EVENT SPONSORED BY:

LOCATION SPONSORED BY:  

 

 

 

SPEAKERS COSPONSORED WITH:

WOMEN IMPACTING PUBLIC POLICY

FIND YOUR VOICE IN PUBLIC POLICY

DATE: February 12, 2010
TIME: 3:00 PM- 6:30 PM
LOCATION: EAGLE CREST CONFERENCE CENTER (Attached to Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti Eagle Crest Resort) 1275 South Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
COST: $35.00

 Main Event Registration still available, Free procurment event sold out

If Women Business Owners were their own country, we would be the 5th largest GDP in the world! We have a strong collective voice that impacts government and public policy at a local, regional, and national level.

At WXW and WIPP’s (Women Impacting Public Policy) event, attendees will hear stories and lessons learned from a panel of well-known women who’ve held government positions.  The panel which includes Jennifer Bisceglie, President of Interos, Nicole Nystrom, CEO of Midwest Strategy Group, Debbie Dingell, President of A2 Strategies, and Shannon Garrett, Great Lakes Regional Director of The White House Project will be moderated by Mary Kramer, Publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business. 

After the panel, Barbara Kasoff, President of WIPP, will discuss how business women can become involved and politically active.

Attendees will then decide on their area of interest (energy, environment, procurement, local government, etc.) and attend interactive sessions with legislators and public figures.

Finally, we’ll wrap up the event with a happy hour full of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and stellar networking…

** JUST ADDED! FREE Pre-Event Workshop: “An Introduction to Federal Procurement”**  (SOLD OUT)
(Offered from 2pm – 3pm before the main event)
Federal Contracting presents offers a tremendous business opportunity for women business owners to expand their business. In this special seminar you will learn if the Federal Government buys what you sell and it will help you understand what you need in order to navigate through the process. We will discuss registration on the CCR, how to use research tools and the importance of teaming.
NOTE: You can attend just the workshop for FREE, or just the main event for $35, or both events! Please select the appropriate ticket type above to help us plan for the right number of attendees at each.

Agenda:
PRE-EVENT WORKSHOP (SOLD OUT)
2:00 – 3:00: FREE Pre-Event Workshop: An Introduction to Federal Procurement — JUST ADDED !!
MAIN EVENT (Registration Still Open)
3:00 – 3:30: Arrival and Registration for Main Event
3:30 – 4:30: Panel Discussion – Mary Kramer, Moderator (Crain’s Detroit Business)
4:30 – 5:00: Speaker – Barbara Kasoff, President of WIPP
5:00 – 6:00: Breakout sessions (Healthcare, Access to Capital, Procurement, Taxes + more!)
6:00 – 7:00: Cocktails, H’ors D’oeuvres and Mingling
NOTE: You can attend just the workshop for FREE, or just the main event for $35, or both events! Please select the appropriate ticket type above to help us plan for the right number of attendees at each.

---

SPEAKER AND PANELIST BIOGRAPHIES

SPEAKER: 
Barbara Kasoff
The President and CEO, and Co-Founder,
of Women Impacting Public Policy, Inc.

Other companies that she has owned and managed are Voice-Tel of Michigan, the fourth largest voice messaging company in the United States, Voice-Tel of Central Michigan, and Voice Response Corporation, a telemarketing and database marketing company. Barbara also opened and developed Voice-Tel of Australia, a company with 11 offices throughout Australia and New Zealand for the Voice-Tel franchisor. Altogether, she has been a business owner and corporate executive for 20 years, and has successfully sold three of her four companies.  

For many years, Barbara has been an active supporter for small businesses, and women and minorities in business in particular. She continues this work both nationally and internationally. She has linked together thousands of small business owners  with her voice messaging network, enabling them to communicate directly with one another to improve their businesses, learn of programs, opportunities and appointments in the communities, improve the climate of entrepreneurship, and play a part in public policy making. Her efforts to unite various organizations, has enabled small business owners to share information with each other, learn from one another, and become better informed in economic and political issues.

Barbara was named on October 15, 2007 to the National Women’s Business Council for a Federal appointment of a 3 year term. In addition, Barbara currently serves as Co-Chair of the National Global Trade and Technology Board of Directors, whose mission is to help reverse the long standing trends in balance of trade deficits by making the task of finding, selling and delivering US products and services into global markets as simple as doing business next door. She is also a media resource for the White House Project and has been recently cited as CEO of one of the top 3 most powerful non-profits in Washington, DC.

