Professionals with Impact

M.A Sinnhuber, Local Pittsburgh Artist, Art Hats

2009-08-17T10:12:00.004-04:00

M.A.Sinnhuber

With four children, three steps plus three, and 20 grandchildren, only one of whom lives in Pittsburgh, I have the time to run three small businesses, art by M.A., artbyma-Kidspaint and ArtHats by M.A. I could not do any of this without the help of my wise husband, Barry, to whom I have been married for nearly seven years.

My children and grandchildren live in Oregon, California, eastern Pennsylvania, Alaska, Arizona, New York and Boston.

At Artbyma-Kidspaint, I ‘teach kids 6-96 how to stand at an easel and paint,’ a program I love very much because it permits me to be around students my grandchildren’s age and to share my art insights with them.

My newest business endeavor, ArtHats by M.A., is inspired by artwork I have created or studied…think Van Gogh, Bonnard, Milton Avery, David Hockney, all artists with a rich, diverse color palette. A colorist myself, ArtHats are hand-knitted by me, just for the fun, experience and combinations of color.

I paint and knit and enjoy life. Barry and I live happily in a carefree condo on the main street in Mt. Lebanon, where my art studio is a six-minute walk away.

Having studied at numerous universities and with numerous artists, quilters, printmakers, I am now an apprentice poet and have wonderful friends and family. Life is prayerfully important to me and remember, Love Cannot Be Forgotten.

Dr. Susanne Trimbath, Chief Economist, STP Advisory Services, LLC

2009-05-03T09:33:00.002-04:00

Dr. Susanne Trimbath, Ph.D., is Chief Economist for STP Advisory Services, LLC

[http://www.stpadvisors.com], a total woman-owned small business located in Nebraska, serving national and international clients. STP specializes in community economic development and securities litigation consulting. Dr. Trimbath has authored, edited or contributed chapters to five books, including Mergers and Efficiency (2002), Beyond Junk Bonds (2003), and Methodological Issues in Accounting Research (2006). Her credits include appearances on national television and radio programs (CNBC’s Power Lunch and NPR’s Marketplace) and the Emmy® Award-nominated Bloomberg report Phantom Shares. Her articles appear in the national publications US Banker, The International Economy, The American Enterprise, and The Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor in addition to academic, peer-reviewed journals. She is a featured speaker for:
• Industry: Los Angeles Society of Financial Analysts, California CPA Society, Milken Institute’s Global Conference, Bank One National Homebuilders' Financial Executives Symposium, Indianapolis Board of Realtors, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, California Chamber of Commerce, Securities Transfer Association, First Private Bank and Trust Company
• Government: Santa Monica Planning Commission, Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, Central Intelligence Agency, California Economic Strategy Panel
• Academic: Rutgers State University (NJ), Anderson School of Management (UCLA), Oklahoma City University School of Law, University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication, City University of New York
• International: Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (Canada), Cairo & Alexandria Stock Exchanges (Egypt), Institute of Management and Industrial Credit (India), IFR Conference on the European Real Estate Capital Markets (London), Central Bank of Egypt

Dr. Trimbath served as a member of the board of Directors for People in Progress, a Los Angeles based organization providing services to the homeless population (including support for drug and alcohol intervention and treatment, housing and job training). She served as a guest lecturer at the Egyptian Central Bank for a course on small businesses and bank reinvestment in community. Dr. Trimbath is a Technical Advisor to the California Economic Strategy Panel. Currently, she is Contributing Editor for NewGeography.com [http://www.newgeography.com/users/susanne-trimbath]
Dr. Trimbath received her Ph.D. in economics from New York University. In addition, she has 20 years of corporate management experience in operations, with responsibilities for staff management. Her corporate experience includes Depository Trust Company (New York), Pacific Clearing Corporation (San Francisco) and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. She has been an active participant with the US Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center in their Corporate Community Investment events since inception.

Jayne H. Huston, Director, Seton Hill University's E-Magnify

2009-03-14T21:26:00.002-04:00

As Director of Seton Hill University's E-Magnify women’s business center where she has been employed for 14 years, Jayne H. Huston is responsible for the strategic vision and administrative oversight of E-Magnify including directing all programs and initiatives to promote women and business ownership within the regional and national marketplaces. During Huston’s tenure, Seton Hill University has repeatedly been named as one of the leading Entrepreneurial Colleges in the nation by Entrepreneur magazine.

Under Huston’s direction, E-Magnify’s work is to assist current and future business owners to start and grow their businesses and has been named one of three designated Women’s Business Center’s in Pennsylvania under the United States Small Business Administration, E-Magnify offers a 27-County Western Pennsylvania market - a portfolio of programs and services in the areas of client counseling, education and training; information, mentoring and networking.

Prior to coming to Seton Hill University, Huston had a successful health care marketing communications career in South Central, PA during which time she lead the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania's PR & Marketing Society. She also served as Executive Director of the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce.

Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify’s initiatives have been featured in numerous local, state and national media including CBS Saturday Morning, Teen Court-TV, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Inc., Entrepreneur, Pink and Seventeen magazines.

