Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 18, 1995                   TAG: 9505180034
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: KIMBERLY D. DAVIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WOMEN'S GROUP MAKES COOPERATION ITS BUSINESS

Altizer - a lawyer - is vice president of Professional Women Resources, which was organized this month and held its second meeting Wednesday at the Roanoke Airport Marriott hotel.

About 20 women, mostly sales executives and operators and owners of small businesses, gather to provide leads on potential clients or customers, and promote and expand business for one another.

The nonprofit organization consists of a seven-member board of directors and about 20 others from Southwest Virginia who have something to offer as well as something to gain.

Deb Oyler, a microbiologist and president of Environmental Directions, a Roanoke consulting firm, sees a difference between Professional Women Resources and the National Association of Women Business Owners, of which she also is a member. That group is geared more toward understanding small-business regulation, while the new group focuses on marketing and sales, she said.

"I'm looking for people who can help me out with problems in my company," Oyler said.

The new group looks to be a success, as about 15 members have gotten referrals or leads from each other since the first meeting two weeks ago.

"I've already passed on four or five leads, and gotten a few myself," said Amy Deane, an account executive with MCI Business Services.

Deane, who also is the group's treasurer, said women have been networking informally for years.

"The concept behind it was that there are many businesswomen professionals who have looked for an outlet or opportunity to come together to get ideas of how to do [business] better, as a woman," she said. "It is something that was missing from the valley."

Tamara Stinson, a marketing manager for Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia Inc., joined the group in hopes of recruiting business leaders to work with her students.

During a "mini-commercial" for her business, which everyone at the meeting must do, Stinson said she helps students get ready to join the work force through activities and partnerships with businesses.

Members work in such jobs as interior design, real estate and chiropractory.

The group will allow only 40 members, and every member must represent a different industry, profession, product or service.

Potential members are screened by the board members to avoid potential conflicts and competition.

When a new business opens, Altizer wants the group to be able to provide all the services the owner may need. If one of the members doesn't have what it's looking for, she will find someone who does.

"We provide a full service to you," she said.