In addition, Barbara has previously served as President of The National Association of Business Owners in Detroit, Vice President of Public Policy for the national NAWBO organization, SCORE and on various community Boards, including: Detroit Edison Community Relations Board, Forgotten Harvest, International Institute and Majority Business Initiative. Barbara has served on the national Board of Directors of the Women’s Leadership Forum for the Democratic National Committee and served as the Small Business Chair for Kerry for President.  She has helped develop new and closer relationships with the US Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Centers, Department of Commerce and local, national and international corporate leaders. She also advises for the Committee for Working Families for Wal*Mart. Barbara has served as a Delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, was an invited delegate to President Clinton’s Midwest Regional Economic Summit and was the recipient of the State of Michigan Women in Business Advocate of the Year in 1995.  

Barbara and her family now reside in San Francisco, CA.

 MODERATOR:

Mary L. Kramer
Publisher

Mary Kramer was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and had 16 years of reporting and management experience at daily newspapers before joining Crain’s Detroit Business in April 1989 as editor.

Crain’s Detroit Business (CDB), which was launched in February 1985, covers business news in the five-county metropolitan Detroit area. Circulation is 30,000, with an estimated readership that brings the total readership to nearly 140,000 people each week.

In 1990, Mary was named associate publisher and was named publisher in 2005, responsible for sales, circulation and editorial operations.

In 1994, she was named a vice president of Crain Communications Inc.

Active in a number of personal and professional organizations, Kramer is a former president of the Alliance of Area Business Publications, a national trade association for regional business publications.

She is the first woman to be elected president of the historic Detroit Athletic Club. She holds honorary doctorates from Grand Valley State University, Alma College and Eastern Michigan University.

Her previous daily newspaper experience included editing positions at the Kalamazoo Gazette, Grand Rapids Press, Ann Arbor News, Greenwich (Conn.) Time, and Buffalo (N.Y.) Courier-Express.

PANELISTS:

Jennifer Bisceglie 
President Interos

She has more than 17 years of supply chain management experience in software companies and global distribution companies such as Manhattan Associates, Nine West Shoes (now Jones Apparel), and American Eagle Outfitters. Her team specializes in providing supply chain risk mitigation to help federal agencies optimize their programs and operations. Her clients include U.S. Navy, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Customs and Border Protection and other government contractors such as ManTech.

She serves on the Executive Logistics Council for National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) and is an active member of Women in Defense (WID), Women Construction Owners and Executives (WCOE), and Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO). In addition, she is a founding member of The American Small Business Coalition (ASBC). She served on the Board of Directors and as Awards Chair for the International Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE) from 2006-2007.

She is the recipient of Enterprising Women’s 2009 Enterprising Woman of the Year award as well as Washington Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business award. She is a National Founding Member of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) and currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors, sits on the Board of Advisors, and is the National Chair of the Instant Impact Grassroots Committee. For her work with WIPP, Jennifer received the 2007 President’s Award.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from West Virginia University. Jennifer is a sought after speaker on Federal Government contracting as well as small business concerns as they relate to Federal legislation.

Debbie Dingell
President of A2 Strategies
Chair, Manufacturing Intiative
American Automotive Policy Council

Debbie Dingell is an active civic and community leader in both Michigan and Washington, D.C. and is a recognized national advocate for women and children. She recently completed a more than 30 year career at General Motors as a senior executive, where she headed the GM Foundation and public affairs.  Mrs. Dingell is now the chair of a new initiative on manufacturing.

Mrs. Dingell is also a national Democratic strategist, a member of the Democratic National Committee and has chaired numerous political campaigns.  She currently chairs several boards, initiatives and committees and sits on numerous cultural, health, social services and civic boards in both Michigan and Washington, D.C. Much of her recent work has been focused on ethical issues and social responsibility as it relates to government and business.  Last year she co-chaired One United Michigan, which sought to preserve and support affirmative action programs in Michigan.   A known “bridge-builder,” she continues to promote and lead efforts toward greater understanding among the Detroit area’s Mideast community.