Huston earned an MBA from Seton Hill University and a B.A. in Journalism and Communications from Point Park College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She is a member of the following organizations:
• Association of Women’s Business Centers;
• African American Chamber of Commerce;
• eWomen Network;
• Pittsburgh Technical Council;
• NAWBO (National Association of Women In Business Owners)
• United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship; International Council for Small Business;
• National Association of Female Executives;
• National Business Incubator Association;
• American Association of University Women;
• Westmoreland County Commission for Women & Families;
• Executive Women of Westmoreland;
• Executive Women’s Council; and volunteers for the
• Blackburn Center Against Domestic & Sexual Violence and the
• 2010 US Woman’s Open at Oakmont

Her most recent awards and recognitions include:
• Judge for Pittsburgh Business Times Women in Business Awards
• Judge for PA’s awards competition “50 Best Women in Business;”
• Judge for the 2004 Western PA US Small Business Administration’s Small Business Awards
• Top 100 People of 2003, Pennsylvania Business Central, 2003;
• Entrepreneur of the Year (Nonprofit) Award, Pennsylvania Business Central, 2003;
• Women Business Advocate of the Year, Region III, U.S. Small Business Administration, 2001; and
• Pittsburgh Pacesetter Award, SBN Magazine, 2001.
Jane H. Huston
Seton Hill University's E-Magnify
Greensburgh, PA 15601-1599
724-830-4612 www.e-magnify.com

Professionals with Impact, Magdeline Jensen, CEO,

2008-12-04T05:29:00.003-05:00

This interview was recorded live and archived at www.talkshoe.com on December 2, 2008. You can listen to the archived version at: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/33431 or on the Professionals with Impact on its Pittsburgh internet radio channel at: http://www.positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com

Magdeline E. Jensen, CEO
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

Biography
Magdeline E. Jensen is the Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, a non-profit membership association whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Founded in 1869, the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh currently operates 12 programs/services and five annual events, all of which are managed by more than 200 employees housed in four locations throughout Allegheny County.

Ms. Jensen, the first woman to be selected as the Chief Federal Probation Officer in Arizona, managed the $15 million operation of the U.S. Probation Office there for nine years before coming to the YWCA. Besides her extensive managerial, training and leadership ability, Ms. Jensen has hands-on experience in connecting people in need to community programs and resources. In fact, many of the programs that Ms. Jensen has encountered throughout her criminal justice career are similar to those that the YWCA offers today.

Ms. Jensen holds a Bachelor of Arts, Criminology, and a Master of Criminology from the University of California-Berkeley, California. Ms. Jensen has been a member of the Job Development and Educational Services Advisory Committee, U.S. Probation Office, in Pittsburgh since 2006, helping to provide counseling, education and job development to ex-offenders. She has lectured at American University and California State University, served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Thurgood Marshall Child Development Center in Washington, D.C., and has published several articles.

1960s –YWCA Greater Pittsburgh developed racial dialogue teams to help ease racial tensions
1970s –YWCA Greater Pittsburgh pioneered non-traditional employment programs for women by developing job opportunities in construction and the steel industry

1984 – YWCA Greater Pittsburgh introduced the Bridge Housing program, which was the first transitional housing program in the nation

1996 – YWCA Greater Pittsburgh opened and operated the first and only YWCA Center for Race Relations
1998 – YWCA Greater Pittsburgh opened the Homewood Brushton Center; largely built by women and African–American members of the Pittsburgh Black Construction Association

1999 – YWCA Greater Pittsburgh formed YW Homes, Inc., a non-profit subsidiary corporation with the purpose of creating desegregative affordable housing choices for low-income, single-parent families

2004 – YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Center for Race Relations received the Ebony and Ivory award for organizational excellence in the area of racial reconciliation; Office Of Advocacy was created

2005 - Homewood Brushton's Children and Youth Development and Education Program receives its STAR 4 Designation based on NAEYC accreditation, a national system that sets professional standards for early childcare education programs

2006 - YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Legal Resource for Women's Department launches its new program, the "100 Lawyer one case program". The program is designed to match 100 attorneys with impoverished women in need of legal services for custody, divorce and support cases

2007 - The YW Enterprising Women's Microenterprise Training and Microlending Program graduates 100 women from their 10-week training course since its 2006 inception

YW Means Business

• YWCA Wealth Development program: focuses on empowering women to build wealth by providing training, education, and resources necessary to increase income and purchase assets. The program includes seminars on investment and home ownership, post-secondary education, and business ownership. Program activities include financial literacy training, 1:1 matched savings accounts, micro-enterprise training, and micro-lending.
• YW Enterprising Women: A comprehensive training and technical assistance program for low and moderate-income women seeking to develop a micro-enterprise. The program includes business plan development, mentoring, peer support, micro-lending, and advanced business services. Approximately 150 women will be served in the second full year of the program and approximately 10 micro-loans will be distributed.
• The Family Savings Account program: The program provides matching funds to participants once they meet their savings goals. Savers have 1-3 years to save up to $2,000 for home ownership/repair, post-secondary education for self or child, or business start-up. YWCA actively promotes the program, conducts outreach presentations, engages in case management, and provides workshops for all of our savers.
• YWCA Financial Empowerment program: approximately 100 individuals per year participate in the YWCA Financial Empowerment Series – 4 financial literacy workshops throughout the year focus on setting financialgoals, developing a budget, understanding and improving credit,and avoiding predatory lenders.
mall businesses, retailers, and non-profit organizations together representing

More Women Leading this World

2008-11-16T17:27:00.001-05:00

More women leading this world

You just received this mail because the person who sent it to you, values your opinion and vision for the future.

If an African American President can be elected in the US, then the question should be asked, how different can the world be if women globlly unite to reinvent the world economy from the ground up?

How can women gain more power and have their voices heard?

Women from all over the globe have been using Connected-Women.com to exchange views about the economic turbulence and uncertainty. Through the connected-wom en information forums, women have been sharing their insights and giving support. You are welcome to join the discussions, just click here!

Here are some questions for a thought.

Would you like to empower women to believe in themselves and let their voice be heard?
Would you like to send proactive and positive thoughts to women around the world?

What are you willing to do to contribute to our solutions in the world economy?
If your answer is YES or you have strong feelings about this information!

Please write your name on the bottom of the signatures, forward this e-mail to the people in your network.

Let's work together to make this world the place we want to live in!

1) Runa Magnusdottir – Iceland
2) Michelle Bonn – USA
3) Mary Schnack – USA
4) Lorin Beller Blake – USA
5) Heidi Öste – Sweden
6) Miriam Macherin, Luxemburg
7) Fazila Sciberras, Netherlands
8) Debbie Ducic, USA
9) Britta Linnemann, Germany
10) ElkeWunderlich, USA
11) Joanne Quinn-Smith, USA
12)

Professionals with Impact, International Women on the Economy

2008-11-05T14:20:00.002-05:00

For Immediate Release,

Contact Information:
United States:
Joanne Quinn-Smith
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
412-628-5048
joanne@positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com
Iceland:
Rúna Magnúsdóttir
Reykjavík, Iceland
354-898-0727
runa@connected-women.com

International Women Getting Together for Conversation on Rebuilding the World Economy
(On the Wings of Historic Election in the U.S., Women are Prepared to Help Re-energize the World Economy)

Reykjavík, Iceland; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November, 2008 On the wings of an historic election in the United States, if an African American President can be elected in the United State then the question should be asked, how different can the world be if international women unite to reinvent the world economy from the ground up? On Saturday, at 12 PM EST on Saturday, November 8, 2008 a group of dynamic international women will get together for a two hour conversation about just that “reinventing the world economy.” Reinvention and revitalization of this economy will be the topic on internet radio show, “Professionals with Impact™” hosted at www.talkshoe.com and facilitated by internet talkcast host, Joanne Quinn-Smith, also known as the “Techno Granny.” This show will be hosted on internet radio originating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania social media radio site at www.talkshoe.com

Women have been getting together and talking for centuries and thereby solving family and community challenges and now through the use of Web 2.0 technology a group of women are turning their attention to the world. This is happening through a social networking site started by Rúna Magnúsdóttir and originating in Icelandic Cyberspace. The Site is www.Connected-Women.com and the conversation is ongoing in the forum on the site: “Economic Downturn—what have we learned.” Rúna Magnúsdóttir has developed this site to facilitate women doing business with each other internationally. The conversation is active in the forum of www.Connected-Women.com for the world to see. The use of Web 2.0 technology is further being exploited by a 59 year old grandmother from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA who has gained international audience on the internet through four internet Radio shows. Joanne Quinn-Smith, also known as “the Techno Granny” will host a live internet radio show episode that can accommodate 200 callers at www.talkshoe.com. The show, “Professionals with Impact™” can be accessed live through computers and real time chat at www.TalkShoe.com at Noon EST. “Professionals with Impact™” can be accessed live at: Phone Number: 724) 444-7444 using Call ID: 33431 and will accommodate VOIP users such as Skype and Gizmo. The title of this “Professionals with Impact™” Episode is: International Women Building a New World Economy.

The Concept: World development in the 21st Century

“This is a new vision, a new approach to development cooperation together with corporate business. Especially for the business industry we created the website 1We The Chain, the international entrepreneur's platform which makes the difference. It is the first platform in which anyone can be involved in making the world a better place.” Quote from: Fazila Scierrbas International Ambassador & Director of International Contacts for 1We - One World Experience For more information please visit: http://www.1wethechain.com/
1WE is an international broadcast station with passion and the new most exiting national broadcast station. Positive TV-programs convince individuals and corporations to support the surprising development projects of One World Experience. The new style development organization and the combination of the broadcast station and its development organization make 1We - One World Experience a unique organization with international accomplishments. Socially involved entrepreneurship play an important part in this concept. Additional info at: http://www.1we.com/web/show/
Three dynamic women are spearheading the live radio conversation, two of them have met in person and two of them have not. Runa Magunsdoittir and Joanne Quinn-Smith met at the National Association of Women Business Owners Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona and subsequently Joanne engaged Runa to speak at the 2nd Annual NAWBO Day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The title of the conference in Pittsburgh was, “Think Ginormous” and as you can see, they have. Fazila Scierrbas and Runa met at an international conference for women. The connection for all three is: www.Connected-Women.com.

All three, Joanne and Runa and Fazila are visionaries who believe in making things happen. Runa began the conversation on the Economic Downturn at: www.connected-women.com and Fazila Scierrbas and others joined the conversation.

Fazila commented that there were things in the world that needed changing and that getting back to basics was very important and talked about implementing a plan to do that. Joanne wrote back that she would love to see her plan. Fazila put out her plan right on Connected-Women.com and now a radio conversation with several international women is scheduled for Saturday at 12 PM EST thru the wonders of the internet. Any international woman with a passion for reenergizing the world economy by getting back to basics is welcome to attend.
The Concept: World Development in the 21st Century:

This is with new vision, a new approach to development cooperation together with corporate business. Especially for the business industry we created the website 1We The Chain, the international entrepreneur's platform which makes the difference. It is the first platform in which anyone can be involved into making the world a better place. For more information please visit: http://www.1wethechain.com/
1WE is an international broadcast station with passion and the new most exiting national broadcast station. Positive TV-programs convince people to support the surprising development projects of One World Experience.

The new style development organization and the combination of the broadcast station and its development organization make 1We - One World Experience a unique organization with accomplishments. Socially involved entrepreneurship plays an important part in this concept.

Content: Women at their Best Getting Together to Solve Challenges

“The main issues wherever we are in the world and result in six main factors which have to be addressed from the very core in order to sustain projects and build economies. They are: Healthcare, Education, Sanitation, Ecology, Environment and Funding.” Fazila Scierrbas

“The slogan of Connected-Women is: ‘Let's get together & make a difference!’” “This is huge and can have a great impact on the world economy. The world is going through turmoil of financial downturns. After years of prosperity we are facing bad "hang-over". “But what is done, is done. We can't change the past, but we can build the future. So, what are we learning from this? What are we going to be doing differently in the future? How do you want to see the future? Your opinion is valuable! It's easy to participate, just sign-in or register.”
Rúna Magnúsdóttir. This is how the conversation started on Connected-Women.com!

