News of Interest: Where Mary Bahr Lunches in Chicago

Our very own WPO member, Mary Bahr (pictured), president of MAB Advertising, is featured at Crain's dining blog:

Mary Bahr is president and creative director of MAB Advertising Inc., a 15-year-old Chicago firm whose clients include Sears Holdings Corp., Kmart Corp. and Pet Supplies Plus Inc. She often dines with chief marketing officers ...

Read the entire article:  Where the president of MAB Advertising does lunch in Chicago

Article of Interest: How to Stay a Step Ahead in Business

Here's a glimpse of the thinking behind some of the major steps I.B.M. has taken under Samuel Palmisano’s (pictured) leadership, based on two interviews with him conducted at the NYTimes.com. He boils it down to four questions you must ask:

1. “Why would someone spend their money with you — so what is unique about you?”
2. “Why would somebody work for you?”
3. “Why would society allow you to operate in their defined geography — their country?”
4. “And why would somebody invest their money with you?”

Mr. Palmisano has stepped down as Chief Executive of IBM, turning the baton over to Virginia M. Rometty (pictured) who becomes the ninth chief executive in the company’s 100-year history.

Read the entire article here.

Hat tip to WPO Chicago member Mary Bahr for turning us on to the article.

Event Update: 1st WPO Chicago Town Resource Meeting

With the generous assistance of WPO Chicago member Mary Bahr, we hosted our first ever WPO Chicago Town Resource Meeting December 2nd from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the offices of MAB Advertising.

We invited more than 50 Supplier Diversity Professionals from government/corporations and WPO Chicago members spanning across all three chapters. The program was a HUGE success -- to the point that we have agreed to host one every year from hereon in.

The purpose of our meeting:

To meet and explore ways in which to do business together.

Agenda:

1. Warm Welcomes and Introductions.

a. Each WPO Chicago member gives a one-minute elevator pitch on their business and emphasizes what sets it apart from others.

b. Each Supplier Diversity Professional (SDP) gives a 3-5 minute overview of their role within organization.

2. Q&A (with two specific questions addressed first).

a. How can WPO Chicago members take advantage of diversity programs in corporate/governmental sectors?

b. What is the best way (is there a secret or tip) to "break in" to an organization through diversity/compliance programs?

c. Q&A (general).

3. Networking (exchange of business cards/brochures).

Here's what a WPO Chicago member said about our meeting:

It was a great meeting and I also felt that the women that represented CDW, RR Donnelley, Chicago Park District and the University of Chicago, to name just a few, provided very honest answers and comments regarding their diversity programs and how to "get in" to these organizations.

They provided insight as to how the purchasing departments are structured and what their processes are. They also took the time to network with us and take our information.

I personally feel that when I contact these women for an appointment (if I do it the proper way) they will take the time to meet with me.

It was also great to meet women from the other WPO chapters in Chicago and hear about their businesses.

Mission accomplished!

News of Interest: WPO Chicago Member Honored by NWE

We felt privileged to attend the inspiring celebration for WPO Chicago downtown II chapter member Mary Bahr on her being honored by the Network of Women Entrepreneurs (NWE) at their 15th Annual Entrepreneurial Achievement Awards Breakfast February 22nd.

The lovely photo captures the essence of the moment. (L-R: Miriam Sturm, Musician-Violin Player, Composer and Rock Star with The John Mellencamp Band, Mary Bahr, President and Creative Director, MAB Advertising Inc., Diane Middlebrooks, Vice President & Women's Initiative Coordinator, Itasca Bank & Trust Co. and Hedy Ratner, Founder and Co-President of the Women's Business Development (WBDC).

And we agree with what the NWE said in their brochure about Mary:

... an intelligent, giving and hands-on leadership style.

Congratulations Mary. We are very proud of you!