Message From Our President | | |
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As we step into April – the beginning of spring, growth and transformation – our theme for this month is "Bold Moves.” What better way to embody this idea than by diving into the upcoming Women Mean Business®: NAWBO Chicago’s Regional Entrepreneurial Conference & 41st Annual Fundraiser on April 25 at the Hilton in Oak Brook. This event promises to be a celebration of female entrepreneurship, camaraderie and, most importantly, boldness.
I am particularly thrilled to introduce our keynote speaker, Alex Batdorf of Get Sh!t Done, whose remarkable journey and unwavering support for women in business truly embodies the essence of boldness.
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April Member Spotlight - Moments | |
Share a defining moment in your journey as a woman business owner and how it impacted you personally or professionally. | | |
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There are so many defining moments in our history, but one of the biggest came in 2017, when my negotiation skills were put to the test. We had completed a project for an iconic institution in Chicago, and by the end of the project, we had devoted twice as much time to the event as we had expected. Ultimately, the client saw our value and they agreed to compensate us fairly. It was the toughest negotiation I had ever had, but it felt so good in the long run to hold the line about our worth.
Melissa Lagowski
CEO & Founder
Big Buzz Idea Group
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In 2022, I surprised my mother for Thanksgiving. The next day, mom fell ill and never recovered. After she passed, I knew I had to take time off from my business but didn’t know how long I would need, nor did I have a contingency plan in place if I ever had to step away. I feared the financial consequences, but I had faith I was going to be okay. Three important takeaways I've learned: you are resilient and stronger than you think, trust the process and have faith. Lastly, the sun always shines after the storm.
Lisa Shaw
Chef Owner
Lisa's Boutique Catering
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Whether it’s working with customers, interacting with staff or learning all the facets of running a business, I think every day provides new defining moments. Being a woman owned business pushes me out of my comfort zone on a daily basis by presenting me with new and unexpected situations. I am growing in ways I had never imagined; I set firmer boundaries, I face challenging situations head on and I have gotten better at asking for help on those days that I feel like I can’t do it anymore. The journey is not always easy, but it is rewarding.
Nancy Wunderlich
President & CEO
Ergonomic Solutions
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Warm Up For Women Mean Business® Regional Conference! | |
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NAWBO Chicago is looking forward to hosting Women Mean Business®: NAWBO Chicago's Regional Entrepreneurial Conference and 41st Annual Fundraiser this month!
Why should YOU attend?
- Experience a full day of educational sessions on topics including: tactics to build diversity and increase engagement, how to manage fractional expertise, the advantages of commercial loans and much more.
- An empowering keynote address by Alex Batdorf, Get Sh!t Done, on scaling, reshaping the status quo and revolutionizing success.
- Network with hundreds of women business owners and leaders. Be in the space to make these connections.
- A diverse exhibit hall with products and services to help you and your business grow.
- Show your support for the 2024 award winners!
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Help NAWBO Chicago reach its goal to sell 400 tickets and take this opportunity to invest in yourself. Secure your ticket before prices increase!
If you'd like to secure a table for a group of 10, there are limited tables still available for purchase.
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NEW this year: NAWBO Chicago is seeking donations for a fundraising auction! If you wish to donate an item, please complete the auction form. | |
Celebrate The 2024 NAWBO Chicago Award Winners! | |
A treasured tradition at NAWBO Chicago's annual conference is to award deserving women business owners during the lunch portion of the event. New this year is the NextGen Award to recognize a budding entrepreneur. Show support for these women and secure your ticket today for Women Mean Business® on April 25. | |
Enhance The Annual Chocolate & Cocktail Reception - Donate! | | |
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Calling all professional dessert makers! The Regional Conference always concludes with one of the chapter's favorite traditions: our Chocolate and Cocktail Reception. We are currently looking for a variety of desserts — chocolate or other — to be donated. Do you know a baker or restaurant that would be interested in this exposure? Please see the form below for details. | |
Cabrini Tickets Still Available For NAWBO Chicago Members
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Cabrini, released to theaters on March 8 (International Women's Day), is a powerful demonstration of what female leadership can do. NAWBO Chicago still has some tickets left over from the watch parties last month.
After you purchase a ticket, NAWBO Chicago will reach out to you with instructions on how to select your seat at your chosen theater. Please email info@nawbochicago.org with questions.
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NAWBO Chicago Seeks Board Nominations For Upcoming Term | | |
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Applications for NAWBO Chicago Board of Directors for the 2024/25-2025/26 term are still being accepted.
Applicants must be current chapter members who are passionate about elevating women business owners to new heights and continuing the growth of our organization in service to our membership.
Please submit completed applications by April 5 to info@nawbochicago.org.
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| Are you planning to apply to be on the NAWBO Chicago Board? | | | |
North/West Connects Group In Search of New Co-Lead | | |
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Do you want to lead? North/West Connects is seeking a co-leader for the group. This Connects group meets on the third Thursday of each month in-person at Tryline Private Wealth in Arlington Heights.
Fulfilling a leadership position within the chapter will allow you to expand your network and make deeper, more meaningful connections with other women business owners and entrepreneurs.
Contact info@nawbochicago.org for more information about this exciting chapter leadership opportunity!
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Women Business Owners Are Better Together - Join Today! | |
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Are you thinking about joining NAWBO Chicago? Are you already a member but know other women business owners and female entrepreneurs who can benefit and grow from joining the organization? Don't delay! The 2024 Spring Membership Drive allows savings of $25 off the new member initiation fee. The drive now runs through May 31.
See for yourself the benefit of joining NAWBO Chicago at the chapter's biggest event of the year. Those interested in joining are encouraged to attend Women Mean Business®: NAWBO Chicago's Regional Entrepreneurial Conference and 41st Annual Fundraiser.
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Elevate Your Voice Across The Nation With NAWBO National | | |
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The NAWBO on the Go podcast delivers quick doses of fun, inspiration and education for today’s busy women entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses and care for themselves.
The requirements for applying to appear on the podcast are that you must be an active NAWBO Premier member and your topic must be relevant and designed to deliver value and insights to women business owners’ lives and/or businesses.
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Members can submit an article to the monthly newsletter NAWBO ONE, a monthly online publication for women business owners, NAWBO members and stakeholders, providing timely resources and valuable information to help businesses be successful.
Email publications@nawbo.org for details.
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NAWBO National hosts a variety of events throughout the year — both in-person and virtually — and on a wide array of topics important to women business owners.
Email events@nawbo.org for details about this way to get involved with NAWBO National.
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Maximize Your Membership In 2024 | |
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. | |
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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.
Activate Your Account
With the new National membership platform, all members need to activate their GrowthZone account. Activation emails are sent from memberservices@nawbo.org.
Please email lora@nawbochicago.org with any questions.
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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.
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NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions
NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email May submissions to the newsletter editor by April 19, 2024.
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