“The Presidential Election in the United States has transformed us irrevocably no matter who we voted for. It’s time to now transform the world. Our challenges are not just local, they are global. This is just a good fit from Positively Pittsburgh Live Talkcast and www.PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com” to work on building on the positive and using global girl power to do it.” Joanne Quinn-Smith

The Characters:

Rúna Magnúsdóttir 0f Connected-Women.com; Founder Connected-Women.com

Previously Runa ran her import company in Iceland – today she is running a GLOBAL search and networking site for women business owners and women entrepreneurs. A site where women can promote themselves, their services, products and companies, participate in global discussion forums, give and receive referrals/recommendations for their businesses.“ A site which women associations around the globe such as the world association of women entrepreneurs, Les Femmes Chefs D’Enterprises Mondiales, FCEM, will be use as their official networking site.

Fazila Scierrbas International Ambassador & Director of International
Contacts; 1We - One World Experience

Fazila started her media career at The International Advertising Film Festival, Cannes. She now holds the position of President for The Netherlands and Malta for the European Economic Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry (EEIG). 1We - One World Experience (http://www.1we.com/web/show) has been a dream for hers since her childhood and feels like a lifetime commitment. 1We - One World Experience is an international groundbreaking TV broadcasting and development organization backed by the corporate sector. With innovative development projects and positive TV programs we cut through all traditional practices.

Joanne Quinn-Smith, Creative Energy Office of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

Also known as The Techno Granny and 2006-2008 president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter. Joanne’s forte is Web 2.0 Gorilla Branding™ for small to medium businesses and she is the host of four internet Talkcasts with international listeners. She is also the publisher of positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com, a multi media on line community magazine with internet magazine, radio and TV channels. Joanne is an advocate for women business owners locally, nationally and now internationally and a sought after speaker for organizations and business for Web 2.0 Best Practices.

-30-
Hi-Lights• International Radio Talkcast by Community Call at Pittsburgh Based www.talkshoe.com
• International Women from www.connected-women.com discussion on
• International Women Building a New World Economy.

• November 8, 2008 EST live internet broadcast on “Professionals with Impact™

• Live chat or call in at: 724) 444-7444 using Call ID: 33431

• Joanne Quinn-Smith, Creative Energy Office of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

• Fazila Scierrbas International Ambassador & Director of International
Contacts; 1We - One World Experience

• Rúna Magnúsdóttir 0f Connected-Women.com; Founder Connected-Women.com

Professionals with Impact at WE-DO Conference, Beth Caldwell PWI Guest to Speak

2008-10-08T08:36:00.003-04:00

Professionals with Impact Early Interviewee to Speak at WE-Do Conference, Great Women Business Resource

WE-DO Leadership Conference
Womens Economic Development Outreach
Creating Connections, Building Business

Local Leadership Invitation for
Business Women in Allegheny and
Beaver Counties

Business Women! You Don't Want To Miss The 2008 WE-DO Conference being held this year at Robert Morris University's Moon Campus on Tuesday, October 21st! Along with a Fantastic National Program, We'll have These Inspiring Local Leaders:

The 2008 Local Pittsburgh WEDO Tour is pleased to present this years conference:

BreakThrough!

Impact through Innovation:

Your Competitive Advantage

The only event of its kind for women executives and entrepreuners the WEDO Tour is a resource rich program that will energize your business. ; It's packed with invaluable business advice from nationally acclaimed business women and our own local experts in business leadership. Shaped by Women's Business Advocates, women executives and entrepreneurs, along with organizations representing women business owners the WEDO Tour is your most relevant resource.

Attend this years workshop and gain key insights that will help you:

Introduce an innovation framework that sets realistic goals, leverages cumulative gains and carefully accommodates experimentation.
Create an innovation toolbox that accelerates new product and service developments in an ever-changing business environment.
Snych up company culture and customer demands with a holistic approach to nurturing employee's creativity, responding to new opportunities, and channeling the voice of the customer.

Surround Yourself with Pittsburgh's Smart and Savvy Women Leaders as they connect with Business Women across the Nation by Video Conference.

Enjoy the local panel of Pittsburgh Area Leaders who will help you gain your competitive advantage with Leadership and Innovation!

National City WEDO Tour 2008 for Allegheny & Beaver Counties:
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Robert Morris University
Sewall Center Executive Conference Center, Moon Township, PA 15108

Agenda: 9:00am to 3:00pm

Keynote Presenter:

Maria Berdusco
Author, Leadership Consultant & Executive Coach

Kathy Buechel
President, Alcoa Foundation

Oditza Carrasco
President, American Bank FSB

Kristie Guthrie
Professional Counselor Hope Counseling Services

Deanna Tucci-Schmitt
Owner BNI Western PA

2008 WEDO Allegheny & Beaver Counties Local Committee:

Beth Caldwell
Pttsburgh Professional Women

Ann Callen
National City

Jenn Carr
Credit Justice Services

Lindsay Cost
National City

Christian DeSarbo
National City

Barbara Fisher U.S. Small Business Administration

Suzanne Froehlich Froehlich & Associates Insurance

Sarelle Gross
National City
Donna Herrle Drawing Conclusions
Daniel Hooper
National City
&nbs p;
Kristi Hosko
ADP

Tamara Howard
National City

Betty Karleski Home Instead Senior Care

Michele Mook
National City

Janette Schafer
National City

Jill Yahnite
Zoltun Design

10:00 Satellite Video Conference

11:30 Lunch & Leadership Presentation, Maria Berdusco

Author: How To Think Like A Leader
12:30 Breakout Sessions: Small Group Round Table Discussions with Local Leaders

3:00 Door Prize Drawings And Adjourn

Register at: WE-DO.net

Award Winning Restauranteurs, Janet and Charles Pellegrini, Tambellini's Restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pa.

