By Meghan Erkkinen

Rachael Costner is a natural networker, and she is passing her skills on to other women in the South Sound.

Costner is the director of Women’s Resource, a business directory and networking organization aimed at connecting the area’s female business leaders. Women’s Resource not only provides directory information, but also social and professional networking events open to all women in the area.

“I want to be the one who people go to, to be connected in the community,” said Costner, who is also the creative director and CEO of Sands Costner and Associates, an advertising and marketing firm. “I’m really here to support Pierce County.”

When Costner and three other women took over Women’s Resource in 1998, it was nothing more than a regularly published directory of local businesses. But shortly after taking control, Costner began to add networking events and programs to benefit female business leaders. The directory is still an important part of Costner’s organization – it is now completely online – but she can now offer other opportunities for local women.

Perhaps the most significant event organized by Women’s Resource is the annual JazzyJune, at which women from local businesses and organizations have the opportunity to meet, mingle and enjoy some entertainment. More than 400 people attended this year’s event, held in June. More than 70 businesses helped sponsor the event.

Each year, the organization also selects a charitable cause to raise money for and awareness about. Last year, the cause was breast cancer and the beneficiary was the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Tacoma. This year, the cause is multiple sclerosis. Costner is inviting women throughout the area to join the Women’s Resource team in a bicycle ride Sept. 13 and 14 to raise money.

Women’s Resource also holds regular networking tours, where women can visit a business while getting to know other entrepreneurs. Tour locations range from condominium developments to bead shops to wellness centers.

“It’s not stuffy,” Costner said of the Women’s Resource events. “We don’t have an agenda...Being in business is about trusting people.”

Generating that trust is one of the important functions of these networking events. Through her events, Costner hopes to instill in local women the power of networking. Her slogan is, “I know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone,” which she believes highlights the benefits of networking.

“Networking is not a one-time thing,” she said. “I think if people are open and receptive to listening (to other business leaders)...the dots can connect.”

Although her organization resembles the structure of a chamber of commerce, Costner insists hers is meant to be a complement – not a competitor – to such organizations.

“I’m just adding another type of event where people can socially network and have fun,” she said. “I think the South Sound needs this.”

Costner has received recognition for her work both locally and nationally. In 2005, she received the Tacoma/Pierce County Chamber of Commerce’s Spotlight on Business Award; that same year, she was also voted the most valued board member of Tacoma Neighborhoods Together. Costner also received the United States Small Business Administration Women Business Champion award for Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho.

Costner is always looking for fresh ideas and new ways to help local women network and improve their businesses. Currently, the Women’s Resource database includes more than 2,000 people, and Costner is looking to expand the geographic area within the Puget Sound region.

Women’s Resource launched a new website Aug. 19, which features a business directory, events calendar, job postings, a resource café, business portfolios and a press room for business news around the Tacoma area. The website can be accessed by visiting www.womensresourcedirectory.com.