Gather Women's Leadership Community
Connect. Inspire. Inform.

2020 is Gather’s third year as a women’s leadership community that helps strengthen the overall business and non-profit community in the DeKalb area. The 2020 calendar includes events focused on connecting, inspiring, and informing women through fun and unique experiences. Gather also offers the opportunity to give back and help mentor high school and college aged women in the community. All women are invited to consider becoming a member.
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The 2020 calendar includes 7 main events, 5 casual meet ups, 4 book group discussions, and access to a dynamic network of women from the community. Your 2020 membership includes all costs associated with the 7 main events. In between meet-up events are free to attend, but food or refreshments are at your own expense. All events require registration. This is a great value and currently made possible by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and our generous sponsors.
Scholarships are available to individuals from current DeKalb Chamber Members.
Presented by: 
Renew Your Membership for 2020 or Become a New Member!
Membership Dues: 
DeKalb Chamber Member - $125
DeKalb Chamber Non-Profit Member - $100
Non-DeKalb Chamber Member - $165
Retired Member - $75
Scholarships are available to individuals from current DeKalb Chamber members.
​Membership Includes Events Below
No additional fees will be incurred for events for 2020 Gather members. All events require registration.
Leadership Lunch: Something to Chew On
February 5, 2020 | 12-1:30PM | Faranda's
We are all strong women and leaders in different ways regardless of the size of the organization we serve or the duties we perform. Whether we lead an entire organization, provide direct oversight of a division, or help support individual customers and clients, we are strong women who serve as leaders. Vicky Slomka, Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources at Ideal Industries, will provide the keynote for the Gather 2019 Kick-off Leadership Lunch. Vicki’s address, “Strong Women, we know them (we are them), let’s support and mentor them!” is sure to inspire. Gather members will enjoy this lunch presentation and time connecting with other members. 
*​NIU Women's Basketball Game | February 6, 2019 | 5-8PM | NIU Convocation Center
Whether you like sports or not, this event is all about quality time as women. Members will experience a one of a kind night while enjoying a private party complete with cocktails and a delicious buffet dinner in the newly renovated Nelson Suite in the NIU Convocation Center. This is an exclusive experience where members can get to know one another or catch up with colleagues in a private suite. Guests can go court-side with friends or enjoy the night from up top in the suite.  Head Women’s NIU Basketball Coach and Gather Member Lisa Carlsen will provide attendees with brief welcome tips on what to watch for throughout the game. 
​*Breakfast to a Tee | May 21, 2019 | Kishwaukee Country Club
No Clubs required!
Breakfast with the girls and a little time outside near or on the golf course is a great way to start your day. Gather members and guests will start-off the day enjoying a lovely breakfast and our signature conversation hour. Following breakfast, attendees are invited to enjoy some time outdoors. Sit on the veranda and sip another cup of coffee or head to the greens.  Those interested can learn more about the game of golf, get tips on how to improve your swing or hit the course as part of a foursome. Kishwaukee Country Club golf pros will provide a golf tutorial and give tips at the range for those interested in learning about the game or how to improve your existing skills.
​*Yoga and Wine at Jonamac Orchard | June 18, 2019 | 5-7PM | Jonamac Orchard
Self-care and stress management are important to women and let’s face it- we don’t always prioritize those things for ourselves.  Join Gather members in the cider house of Jonamac Orchard for a one of a kind yoga instruction experience by Lynn Batalden from Creative Therapeutics. Learn about important aspects of self-care as we go through basic yoga stretches and other methods of strengthening and de-stressing.
Afterwards, we will taste their seasons best wines and ciders paired with seasonal appetizers. Don’t miss this sensational summer night. Please dress comfortably for movement!
*Culinary Night at Hillside | September 16, 2019 | 5-7PM | Hillside Restaurant
A good party often ends up with guests gathered in the kitchen enjoying delicious food and lively conversation. It is even better when it is not your kitchen and you don’t have to clean up the mess. Gather with us at Hillside Restaurant for private evening of culinary fun with Chef Gavin Wilson. Gather members and guests are invited to sip wine, snack on savory appetizers and try a hand at various culinary skills or simply enjoy watching Chef Wilson prepare dishes for you.  Whether you are foodie or a frequent fast food flyer, this will be a night to enjoy.
*Sip, Sample and Socialize at Fatty's | November 4, 2019 | 5-7PM | Fatty's Pub & Grille
Registration Required. Click Here to Register
Join us as we celebrate a great year! Enjoy an evening with Gather friends while tasting exciting wines and experiencing tasty hors d'oeuvres from Fatty’s Pub and Grill.  Attendees will learn about and sample different wines. After the tasting, enjoy a glass of your new favorite wine along with a plate of signature Fatty’s favorites as you connect with women from throughout the community. This was a member favorite event last year! Don’t miss the fun. 
​Gather Lunches 2019 | 12PM
You know that sound when great conversations fill a room? That buzz of discovery and connection? That hum of energy and excitement? That is what Gather lunches are all about.  No agendas and no pressure. Name tags are optional and lunch is whatever you are in the mood for that day.  Gather with us to connect, uplift, and encourage one another. 
Please register so the restaurant can reserve the estimated number of seats. Lunch is on your own.
March 6
Los Rancheros
August 7
Tom & Jerry's of Sycamore featuring Catering by Diann
December 12
​Lincoln Inn
​Gather Drinks 2019 | 5PM
Grab a drink and relax after work! It's just like a Gather Lunch, but with drinks! No agenda and no pressure. Name tags are optional and your choice of drink. No need to RSVP. Drinks are on your own.
April 11
Tapa La Luna
July 17
Tavern on Lincoln
​Gather Quarterly Book Group | 5:30-7:30PM | Rotating Location
Come join us for Gather's Book Group!  We will meet quarterly to discuss books by, about, and for women- books that inspire us to talk about ideas and questions important to our lives as women today. No need to have read the book! Simply come to enjoy the conversation.

January 10, 2019: Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay, DeKalb Public Library
March 14, 2019: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, Greenfield Creative
June 13, 2019: My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor, DeKalb Chamber Conference Room
September 19, 2019: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, Sundog
​Additional Events
Gather Members will receive discounts on the events below.

ATHENA Awards Banquet | October 22, 2019 | 5:30-8PM | Barsema Alumni & Visitor Center
​DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing | July 19, 2019 | 10:30AM | River Heights Golf Course

Explore our 2019 so far!

Encourager Sponsors
Mission:
"To serve and advance business interests of the Greater DeKalb Region"​
Vision:
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the resource businesses rely on to connect and thrive.
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
130 W Lincoln Highway  |  DeKalb, IL 60115
​Phone: 815.756.6306 | chamber@dekalb.org | sitemap