It’s a new year for Snoqualmie Valley Women In Business, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, personal growth and community leadership for local business women.

Now in its sixth year, Women in Business has adopted the theme of “Up Your Game” for the year, and continues to fine-tune its offerings to meet the needs of nearly 100 members, like the networking exercise that’s been added to each meeting, or the social event and accessory swap planned for June 17 at Glass & Bottle on Snoqualmie Ridge.

“We’re trying to do more after-hours events,” said membership co-chairperson Michelle Comeau, “and you don’t have to be a member to come.”

Upcoming events include after-hours gatherings July 15, Aug. 13 and Sept. 16, at Pogacha in Issaquah, Big Fish in the Issaquah Highlands and Sigillo Cellars, respectively, plus the monthly lunch meetings July 9 and Sept. 10 at the organization’s new “home” Boxley’s Place in North Bend.

The group is also narrowing its focus in the area of community leadership. After launching the community kindness Pay it Forward campaign in 2012, Women in Business realized they had to “streamline” their community involvement, as membership co-chair Mary Lou Dreher put it. “So many of us here are already involved in community projects.”

Pay it Forward is still a project for Women in Business, but the Kiwanis Club is taking the lead, said project founder Debby Peterman. The ladies will do a food drive and clothing drive for the week, set for some time this fall, but will keep its primary focus on its annual high school scholarship awards, and semiannual support of OneVoice events.

As the group continues to grow and evolve, look for one thing not to change. “That’s the thing our members have told us, the networking is critical.”

Learn more about Snoqualmie Valley Women in Business at www.svwib.com. Or, follow the group on Facebook.