CHARLESTON – State Treasurer John Perdue celebrated the 25th anniversary of his Women & Money Conference series Friday at the University of Charleston. “It’s remarkable the longevity and continued support this conference has achieved,” Treasurer Perdue said. “From Huntington to Shepherdstown and from Wheeling to Princeton we’ve served about 8,500 people -- mostly ladies -- who face financial issues particular to them.” The series marked its 25th edition in the same city where it started, the capital of Charleston. Two large-scale events at the Charleston Civic Center, in 2002 and 2003, got the series off to a rousing start. A total of 3,500 women attended the first two events, making for an exciting and vibrant environment.
Keynote speaker Dee Lee commanded the large crowds, as she has done at every Women & Money event, including Friday’s.
“I wanted you to know you are one of the best speakers I've ever heard,” an unnamed participant at an earlier event said of Lee. “You made often confusing concepts very easy to understand and your humor put everyone at ease on some rather difficult topics. I really appreciate your insights and your delivery and wish you well.”
As memorable as those initial two events were, Perdue said, the Treasurer believed “taking the show on the road” was the way to go. Beginning with a fall 2003 conference in Shepherdstown, the series has expanded its scope. In 2004 and 2005, the office hosted five events each.
Charleston is the only city to have hosted a Women & Money event four times. Shepherdstown and Wheeling have hosted three events each.
The series is called Women & Money not for its exclusive nature – men are also eligible to attend – but because it caters to issues largely particular to women. For instance, women typically outlive their spouses and depending on generational factors may not be as well versed in finances as their deceased mate. In divorce cases women often end up with custody of the children and responsibility for day-to-day financial decisions.
Lee speaks on issues germane to both genders, however, such as organizing one’s records. “Getting control of one’s finances is a gift you give yourself,” she said. “You won’t be sorry you did.”