2013 EWC Mailer

27 th ANNUAL

27 th ANNUAL

WO M EN ’ S F O RU M BR EAK FAST SPONSORED BY: For 26 years the Women’s Forum has remained one of the most popular and prestigious elements of the Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference. 2013 marks a significant change for the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) as co-founders step down as co-presidents, and new leadership guides our future. This year’s Forum, moderated by syndicated columnist Terry Savage, will focus on the State of Women’s Business Development from the WBDC. Beginning with a discussion of the origins of women’s business development nationally and how far we have come, to our vision for the future, and our commitment to continue fighting the challenges that still exist for women and minority-owned business everywhere.

Forum Moderator TERRY SAVAGE Syndicated Columnist, Best-Selling Author of The Savage Truth on Money, and President, Terry Savage Productions, Ltd.

CONF E R ENCE WORK S H O PS SPONSORED BY: AT&T; CARDINAL HEALTH; FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO, KANSAS CITY, MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. LOUIS; GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 SMALL BUSINESSES; HEALTH CARE SERVICE CORPORATION/BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ILLINOIS; THE TRAVELERS COMPANIES, INC .; THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO; THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICINE

10,000 Small Businesses Alumni Panel FOR ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES

Learn how to identify and seize opportunities to grow your business! 10,000 Small Businesses is designed to help local small business owners create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services. Attend this session to hear firsthand from business owners who have completed the program.

Launching Your Own Business: From Dream to Reality WORKSHOP FOR START-UPS

Are you ready to turn your dream of business ownership into reality? This interactive session, designed by the collective intelligence of the women business owners in the WBDC community, will provide you with tools, inspiration and guidance to launch a successful business.

Small Business – Big Opportunity: Finding Solutions for Small Business Challenges

Forum Panelists

WORKSHOP FOR BUSINESS OWNERS OF ALL LEVELS

HEDY M. RATNER & CAROL DOUGAL Co-Founders and Co-Presidents Emeritus Women’s Business Development Center

EMILIA DIMENCO President & CEO Women’s Business Development Center

Every small business faces obstacles, some larger than others. Hear from a panel of experts discussing regulatory environments, access to capital, risk management and other issues affecting small business growth and job creation.

The discussion will be moderated by Joan Woodward, President of The Travelers Institute.

DEBRA JENNINGSJOHNSON Chair of the Board of Directors, Women’s Business Development Center and Director, Supplier Diversity, BP

Keep It Social: Connect using #EWC27 before, during and after the conference!

27 th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME

GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

AWARDS LUN C H EO N

NE T WOR K I NG R E CE PTI O N

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

TH ANNIVERSARY

Keynote presenter to be announced Each year the Women’s Business Development Center’s (WBDC) Hall of Fame Awards recognize women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated unequaled strength, perseverance and creativity in their businesses, and who have embodied entrepreneurial success in various ways. The WBDC also recognizes advocates, corporations and others who have demonstrated their enthusiastic commitment to the strengthening of women’s business ownership and economic development.

Many of the top business owners of today sight networking and relationship building as two of the most important attributes to growing their businesses.

Join us at this entertaining, wrap-up reception where women business owners and corporate and government procurement representatives can connect in a casual, business setting.

Grab a bite to eat, a refreshing drink and relax after a long day on the tradeshow floor - or kick up your heels on our dance floor!

2013 AWARD RECIPIENTS 27th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year

Carolyn Gable,CEO, New Age Transportation, Inc. 27th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year WBE Success

Lili Hall, President & CEO, KNOCK, inc.

CONTRACT CONNECTIONS SPONSORED BY:

27 Annual Advocacy Award th

WVON 27th Annual Corporate Support Award

The WBDC Matchmaker

LOCATED INSIDE THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS & BUYERS MART

OfficeMax

The purpose of this program is to establish valuable connections between certified WBEs and the purchasing decision-makers from corporations and government agencies seeking such suppliers for specific opportunities.

Eligible WBEs will be pre-selected by corporate and government buyers for one-on-one meetings that will take place throughout the conference. Last year, over 300 meetings took place.

Tickets to the 27th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon are available on a first come, first served basis.

Please visit our conference website for all eligibility requirements, more information, and to complete your “Request for Appointment” form today!*

2013 Conference Marquee Sponsors

*You must be registered to attend the Conference to be selected for an appointment. Please pay close attention to the WBDC refund policy on the registration page. No registration payments will be refunded if a WBE does not receive an invitation to participate in a Contract Connections meeting. Contract Connections meetings are driven by the needs of participating corporations and government agencies, and not by the WBDC-Chicago. There is no guarantee that a WBE will be invited to participate in a meeting. Meetings will not be announced until August 30, 2013.

