WXW Events

FIND YOUR VOICE IN PUBLIC POLICY

lmorris on Jan 9th 2010

EVENT SPONSORED BY:

KeyBank 032_Blk

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

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”**
(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
2:00 – 3:00: FREE Pre-Event Workshop: An Introduction to Federal Procurement — JUST ADDED !!
MAIN EVENT
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.

 

 

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2010 Visioning & Goal Workshop

lmorris on Dec 15th 2009

Workshop Facilitators:
Eleni Kelakos (Eleni Kelakos Enterprises) & Carrie Hensel (Inner Circle Media)

Recommended Reading:
WISHCRAFT by Barbara Sher
2nd BOOK CLUB MEETING
January 27, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM

Location:  Nicola’s
Westgate Shopping Center
Jackson Av. & Stadium Blvd.
2513 Jackson Av.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Anyone who mentions the WXW bookclub when purchasing Wishcraft, will receive 10% off the book. Books will also be available for purchase at the workshop.

 

In January WXW offers an intensive, inspiring visioning and goal-setting workshop.

Get ready to connect with your true potential and accomplish marvelous things in 2010 by attending this intensive visioning and goal-setting workshop. WXW offered this interactive seminar at the 2009 WXW Forum in May and received such great feedback from participants that facilitators, Eleni Kelakos and Carrie Hensel, have agreed to do it again!

During this 2 hour workshop, participants will assess the vision and goals for their company, team, or career. They will learn how to articulate the vision in inspiring ways, set strategies and goals, and measure progress toward those goals. Participants will complete a visioning and goal-setting workbook and leave the session with plan to accomplish their goals for 2010.

 

Here are a few testimonials from previous workshop participants:
One of the best events/presentations I have ever attended! Carrie & Eleni were superb!”
 
“Visioning was great! Practical and inspiring at the same time. Carrie & Eleni rock!”

“Interactive, fun, informative.”

 ”Amazing & so inspiring”.

 “I can not help but reflect on the WXW forum and how impressed I was with the turn out and presentations for an event that is only in its second year. Well done! I am not sure what compelled me to participate in the “Creating and Executing Your Vision” but I could not have made a better choice. Meeting both of you (workshop facilitators Eleni Kelakos and Carrie Hensel) had a profound impact on me and made me realize what I need to do in order to succeed personally.” 

 

Date: January 21, 2010
Time: 11:15 – 1:30 (Please arrive by 11:15 am. Workshop will begin promptly at 11:30 am.  Lunch will be served during this workshop. )
Location: Polo Fields
Cost: $30.0o

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Merry Mingling at Michigan Theater Dec. 8th

rlopezkriss on Nov 20th 2009

 

FOOD SPONSORED BY:

WFM Logo Vert copy[1]

 

Ring in the season with other women business leaders at WXW’s Holiday Mixer. This event offers non-stop networking, savory hors d’oeuvres, and tasty wine & beer. At 5:30 PM we will offer a celebratory toast to our attendees’ accomplishments in 2009.

 

Help support the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan(http://www.womenscentersemi.org/)

Please bring your gently worn business suits for donation to this local non-profit who helps disadvantaged women acquire job skills, coaching, and professional attire, so they can succeed in work and life.  All sizes welcome.

 

Join in the fun!

Merry Mingling Contest

Submit your best “Dress for Interview Success” tip to WXW and we’ll pass along your ideas to the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan. The winner will receive a free ticket to the WXW Goals Setting event in January.

Submit your tip by:
1. Posting on the WXW FaceBook wall
(www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13833494481)
2. Tweet your tip and include the hashtag #WXWcontest

 Entries are due December 11th

 

Event takes place December 8th - 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: Michigan Theater 603 E. Liberty Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cost: $10.00

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Your Moral Compass: Business Ethics and Leadership – November 19th

Carrie Hensel on Oct 23rd 2009

Event Details:

How does the leadership of a company guide the moral compass of a company and its employees?

How do you apply ethics and leadership in a company? What does this really mean in today’s world with the emergence of new social/business networks, blogging, internet information and misinformation, disappearance of traditional newspapers, emails, tweets and a whole lot more? How do you educate your current employees and what are institutions doing to teach the next generation?

Join the WXW Business Ethics and Leadership exchange session to explore what’s happening in education as well as practical application in a very successful business. Three highly recognized panelists will be joining us to answer your questions regarding ethics and leadership.

