News of Interest: Michelle Hayward Seals S.H.E. Deal

Congratulations to WPO Chicago member Michelle Hayward, President of Bluedog Design (pictured with flowers from her WPO Chicago sisters), for being awarded 2008 Business of the Year through the ATHENA Power Link program at the S.H.E. reception last night.

We are very proud of Michelle who has worked hard to earn this wonderful achievement and wish her continued success growing Bluedog Design.

Learn more about ATHENA Power Link, here.

Note: The executives pictured (excluding Jasmine and Cheryl) all served on Michelle's award winning panel (L-R): Jasmine Moore, Program Director for CEC and manager of the ATHENA Power Link program, Mary Lou Wattman of Brightsocks, Michelle Hayward of Bluedog Design (award winner), David Houle of David Houle & Associates, Karen Hale of National City Bank, Dara Griffith of RSM McGladrey (look closely behind Scott), Scott Issen of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, Bess Gallanis of Bess Gallanis, Inc. and off to the right in the back is guest Cheryl Cryer, Marketing Services Director for RSM McGladrey who manages our WPO chapter meetings in the suburbs. Not shown is Susan Sentell of The Sentell Group.

Event of Interest: S.H.E. Reception 6/5

As a proud partner, join us Thursday, June 5, at the CEC as we celebrate the value that business advisors provide to entrepreneurs. The S.H.E. Reception connects successful women business owners with seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals. Both men and women are encouraged to attend.

Register today and find out who the 2008 Business of the Year and Advisory Panel of the Year awards go to.

Learn more about ATHENA Power Link, here.

See you there!

News of Interest: Two WPO Chicago Members Win BIG Awards

Two WPO Chicago members are award winners:

1. INNOVATE Illinois 2007, third annual small business challenge, to recognize and assist some of the most innovative small companies that are contributing to our expanding economy. Thirteen winners were selected from approximately 100 companies who originally submitted applications and business plans from the Northern, Chicagoland, Central and Southern regions of the state. Finalists will now participate in an [intensive six-month program where they will have access to a variety of essential resources and expertise, including a $10,000 grant, to continue to grow their businesses. INNOVATE Illinois is funded by Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns economic development program. And one of our Chicago downtown I chapter members is among the winners!

2. Women-owned businesses represent the fastest growing segment of the U.S. economy, yet many of them are under-funded and not performing to their full potential. It is not for a lack of vision, stamina or hard work on the part of their owners, who often do not have the support they need to get to the next level. The ATHENAPowerLink program is here to help. The ATHENAPowerLink is a mentoring program that connects a woman business owner with an advisory panel for a 12-month period. And one of our Chicago downtown II chapter members just won the ATHENAPowerLink award for 2007!

Congratulations to both Chicago members! We are very proud of you.

[Due to our member confidentiality policy, we do not mention specific names.]