2008-10-03T10:05:00.003-04:00

Janet and Charlie Pellegrini own and run one of the few family owned independent restaurants to survive second generation management in the City of Pittsburgh.

They are members of Lucchese nel Mondo, Pittsburgh Chapter, an organization for those of Italian descent from Lucca, Tuscany. The Mission of Lucchese nel Mondo is the promotion of the Lucca Italian subculture.

Mary Tambellini Pelligrini, Charlie’s mother was the President Emeritus on Local Board
Who has raided money to send Janet and Charlie’s son to Italy with the shortfall taken up by the Italian Government.
The Pellegrini’s have been awarded the , Silver Star for Promotion of Italian Culture in America, the Italiani nel Mondo This is an award for overseas restaurant that respects the gastronomical traditions of Italy.

Mary Tambellini Pelligrini, the original owner won awards for preservation of Italian culture from Lucchese nel Mondo.

The Tambellini/Pelligrini family also has a long tradition of supporting local charities especially the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Among their traditional family recipes are Zucchini Fritti and Fritti Misti which is batter dipped fried mushrooms and zucchini.

Asked about other family owned independent restaurants that did not survive, they say that independent restaurants face many challenges, not the least of which is the huge infrastructure and advertisement of large franchises. These successful independent restaurant owners feel that their asset in being independently owned is their flexibility to do innovative things. They credit this flexibility with their ability to compete with national franchised. They have instituted an on line menu with curbside delivery and a special deal to feed a family of 4 for the price of 3.

Even though they are not a franchise, they provide their clients with absolute consistency. F Tambellini’s chef has been with them for 32 years. They ascribe to and utilize Glasser/Kennedy Marketing techniques taught by Beck Gomes of Up a Notch Marketing.

Charlie and Janet Pelligrini attribute their ability to spend time on marketing to their excellent staff which means that the restaurant runs as smoothly when they are there as when they are not. Their time is spent on creating a memorable dining experience and utilizing the capacity of this wonderful iconic restaurant in the Pittsburgh cultural district.

Another innovation, is that they provide a Shop by Gift Card Showcase with free gift wrapping so that clients don’t have to worry about shopping for that birthday luncheon gift, it’s just one more way of FTambellini’s being a one stop shop for any special day.

Janet and Charlie Pelligrini
Tambellini Ristorante, Seventh Street
139 7th St
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-391-1091
www.eatzucchini.com

Scripps Howard Columnist, Bruce Freeman, Small Biz Professor

2008-09-11T16:09:00.001-04:00

Bruce Freeman
The Small Business Professor ®
Speaking Engagements

To the readers of 400 papers across the country, he is known as Professor Bruce. In his weekly nationally syndicated column, “Ask the Small Business Professor?” Bruce gives expert advice to small-business owners from qualified professionals.

Bruce is also an engaging speaker who shares his front-line entrepreneurial experiences as well as insights on the successes of entrepreneurs in the news. Bruce has been a featured guest on CBS Radio, Bloomberg TV, the Joan Hamburg Show and many other programs. He also speaks frequently to a wide range of organizations.

In his dynamic presentation, “The Entrepreneurial Mind,” Bruce explores the inspirations and motivations driving American entrepreneurs – and highlights entertaining and educational aspects of building a thriving business in today’s economy.
Testimonial
Bruce Freeman, “The Small Business Professor” spoke at our recent Lunch and Learn program. Bruce’s presentation, The Entrepreneurial Mind, is a fresh approach to identifying what it takes from the mind and soul when starting your own business. As a speaker, his warmth and humor complement his tips and the audience enjoyed and benefited from his presentation.”
- Karol McNulty, Executive Director, Milburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce
To hear interview (podcast) with Liz and Joan Hamburg – WOR Radio: http://www.wor710.com/pages/57303.php?contentType=4&contentId=172612
Speaker, Author, Columnist, Entrepreneur, Professor

Bruce Freeman is a successful entrepreneur. After being fired from a management position in a major publishing company in 1991, Bruce started his own marketing and public relations company, ProLine Communications, on a "hope, a prayer and a home equity line of credit.”

His newest venture, Birthing the Elephant: the woman’s go for it! guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a business (with co-author Karin Abarbanel ) has just been published (Ten Speed Press, Berkeley CA, March 08).

Bruce’s first column with Scripps Howard (The Small Business Professor), a series of case studies about successful entrepreneurs and lessons learned along the way, won the US Small Business Administration Journalist of the Year Award (NJ 2006). In addition, Bruce Freeman is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at the Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University where he recently won the 2007-2008 excellent adjunct professor teaching award.

For more information: Please visit www.smallbusinessprof.com or call 973-716-9457.

Associated Press story - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25001930

Does the media bury the real issue?
When a huge corporation lays off 20,000 workers (and the national unemployment rate rises to 5.5%) where do they go to support themselves and their families?

The subprime mess…the economy in recession…companies cutting jobs left and right. While the pundits argue about whether the unemployment rate is 5.3% or 5.5%, no one is talking about the suffering behind the statistics.

When someone else is unemployed, the unemployment rate is 5.5%; when it’s you, the unemployment rate is 100%. The real issue? The devastation, emotional as well as financial, that losing a job creates. Women are often the hardest hit: In two-paycheck families, their income is critical. Many are single or divorced and sole breadwinners.

