As the Director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, I had the incredible honor of participating in the collaboration of the 4th Annual Southwest Indiana Regional Women’s Conference held on October 25th. Hosted in Knox County and brought together by eight chambers from across the region—including Gibson, Pike, Knox, Perry, Spencer, Jasper, Warrick, and Linton/Stockton counties.  This year’s conference brought together women from all walks of life to learn, grow, and connect. 

Attendees were invited to rethink their relationship with stress through an information session on Kelly McGonigal’s TED Talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend.” This session offered practical insights on managing stress in ways that empower rather than overwhelm.

Keynote speaker, the former Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, shared insights from her remarkable career. Skillman’s story of resilience navigating her experiences as a trailblazer in politics. Her candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of being one of the first women to hold high office in Indiana were inspiring.

Afternoon speaker Angie Lewis, Divisional Technical Director at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane. Angie’s experience in a highly specialized technical field and her dedication to breaking boundaries inspired attendees to push beyond perceived limitations in their careers and personal lives.

A highlight of the conference was the panel discussion, “Women in a Man’s World,” featuring Knox County Commissioner and Davies County EMS Director Kellie Streeter, CEO of Greene County General Hospital Brenda Retz, and our own Pike County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, Ashley Willis. These women shared their unique stories and challenges as females in their respective roles, shedding light on the evolving landscape of leadership in our region. Ashley, in particular, noted that when she began her work in the economic development field within a ten-county region, she was the only female leader. Today, that gender disparity is narrowing, with four of the counties now represented by female leaders. This shift is not only encouraging but a testament to the progress being made toward greater gender balance and inclusion.

Of course, no conference is complete without good food and laughter, and our attendees enjoyed a taco bar for lunch. And what better way to add a little  laughter with a little dancing to the beat of “YMCA”.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and to the eight chambers whose teamwork made this event possible. At the Pike County Chamber, we look forward to seeing more women step into leadership roles and continue reshaping what it means to lead in our communities. If you missed this year’s conference, make a note for next year.  We are looking forward to next year’s conference that will be in Spencer County and to seeing even more women join us on this incredible journey! 

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As the Director of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled to introduce a local entrepreneur who has transformed her passion for numbers into a business—Stephanie Helmerich, owner of Stephanie's Bookkeeping LLC. Stephanie's journey began right here in Pike County, where she honed her skills managing the books for her family’s farm. What started as a practical necessity quickly grew into a passion for helping businesses with their bookkeeping needs. Today, after completing multiple bookkeeping and QuickBooks courses and certifications, Stephanie provides her expertise to local businesses.
Services That Make a Difference
Stephanie’s Bookkeeping LLC offers a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you are a new business owner or an established entrepreneur, Stephanie provides the following:

• Free Discovery Call: An opportunity to discuss your bookkeeping needs and explore how her services can benefit your business. She will then provide a tailored proposal.
• Diagnostic Review: An evaluation of your QuickBooks Online records to identify any issues that need attention.
• Bookkeeping Clean-Up: Cleaning up any disorganized or incomplete records to give you a fresh start.
• Bookkeeping Catch-Up: Helping businesses get back on track when they have fallen behind on their bookkeeping.
• Monthly Bookkeeping: Ongoing services to maintain accurate records and  provide financial reports.
• Additional Services: Stephanie is also open to discussing additional ways to effiecntly help your  business.

Why Hire Stephanie’s Bookkeeping?
As a small business owner, your time is one of your most valuable assets. Partnering with Stephanie can give you peace of mind knowing your finances are in good hands. Here are a few key reasons why hiring Stephanie’s Bookkeeping LLC is a smart move for your business:

• Great Customer Service: Stephanie takes pride in building strong relationships with her clients. She is dedicated to understanding your business and providing personalized solutions that meet your needs.
• Confidentiality: Stephanie understands the importance of discretion when handling financial information. She ensures your sensitive data is kept secure and private.
• Financial Reports: With accurate, easy-to-understand financial reports, you can make better decisions for your business and stay informed about your company’s financial health.
• More Time to Focus on Your Business: Letting Stephanie handle your bookkeeping frees up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and serving your customers.
• Peace of Mind: No more worrying about whether your financials are in order or scrambling to catch up before tax season. Stephanie keeps everything organized, so you can relax.
• Fixed Fees: With her transparent pricing model, you’ll know exactly what to expect, without any surprise charges.

Supporting Local Businesses
We are proud to spotlight entrepreneurs like Stephanie who are making a difference in our community
If your business could benefit from professional bookkeeping services, reach out to Stephanie’s Bookkeeping LLC today for a free discovery call. Learn how she can help you manage your finances so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.
For more information, contact Stephanie at 812-902-2280 or stephaniesboolleepingLLC.com
Let’s celebrate local entrepreneurship and continue to build a thriving business community in Pike County!