Panelists include:

Sandra Defebaugh, Associate Professor, Eastern Michigan University

Sandra Defebaugh is an Associate Professor at Eastern Michigan University where she teaches Employment Law, International Business Law, Law for Financial Professionals, Sports Law, E Commerce Law, Business Law and Ethics. She has also practiced business law as a corporate attorney and served in politics as Mayor and City Commissioner for City of Birmingham, Michigan. She has spoken on topics of professionalism, ethics and employment law at various international venues including as part of the Oxford Round Table at Oxford University in England, the Business and Economics Society International in Switzerland and the Academy of Business Administration International in Germany. She is a graduate of Michigan State University, College of Law. She is also co-author, with Dr. John Waltman, of the Eastern Michigan University online Professional and Ethics Training Modules, including the Business Professional Dynamic Model, Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and Professional Business Ethics.

Elaine Steig, Service Steward, Zingerman’s Community of Businesses

Elaine graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Elaine’s first job, while still in high school, was in Customer Service…and a career was born. Prior to working for Zingerman’s, she spent 10 years with an international big box retailer and steadily moved up through a variety of local, national, and international positions in Customer Service and Learning & Development.

When Elaine relocated to Michigan, the first place she had dinner was Zingerman’s Roadhouse. She was entranced with the high-quality, full-flavored food and exceptional service. Elaine instantly became a dedicated promoter and ordered her wedding cake from Zingerman’s Bakehouse 6 months later. Fate presented her with an opportunity for a career change. In thinking about her true career passion, she decided it remained customer service and training. Elaine knew Zingerman’s was passionate about both as well; the stars aligned and the new Service Steward position was available.

Elaine joined Zingerman’s as the Service Steward in 2008. Her primary role is to support each of the eight Zingerman’s businesses and Zingerman’s Service Network in delivering a great experience to internal and external customers.

Lynda James-Gilboe, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Customer Care, ProQuest

Lynda James-Gilboe is Senior Vice President of Marketing and Customer Care. She is responsible for managing global strategic marketing functions, as well as customer support groups. In this role, Ms. James-Gilboe creates marketing plans for all ProQuest product lines across multiple segments, and oversees external communications initiatives.

Ms. James-Gilboe joined ProQuest in 2001 as Vice President of Special Projects-Marketing and Sales. She then became Vice President of Inside Sales and Customer Support in 2003 and became Vice President of Marketing in 2004. Prior to joining ProQuest, she was Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at NewsBank/Readex.

Before this, Ms. James-Gilboe spent 21 years with The Gale Group, formerly a Thomson company. Ms. James-Gilboe served as Senior Vice President of North American Print Sales and Marketing. She was also a member of the Executive Committee for Gale Group, a senior leadership team. During her tenure, she led the sales and marketing integration of the Macmillan Library Reference into Gale Group by reconfiguring territories and compensation plans. She also held a number of senior positions in Marketing, Sales, and Creative services.

Ms. James-Gilboe is a board member of Washtenaw Literacy.  She received a B.A. from Michigan State University and is a 1984 Graduate of the Publishing Institute at the University of Denver, Colorado.

Special Offerings for Participants

 EMU STEPS IT UP WITH A PHENOMENAL GIVEAWAY!
Get your name added to the drawing for an EMU online Ethics Program giveaway Value of $159.00  One lucky winner will be chosen from the participants at the WXW November 19th Business Ethics and Leadership Event

EMU is offering a discount on online Ethics Program
Purchase online Ethics Program for a discounted rate
of $129 when you mention WXW during registration.

Zingerman’s is offering ZING TRAIN Seminars
Buy 1, get 1 for half off for any of their seminars thru
March, ‘10.  Mention “WXW” for discount when registering.

REGISTER NOW!

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Save the date: October 15th!

rlopezkriss on Sep 19th 2009

Blazingly Fast Business Networking, October 15th, 2009.

In business, it’s not just what you know, it’s WHO you know.  Back by popular demand, it’s WXW’s second speed-networking event.  Meet the area’s business leaders and engage in meaningful dialogue – in just 3 minutes.  Bring at least 50 business cards and be ready to meet new people, make connections, and maybe even swap a few referrals.

Date: October 15th, 2009

Time: 11:30 – 1:00

Location:  The Polo Fields Golf and Country Club, 5200 Polo Fields Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Cost: $25, includes lunch!