 As a respected, bi-partisan voice, she is a regular contributor to the Fox News Channel, MSNBC, co-hosts “AM I Right” on the Detroit Public Television station, and is a regular roundtable Panel participant on WDIV’s “Flashpoint” as well as several other local media programs in Michigan and Washington, D.C.   She is included in Washingtonian’s 2009 100 most influential women in Washington, DC and Detroit Crain’s listing of the 100 most influential women in Michigan.

Mrs. Dingell is married to Congressman John D. Dingell of Michigan.

Shannon Garrett
Great  Lakes Regional Director
The White House Project

 A native of Holland, MI, Shannon returned home in 2008 after spending more than a decade building her political, legislative and legal skills in Washington, DC and Minneapolis, MN. She is committed to amplifying the political voice of underrepresented constituencies, and has a particular passion for advancing women’s leadership and civic engagement. To pursue these goals, Shannon has worked in a variety of government and nonprofit settings, including the Office of Congressman Sander Levin, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Alliance for Justice and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

In her work with The White House Project, Shannon will invite and equip Michigan women of all political parties to run for office at all levels of government.  In the fall of 2009, Shannon received the Edison Award from the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Grand Rapids, recognizing her extraordinary leadership in innovation over the past year.  Shannon graduated from Alma College in 1994, earned a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2004, and is currently a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

Nicole Nystrom
CEO of Midwest Strategy Group

Prior to founding Midwest Strategy Group, Nicole G. Nystrom served as the Michigan Lobbying Director of the Government Policy Department for the law firm Dykema Gossett. In this position, Nicole lobbied before the Michigan legislature, regulatory agencies, and the Executive Office specializing in issues involving appropriations, economic development, state contract procurement, energy, financial services, health care, and education.

Before joining Dykema Gossett, Nicole was employed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as the Vice President of Legislative Relations. Nicole worked with the Governor’s office and the legislature on the passage of economic development, community development, and travel/tourism initiatives, as well as various business tax issues. Nicole also worked hand in hand with prominent businesses throughout the State building coalitions to support, and successfully pass, business legislative priorities. Nicole has held the positions of Director of Legislative Affairs, Director of Community and Constituent Relations, and Treasurer while working for the Assistant Senate Majority Leader and Majority Floor Leader. Nicole also served as the former clerk for the Senate Committees on Financial Services and Gaming and Casino Oversight.

Nicole received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Theory and Democratic Law from James Madison Honors College at Michigan State University and has completed Strategic Planning and
Implementation Courses from the University of Michigan Business School. Nicole is a frequent presenter in the Tomorrow’s Political Leader’s Program, a branch of the Institute for
Public Policy & Social Research at Michigan State University, and serves on the Boards of various professional organizations, some of which include the Michigan Political Leadership Program, the
Children’s Trust Fund, and Michigan State University’s Spartan Child Development Center. Nicole has been honored by being inducted as a member in The Metropolitan Who’s Who Registry.

 Main Event Registration still available, Free procurment event sold out

 

As businesswomen we have all had a piece of priceless advice given to us at one time or another.  Someone gave us a great referral, suggestions on whom to work with, or possibly tips for how to get through a difficult time.



With this in mind along with the spirit of the holidays WXW decided to give a little something extra to Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan.  At the Merry Mingling event a “Best Interview Dress Tip” contest was held to pair with the donations of business clothing.  Imagine the excitement of the women receiving not only professional clothing to assist them in returning to the workforce but also the guidance of some of the most successful businesswomen in Southeastern Michigan!



The winner of the “Best Interview Dress Tip” contest was Donna Copeland, “Always dress professionally regardless of the type of job you are interviewing for!” Donna has won a guest pass to the January visioning & Goal Setting Workshop.



Since everyone can benefit from a WXW how to dress tip below are the responses from over forty women who attended the event.  As the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan is currently selecting the winner of our contest the order is entirely random and does not reflect their selection.



1. I would recommend a red suit; I’ve heard it referred to as “a power suit.” Wear something that is neat in appearance that you feel comfortable and confident wearing. If you look in the mirror and question whether I should be wearing this, take it off and find something else to wear. If what you have on is not making a positive impression on you, it certainly won’t to someone you have not met. I would also recommend manicured nails; I don’t mean they have to be professionally done; sometimes it’s the little details that count.



