Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce to host second annual Women In Leadership Luncheon

Originally Published in the Bennington Banner / Manchester Journal
Mon, 04/03/23

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with presenting sponsor Berkshire Bank, will host the second annual Women In Leadership Luncheon at the Inn at Manchester Celebration Barn from noon to 2 p.m. on May 17.

The Chamber is inviting women from around the region to take part in conversations on careers and leadership. Attendees will learn how successful women advanced and built their careers with confidence, what inspires them, the challenges they faced along the way, and how they have played a big role in their businesses, organizations and communities.

The luncheon aims to not only celebrate and encourage women leaders in the Southwestern Vermont region, but to also create life-long connections, partnerships and friendships with those in attendance. Lunch will be provided by Zoey’s Deli and Bakery and the Chamber staff and Board of Directors.

Lori Kiely, the Vermont regional president of Berkshire Bank, will welcome the group of business, nonprofit and community leaders. Ashley Austin, a new co-owner of the Northshire Bookstore and chief executive officer of ALG Brands, will give the keynote address.

ALG specializes in intellectual property rights management for iconic musicians, entertainers and artist estates. Since launching the company in 2013, Austin has built her professional brand on a philosophy of integrity and an unyielding respect for artistry. Her client roster includes legends such as Daryl Hall & John Oates, Iggy Pop, Bootsy Collins, The Blues Brothers and the estates of Sam Cooke, John Belushi and Dean Martin.

During her 20-year career in the music business, Austin has had the privilege of working on behalf of iconic entertainers including Michael Jackson, The Doors, Janis Joplin, Rick James and more.

Austin and her husband Scott have called Manchester their home since 2017. She and her sisters Cathleen and Nicole Ihasz acquired the Northshire Bookstore in 2022, taking over management and operations of the store’s locations in Manchester and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., along with its robust e-commerce business at northshire.com…