Hello!

We wanted to let you know of some important changes that happened this past summer. The Working Women’s Show has a new owner. When our founder Geri Kroon passed away on July 22, we learned that the show's future was in question. Long-time staff member Jim Davis started a conversation with Geri’s family in early August and on September 16, Jim and his partner, who own Bark! Creative Services, LLC purchased Geri’s company Gerico Marketing Services Inc. and The Working Women’s Show. Jim Davis started his association with the Working Women's Show over 20 years ago. He worked for several years as the production manager, supervising the three entertainment stages. At the time, he owned Main Street General Store on South Main Street in St. Charles. He's been a producer all of his adult life. In the St. Charles area, he spent over a decade producing the Christmas Traditions festival on Main Street.

 

In 2006, he relocated to the Chicago area and became the Route Marshall Manager of the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, in the Chicago Loop on State Street. He then became the Production Manager at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 2011 he started a new job at Northwestern University and spent seven years there as the Associate Production Manager of the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts. Attendees at the show may recognize him as the creator of the Make-It & Take-it Seminars here at the show.

 

"It's so important to me, and the show's staff, that we keep the show going in Geri’s memory,” said Jim. Those who have been to the show before will not notice immediate large changes... but in the future, Jim and his staff have all kinds of ideas and can't wait to work with the community to make positive changes for the future. Jim concluded, “whenever I'm uncertain how to proceed, I find myself asking "What would Geri do...?" and that seems to help me find a road forward."

 

"I've had a lot of strong women in my life, with my amazing grandmothers Helen and Billie, my mom Kathy, and my sister Lori. Each of them have accomplished great things and I admire them so much. I simply wouldn't be here today without each of them. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank them enough!"

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I am so excited to be taking the show into the future! I really look forward to meeting you at the 36th anniversary St. Louis Working Women's Show in February!