NAWBO® Central Illinois - The PULSE

New NAWBO Documents

Newly available! The NAWBO-CIL 2010 Membership Guide is now online. It will always be available at www.nawbopulse.com under About Our Members. In addition, the board has also published a NAWBO Mentoring Initiative, which is also available online. Please take time to review this new documents.

If you have updates or corrections to your contact information in the 2010 Membership Guide, be sure to log-on to www.nawbo.org and update your information there. If we make the updates in our local database, we run the risk of overriding the new info when we download from the main national database. Thanks for your help in keeping things current!

Great Organizing Giveaway

Hello NAWBO Sisters!  I have not talked to many of you this past year and I hope to change that this next month.  Recovery from my surgery is going well and my doctor says I’m right on target.  (I met my doctor at a NAWBO event!)  Even better -- no cancer in the tumors! 

Anyway, I’m writing today to ask for your help and to tell you about a new project that I’m coordinating.  It is called the Great Organizing Giveaway™.  Anyone can go to www.AskTheExpertOrganizers.com and  sign up for this f’ree online event.  Participants will get access to receive an amazing number (currently over 130 items) of f’ree resources to help organize your office/business, your time, and your home. You don’t have to worry about these resources contributing to your existing clutter, as you can choose the ones that will help with your specific challenges, and most are in digital format, to be read, listened to, or printed out as needed. 

Please help me spread the word!  We want to reach 1,000s of people with this event and can only do that if we get help to tell people about it.

Washington Day Banquet with Barbara Walters

A NAWBO table has been reserved for this year's Washington Day Banquet Monday February 22nd featuring guest speaker Barbara Walters.
 
Cost:  $100 per seat for NAWBO member
Limited seats available.

Please contact Mary Ardapple at apples@mtco.com for more information or make a reservation.

Economic Climate 2010 Breakfast

Mary Ardapple would like to know if anyone wants to join her in attending the Feb 25 breakfast on the Economic Climate update (see below for details).  Let her know at your convenience.

E-mail: apples@mtco.com
Phone:  309-693-3522

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Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, The Heartland Partnership and Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce present: ECONOMIC CLIMATE 2010

February 25, 7:30-8:45am - doors open at 7am at WeaverRidge.

This a free event, however, reservations required due to limited seating. Contact Terry at tbest@chamber.h-p.org

* Jim McConoughey, CEO - The Heartland Partnership
* Keith Steffen, President & CEO - OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
* Vickie Clark, COO - EDC for Central Illinois
* Matt Coulter, Vice President - PDC Services, Inc. / Area Disposal Service, Inc.
* Mark Joseph, Executive Vice President - South Side Bank

Please click here to read the flyer.

The Economic Climate 2010 event is sponsored by InterBusiness Issues, a publication of Central Illinois Business Publishers.

Ribbon Cutting for Wannabe's Upscale Resale

You are invited to join member Tracy Wann and Wannabe's Upscale Resale for a ribbon cutting on Friday, Feb. 5th at 10 am. The address is 3530 W. Willow Knolls Dr. in the Willow Station shopping plaza right next to Curves. It would be wonderful to see a few NAWBO members there, showing their support!

PR 101 by Lindsay Brown

Although we weren't able to meet in January due to the weather, Lindsay Brown has provided her PowerPoint presentation that she planned for the educational moment. Download PR 101

Apply to be a NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer

Wells Fargo and NAWBO want to recognize the extraordinary talent, drive and innovation of women business owners across the country. In 2002 we launched the NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award to celebrate the enormous role women entrepreneurs play in driving the American economy.
 
We are looking for women business owners who have built successful businesses with unique products, services or delivery channels and are serving as role models for others to follow. Tell us how your business reflects your vision and commitment to building an organization that makes a difference in your community.
 
Three outstanding women-owned businesses will be recognized for their trailblazing spirit as demonstrated by their companies' business performance, innovation, growth and contribution to the community. Each winning business will receive a cash grant of $5,000, gain nationwide recognition, and be honored at the NAWBO Women's Business Conference 2010 in Washington, D.C.

Apply or nominate a woman trailblazer today!

You may submit your nominations ONLINE or by mail using the attached Application Form. All applications must be submitted by February 19, 2010 to qualify.

CLICK HERE for award qualifications, evaluation criteria and nominations process.
 
CLICK HERE to apply online. 
 
CLICK HERE to apply by mail. 
 
For questions or additional information, please contact Wells Fargo Women's Business Services at wbs@wellsfargo.com.

Outstanding Small Business Awards

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the Outstanding Small Business Awards.  We know your business is outstanding, but what is it that sets you apart from the other small businesses?  Tell us your story.

The Outstanding Small Business Awards, sponsored by Busey Bank and Heartland Bank and Trust Company, will be presented at the Power Breakfast, Wednesday, March 24th, 7:30 AM, at the Peoria Civic Center.