Faced with the ax, fed up with job insecurity or reinventing themselves in mid-life, more and more women are taking control of their financial futures by starting small businesses. In fact, every 60 seconds five more women catch start-up fever and launch new ventures -- that’s 200,000 a month – and more than 2.5 million women a year. But many of them may be jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

Launching is daunting! One-third of all new businesses don’t make it past year two. More than half won’t make it past year four. Beating the odds isn’t easy. It takes more than deep pockets or a promising product. It takes emotional staying power.

The biggest start-up hurdle women face? You might think it’s money. But seasoned entrepreneurs know the real key to success is winning the “small business mind game.” Many women focus on 2Ms: Money and Marketing – and neglect the 3rd M: Motivation.
A big mistake! Because emotional stamina is at the heart of small-business survival.

That’s where Birthing the Elephant breaks new ground: It’s the What to Expect When You’re Expecting for aspiring women entrepreneurs. It offers a practical road map to the rocky emotional terrain they’ll face in the first critical 24 months of their venture –that make-or-break time when every decision counts. Step by step, it shows women how to:

• make the transition from employee to entrepreneur
• survive the “fall apart” phase that hits every start-up
• strengthen their “resiliency muscle”
• avoid costly pitfalls that can derail their dreams

Birthing the Elephant can mean the difference between success and failure. Packed with go for it! strategies from cosmetics founder Bobbi Brown, designer Liz Lange, and other entrepreneurs, it empowers women to deliver on their dreams.

Karin Abarbanel runs a marketing communications firm and served as the spokesperson
for Avon’s “Corporation to Cottage” initiative.
Bruce Freeman, nationally known as the Small Business Professor, is a syndicated
columnist for Scripps Howard News Service.

To hear Bruce interview on Professionals with IMpact:
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/33431

Becky Gomes, Nakama Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar and Up a Notch Marketing

2008-08-28T08:28:00.005-04:00

Becky Gomes
Speaker / Expert Marketer / Award Winning Restaurant Owner
Audience: Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, Sale Professionals

Becky Gomes has been studying sales and marketing since 1981. Becky has now taken her 25 plus years of experience in sales and marketing and now teaches business owners, sales professionals and entrepreneurs her unique direct response marketing techniques as well as taking on personal clients, and running local monthly chapter meetings through her marketing company, Up A Notch Marketing. In addition, Becky runs local mastermind groups that focus directly ON the entrepreneurs businesses with astounding results!
“I felt it was time for a change so I joined Up a Notch Marketing and Becky’s MasterMind Group. It is a breath of fresh air! There is so much support and creative ideas going around it’s hard not to catch the excitement. I don’t think there is a better way to skyrocket your business or career.

My recent goal was to acquire two more insurance agencies. With Becky’s help & the members of the mastermind group, we re-designed my sales letter. I currently have twelve people asking me to take over their agencies. This never would have been possible without me being a member of the mastermind group”.
Joe Griffin, Griffin Insurance Group, Zelienople PA

“Even though you have a superior product and a far better way of doing business, customers will not beat a path to your door unless they know about you. That’s why marketing is so important to any business, especially one that begins from dead start. I was first exposed to Dan Kennedy in the early 90’s. His stuff always made sense, but that is even truer in today’s competitive markets. The only thing that was missing was a local connection to bounce ideas off.

That is why I jumped at the chance to join Becky’s Up A Notch Marketing Pittsburgh Chapter and then her Mastermind Group. I get tremendous value from both. There is no place else you can get ideas and support from successful like-minded people. The Mastermind Group gives you the perspective of six new “sets of eyes”. The viewpoint and constructive critique of people who are not in the home improvement business is critical in developing marketing tools that work in today’s every changing market. We are looking to grow our business by more than 50% over the next year, and I know that my participation in this group and applying the “Kennedy-style” marketing techniques that Becky teaches will go a long way in helping us achieve this goal.”
Steve Rennekamp, Energyswing Windows, Murrysville PA

“When I first attended a local chapter meeting for Up A Notch Marketing, I felt like I had found my marketing and professional home! Finally a group of people that did not think that I was nuts! The chapter meetings started me on the path of true understanding of how my hats (businesses) were not really different! At the second meeting I was able to present about my nutrition business and the whole group was very methodical in helping me apply my marketing ideas! What a remarkable ROI (return on investment) for me!

Then when Becky offered the Master Mind Coaching I just had to make the commitment of time and energy as I want to achieve my lofty goal of changing my husband from practicing medicine to marketing information about medicine.

The first Master Mind session literally stopped me from multi-tasking as this kept me from attaining intermediate goals. The rest of the sessions have been absolutely phenomenal in keeping me on track and developing new ideas on what can work in both businesses.

The group is very helpful and demanding like they should be. I highly recommend anyone to become a member of Becky’s Master Mind Coaching group to take your business up a notch!”
Sunita Pandit, Reliv4u2, Gibsonia Pa

“When I started attending the chapter meetings in August 2007 our sales were around $5,000 a month. My partner wasn’t all that concerned about my spending thirty dollars a month to attend the chapter meetings. However, when I approached him with the idea of joining the Mastermind Group for over $3,000 a year so that I could improve my marketing skills, he was very skeptical. That was a major investment for us and one that didn’t have any guarantee of a return.

Why would I want to join a Mastermind Group? In all of the best business oriented books that I have read a common theme is that you should find a mentor. In the mastermind group I have seven. For one half day a month I get the attention of like-minded people who are actively trying to improve the marketing of their businesses.

Our projected ongoing sales since joining Becky’s Mastermind Group are up 120%, and we are planning to be at 400% by year’s end. That will be an ROI of about 600%.