27 th ANNUAL WOMEN’S BUSINESS & BUYERS MART

E N T R E P R E N E U R I A L W O M A N ’ S C O N F E R E N C E R E G I S T R AT I O N REGI STE R O N L IN E :

www.WBDC.org

V.I.P. Tables Tables include signage and seat 10 people. £ $1,500

27 th Annual Women’s Forum Breakfast

£ $1,500

27 th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon

Company Information

Payment Information

Name: ______________________________________________________________________

Total Amount: _______________________________________________________________

Title: _______________________________________________________________________

Credit Card Number: ________________________________________________________

Company Name: ____________________________________________________________

£ American Express £ Visa

Company Address: __________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _____________ Business Phone: ( ____ ) ______________ Evening Phone: ( ____ ) ______________

£ MasterCard £ Diners Club

£ Discover

Expiration Date: _____________________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________

Policies & Disclaimer

£ Manufacturing £ Retail £ Service

Refund Policy A full refund will be given through July 31, 2013. After July 31, 2013 all registration, including no-shows, are subject to the full registration fee.

£ Transportation £ Technology £ Wholesale £ Construction £ Other: _______________________

Years in Business: _ _________________________________________________________ Number of Employees: ______________________________________________________ Prior Participation with the WBDC:

£ Counseling £ Workshops £ Loans £ WBE Certification £ Other: _______________________

£ Conference £ Procurement Assistance

Cost

Photo & WBDC Property Rights Disclaimer By registering for this conference, and in consideration for my admission to the conference, and other valuable consideration, receipt of which is acknowledged, I give the WBDC permission to use photographs, videotapes, film and recording in non-commercial publications and presentations that support the WBDC. In giving this consent, I release the WBDC, their agents and assigns from any liability for any violation of any personal property rights which I might have in connection with such materials and waive any right to approve accompanying written or narrative material. I represent that I am of full legal age.

Submission of this registration form indicates you have read, understand and agree to these policies.

£ $250

Pre-Registration* for entire event

£ $225

Special WBE and Partner Organization Discounted Price for entire event (includes meals)

£ $125

Registration Privacy Policy The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) protects the privacy of its clients and participants in its annual events. The WBDC will not share the contact information of its conference participants with any outside party.

(includes meals)

*$300 for registration after September 1, 2013 and at the door. This fee may not include entry to the 27 th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon. **For a list of the 2013 Partner Organizations, please call 312-853-3477, ext. 240. ***Tickets to the 27 th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon are available on a first come, first served basis.

Women’s Business & Buyers Mart Only Ticket (no meals or reception participation)

£ $125

Women’s Forum Breakfast Only Ticket

£ $125

27 th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon Only Ticket***

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 McCORMICK PLACE | LAKESIDE CENTER | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

2013 Conference Marquee Sponsors

Women’s Business Development Center 8 S. Michigan Avenue 4th Floor Chicago, IL 60603

Conference Information Line: 312-853-3477, ext. 240 Fax: 312-853-0145 Email: EWCinfo@wbdc.org

REGIONAL WORKSHOP SERIES PRIOR TO THE CONFERENCE

Attracting New Customers & Sustaining Profitable Growth July 30, 2013 – Chicago, IL host sponsor MICROSOFT August 7, 2013 – St. Louis, MO host sponsor AMEREN August 14, 2013 – Minneapolis, MN host sponsor TARGET CORPORATION August 21, 2013 – Milwaukee, WI host sponsor MANPOWERGROUP

CONFERENCE

SPONSORS Marquee Sponsors

Premier Sponsors

For more information and to register for these workshops, please visit www.WBDC.org.

Program Facilitator TERRI SHAPIRO Executive Director, Brand & Media Relations, Deluxe Corporation Every business is unique and what works for one business rarely work for the next. This seminar will help you discover the keys to successfully attracting new customers to your business. Before it is over, you’ll not only know how to ignite growth for your business – you’ll know how to do it profitably!

Premier WBE Sponsors TH ANNIVERSARY

Major Sponsors

27 th ANNUAL CONFERENCE

HOTEL & TRANSPORTATION Hotel room blocks have been set-up at two local Chicago hotels, the dana hotel and spa & The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, to meet your travel needs. Please visit our conference website for information on rates and to book your room online. Please note, September is one of the busiest convention months in Chicago; room rates are high and rooms downtown go fast. There are a limited number of rooms available at these rates and they will be given on a first come, first served basis; we encourage you to call early to reserve a room. Please note, due to the proximity of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, shuttle transportation will not be provided between this property and Lakeside Center; the Hyatt is connected by covered walkway to the convention center.

WBE Sponsors

Premier Media Sponsors

Media Sponsors

MBE

Transportation to and from the dana hotel and spa and Lakeside Center will be provided the day of the event. The shuttles will run on 15-20 minute intervals from 6:45 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Please follow the directional signs at the dana hotel and spa and Lakeside Center to be directed to the shuttles.

