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Women's Partnership is working to bridge ages

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer



WEST SPRINGFIELD The first conference of the season for the Women's Partnership (WP) focused on preparing employees for working with people of all generations. It was presented at the Best Western Sovereign Hotel and Conference Center on Sept. 20.

"Generations.working and living side by side," was the name of the event which featured representatives Kim Morehardt and Pat Shewchuk from the Big Y Foods Employee Services Department.

The audience were organized into four categories that included Traditionalists born before 1946; Baby Boomers born 1946 to 1964; Generation X born between 1965 to 1979; and Generation Y born between 1980-1994.

Each group discussed the topic of working with different generations and then a spokesperson summed up each generation's platform.

Traditionalists defined their generation by the Depression and said this "left them to feel that there was never going to be enough and made them want to save everything."

The Traditionalists' advice to younger audiences was summed up with the statement, "We have been on this planet and developed our way of doing things and change is very hard for us. Make sure you call if you are going to be late, because if you don't then we will think you're dead."

Baby Boomers spoke of their generation having memories of John F. Kennedy Jr., Martin Luther King Jr., the Vietnam War and Gloria Stienem. They said they focused their concepts around "strong moral values" and "a good days work."

Baby Boomers described family structure as a father and mother with one bread winner and one stay home parent. They said "civil rights made them feel as if they were a part of something bigger."

The Baby Boomers advice was, "To younger generations everything is quick and to the point. Speak clearly to us and talk loudly and use good communication."

Generation X's described themselves as "striking a balance between family and career" and "striving to break the glass ceiling". Generations X's advice to other generations was "Our generation did do it and younger generations you have to work hard. You are not entitled."

The Generation Y's described themselves as a "Cut to the Chase" group. They defined their generation as not having a typical two parent family. They appreciate it when their superiors get to the point and provide instant gratification and have fun.

Karen Charbonneau, president of the WP encouraged new membership to the WP. More information about upcoming events for the WP can be obtained by contacting Diane Swanson, events manager, of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc., at 755-1313.

The event was sponsored by Hampden Bank and Sovereign Bank. Formed in 1953, the WP is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc., (ACCGS).