What is the Women´s Fisheries Network?
The Women´s
Fisheries Network is a national nonprofit network of women and men dedicated
to educating members and non-members alike about issues confronting
the commercial fishing and seafood industry. Founded in 1993, WFN has
grown to three chapters: Northwest, Northeast and Alaska.
The WFN opens doors for women in the seafood industry, helps foster understanding among participants of many industry-related fields, and provides a forum for current fisheries issues. The Women´s Fisheries Network really works for its members!
Who are our Members?
The
Women´s Fisheries Network is a unique and diverse organization.
Our members work in many fields.
We are fishermen, processors, importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, consumer educators, researchers, and students. We are deck hands and boat owners, loan officers and scientists, marketing directors and equipment manufacturers, insurance underwriters and nutritionists. We are editors, publishers, sales representatives, accountants and attorneys. We own small, medium and large businesses; we work for small and large companies, non-profit corporations, universities and the government.
Membership is open to women and men interested in learning more about the fishing and seafood industries and in increasing business contacts.
Membership Services
WFN offers
members a wide range of support services including:
-A newsletter that features current topics in fisheries, members´activities,
upcoming events and chapter reports.
-The famed WFN roster, which helps members nationwide conduct business
with one another.
-Regular meetings through local chapters, featuring speakers on current
fisheries topics.
-A national convention hosted by a different chapter each year.
-Career networking opportunities.
Why Join?
Whatever
your occupation, WFN provides a forum where members can:
-Meet people with common interests.
-Identify and address specific needs of women.
-Exchange information on important issues.
-Increase awareness of the contributions women have made to the fishing
industry.
It´s also a place where members can network informally, make professional contacts and improve their business opportunities.
Our members speak for Themselves
" The Women´s Fisheries Network is a very useful organization. It provides wonderful opportunities for professionals in the industry to meet and discuss all aspects of the commercial fishing industry, from catching to serving a meal!"
Julia
Child
Julia Child Productions Inc.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
" Many WFN members have select non-traditional careers in the fishing industry. It is inspirational to see women in a spectrum of jobs work cooperatively for the mutual benefit of self and career."
Linda
Despres
National Marine Fisheries Service
Wood Hole, Massachusetts.
" When I helped start a gear company, the fishing industry was totally new to me. Joining WFN was totally new to me. Joining WFN was an excellent way to get educated about commercial fishing and to make contacts."
Pat
Noeddelund
Scandinavian Fishing Equipment, Inc.
Seattle, Whasington
" In 1993, I wanted to start a business and needed to make contacts. Fortunately, a circle of friends was in the same situation and we formed WFN. It never ceases to amaze me how beneficial it´s been to me over the years. "
Sandra
Sappington
Black Ink Services
Seattle, Washington
" Issues in our Alaska fisheries are complex and challenging. Through forums and debate, WFN helps all of us deal with the mind-numbing complexity and rapid change in this industry."
Arliss
Sturgulewki
Former Alaska State Senator
Anchorage, Alaska.
" If you want to meet a wonderful group of people, learn about issues in the fishing industry, and share your experiences with others, run-don´t walk- to join WFN. You´ll be glad you did."
Nancy
Munro
President, Salwater, Inc.
Anchorage, Alaska.