NAWBO® Central Illinois - The PULSE

Women Business Owners Survey

In case you missed yesterday's e-mail,  Missy Brooks, a student at Bradley University,is doing a study on women business owners in the area with the hope that the local NAWBO chapter can utilize this information.  Please fill out this survey as accurately as possible. All responses will be used only in aggregate form and your individual answers will be kept confidential.  Just click on the link below and complete this short, ten question, survey by April 16th.  Also, feel free to email Missy at mdbrooks@mail.bradley.edu if you have any questions about the survey.  Your help is greatly appreciated!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=AH2nr8GlzMPMmVrOK6hlRw_3d_3d

"Empowering Growth the Kull Way" Campaign

Alexis Tice has invited NAWBO members to participate in a campaign project local involving women. The YWCA Peoria and Kull [kool] Scape Landscaping are working on the *Empowering Growth the Kull Way* campaign.  Both organizations want to create awareness about economic development in Peoria through the use of the concept "going green"  and education.  In order to promote the YWCA, they will be educating women with new skills, such as growing a vegetable garden for personal or community use, during the event, Learning to be Kull Landscaping Week: April 1-April 4 at the YWCA Peoria on Lake.  Kull Scape will be offering their products and expertise to educate the community, while building a garden for the facility.

They are asking for volunteers to help each day (9 am- 3 pm, at any possible time) with the construction of the garden.  Also, they are installing a patio with engraved clay-pavers.  The pavers are being purchased by businesses, organizations, individuals, and clubs as a way to donate to the YWCA Peoria.  This is your opportunity to help support our campaign.

To learn more about the project and find out how to particiate, you can download the YWC Mailer and the Paver Sheet. If you have further questions, you can contact Alexis at atice@mail.bradley.edu.

Welcome to New NAWBO-CIL Members!

NAWBO-CIL would like to welcome the following new members:

• Jeanie Cry, Gemstone Confections
• Nancy Komlanc, Gardening Digs
• Pam Neff, Neff Accounting, Inc.
• Michelle Didesch, A+ Children's Academy
• Ginny Molleck, Limelight Communications, Inc.
• Nancy Weichmann, Academy Coffee Co.
• Ronda Daily, Bremer Jewelry

We look forward to getting to know you and your businesses!

A+ Children's Academy Hosts District 150 Teacher's Institute

District 150 chose A+ Children’s Academy for their training site on Institute Day for their para-professionals.  Friday March 20th owner Michelle Didesch held an Early Childhood Conference and tour of her new preschool.  The conference focused on early childhood brain development, benefits of sign language with infants and toddlers and documenting preschooler’s development for kindergarten readiness.

 “To encourage early brain development we use the Reggio Emilia Approach here at A+ Children’s Academy which promotes a love for investigation and brings learning to life. We believe children’s learning potential is infinite!” said Michelle. “As the children are investigating topics of interest, they still get the basics.   Besides our 3 tiered language / literacy program, this way of teaching promotes higher level thinking and naturally lends itself to integrating science, math and language/literacy concepts in the most meaningful way possible for children.  In this way, they are more than kindergarten ready when they graduate from our Academy.”

A+ Children’s Academy is a new early childhood school located in north Peoria, close to Dunlap.  They teach infants thru preschool age children in a new 9,000 square foot facility.  The Academy is located at 6431 North Big Hollow Road and is situated on over two acres.  The expansive park like setting has allowed for a very generous sized exercise and play area for the children.

Michelle Didesch and Nancy Weichmann are joined NAWBO-CIL in January. Congratulations!

Building Available for Lease in Peoria

Fidelity On Call has bought a building and will be moving - probably by June. Our facility at 1711 W Detweiller in Peoria will be available for rent, and we are trying to help our landlord "get the word out".  We are in a very nice building with a reasonable lease rate that has served us well.  The building is 3312 sf and has a garage attached at the back which we use for additional storage.  There are at least 8 offices, a conference area, kitchen, main entry, etc.  The parking lot can easily handle 20 cars.  
 
If you know anyone who might be interested in re-locating, please forward this information to them.
 
Thanks for your help.
 
Pat Drake
Fidelity On Call
309.691.1500
800.836.763

Meet Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan

Dear NAWBO Members:

Please join me and Lisa Madigan the first female Attorney General of Illinois on April 1 at 5:00pm at the Peoria Public Library for a relaxed meet-and-greet.  

