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Vilas County Women in Business Network at Sold-Out Event
Wednesday , Jun 04, 2025
What a morning! The Vilas County Women in Business Spring Networking Brunch on Saturday, May 3rd was a fabulous success with 80 attendees filling the gorgeous historic manor Indian Point Manor on Catfish Lake in Eagle River with energy, inspiration, and connection.
“This was only our third event but the Vilas County Women in Business Networking Brunch was sold out for the second time,” said Kathy Schmitz, Executive Director of the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC), that hosted and served as a sponsor of the event. “Clearly, this is a much-needed event in the community, and the response from our guests was just fabulous. Unique networking events like these are crucial to help foster a sense of community, build connections, obtain access to resources, share knowledge and experiences, all to help start and grow businesses in Vilas County.”
The event maxed out with 82 registrations and a waiting list of five, women currently in business and those with an entrepreneurial spirit. These ladies represented the banking industry, real estate, health and wellness, beauty, retail, travel, apparel, artisans, lodging and resorts, and service in the area.
Kelly Cooper, President of LakeTime Management, along with her team provided the tempting brunch with a broad selection of delicious chef prepared entrees, desserts, coffee, and juices for the guests. Cooper also serves as a VCEDC board member.
Local businesses donated raffle prizes. Winners came up and stated their name and a brief description of their business. Networking occurred throughout the morning at so many delightful sites, corners, and couches at the manor. Plaques and pillows scattered about had great messages: Gather, Our Happy Place, The Porch Bucket List, Relax, Calm and Welcome. The two great rooms featured a grand piano, two grandfather clocks and an enormous cuckoo clock. One pillow had this suggestion: Go Jump in the Lake, but no one did. It was opening day for fishing – guests could see some people in boats out early on the water.
Attendees made introductions and new friends as they shared comments about their local businesses. Lots of smiles and laughter all morning as they enjoyed brunch.
The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation assists entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, from financial guidance, business planning, and marketing all at no charge.
Former Chicago Mayor Ed Kelly purchased the property (now called Indian Point Manor) in the 1920s for his family as a “Show Place of the North.” The estate boasts eight bedrooms, nine baths, a great room and two stone fireplaces, all on 2,000 ft. of lake frontage.
The current owners, Danny and Wendy Dulak purchased the nine-acre estate in 2018, restoring the facility to its former splendor with the ambiance and feel of a 1930s estate and updated 21st-century conveniences. The outdoor amenities include an outdoor fire pit / grilling area, full-size tennis / basketball court, and play area for children.
The networking event was also sponsored by LakeTime Management LLC and Associated Bank. The Vilas County Women in Business Networking Committee is comprised of: Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC Executive Director; Kelly Cooper, CEO, LakeTime Management; Lisa Myszka, Living Life Healthy; Terri Goldschmidt, The Healing Path; Katie De La Garza, Associated Bank; Heidi Reiter-Kramsvogel, Incredible Bank; and Jill Brunstad, Nova Integrated Care.
Pictured (l to r): Heidi Reiter-Kramsvogel, Incredible Bank; Kelly Cooper, CEO, LakeTime Management; Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC Executive Director; Jill Brunstad, Nova Integrated Care;
Katie De La Garza, Associated Bank; Lisa Myszka, Living Life Healthy. Not pictured: Terri Goldschmidt, The Healing Path
