‘Tis The Season for Spring Cleaning, Saving and Recycling

Clearwater resident Jessica Rivelli, the Founder and President of Working Women of Tampa Bay (WWOTB), is hosting the organization’s first Spring Swap Meet at the Carrollwood Recreation Center on April 16th from noon-4 p.m. 

In November 2008, Rivelli  hosted a networking party for a select group of friends and business associates. The event was deemed a success and eight months later Working Women of Tampa Bay transitioned into a full-fledged membership-based organization that flourished thanks to savvy social marketing and positive word-of-mouth.

The nearly 500 member networking group, whose tagline is ‘Motivate. Educate. Inspire. – The #1 Resource for Connecting Women and Their Businesses in Tampa Bay,’ is devoid of any chapters, allowing members to attend events across all counties and communities.Working Women averages 20 attendees for some of the more intimate events such as ‘Girls Night Out,’ and draws anywhere from 40-50 at their luncheons. 

“There are pros to both," Rivelli said. "You can bond with a smaller group on a deeper level, yet, you can connect with more women at a larger event. Both are beneficial to networking.”

Rivelli, a 30-year-old native of Providence, Rhode Island, coordinates monthly gatherings in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lutz, Brandon, Sarasota and North Pinellas. The swap meet is one of 13 events on Working Women’s April calendar.

“I’ve been brainstorming for an event with an emphasis on re-using and recycling," Rivelli said. "Many members have closets and garages full of clothes and items they’ve been meaning to unload, and this is the perfect opportunity to take on that task in an eco-friendly manner while socializing with other members as well as the public.”

The meet will be set up expo-style, with 6-foot-long tables set up throughout the recreation center. Starting at 10:30 a.m., approximately 50 members (“vendors”) will begin displaying their new and or lightly used items they may sell or swap. Guests, which includes other members, as well as the public, are welcome to join the exchange game and bring their own easy to swap items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, handbags, jewelry, books and even office supplies.

Vendors such as Swag Scarves, who specialize in recycling and reusing, will also be on site. Melanie Babcock and Melissa Agate, whose newly found business converts T-shirts into trendy, customized scarves will give $1 off for every tee donated to the company. 

“Last month was our first event with Working Women," Babcock said. "All of the ladies were very supportive and friendly, offering great ideas and contacts.  We are looking forward to attending more events and networking with these incredible ladies.”  

The Swap Meet is co-sponsored by The Riley Group and Tampa Woman magazine. Founded in Oklahoma City, The Riley Group is a concierge service dedicated to helping overwhelmed and overworked Tampa Bay professionals. 

A member of WWOTB since May 2001, they are offering an organizational special assisting those who need to unclutter their homes while offering tips on staying organized. 

“Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, but having a specialist assist and create a plan will make the process easier," said Liane Caruso, Riley Group’s managing partner. "We can see things on the outside looking in and help you prioritize what you need, what can be donated, and in this case …  swapped!”  

When the event concludes at 4 p.m., any articles not sold or swapped will be donated to the Salvation Army, who will have a truck stationed outside the rec center. 

“This is a great opportunity to unload some of your unwanted items, especially in this economy when people don’t want to spend any money extraneously," Caruso said. "Who wouldn’t want to walk away with a new handbag or pair of shoes that didn’t cost a thing?”

Swap Meet Facts

• Working Women of Tampa Bay’s First Annual Spring Swap Meet will be held  from noon-4 p.m., April 16th at the Carrollwood Recreation Center at 3515 McFarland Road. 
• Vendor spots are open to members only and are still available on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-members interested in joining may contact Jessica via email at workingwomenoftb@aol.com or log onto their website at www.workingwomenoftampabay.com.
• The event, which is expected to attract up to 50 vendors, is open to the public. It's free for members and $5 for non-members. Guests may also bring items to swap with the vendors. RSVP’s are being accepted via web. 
• Membership is open to all working women throughout the Bay area, including for profit and nonprofit corporations.