An independent agent's group in New Jersey will hold the firstmeeting of a newly-created forum for women next month in an effortto advance women's ability to own agencies, the chairwoman of theprogram said.

Donna Cunningham, treasurer of the Professional Insurance Agentsof New Jersey and president of ADP/Statewide Insurance Agencies inCedar Knolls, N.J., heads up the PIANJ Women's Business Forum.

Ms. Cunningham said that despite advances women have made in theworkplace, and the predominance of women working in the industry,there remain few opportunities for women to advance to the upperlevels on the agency side, including ownership.

"On the company side, women are doing great things, but on theagency side, women need advancement, and we are hoping this willprovide an opportunity for them," she said.

"Few women wake up and say they want a career in insurance," Ms.Cunningham pointed out. "Often, those who do enter the agencybusiness settle for lower level or customer service representativepositions. Others may rise to management, but few own their ownagency."

The upcoming meeting will be the "maiden voyage" of the group,which Ms. Cunningham hopes will help women achieve their goals inthe industry. She also is looking for the group to build alliancesand partnerships with companies toward achieving this goal.Someday, she hopes to build a mentoring program to "help women moveahead and become owners."

The first meeting will be held on Nov. 16, at 11:30 a.m. in theForsgate Country Club, Monroe Township, N.J.

The meeting will feature Lisa Tepper, regional president of theMetro New York/New Jersey region for Travelers Insurance, as thekeynote speaker.

Additional information and registration for the forum andluncheon can be obtained by contacting Rose Klein, PIA memberliaison, at (800) 424-4244.