENDA
\n*subject to change
\n\n9am - Three Crow &\; Connections Breakfast
\n9:25am- Welcome\, Farrah Hayes
\n9:30am &ndash\; Speaker: Angela McKenzie
\n9:50am &ndash\; Cherokee County Award
\n10:00am &ndash\; Break
\n10:25am &ndash\; Keynote Presenter: Cierra Cottman
\n11:25am &ndash\; Calhoun County Award
\n11:35am - Lunch Break
\n12:35pm &ndash\; Etowah County Award
\n12:55pm &ndash\; True Crime on Easy Street
\n1:40pm &ndash\; Marshall County Award
\n1:50 &ndash\; Buffalo Rock Wine Down Hour
\n2:15pm &ndash\; Headliner: Ellen Skrmetti
\n3:15pm &ndash\; Conclusion
\n3:30pm &ndash\; Attendees Dismissed \;
\n \;
\n\nMenu
\nThree Crow &\; Connections Breakfast
\nFall Flavored Create-Your-Own Coffee Station by Three Crow Coffee
\nChicken &\; Waffles
\nVariety of Croissants
\nMini Muffins
\nFruit &\; Yogurt Parfait
\n
\nLunch
\nCreamy Tuscan Chicken &\; Pasta
\nHouse Salad
\nParmesan Green Beans
\nCake by Sinful Sweetz
\n
\nBreak Bites
\n
\nThe Gathering Table by Local Joe'\;s
\n\n\n - Sweet Potato Biscuits w/Maple Butter \;
\n - Becky'\;s Mini Donuts \;
\n - \;Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
\n - Garden Party Dip w/Pretzels and Veggie Straws \;
\n - Pimento Cheese Pinwheels \;
\n - Cream Cheese with Assorted Fruit Pepper Jellies &\; Crackers / Pita Chips
\n
\n\n
\nBaked Goods
\nIce Cream Bar
\n
\nBuffalo Rock Wine Down &\; Beverages by Buffalo Rock
\nAll-Day Beverages
\nUnlimited Wine Hour
\n\n
\n
\nVendors:
\nEtowah Pregnancy Testing Center
\nThe Southern Bank
\nS5 Elite Performance
\nMcClellan Family Chiropractic
\nA Golden Lady Boutique
\nGadsden Pelvic Rehab
\n1641 Marketplace South
\nMr Tee'\;s Screen Printing
\nDowntown Tan &\; Boutique
\nVictory Cheer &\; Tumble
\nGadsden Regional Medical Center
\nRiverview Regional Medical Center
\nJacksonville State University
\nGadsden State Community College
\nWKXX 102.9
\nBox Runners
\nService Trek
\nNew Image Weight Loss
\nLyrical Forte
\n\n
\nSponsorships are available at the following levels:
\n\n
\nPresenting Sponsor ................................$5\,000
\n\n\n - Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, highest recognition at event\, table with premiere seating for up to \;8 seats with the option to include additional seats up to 16\, choice of speaker slot and introduction\, video recognition\, constant mentions throughout programming\, recognition in all promotional materials. Additional table giveaways.
\n
\n\n \;
\n\nPlatinum Sponsor ................................$2\,000
\n\n\n - Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, higher recognition at event\, table with premiere seating for up to \;8 seats with the option to include additional seats up to 16\, \;video recognition\, more mentions throughout programming\, recognition in all promotional materials. \;Additional table giveaways.
\n
\n\n \;
\n\nGold Sponsor&hellip\;&hellip\;&hellip\;&hellip\;..&hellip\;..$1000
\n\n\n - Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, higher recognition at event\, table for 8\, mentions throughout programming\, recognition in all promo materials. \;Additional table giveaways.
\n
\n\n \;
\n\nSilver Sponsor&hellip\;&hellip\;&hellip\;&hellip\;..&hellip\;..$500
\n\n\n - Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, table for 4\, recognition at event
\n
\n\n \;
\n\nBronze Sponsor \; ..............$250
\n\n\n - Support the event with the option to attend! \;Company name or logo on event registration webpage\, recognition at event. \;One optional seat. \;
\n
\n\n\n
Vendor Setup.............. $100
\n\n
\n - Table set up at the event and sell products or services or share information. Must provide one doorprize for raffle.
\n
\n
\n
General attendee seats are $85 per person. Register early to receive a $20 early-bird discount until August 31! Please contact us at philip.hall@etowahchamber.org if you are interested in sponsoring this event: \;256-543-3472.\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \;