NEW YORK--The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) is planning its first-ever Professional Women's Workshop (POWW) in New York next month, with a fun, interactive evening session called “How to Meet 1,500 People at Lunch,” featuring speaker/author Emily Koltnow.

The event is planned for Nov. 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will be held at the Sàfilo showroom at 404 Fifth Avenue.

Koltnow is a frequent guest on radio and national television with over 50 appearances including: CNN, The Joan Rivers Show, and Good Morning America.

In 1987, Emily created WIN workshops, a unique seminar for executive women. Over 700 women have participated in the workshops and in 1990, Emily authored, “Congratulations! You’ve Been Fired!” Her fun approach to networking is inspirational and interactive. Emily is a specialist in career strategies and the Founder of Koltnow & Company, an executive recruiting firm specializing in apparel industries.

“This POWW event is the first of our workshops in New York. This evening will give our members and other women in the Tri-State area, an opportunity to network outside of our traditional events at Vision Expo East,” said Corinne McCormack, the OWA past president and chairperson of this event.

“We have found that our members want to participate more frequently, so this regional event was created to reach out to all of the members in the New York area. Women who don’t go to the trade shows will finally have an opportunity to be part of the OWA,” McCormack said.

Other committee members for POWW include: Dana Weeks, Optical Services International; Jaime LaFrano, Safilo USA; and Gloria Maccaroni, Alain Mikli.

The OWA cited its Professional Development Fund sponsors for their support of the OWA and its mission to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the ophthalmic industry. Platinum Sponsors include: Essilor, Marchon, Safilo, Vision Council of America; Silver Sponsor is Transitions Optical.

The POWW event is open to both members and non-members for a fee of $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Attendees can register on line at the Web site, www.opticalwomen.com or can RSVP by mail and send checks to the Optical Women’s Association, PO Box 11463, Minneapolis, MN 55411. Further information is also available by emailing [email protected].