Two Outstanding Small Business awards will be presented at the Power Breakfast.  One award will be given to a company with 1-25 employees and one will be given to a company with 26-150 employees.

Self nominations are welcomed and encouraged.  Feel free to nominate a company that you feel is deserving of this award.  Nominations should not be a division, subsidiary, or franchise of a company, and should have been in operation in the tri-county area for at least five years.  

To nominate a company or the Outstanding Small Business Award visit: http://www.peoriachamber.org/goto/AwardNom

Nominations should be completed and returned to the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce no later than March 1st by 4:30 PM.

Please encourage your employees to attend the Power Breakfast.  Individual tickets for the event are $30.00 and a table of eight is $240.00. 

If you have any questions about the Outstanding Small Business Awards or the Power Breakfast, please feel free to Sarah Stabler - 309.495.5915 or sstabler@chamber.h-p.org.

Enterprising Women Digital

The Latest issue of Enterprising Women Digital is now available. If you would like to subscribe to this magazine, click here.

Or visit the Website at http://online.enterprisingwomen.com

Book Club is Back!

When:  January 28th at 6:00
Where:  I Know You Like a Book on Prospect
What:  The Book is Who Moved My Cheese, Leader this Month is Tina Thomas

Contact Penny Kramer 472-4023 with questions!

I Know You Like a Book is located at 4707 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL.

Make Mine A Million

The Make Mine a Million $ Business Competition is back!

 

This Competition is designed to help women entrepreneurs strengthen their vision, build growth strategies, and take businesses to a million dollars in revenue in the next 12-18 months.  To be eligible, your business must generate at least $200,000 in annual revenues and be at least 50% woman owned.  If your revenues are greater than $200,000 or just under, you should strongly consider applying.

 

The competition will be culminating at the American Express OPEN Women’s Business Summit on February 17 & 18 in Houston, Texas. Be sure to SAVE THE DATE! For more information, please follow this link: http://www.makemineamillion.org/grow/content/type/tools/article/930.

 

Also find the attached PDF flyer for your reference - Calling All Women Entrepreneurs

January Membership Meeting

Get on board for 2010!

It’s time to prepare for the January meeting for NAWBO-CIL. It will be on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Your RSVPs are due by Monday, January 18th.

This month’s meeting is at Country Club of Peoria, 4700 N. Grandview Dr., Peoria Heights, IL.
(Click here for a map.)

This meeting theme is “Get on board for 2010”. It will feature:

• Discussion nuggets of “Out with the Old and In with the New”
• Chapter Update of Board Direction for 2010
• Distribution of 2010 Membership guide
• Presentation and Launch of NEW “Mentoring Program”

The meeting kicks-off at 4:30 with an Educational Moment led by public relations director Lindsay Brown with “Tips for Effective PR 101”.  This presentation is a must for those looking at refining a promotional strategy for 2010.

Times and Agenda
4:30 pm – Educational Moment by Lindsay Brown
5:30 pm - Social and Networking Time
6:00 pm - Dinner
6:45 pm - Announcements
7:00 pm – Program – “Get on board for 2010”

Please respond as soon as possible by replying to this message or sending your response to secretary@nawbo-cil.org.

If you want to see who will be attending, visit http://www.nawbopulse.com/the_pulse/see-who-is-attending.html.

Door Prize: Remember, if it’s your birthday, please bring a door prize.
 
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – MEMBERS - $25, GUESTS - $30
Reservations made but not kept will be billed accordingly.
RSVP – by Monday, January 18, Noon
Make check payable to: NAWBO   Total: ________________
Click to: secretary@nawbo-cil.org
Mail to P.O. Box 573, Peoria, IL 61651
Call: 309-692-2225
Name: __________________________ Guest: __________________________

Condolences to Doris Symonds

We extend our condolences to Doris Symonds, whose mother died on Tuesday, January 5th. The funeral will be in South Dakota by the Kurk Funeral Home in Rapid City. You may send cards to:

Doris Symonds
5106 Newcastle
Peoria, IL 6l6l5

Peoria Charter School Development

ONLY FOUR DAYS UNTIL THE SCHOOL BOARD VOTE: ACT NOW!

Time is short. The District 150 Board of Education votes on Monday, January 11, to approve or deny the application to open a math, science and technology charter school for the 2010-2011 school year. You have just FOUR days to make your voice heard and ensure a "yes" vote for this proven model that’s closing the achievement gap and delivering results: higher test scores, attendance rates, graduation rates and college acceptance. Please take action now.

1. Say "Yes!" to dinner before the vote

Join us at Leonardo's La Gondola (700 E. War Memorial) between 5-6 pm on Monday, January 11. Charter school supporters will share free sandwiches, drinks and chips, then put on our "Yes!" buttons and drive the few short blocks to the District 150 Administrative Offices at 3202 N. Wisconsin. The school board meeting starts at 6:30 pm. If you can't join us for dinner, please plan to arrive at the meeting early to ensure you get a seat.