2. Avoid powerful perfume, or just skip it altogether



3. Dress to fit in with your new team! Before your interview, call your prospective employer and ask about their dress code. If they wear khakis and button-down shirts, then you should too (+ great shoes, matching belt, and hip jewelry of course)


4. Depends on the job you are interviewing for… a job in progressive area such as PR or advertising, etc., may require less traditional yet professional dress. In a more traditional business setting, a suit or black pants with a jacket may be in order. Whatever you choose bee comfortable in what you are wearing!



5. Wear something that makes you feel AWESOME. The confidence boost is worth it.



6. Black pants, dark shoes, flattering top and lipstick.



7. Show attn to detail: bring mini lint roller & b4 interview duck into bathroom to remove all lint & dirt.



8. Be yourself! Put some personality into your outfit and wear something unique to be remembered.



9. Be as natural as possible for an interview, less make-up, fragrance, accessories, let your personality shine through your words



10. Bag the nylons! Nothing worse than feeling like a sausage!



11. On phone interviews, smile when you are talking – they will hear it and it speaks volumes!



12. Confidence is the best thing to wear



13. Wear a colorful scarf or something tasteful – but memorable



14. Be on time



15. Polish your shoes!



16. Fabulous underwear…leads to inner confidence and a lovely smile.



17. Get to appointment 15 minutes in advance to check to see how you look



18. Wear a business suit that you have worn at least 4 times (Navy Blue)



19. Don’t wear skirts that fall above the knee. And  dress according to the weather



20. Accessorize to show your personality



21. Wear comfortable shoes and allow yourself to wear a good luck charm!



22. Always dress professionally regardless of the type of job you are interviewing for!



23. Don’t wear perfume



24. Wear a cheerful color – scarf, top, etc



25. Wear your most confident smile



26. Conservatively, black is always good



27. Wear muted colors and simple styles so it won’t take away from you.



28. Always wear dark hose to match suit pants or skirt and polished shoes – minimal jewelry



29. One ring on each hand! Watch the cleavage. Look fab!



30. No ankle bracelets. Don’t smoke – smoking makes people smell and it stays with you



31. Always wear your smile and confidence you can never go wrong wearing a tailored black suit



32. Lint brushes can really help



33. Remember to accessorize



34. Be tall – wear slim-line clothes and heels



35. Check out the culture of the company that you are interviewing with and dress up – just one notch



36. Have a firm hand shake – look people in the eye and smile with your eyes



37. Perk up you basic black/navy suit with a bright color (just not a whole bright suit)



38. Dress for the position. Have an action plan prepared for position to hand to interviewer. Plan would cover your first 90 days in the position



39. Wear shoes that you can walk comfortably in



40. Look professional but comfortable – if you’re uncomfortable you’ll be distracted from doing your best



41. Clean and neat – no jeans for a professional job



42. Dress based on your new prospective employer. Go to office and look how everyone dresses



43. Always carry an extra pair of panty hose



44. When in doubt, less is more with accessories. Wear subtle jewelry.



45. Be creative and prepared



46. Wear something that makes you fell like the way you want to be perceived ‘professionally’ or ‘confident’ etc



47. Always wear confidence



48. Try everything on the night before an interview – no last minute panic!

The Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw (WXW) held their holiday mixer for women business leaders on Tuesday, December 8, at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. Merry Mingling attendees were asked to donate their gently worn business suits for donation to the Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan, a local non-profit that helps disadvantaged women acquire job skills, coaching, and professional attire so they can succeed in work and life.



WXW Merry Mingling attendees donated 41 business suits as well as several professional winter coats to help stock the Women’s Center’s career clothing closet.



“Thank you so much for supporting our Career Closet, which helps women in our community have appropriate professional attire for job interviews and early days in their new jobs,” said Kimberli Cumming, Executive Director of the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan. “Clothing can be such a barrier for women who are starting over and picking up the pieces. Our own job-seeking clients, and women living in area shelters who also use our Career Closet, are much more likely to be successful in efforts to get back on their feet because of generous women like you.”



The mission of the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw is to host unique events where women business leaders talk through their issues, share experiences and ideas, and form lasting connections. WXW was founded in 2007 by Ann Arbor business women Carrie Hensel and Debra Power to fill a need for an organization dedicated to women who are building strong and growing companies. Today, the WXW serves more than 700 women with interactive events and networking opportunities.