Peoria, Ill., Chapter of Women Business Owners' Group Marks 25th Anniversary.

Publication: Journal Star (Peoria, Illinois)

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Journal Star

Byline: Anita Szoke

Apr. 20--PEORIA, Ill. -- Twenty-five years ago, the business world didn't exactly roll out a welcome mat for women business owners.

"It was difficult, especially in my line of business. I've had people who refused to do business with me because I am a woman," said Jeanne Buysee, an agent with American Family Insurance in Peoria.

At that time, other women business owners didn't really know each other, and they didn't really have a lot of opportunities to connect, she said -- especially in Peoria, where networking business groups tailored specifically for women were few and far between.

That is until the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners was formed in Peoria in 1979. Founder Charleen Bowe and other women combed through the city directory for women business owners to invite to the introductory meeting on Sept. 19, 1979 at the Steak & Bake on North Knoxville Avenue.

That meeting was packed.

"It was . . . I can't describe it. It was an...

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