A 600% return on investment by itself is good enough in my book to say that Mastermind paid off, if that was all that there was to it. When you add in all of the other goodies that I have picked up from Mastermind, it is fair to say that I am a huge fan and supporter of the group.”
Gregg Mathis, SLFF Ventures LLC, Pittsburgh PA

About Becky Gomes
Becky has been studying direct response marketing and techniques since 1981. Becky is a Certified Business Advisor in the Pittsburgh area and has found her passion as she teaches other “like-minded” individuals how to apply and utilize direct marketing techniques to skyrocket their business, product or services through her local chapter meetings and mastermind groups. Becky was named as a Fast Tracker by Pittsburgh Business Times. Becky has also been a featured speaker for many local organizations. Although Becky has limited time she does take on select personal clients.

Becky is President of the independently owned award winning restaurant, Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. Since opening in 2003, Nakama has garnered over 49 people’s Choice Awards and is a multi-million dollar business. It is consistently rated as one of the top places to eat in Pittsburgh.

Another of Becky’s passions is volunteering at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania since 1997 when her daughter, Katie, was born with this fatal, genetic disease. She has been awarded “Volunteer of the Year” and is chairperson of three events yearly. She currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Cystic Fibrosis, is a member of the Volunteer Leadership Initiative of Cystic Fibrosis; a member of the Cure Finder Cystic Fibrosis Team; as well as a member on the Family Advisory Board to the CF doctors.

Contact Becky Gomes
Call: 412.369.9994
Email: becky@upanotchmarketing.com

For more information see:
www.upanotchmarketing.com
www.eatatNakama.com

Professionals with Impact--Lorin Beller Blake, Author--"From Entrepreneur to Big Fish"

2008-08-22T19:49:00.001-04:00

Lorin Beller Blake
Speaker / Writer / Inspirer
Audience: Female Business Owners and Leaders

“I hope you don’t mind if I brag. Thank you Lorin and Big Fish Nation for giving me the motivation to go after the BIG ONE! The contract term is for 2 years with 3 one year options and is worth an estimated $9,000,000.00!” – Robin B., Entrepreneur, Bolton, Connecticut

“I have been very successful in sales but the Big Fish Coaching helped me work more effectively toward creating a vision for my business. I wanted a business with a great culture. Staff, clients and vendors who can’t imagine working for anyone else. The skills I have learned have impacted my business thus enhancing my life.” -Elissa N., Entrepreneur, Tampa, Florida

“I was a ‘Wall Street Corporate Exec’ until 9/11. After that I realized I wanted more out of life so I launched my own business. In the first year I found Big Fish. Using their program as my ‘business blue print’ I was able to make my vision a reality. Thanks to Lorin Beller, I am living my dream.” - Kelly L., Entrepreneur, Spring Lake, New Jersey

Lorin Beller Blake is the founder of Big Fish Nation, a year-long business development program that leads entrepreneurs toward maximizing their lives and business goals using a unique combination of teleclasses and one-on-one coaching delivered by highly trained business coaches. As a Big Fish herself, Lorin understands the importance of a balanced well-being in order to have a big impact in the world. Author of From Entrepreneur to Big Fish: 7 Principles to Wild Success, Blake encourages readers to integrate hard core business skills with spiritual principles to break through that glass ceiling. Big Fish Nation recently established a media relationship with Pink Magazine you will find us online, in their magazine and in their eblasts as supporters of PINK Magazine, who works to empower women to be a success.

Like many of the Big Fish she works with, Lorin was ready to stop working for someone else, and make life work for her. She left the corporate world to pursue her dream of coaching fellow-entrepreneurs toward redefining their visions so they too can make a “big splash” in their lives and businesses. Lorin formed Big Fish Nation in 2004 and since then Lorin has been fulfilling her dream—sharing her Big Fish principals with thousands of entrepreneurs nationwide through her innovative program which as been promoted nationally as ‘a Zen approach to business.’

Topics Lorin has expertise in are:
• 7 Principles to Wild Success
• How to use a Vision to create Success
• Goal Setting – using a one page plan for an entire year!
• Sales and Marketing: doing it daily successfully!
• The Age of the Woman: Creating Balance and Success.
• The power of Choice. The Power of Responsibility.
• Live Fully but first, Boldly Act.
• How healthy are you? Look at your business.
• Success is found in a Paradox.

* * * * * * * *

About Lorin Beller Blake
Blake entered the professional world a spirited entrepreneur in the health and wellness field working as a stress management and goal setting trainer, and counselor. As a business-savvy industrialist, Lorin successfully co-founded and developed Global 2000, one of the first local internet service providers in the country. She later sold the company and stayed on in the new company, BiznessOnline, as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. There she played a major role in advancing the company by acquiring and integrating more than 13 companies in over two years while working on the team to take the entity public.

Big Fish Nation and Lorin Beller have been nationally recognized by Investor’s Business Daily and was named one of the Top 30 Female Executives of 2004 by Female Entrepreneur Magazine. She has also been a featured speaker for Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI), the Internationally known Young Entrepreneur Organization (YEO), Canada’s Women in Business National Expo and she is a co-host on the Kathryn Zox Radio show on Voice America weekly.

Contact Lorin Beller Blake:
Call: 512.266.2196
Email: Lorin@bigfishnation.com

For more information see:
www.bigfishnation.com
www.lorinbeller.com
Book: From Entrepreneur to Big Fish: 7 Principles to Wild Success

Title: EPISODE36 - Nancy Christie, Author of "The Gifts of Change"

2008-07-14T21:10:00.001-04:00

Nancy Christie's notes from Professionals with Impact, July 14, 2008
Listen to the show for additional information and great dynamic stories about change.

