"The Mythology of Work-Life Balance, The Perfect Time, and Superwoman"
Even though we know intuitively that we can't do all things perfectly, balance career, family needs, elder care, many women still believe that they can. This may be historically based on patriarchy, sexism/internalized sexism, and perfectionism, but regardless of the cause, neglecting reality and our self-care result can be fairly disastrous to our health and wellbeing. Self-care, forgiveness, and resiliency are all tools that allow us to realistically set boundaries, say no, and give up trying to please everyone but ourselves. Saying yes to ourselves first and foremost isn't selfish, it's what sustains us. Breaking down the myths means it's really not about rewarding ourselves with a bath, but rather armed with the truth: that we can't keep doing more with less and smiling about it. So let's dive into how to truly find out what matters, live our purpose, and get real.
Michelle Courtney Berry, MPS, CISD, RMT is an intrepid orator, a two-time TEDx speaker, a two-time SXSW speaker, an internationally-recognized meditation teacher, an internationally-certified stress reduction expert, a certified health and wellness coach, and an internationally-certified Reiki Master Teacher who has won numerous awards for women in business, for launching women's groups, and more. A perfectionist and Type-A overachiever in recovery, Michelle is an award-winning entrepreneur who works with visionaries who do too much and a witty entrepreneur who does a weekly "sit-down" stand-up LOVE self-care show every Thursday night. A former TV reporter who covered The White House and Capitol Hill and a former Alderperson and Alternate Acing Mayor for the City of Ithaca and an elected Delegate for President Obama, Michelle is the Founder/CEO of Courtney Consulting Enterprises, LLC and the Chief Marketing Officer at AFCU. She holds a graduate degree in Organizational Communication and Risk Communication from Cornell University where she was a Cornell Fellow, and a dual BA degree in English, Literature, and Rhetoric and Political Science from Binghamton University, where she was a President Scholar, a Scripps-Howard Foundation Scholar, and a Commencement Speaker.
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Featured Annual Events
Economic Summit
The Tompkins Chamber presents key local issues impacting local businesses and developers, policy issues impacting the business community, and local insights from participants in a national economic outlook survey. Partnering with Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED), the event includes important updates about our economy, workforce, upcoming projects, and strategies to move forward and achieve a sustainable economic recovery.
Annual Dinner & Awards
One of the premier business community events of the year, the Annual Meeting highlights the Chamber community and previews the goals and initiatives for the coming year. Come and celebrate the success of our business community and economic development with hundreds of local leaders and elected officials! Join us as we raise a glass to the companies, not-for-profits, and volunteers who partner with us to help our community thrive.
Golf Tournament
This day on the green combines top-notch golf with valuable networking and advertising opportunities. Held at one of the County’s finest and professionally-rated golf courses. Staggered start golf tournament with several prizes, including skins. Lunch and beverages provided.
Great Big Chamber Auction
See and be seen by the region’s top business executives and small business owners. The Great Big Chamber Thank You & Auction holds tremendous value to our sponsors, donors, and attendees as it is one of our most highly publicized and attended events. The Great Big Chamber Auction portion helps underwrite the events and programs that support our Chamber members. Traditional silent and live auction, networking, and nonprofit recognition awards.