2. Tell the school board to vote "Yes!"
There's still time to let the school board members know how important this initiative is to your family, neighborhood or business. Send an email or make a phone call today!

Debbie Wolfmeyer, President: 309.681.9567, debbie.wolfmeyer@psd150.org
Linda Butler, Vice President: 309.688.7912, linda.butler@psd150.org
David Gorenz: 309.688.2824, david.gorenz@psd150.org
Rachael Parker: 309.688.5990, rachael.parker@psd150.org
Laura Petelle: 309.369.1141, laura.petelle@psd150.org
Martha Ross: 309.674.2574, martha.ross@psd150.org
Jim Stowell: 309.453.4616, jim.stowell@psd150.org

3. Say "Yes!" to a financial contribution
The Caterpillar Foundation has offered a $500,000 challenge grant to help cover the charter school's first-year operating costs. The challenge? Our community must raise another $500,000 to match it. We're well on our way, thanks to generous businesses and individuals who care about education in our community. We've received gifts ranging from $5 to $100,000! The more money we raise by January 11, the more proof we'll have for the school board that our community supports this cause. Please contribute whatever amount you can today or make a pledge. A contribution form is online at www.peoriacharterschools.org.

4. Spread the "Yes!" message
Send this email to five friends, family members, colleagues or neighbors. Encourage them to visit our website and Facebook page. Ask them to contact the school board and contribute what they can to the Cat Foundation challenge grant. Invite them to join us for dinner and the meeting on Monday night.

We need all of Peoria to say "Yes!" to this proven model for delivering higher student achievement.

www.peoriacharterschools.org

Operation Santa Exceeds Goal!

Patti Smith reports that Operation Santa recently completed its mission to send tens of thousands of homemade Christmas stockings to our deployed Armed Forces currently defending our freedom.

The goal was 35,000 stockings however we were able to send 42,400 stockings in all! Volunteers from across the country mailed in a total of 55,000 stockings. Operation Santa finished 22% over goal, two days early and on budget even during a down economy. Thanks to all for your support to send a slice of home to those serving overseas this holiday. Pictures and thank you notes from recipients can be viewed at www.operationsanta.info . While on the website, read up on how you can participate in Operation Santa 2010!

Paid Internship Opportunity for College Student

State Farm has a paid internship opportunity available. If you know someone who might be interested, you can download more information by clicking here - Download LD Internship Summer 2010 Job Opening

Job Corps Needs Your Help!

Job Corps is in need of a "connected" person who knows businesses and services in the Peoria Area.  After students come out of Job Corps with a trade/skill, they need to be placed and followed.  This is life-changing for students and graduates while helping the community. If you know anyone who would like to help with this and get paid to do it, please call Rhonda Washer at 309-676-5627 or 309-361-5525. Rhonda says there are great benefits for you as well!

Lend Your Voice to the 2009-2010 NAWBO Public Policy Issues Survey

Your struggles, achievements and dreams matter to NAWBO. That's why, as we plan our public policy statements and activities for the coming year, we want your perspective and input. What are the greatest issues facing your business at the present time? How do you think economic and business conditions in the U.S. will be by the end of 2010? Please click the link below and tell us! The results from this short survey will help us better advocate for the issues that are most critical to you, your business and your bottom line. Completing the survey should take no more than eight minutes of your time—and is completely anonymous and confidential. Lend your voice and help NAWBO advocate for you and the 10.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States today. Click here

www.nawbo.org

Member News

We would like to extend our condolences to Becky Woods, who recently lost her father.

Cards may be sent to:

Becky Woods
10808 N David Ct
Peoria, IL 61615-9484

Also, Doris Symonds asks for thoughts and prayers for her family. Her mother is terminally ill, and they have just enrolled her in a hospice program. Her address is:

Doris Symonds
5106 W Newcastle Dr
Peoria, IL  6l6l5

It's the NAWBO Christmas Party

The NAWBO-CIL Christmas party is December 16th at 5:30 pm at the Water Street Wine Café. Your RSVPs are due by Friday, December 11th!

The Water Street Wine Café is at 100 East State Street in Peoria. (Click here for a map.) The phone number is (309) 966-4246.

We’ll be doing a Dirty Santa gift exchange, so please bring a gift (value +/- 15.00). Make sure you like it, too, because you might end up with it! Re-gifting might not be a good idea here :-)

We'll be downtown in the city lights so let's dress to the 9’s. We'll be wine tasting and eating some great food, too!

Please reply to secretary@nawbo-cil.org and watch for a reply so you know your reservation (or cancellation) has been confirmed.

Hope to see you there!