Message is clear — live without limits

The Venice Chamber of Commerce Women Empowering Women Luncheon celebrating International Women’s Day welcomed more than 100 women to the Plantation Golf and Country Club.

As the women gathered, there was friendly socializing, reacquainting and catching up of family and business news.

Right on time, Kathy Lehner, the executive director of the Venice Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the women. She reminded everyone that “real leadership is modeled everyday.” The room at the Plantation Golf and Country Club was filled with Venice community leaders. There were more than a dozen Venice city staff, including Deputy Public Information Officer Brianne Lorenz, who is coordinating the Venice Centennial events. Lueanne Wood attended and donated the champagne. Others attending were from businesses and organizations.

Kathy introduced Simone Knego, the speaker for the event. “Live without limits,” Simone told the group. adding, “Get out of your own way.”

Simone inspired the women with her straightforward message.

“When we change the way we see ourselves, the world around us changes,” she said.

She got a laugh when she reported a poll where only 4% of women polled believed they are beautiful. Yet 60% of this group polled believed in aliens.

“Life is not about social media,” Simone said. “Life is about being real.”

Cara Cote, director of Member Engagement for the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, organized an informative and fun Women Empowering Women luncheon. Cara and the Venice Chamber of Commerce crew are always well prepared and welcoming.

It is a pleasure to attend one of their events. Special thanks to their leader, Kathy Lehner.

In her final remarks, Simone Knego said, “It’s the journey, and everything along the way makes a difference ... The only way to see the spectacular view is to climb.”

Bravo, Venice Chamber of Commerce and Simone Knego.

ONE OF OUR BEST

The special person of this week is Simone Knego. Her friendly, cheerful style made women sit up and listen to her message at the Women Empowering Women luncheon. She didn’t pull any punches and gave examples from her own life of courage and adventure.

Simone climbed Mt. Everest and has six children. She mingled with the women and signed copies of her book, “The Extra Ordinary UnOrdinary You.” She advised eliminating the word “just” from our speech.

“Live without limits,” she said. Simone Knego is one of the women who makes Venice a great place to live.

Fran Valencic is the social columnist for the Venice Gondolier. She welcomes your tips and ideas. Contact her at ValencicFran@gmail. com.

Seated in front in the group in the purple jacket is Kathy Lehner, CEO and director of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. In the black jacket to the right of Kathy is Simone Knego, speaker at the Women Empowering Women luncheon. They are surrounded by Venice city staff and some board members of the Venice Area Chamber.

PHOTOS BY FRAN VALENCIC

From left, Andrea Arnold, Louis Valery, Cara Cote and Kathy Lehner organized the Women Empowering Women International Women’s Day luncheon at the Plantation Golf and Country Club. Cara was chair of the event. Kathy is the director and CEO of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon celebrated women and their creative lives.

Pictured are Brianne Lorenz, left, and Cordy Crane. Brittany is the deputy public information officer for the city of Venice and can take a bow for coordinating Centennial celebration events. Cordy is the executive assistant at City Hall.

Kathy Lehner, left, introduces Simone Knego as the featured speaker at the Women Empowering Women Luncheon at the Plantation Golf and Country Club.

FRAN VALENCIC