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Save the Date for “You GOAL Girl” on September 18th!

rlopezkriss on Aug 10th 2009

Join us for the first WXW event of the fall—Goal Setting WXW Style.

Date: Friday, September 18, 2009

Time: 7:30AM – 10:00AM

Location: Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest, 1275 South Huron, Ypsilanti, 48197

Cost: $30 Continental breakfast will be provided.

Set the stage to meet your goals in this interactive exchange session. You will learn how to set specific goals, develop a plan for implementation, and determine how to measure success.

The morning starts with a short panel of women leaders who will answer your goal setting questions. Panelists include:

  • Merrill Guerra, Owner and Founder of RealKidz
  • Susan Pollay, Executive Director, Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
  • Mary O’Hare, Professional Development Coach
  • Michele Shannon, Pre-Paid Legal Services – Independent Associate and CITRMS

Then choose one of four breakout sessions:

  • Business Wise—Focused on setting goals for your growing business.
  • Dot Gov—Designed for anyone working in government or a municipality.
  • Be Your Best—Create a set of personal goals for yourself.
  • Start Up Start Over—Created for career starters (younger women and women reentering the work force or women looking to start a business)

During the breakouts you’ll focus on setting specific goals. We’ll ask you to think about what you want to accomplish over the next 12 months. Then, we’ll help you create a set of actionable initiatives to help you attain your goals. By the end of the morning you’ll be ready for implementation and ultimately meeting your goals.

Don’t miss this exciting WXW event!

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Networking Under a Tent, Followed by a Movie Under the Stars

rlopezkriss on May 29th 2009

Join us June 17th at 6:30 for casual networking under the tent at Top of the Park, located on the Ingalls Mall on the University of Michigan campus.  Family and friends are welcome to share the live music, children’s activities, and a movie presentation of, “Twilight.”  We’ll be under the tent from 6:30pm to 9:30pm with a cash bar for adults 21 and over (id required), the movie starts at 10pm.

While attendance is free, please register!

The Summer Festival has lots of activites planned for the evening, so along with reconnecting with familiar WXWers, and meeting lots of new ones,  here is what you can expect:

Family friendly fun @ Top of the Park …

6:30-8pm KidZone (hands-on activities)

6:30-8pm Global Party (Pan-African Celebration)

7pm Bichini Bia Congo taking the stage (musical performance)

Adult activities @ Top of the Park …

8:30pm Tokyo Sexwhale taking the stage (musical performance)

10pm Film feature “Twilight”

Food will be for sale from the Top of the Park vendors.  For more information on Summer Festival directions & weather updates for the event visit: http://www.annarborsummerfestival.org/

So, wear your WXW orange or blue T-Shirt… What? you don’t have your shirt yet?? Contact Samantha (here) for pre sales, or shirts will be available for sale under the tent the night of the event.

And a big “Thank You!” to our amazing sponsors of this event…

Solutions First and The Whole Brain Group.

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May 15th – WXW Forum 2009: Now We’re Talking

Carrie Hensel on Apr 8th 2009


SPECIAL DEAL: WXW Economic Stimulus – Buy One Full-Day Ticket, Get One Free >> REGISTER NOW


This year our second annual conference is called “WXW Forum 2009 – Now We’re Talking.” After feedback at last year’s May conference, WXW attendees told us they wanted “more, more, more!” So this year we’re offering an all-day event. In the morning, we’ll host intensive and interactive 2-hour morning workshops facilitated by amazing local business leaders, who are prepared for your burning business questions. After lunch, we’ll hear from a panel of the region’s leading business women. Then attendees will choose from eight different breakout sessions. And finally we’ll wrap up with a happy hour that includes wine, food, music, and the best networking opportunities in the state.We expect 300 attendees from the Ann Arbor area, Southeast Michigan, and Northeast Ohio.

The full agenda follows. (Oh gals, this is gonna be good!)