Official Carrier

Parking is also available at McCormick Place, Lakeside Center. Please follow the signs to Lot C parking. At this time, there are no discounts on parking.

Official Technology Sponsor

A complimentary coat and luggage check will be available for your use at the event; this will be located by registration.

All facilities are handicapped accessible.

®

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR

Official Television Sponsor

*The Deluxe Corporation Foundation and The Travelers Companies, Inc. are serving in an Honorary Sponsorship capacity .Sponsors listed are those confirmed by July 1, 2013.

Women’s Business Development Center 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor Chicago, IL 60603-3471 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

September 26, 2013 McCormick Place Lakeside Center

2301 S . LA K E S H OR E D R I V E C H I C A GO, I LLI N OI S

The oldest national conference and business opportunities fair for women business owners in the country.

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage PAID

Chicago, IL 60603 Permit #4189

Welcome

27 th ANNUAL

It is our pleasure to invite you and your colleagues to the 27 th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference (EWC), Women’s Business & Buyers Mart, the oldest conference and business opportunities fair for WBEs in the country, and the premier event for women business owners in the Midwest.

For 26 years the EWC has offered women business owners realistic and relevant solutions to the current problems they are facing and the opportunity to increase the profitability of their businesses by building relationships with corporate and government buyers, business experts, and other women business owners. Please continue to visit our conference website for updates as we get closer to September, and we hope to see you there!

EMILIA DIMENCO President and CEO, Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)

2013 Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference Co-Chairs CAROLYNN BROOKS Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, Officemax and President, Officemax Charitable Foundation

MARSHA CRUZAN Chicago Market President, U.S. Bank

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AS OF JULY 1, 2013 7:30 a.m.

Registration Opens (Hall D2)

8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

27 Annual Women’s Forum Breakfast

th

Featuring Moderator Terry Savage (Lakeside Ballroom, E354)

9:30 – 11:45 a.m. Women’s Business & Buyers Mart (Hall D2) 9:45 – 11:45 a.m. 10,000 Small Businesses Alumni Panel

Session for established businesses (Breakout Room, E353C)

9:45 – 11:45 a.m. Contract Connections By appointment only (Hall D2) 9:45 – 11:45 a.m. Launching Your Own Business: From Dream to Reality

Workshop for start-ups (Breakout Room, E353B)

Noon – 1:45 p.m. 27th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon

Keynote presentation to be determined (Lakeside Ballroom, E354)

1:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Women’s Business & Buyers Mart (Hall D2)

2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Contract Connections By appointment only (Hall D2)

2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Small Business – Big Opportunity: Finding Solutions for Small Business Challenges

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Workshop for business owners of all levels (Breakout Room, E353C)

Get Down to Business Networking Reception (East Lakeside Terrace)

WOMEN’S BUSINESS & BUYERS MART SPONSORED BY: Featuring over 200 corporate and government entities seeking women as vendors, suppliers or contractors, the Women’s Business & Buyers Mart provides women business owners with an opportunity to enhance the profitability of their business by establishing relationships with corporate and government buyers, and with other women entrepreneurs, and access to information, resources and contacts to assist with their business needs and boost their bottom line.

Microsoft Pavilion – Technology Solutions Microsoft’s network of dedicated partners specializing in small business technology needs will be on-hand to offer solutions to conference attendees.

These partners are saving business owners from costly and time-consuming mistakes, and can help keep everyone in your company operating more efficiently and better equipped to stay on top of new business developments.

Stop by the Microsoft Pavilion at the Women’s Business & Buyers Mart for your one-on-one technology consultation!

Lakeshore Lounge

LOCATED OUTSIDE THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS & BUYERS MART SPONSORED BY: Recharge, relax and reconnect at the Lakeshore Lounge where you will find lightening-fast charging stations, resource materials and laptops to keep you linked in. Utilize WBDC’s high-speed hotspot to connect your device and seamlessly keep in touch with your office and important business contacts!

The Lakeshore Lounge is also home to the popular Resource Center containing free information from women business owners, business resource organizations and our media partners for attendees to peruse and procure at their leisure. Women business owners are encouraged to bring their brochures and business cards for display at the Resource Center.

S EEKING FUNDING? M eet with W BDC financial ex p er ts ab o ut t h e v ar io us o p tio ns av ailab le fo r y o ur b us ines s includ ing the WB DC M icro Finance P ro g r am . A p p licatio ns will b e av ailab le at t h e W BDC Bo o th!

AR E YOU A V E TE R AN? S to p b y the W BDC b o o th t o le a r n ho w the W BDC can help with y o ur b us ines s !