Lisa Madigan has developed a strong record of fighting for the people of Illinois.  She has been at the forefront of efforts to stop foreclosures due to predatory lending practices.  She has sought to protect consumers from faulty products like fatally-defective baby cribs and successfully sued an insurance company that refused to cover pregnant women.  Attorney General Madigan has been a consistent proponent of open and honest government.  In an era of corruption, scandal, and waste it is difficult to find a more effective and trustworthy public servant.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has a bright political future, and this is a wonderful opportunity to speak with her in person.  We sincerely hope that you will join us at the Peoria Public Library Auditorium, at 107 NE Monroe on April 1st at 5:00pm.  Lisa is very much looking forward to meeting you and hearing your questions and concerns about state issues.

Sincerely,

Shirley McCombs
Secretary, Democratic Party of Illinois

Please RSVP to:  smccombs@hughes.net

Symonds To Be Featured As Keynote Speaker

Congratulations to Doris Symonds! She is the keynote speaker for the Tri-County Chapter of the Illinois Association of Administrative Professionals. She will be presenting "Ten Tips for a Successful Interview." The event is on April 7, 2009 at the Peoria Civic Center, Room 135/136. If you're interested in more information, click here.

A+ Believes Children Are Never to Young to Reach for the Stars!!!

At A+ Children’s Academy, one of their fundamental beliefs is that children must be seen as capable individuals with tremendous potential.  Michelle says “The Reggio Emilia Approach promotes a love for investigation and brings learning to life. At A+ Children’s Academy our curriculum promotes creativity through the visual arts, literacy skills, science, math, socialization and hands on learning. As your child investigates an interesting topic in smaller groups they will be problem solving, journaling, and exploring the world around them”.

This is why as the children investigated the properties of light, it naturally turned into an investigation of the constellations and then the solar system!!  A+ Children’s Academy children will be taking a field trip to Lakeview museum’s planetarium this Thursday, March 6th, to continue their observations and investigations.

Have Lunch with Area Mayors!

You are invited to attend a NAWBO-CIL Public Policy Event, organized by Lynne Johnson!

“LUNCH WITH THE MAYORS”
Friday, March 27, 2009
12:00 – 1:30PM
Country Club of Peoria

Come join us for a glimpse into the future. Meet with and gain valuable business insight, as Peoria Area Mayors share their vision and plans to lead our communities forward through these tough economic times. You will enjoy a fabulous lunch in a historic and picturesque setting, located on the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive”. 

Bring your questions and your notebooks as there will be Q&A.

Event Price - $25. Reservation deadline is March 20th! 

Reserve now as seating is limited! Register by e-mailing secretary@nawbo-cil.org or complete the registration form below, enclose your payment and mail to:
NAWBO - CIL
PO BOX 573
Peoria, IL 61615

Please make checks payable to NAWBO. For further information, please call 309-692-2225 and leave a message or e-mail secretary@nawbo-cil.org.

March Monthly Meeting Announcement

The monthly meeting for NAWBO-CIL will be on Wednesday, March 18, 2009.
Your RSVPs are due by Monday, March 16th.

This month’s meeting is at Mt. Hawley Country Club, 7724 N Knoxville Avenue in Peoria. Click here for a map.

This month, we will take a look at public policy with Public Policy Director Lynne Johnson.

Times and Agenda
5:30 pm - Social and Networking Time
6:00 pm - Dinner
6:45 pm - Announcements
7:00 pm – Program

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. The list will be updated periodically and completely up-to-date on Monday, March  16th.

NAWBO® Central Illinois Welcomes the Disney Keys to Excellence

Join us as we welcome the world-renowned Disney Institute to the Bloomington-Normal Metro Area on April 21, 2009, for an incredible day of learning, insight, and inspiration.

In slow economic times, Disney Institute helps you pick up the pace – through cost-effective professional development.  Join thousands of professionals, world-wide, who have learned how to thrive by:
•    Strengthening loyalty and retaining valuable customers;
•    Expanding their brand and generating greater profits;
•    Building team involvement and ownership;
•    Creating a service culture and motivating employees;
•    Maintaining a competitive edge in a sluggish economy.

We invite you to attend the Disney Keys to Excellence program because of the current economy, not despite it!  A one-day workshop, the Keys is:
•    Relevant: Impacts critical drivers of success in a slow economy;
•    Affordable: Priced to serve more people under limited budgets;
•    Actionable: Easy to implement upon return to the office;
•    Inspirational: Generates team excitement and momentum;
•    Short: Takes only one day away from the office;

•    Local: No airfare or hotel expenses.

Registration and Information:
Phone: 877.544.2384
Fax: 913.712.9247
Online:http://keysus.com/splash/WBOPCLWsplash.htm

Email: registrations@keysUS.com

Receive $50 off the guest admission price by using promotional code WBOMNE and pay only $345 per guest (group discounts available).

To learn more and register, go to www.KeysBloomington.com.

No pre-requisite training required.