Sedalia Business Women to celebrate Business Women Week

Published 10:00 pm Thursday, October 15, 2026

Sedalia Business Women will celebrate Business Women Week by kicking it off with its annual Fried Chicken Dinner fundraiser hosted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 at the Shrine Multipurpose Building, 1375 Elm Hills Blvd.

Various activities will take place during the week of Oct. 18 through Oct. 25 to celebrate Business Women Week. Janice Cones, SBW Business Women Week committee chair, said on Tuesday, Oct. 13, that the week is celebrated throughout the U.S.

“Business Women Week celebrates working women in the United States,” Cones said. “It’s not just local; it’s across the nation. It’s been celebrated for close to 100 years. “So, it’s businesswomen across the country, not just our organization. That’s what we do, celebrate women in the workforce.”

The funds raised from the Chicken Dinner on Sunday will cover operating expenses, but most of it goes back into the community.

“We usually select anywhere from four to six local organizations that need donations, and donate it back to them,” Cones said. “And I’ve noticed it’s usually older people’s organizations or children that we tend to donate towards.”

SBW has a good working relationship with the Sedalia Rotary Club and usually speaks on Monday during Business Women Week. This year, member Robin Balke spoke on Monday, Oct. 12, a week early due to scheduling. Balke gave an overview of the SBW’s history.

“She told us yesterday that we’ve been meeting with the Rotary Club for 98 years,” Cones said. “Every year for 98 years, which none of us realized. She’s our historian, and she’s pretty good at researching.”

Cones added that the SBW is over 100 years old.

“Rotary is the oldest civic organization in Sedalia, and Sedalia Business Women is the second oldest,” Cones said. “So, we’ve had interactions with them for a long time.”

On Monday, Oct. 19, SBW will meet with Sedalia Mayor Traves Williams at 3:30 p.m. in the City Chambers. Williams will read and sign a proclamation announcing Business Women Week.

A Past Presidents’ Dinner will be hosted on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Colton’s Steakhouse.

“All past presidents, whether they’re still a member or not, are invited to it,” Cones said. “We get together and visit, and compare notes.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the group will have a Friendship Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the State Fair Community College cafeteria. SBW President Michelle Franklin chose the location. The event is for members and anyone who wishes to attend.

The SBW Social and Membership Committees will host a pumpkin painting event on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Garlich Center. The cost is $5, and snacks and drinks are welcome.

On Friday, Oct. 22, members will present gathered and donated items to the SFCC’s Pantry and Caring Closet, a non-profit that helps students in need. Needed donations include hygiene items, feminine products, laundry soap or softener, paper towels, cleaning items, canned goods, shelf-stable foods, quick-fix items, and monetary donations. Those who wish to donate can call Cones at 660-287-2906 or give items to any SBW member during the week.

Cones noted that Saturday is a free day for members, but on Sunday, Oct. 25, members can attend a church service with President Franklin at 9:45 a.m. at the Celebration Center in Sedalia.

To learn more about the Sedalia Business Women or to become a member, visit the Sedalia Business Women Facebook page. The SBW meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month at the Shrine Multipurpose Building, 1375 Elm Hills Blvd.

Faith Bemiss-McKinney can be reached at faith_bemiss@yahoo.com.