From BOWLING GREEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce is excited to host its annual Women in Business Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Stone Ridge Golf Club, in celebration of October as National Women’s Small Business Month.
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor UBS Financial Services invite all women affiliated with chamber investors to attend this luncheon at no charge. The chamber appreciates Justin Henck’s support of this event since its inception and his continued efforts to encourage women to be leaders in business.
The Women in Business Luncheon began on a virtual platform in 2020 to celebrate and recognize the success and accomplishments of Bowling Green area women. The 2026 program features three women sharing their professional journeys and accomplishments.
This year’s featured speakers are Dot Barnes of All About You Aesthetics and Wellness; Liz Sworden of BioFit, BG Pedal Compant, and Angels in Arms; and Dr. Sandra Earle of Bowling Green State University and the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy.
Barnes owns All About You Aesthetics and Wellness, is chair of the Otterbein Sunset Communities board of directors, and is a board member of the Adopt America Network. Driven by the opportunity to care for people and to help women feel confident and empowered, Barnes helped create the “Galentines Gala,” which provides monetary and mentorship support to BGSU women students enrolled in a business major.
Barnes stated that her career has been defined by a willingness to grow beyond whatever role she occupied.
“From bedside nursing to healthcare recruitment, program leadership, advanced practice nursing, and ultimately entrepreneurship, each transition challenged me to develop new skills while keeping patient care the center,” Barnes said.
Today, Barnes draws on those experiences as a healthcare provider, business owner, and leader to improve her community.
Sworden manages BG Pedal Company, is the secretary for Angels in Arms, is on the BG Porchfest Committee, is actively involved with Toys for Tots, and has been with BioFit for 33 years. Committed to people, she enjoys knowing that she can help others.
“Whether it’s answering a question at work, helping a veteran with food assistance or simply listening, keeping riders on the pedal bike happy by having the best drivers – these are just some of the things that motivate and drive me,” Sworden stated.
Sworden’s grandchildren also motivate her, and she hopes they learn that giving your best, working hard, and being kind to others are what make this world a better place for all of us.
Sworden says her work with BG Pedal Company has led to one particularly important professional connection: BGSU. The events she has participated in through that relationship have helped establish her commitment to the Bowling Green community while also increasing the company’s brand awareness.
Earle is the associate dean of assessment and student success, as well as an associate professor of pharmacy at the University of Findlay. As a pharmacist herself, she has had the privilege of serving in a variety of leadership, teaching, mentoring, and student-success roles throughout her career.
While Earle has received “some academic and teaching awards, I am most proud of awards I has won from my students,” she said.
Earle considers it a privilege that, throughout her career, she has helped students grow in confidence and discover what they are capable of. As a university advocate, Earle works to ensure that all students feel safe, have enough food, have access to the medical care they need, and have a place to live so they can focus on their studies.
Earle particularly enjoys opportunities that connect young people, especially young women, with professions and science. People are what drive her career.
“I love people. My family, my students, my colleagues, and the people in this community continually remind me that relationships are ultimately what make both a career and a life meaningful,” Earle said.
“Our women in business continue to enjoy coming to this important event, where every year they garner inspiration,” said Mary Hinkelman, executive director of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce. “By hearing from the speakers and learning about their journeys, the women who attend leave inspired and invigorated as they continue their own journeys.”
Registration will open at bgchamber.net/rsvp on Monday, Sept. 14, and will close on Monday, Oct. 5, or once capacity is reached. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and marketing materials to share on the networking table.
