Message From Our President | | |
|
Now more than ever before, I am so very grateful to be a member of NAWBO Chicago! Times are a-changin’ in Washington D.C., and these changes are making an impact on women business owners across this great nation. Wow, NAWBO is really making sure we have a seat at the advocacy table! NAWBO CEO Jen Earle and Board Chair Dr. Janis Shinkawa have been to our nation’s capital twice since the new executive orders rolled out from the Trump administration and they are on a trajectory to continuing to visit D.C. once per month. | |
March Member Spotlight - Reach | |
How do you expand your reach as a woman business owner, whether through networking, marketing or community engagement, to grow your business and impact? | | |
|
|
I expand my reach by cultivating relationships with industry decision-makers, fellow entrepreneurs and peers whose values align with mine. This alignment isn’t just preferable—it’s fundamental to creating relationships that exceed typical business interactions. When we share core principles, our interactions naturally produce more valuable outcomes. These relationships are rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose; they foster deeper conversations, natural trust and organic opportunities.
Lindrea Reynolds
Founder and Chief Brand Strategist
LR Brand Consulting, Inc.
| | |
|
|
Getting involved with NAWBO Chicago’s committees allowed me to connect with other business owners, raise awareness of my company and expand my network beyond my local community. Through these connections, I gained access to various events and networking opportunities. One notable opportunity was speaking to a women’s group, which led to even more doors opening for me.
Anna Maria Viti-Welch
President
The VITI Companies
| |
Showcase Your Business At Our Regional Conference In April! | |
|
NAWBO Chicago is offering several Exhibitor, Sponsorship, and Program ad opportunities for Women Mean Business®: NAWBO Chicago's Regional Entrepreneurial Conference and 42nd Annual Achievement Luncheon.
Our chapter's signature event and largest annual fundraiser is on Friday, April 25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook. The event includes a full-day of educational sessions on topics geared toward women business owners, an award ceremony and expo hall. The event will conclude with the traditional Chocolate Reception and Cocktail Hour.
Premier Exhibitor perks:
- One event ticket
- An exhibit table in the Expo Hall
- Quarter-page ad and logo in the commemorative awards booklet
- Logo displayed on the event webpage and pre-event promotion
Click the button below to view all sponsorship, exhibitor, program ad information and to purchase your ticket. Please email Executive Director Melissa Lagowski at melissa@nawbochicago.org for more information about sponsorship.
| |
Join Us At Behind The Mask This Week! | |
|
Behind The Mask: Stories Of Courage, Growth And Strength
March 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Presented by the DEI&B Committee at Art Studio 928 in Oak Park
“Behind The Mask: Stories Of Courage, Growth and Strength” will feature heartfelt stories from remarkable women who have triumphed over challenges, embraced growth and emerged with wisdom to share.
Thank you to our generous event sponsors: Art Studio 928 LLC and Tryline Private Wealth of the Princeton Group. And thank you to Cumberland Irving, Inc. for donating refreshments.
| |
Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Excellence At This In-Person Event | |
|
Connect To More Pitch Competition
March 12 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Presented by Wells Fargo at 10 South Wacker Drive, 14th Floor in Chicago
Join NAWBO Chicago and our partner, Wells Fargo, for a pitch competition! There are 10 participating chapters across the county and each will name a local winner. Recorded pitches from the winners from each chapter will then be judged at the National level. The top three contenders from the national pitch competition will win a ticket to NAWBO's 50th anniversary event in Washington D.C. this June!
| |
The International Women's Day Market Is This Weekend! | |
|
NAWBO Chicago is proud to partner with the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (LSRCC) for the fourth annual International Women’s Day Market. The free event takes place from March 8-9 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. in Chicago.
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women. To honor the hardworking women-owned businesses in the Lincoln Square Ravenswood area, LSRCC is hosting a market featuring pop-up shops curated by local, women-owned businesses selling unique products from jewelry, beauty products, home goods, food, drinks and more.
| |
Make Your Best First Impression With A Great Portrait | | |
|
|
At the International Women's Day Market on March 8, there is a special opportunity to refresh your professional portrait with jookie, a portrait boutique, inc., and fellow woman-owned small business owner, Jill LIebhaber. Portions of the proceeds for the portraits will be donated to NAWBO Chicago.
As a special offer for NAWBO members and friends of the organization, you can receive a $50 discount on these already specially priced headshot sessions (that come with 2 bonus images). Use code NAWBO50 when signing up.
| |
Apply To Join NAWBO Chicago's Board Of Directors! | | |
|
|
Applications for NAWBO Chicago Board of Directors for the 2025/26-26/27 term are now being accepted. Please submit completed applications by April 4 to info@nawbochicago.org.
If you have questions, please contact Past President Cheryl Vargas at cheryl@studio928.net or Executive Director Melissa Lagowski at melissa@nawbochicago.org.
| |
Spring Into The Next 50 Years of NAWBO By Joining Today | | |
|
|
NAWBO isn’t just a network—it’s a dynamic community of powerhouse women business owners who get you, support you and help you thrive. Whether you’re looking to expand your connections, gain valuable insights, unlock new opportunities or use your voice to create a better future, NAWBO is the place to be.
Now is the perfect time to join! For a limited time, save $50 on your new member initiation fee during the months of March and April.
Be unstoppable in your business with a membership to NAWBO Chicago.
| |
BOI Reporting Is Mandatory Again - March 21 Deadline | | |
|
We want to bring to your attention an important update on the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement. On February 18, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas granted FinCEN a stay order on its previously issued preliminary nationwide injunction on the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act. BOI reporting is once again mandatory (we will keep you posted if that changes) with a new deadline of March 21, 2025. | |
Attend This In-Person Event To Inspire, Connect and Reflect | |
|
NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions
NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email April submissions to the newsletter editor by March 21, 2025.
| | | | |
