Dawson County Chamber of Commerce officials are calling a new women's networking event an "ultimate success."

"We're so glad we had such a great turn out for our inaugural event. This is something we're going to try to do quarterly," said Christie Haynes, chamber president.

Several dozen women attended the "Women of the Chamber" event Feb. 21, and for many it was their first chamber-sponsored event.

New to the area, Seanie Zappendorf said the event was an ideal venue to meet other business women in the community.

"I've been wanting to get involved. I was very involved in Peachtree City before we moved here in November," said Zappendorf, who along with her husband, owns the racing pro shop at Atlanta Motorsports Park.

"This has been really a great event to meet other business women in the community."

Patricia Portal, a local corporate massage therapist, agreed and credited the event's success to the up-close and personal relationships that can be made in a more relaxed and casual atmosphere.

"This was the best chamber event," she said. "It was nice and so relaxed and it wasn't intimidating, like some networking events can be."

Several local women entrepreneurs were also on hand with displays, samples and demonstrations to showcase their businesses.

Cathy Holcomb, a local independent agent with the dietary supplement Juice Plus, said she couldn't have asked for a better venue to not only showcase her company, but also get to know other women in the business community.

"As a former educator for 30 years, I didn't have the chance to get out, and I didn't realize there are so many wonderful women in the community that I didn't know," she said. "I've really enjoyed getting to know them, and this gave us a great chance to have camaraderie and get to know each other a little better."