By Bella Caggiano

The acronym may not be immediately familiar, but chances are, if you are a local business owner or employee, or attended a Norwood event, you have seen the ladies of this networking group, if only through their signature pink balloons. The Women’s Business Network of Norwood (WBN) is a local women’s networking group. They don’t have a brick-and-mortar office, but they have remarkably endured the test of the economy, a pandemic, and challenges of building businesses and maintaining relationships for a decade!

WBN consists of local businesswomen who have diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and businesses. The organization was launched by Michele Taranto a local Realtor, in March, 2015, to help connect local, professional women and serve as a forum to collaborate and share ideas, build relationships, and develop a passage for all to draw inspiration.

Through bi-monthly meetings and community events, members get to know each other and their businesses in order to identify how they can help each other grow, both professionally and personally. 

Through the years, WBN has earned a reputation not only as a referral and resource network, but also for contributing to the local community. The group is probably most known for its Annual Mitten Drive during the month of November, where donation boxes are scattered around Town, and in early December, hundreds of winter accessories are given to the Norwood Food Pantry and local churches and thrift shops. Its members have also donated their time to help with Norwood’s Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, Norwood Day, the Norwood Farmers Market, the Holiday Celebration, and so much more. The hint that WBN has been there can be seen through those vivid balloons!

WBN is having a private celebration this month with current and past members. If you would like to learn more about the organization or meet some of these successful women at the celebration, call 781-799-7068, or email wbnornorwood.com. The group has stretched its original mission through town borders and is open to all working women, the only condition is one seat is filled per industry. Inquire now and soon you can join this supportive group of women who has successfully sustained a self-regulated networking group to not only help themselves but the community that also helped them thrive.