Oct. 23, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Network of Executive Women (NEW) will hold its second networking luncheon on October 28 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, N.C.

More than 400 leaders in the retail and consumer packaged goods industries in the Carolinas are expected to attend the luncheon. Kimberly Schaefer, CEO of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., will deliver introductory remarks, followed by the event's keynote speaker Lynette Lewis, author of Climbing the Ladder in Stilettos. Lewis has inspired men and women on issues of business and purpose for more than 20 years and is an expert on career development, marketing and branding. Her keynote address will educate attendees on how to "Build Your Personal Brand," a critical process that helps individuals articulate their unique skills and interests to accelerate their careers.

"We look forward to this powerful session that we believe will inspire all attendees," said Cathy Green, a member of NEW's Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer at Food Lion LLC. "With a large number of companies in the Carolinas in the grocery retail and consumer packaged goods industry, we have a great opportunity to serve as a valuable resource for talented women in our industry as we work together to advance women in retail businesses."

The event is open to anyone interested in attending by registering at www.newonline.org and clicking on the calendar section to find registration details. The fee is $55 and space is limited.

As part of the organization's commitment to give back to the community, attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Second Harvest "Kid's Cafe Backpack program." The backpack program provides children at risk of hunger with backpacks full of ready-to-eat nutritious foods for weekends and holidays when school meals are not available. Donations items can include peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, breakfast bars, macaroni and cheese, soup, canned fruit, raisins and pudding cups. The donations will be delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank after the event.

About NEW

NEW launched the Carolinas chapter in January 2009. NEW is a national organization whose mission is to attract, retain and advance women in the retail and consumer packaged goods industries through education, leadership and business development. The Carolinas chapter serves members in North Carolina and South Carolina.

The Network of Executive Women, Consumer Products and Retail Industry, is comprised of more than 2,300 members, including senior executives, emerging leaders, and academics and students. They represent more than 400 organizations, including grocery, chain, drug and mass retailers, wholesalers, consumer products goods manufacturers, consultants and sales agents, and associations and media.

More information about NEW can be obtained by contacting Donna Adam, Carolina Region Secretary, at donna.adam@kellogg.com, or Anna Duran, NEW member services at 281-302-4354, or by visiting the Web site at www.newonline.org.

SOURCE Network of Executive Women