………………………

Agenda – Morning Session

9:30 AM – Morning Registration

9:45 AM – Welcome & Intro to Workshops

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Workshops

Choose one of the following workshops:

  • “Creating & Executing Your Vision” – Eleni Kelakos (Kelakos Enterprises) & Carrie Hensel (Inner Circle Media)
  • “Online Social Networking – How to Use Facebook, LinkedIn, and Other Web Tools for Your Business” – Catherine Juon (Pure Visibility) & Marisa Smith (Whole Brain Group)
  • “Developing Your Marketing Plan” – Debra Power (Power Marketing) & Rhonda Foxworth (Bank of Ann Arbor)
  • “Financial Strategies & Cash Flow Management” – Diane Gilson (Info Plus Accounting)& Mary Hayes (Michigan Commerce Bank)
  • “Tactics for Time Management & Productivity” – Beth Stoner (Delta Possibilities) &Tracey Roy Williams (Reinhart Realtors)
  • “Leading from the Middle – Learning To Be a Better Leader” – Dolly Bond (Madonna University) & Lynette Cable (Key Bank)

> Click here for descriptions of each workshop

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM – Light Lunch: Munch & Mingle

Agenda – Afternoon Session

12:30 PM  – Afternoon Registration Begins

1:00 PM – Afternoon Welcome & Intro

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM – Panel of Local Business Leaders

  • Debi Scroggins, CEO, Bearclaw Coffee
  • Maria Thompson, President of the Government Solutions Group of A123Systems, Inc (formerly T/J Technologies, Inc.)
  • Kimberli Cumming, Executive Director, The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan
  • Moderator – Mary Morgan, Publisher of the Ann Arbor Chronicle

> Click here for panel bios

2:15 PM – Break

2:25 PM – 4:15 PM – Breakout Sessions

Choose one of the following sessions:

  • Entrepreneurial Leadership – How to work ON the company vs. IN the company
  • Team Building – Employee Recruitment and Retention
  • Marketing Tactics
  • Sales Strategies
  • Customer Service & Retention
  • Extreme Networking
  • Strategic Opportunities For Growing Your Company
  • Creating and Communicating a Vision for Your Company

4:30 PM – Wrap Up from Breakouts

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Happy Hour (technically, it’s 2 hours!)

………………………

WXW Background

WXW hosts monthly events for women business owners, entrepreneurs, managers, and aspiring leaders. Each May we host a gigantic conference.  In the first year over 200 people attended this event. They came from the Ann Arbor area, as well as Detroit, southeast Michigan, and Toledo. Through dynamic break out discussions, these attendees really talked about their companies, careers, successes and struggles.

When you attend a WXW event, two things are certain – you will learn a lot and you will make lasting connections. WXW attendees are often surprised at their first event because our format is so unique. Upon occassion, they ask, “But where’s the speaker or panel of experts? ” When we tell them that we rarely have scheduled speakers and instead we have round table discussions where our attendees can really talk about their own experiences in business, they are surprised and intrigued. By the end of their first meeting, most WXW attendees become big fans of the unique format and they understand our tagline first hand – “Now we’re talking…”

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April 7th Exchange Session: Sales – Finding Customers and Sealing Deals

Carrie Hensel on Mar 17th 2009

>> REGISTER NOW

While many of us consider “sales” a scary word, it is truly the lifeblood of our companies. During this session the group will talk about how to improve our sales approach and become more comfortable in selling situations. Attend this session if you want to reinvigorate your sales efforts by exchanging ideas and hearing real world experiences from local women business leaders. Conversation topics may include …

  • Uncovering new opportunities
  • Establishing trust with prospective customers
  • Qualifying (and more likely disqualifying) sales leads
  • Developing a “script” to help you through the selling process
  • Closing sales
  • Negotiating with buyers
  • Building your referral business
  • Guiding and motivating your sales team

Who’s attending the Sales Session?

Catherine is coming to the sales session because she feels like she writes a lot of proposals but doesn’t seem to close enough sales. She wants to talk with WXW attendees about finding more qualified prospects, asking the right questions, and writing a proposal only when the deal seems likely.

Diane says she won’t miss the session because sales are intrinsic to the success of her growing company. Diane’s company provides technology-intensive services, and she’s worried that most sales people aren’t tech-savvy enough to appear credible to prospective clients. Diane wants to talk with the group about how to train her sales people.

Come to the WXW sales session and share your ideas with Catherine and Diane!

Details:

When: Tuesday, April 7, 11:30-1:00.  Lunch included!

Cost: $20.00 – Register Now – space is limited to 75 participants.

Location:

The Polo Fields Golf and Country Club
5200 Polo Fields Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
http://www.polofields.org/

Directions: http://www.polofields.org/contact/contact_index.html

>> REGISTER NOW

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