December 2022 Newsletter
A Message From Our President
December is here (already!) and it’s amazing the way another year has flown by so quickly.
On the other hand: ‘Tis the season to be jolly! What an exciting and magical time of year – holiday parties and get-togethers like it’s 2019! Our own in-person NAWBO Chicago holiday party was a ton of fun and booked to capacity, and it was wonderful to catch up with members and connect with other guests.

But while all this joy and merrymaking occurs, it’s important to take some time to plan for 2023 and set goals – professionally and personally – because planning is critical to success. One must set and then regularly reassess goals because without this process, we would wake up every morning and wander aimlessly through the day.
Thank You To Our Outgoing Connects Leaders!
Please join NAWBO Chicago in giving a heartfelt and sincere thank you to outgoing Chicago Connects co-leaders Marcy Fortnow and Ginna Ryan and West/South Connects co-leader Sue Harrawood!

For years Marcy, Ginna and Sue have organized and overseen these free monthly meetings. Connects serve as a critical touchpoint in the chapter for members and guests. They include presentations from experts on topics pertinent to women business owners, networking and relationship building. Connects are one of the most utilized member perks in the organization and have been shown to foster growth and connection for the membership. They are also one of the main introductions of the organization to guests - helping to grow membership. We have Marcy, Ginna and Sue to thank for so much of that.

Starting in January, Chicago Connects will be led by Sepora Makabeh. West/South Connects will continue to be co-led by Laura McDaniel in addition to Lynette DeRose.
What would you say to someone who is considering stepping up and being a Connects leader?

"The NAWBO women of our Chicago Connects group have been so grateful that there is someone coordinating the learning and connection activities for participants. It is one way many members make the most of their membership every month. For the amount of work required, there is a huge payback in being part of and being a leader in this amazing community."

Marcy Fortnow
Owner & CEO
How has being the leader of West/South Connects impacted you both professionally and personally?

"It’s an honor to lead in any area of NAWBO Chicago. Professionally, I’ve met and become a sounding board for businesses I may not have been invited in to if it weren’t for our relationship through West/South Connects. Their leaders trust me. On the personal side, being a Connects leader has made me a better, kinder and more compassionate woman and person."

Sue Harrawood
Founder
What is the important role Connects groups play to the greater NAWBO Chicago chapter?

"Connects provide a really special space for members to get to know one another on a more personal and intimate level. They provide an expectation of continuity and content that is "crafted" specifically for this group."

Ginna Ryan
Principal
Members In The News
Member Laura Barker, vice president, COO and CFO of BridgePoint Technologies, is a featured speaker at an upcoming free virtual event alongside Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary. The event is for Chicagoland small business owners who want to learn more about how to use technology to maximize productivity and profits while staying protected against online threats.

Join Laura on December 15 at 12:00 pm to learn the "5-Step System To Make Sure Your Business Technology Runs Like A Ferrari Instead of A Fiat."
Congratulations to member Shanita Akintonde, president of ShanitaSpeaks, for receiving the D. Parke Gibson Award from the Public Relations Society of America!

Shanita was recognized for her outstanding work to increase awareness of public relations within multicultural communities and participation in the promotion of issues that meet the special informational and educational needs of diverse communities.
Congratulations to NAWBO Chicago member, Rohini Dey (pictured left), and Board Member Angie Noll (pictured right) on being named winners in the 2022 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards!

Rohini is the founder and owner of Chicago's Vermilion restaurant and Let's Talk Womxn, an action movement of women business owners in the restaurant industry.

Angie is the owner of the Elmhurst-based bookkeeping, accounting and consulting firm Reconciled Solutions. She also serves as a mentor for York Community High School's INCubatoredu program, where students pitch business ideas to investors.
Start 2023 With A NAWBO Chicago Member Orientation
Start 2023 with the momentum to propel business growth and fuel personal and professional development. Join NAWBO Chicago for a virtual Member Orientation on January 10 from 9:00 – 10:00 am! Whether you are new to the organization, a long-time member or simply want more information before joining, all female entrepreneurs are invited to attend this FREE orientation and learn how to maximize all that NAWBO has to offer.
Click HERE to read NAWBO's comments and objections to the proposed rule issued by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor on October 11, 2022 entitled "Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act."

Click HERE to view the most recent advocacy updates.
Get The Deal - Ad Prices Discounted Until December 16
NAWBO Chicago has a gift for you! Purchase ad space by December 16 and receive $25 off the $250 ad or $50 off the $500 ad.

Ads are placed on a first come, first served basis, so submit your form today.

Reach hundreds of inboxes and expand your company's audience within the NAWBO Chicago network and beyond.

Please email Executive Director Melissa Lagowski with questions.
Grow As A Leader At NAWBO's Winter Leadership Academy
NAWBO members are busy women entrepreneurs who not only run their own businesses, but many are also in leadership positions in their local NAWBO chapters. That’s why you won’t want to miss the opportunity to personally connect with other women business leaders by attending the NAWBO Leadership Academy in Long Beach, CA on Feb 6-7.
Maximize Your Membership
Whether a solopreneur or a million-dollar business, NAWBO Chicago gives women-owned businesses of all levels the resources and support needed to help them grow and thrive. A NAWBO Chicago membership offers the power and benefits of an established community of women entrepreneurs.
Join a Mastermind
Premier Members are eligible to participate in one Mastermind as a Member Benefit. A Mastermind group is the same small group of women that meet on a regular basis to provide peer-to-peer discussions. Email to learn more.

Update Your Profile
Your profile is how you are represented to other members. By including details about your business, your interests and yourself, you have a better opportunity to be seen. Click here to update.
Get Involved with a Committee
NAWBO Chicago hosts four active committees: Advocacy; Diversity; Membership; and Celebration of Achievement Conference. Please find the descriptions and committee leaders here. 

Attend a Monthly Event
Connects are monthly small-group meetings that allow our members to come together regularly throughout the Chicagoland region. Find future events here.
NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email January submissions to the newsletter editor by December 19, 2022.
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