Episode Notes: Nancy is a freelance writer and author of The Gifts of Change, e-host of the Community of Change and host of â??Take Charge of Your Lifeâ?? Internet radio talk show premiering August 5, 2008 at 10 AM (EST)

Nancy Christie
330-793-3675
Websites: www.communityofchange.com and Make a Change blog at http://communityofchange.blogspot.com/.
www.nancychristie.com and The Writer’s Place blog at http://nancychristie.blogspot.com/
E-mail: nancy@nancychristie.com
Talking points
My profession: I’m a freelance writer for magazines and companies nationwide, workshop teacher on both motivational and writing-related subjects, author of The Gifts of Change and host of “Take Charge of Your Life” on VoiceAmerica network.
About The Gifts of Change: This book came about as a result of my mother’s battle with cancer and focuses on how to make the most of the changes that come into our lives, even when they are ones we don’t want, are afraid of or feel unprepared to handle. Change is neither good nor bad, it just is. It’s how we interpret the change, how we allow it to affect us that makes it either a positive or a negative force.

What the stories in The Gifts of Change illustrate is that those times when our life is not going according to plan is when the most potential for growth exists. We can either throw in the towel or look inside ourselves to find the strength and ability to persevere. This approach not only gets us through the difficult time but also rewards us with a new appreciation of ourselves—the gift brought by the change.

The book is published by Beyond Words under Simon & Schuster’s Atria imprint, and it’s available through Amazon at bookstores nationwide.

About my workshops: I teach both writing-related workshops and motivational ones, including my “Rut-Busting”™ workshop series. But what I have found is that all my classes have elements of proactivity and self-development. It is so easy to believe that what we have accomplished is all we can accomplish and that whenever things don’t turn out the way we wanted, that is a precursor of future outcomes.
Self-doubt is so pervasive and so damaging. We are so quick to give up, to believe that we can’t, that our belief becomes reality. And we are equally quick to resist challenging ourselves, doing what I call exercising our “change muscle.” We like the status quo and we are afraid of trying something new, of pushing beyond our self-imposed boundaries. The problem with that is that we become weaker, not safer, and then when a challenge comes along, we are unable to deal with it as effectively as we might wish.

About the concept of failure: Failure just means the outcome isn’t the one you wanted. Like a weed is simply a plant that surfaced where you don’t want it. It doesn’t mean you are stupid, incompetent or destined to be a failure forever. It just means that, for whatever reason—and there can be a lot of different ones—what you tried didn’t work. What you need to do is figure out why it didn’t work and what you have to change to get a different outcome. Or perhaps it isn’t what you need to do but what you want as an outcome that needs to be revised. You need to be open to change. Sometimes those obstacles or roadblocks can be the best thing that happened to you!

Upcoming projects: My “Take Charge of Your Life” radio show will premiere August 5, and I’m quite excited about the prospect of bringing top names in various fields—health, finance, career and life planning and self-development—to my listeners.
I’m also working on a new book, with the working title of Say “Yes!” for a Change: Change your response to change your life! The book’s title, Say “Yes!” for a Change, can be taken two ways: say “Yes” instead of always saying “No” and say “Yes” to bring into being the transformation.
Each chapter focuses on a way to say “Yes” to change, beginning with a reflective approach that encourages readers to look inward to evaluate their own responses to change, closing with (in marketing terms) a “call to action”: three questions, suggestions or points to consider, giving readers the chance to put their understanding to the test by making a measurable change.
Say “Yes!” for a Change uses a combination of personal stories and practical suggestions to help readers approach change from a different perspective. Both experts in the field of change and individuals who have experienced personal challenges offer their comments, views and experiences about how saying “yes” ultimately enhanced and enriched their lives.

Pro bono activities: I have done a number of motivational speaking engagements and mini-workshops for community organizations and non-profit groups. I developed my Community of Change web site as a way to offer even more encouragement and support to those who are struggling with change. The site includes my Make a Change blog and my monthly Change-A-Gram—my way of doing what I can to reassure those who are under stress or unsure what to do when faced with transition.

As a professional writer, my door is open (figuratively speaking) to writers who either want to enter the freelance field or make a shift in their writing career. I offer them what wisdom and knowledge I have gained in my 20-plus years of writing and learning about the writing process. I have also expanded my Nancy Christie site to include The Writer’s Place section, where I offer information on upcoming conferences, books for and about writing and writers, and The Writer’s Place blog, covering a different writing topic each month.
Why I do it: While both my sites and my other activities require a lot of time and a fair bit of money to do, I feel that it is important to give something back to the universe without requiring compensation. Through the years, so many people have helped me professionally and personally that it is my way of “paying it forward.”

Most enriching moment: There have been quite a few but what keeps me going is when someone says reading my book or attending one of my motivational workshop gave them the courage to pursue their dream or overcome their problem. Or when a writer says that my words encouraged him or her to keep pushing forward, despite the mounds of rejection letters or the mountain of self-doubt.

What is your life goal: To use my writing to make a difference in someone’s life. To help another person view life a little differently, a little more positively. To encourage others to try something that stretches their abilities and changes how they think about themselves.

EPISODE29 - Sue Tresatti--HP Team, Web Consultant and Unassuming Volunteer

2008-05-31T09:40:00.003-04:00

Sue is has been actively involved in both Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and web design for charitable organizations. In addition to her IT business, Taylored Solutions, Sue is a Hewlett Packard team consultant enabling consumers to save money and time by buying direct from HP.

Susan Tresatti is one of those people who answers when you ask, "What volunteer work do you do?" says, “I am not really involved in anything.” Dig a little deeper though and you will find out that Sue has
Started a computer literacy program at the YMCA in Greensburg, PA

Offers Free computer classes at the Manor Library in Manor, Pa

Has donated time for the cystic fibrosis web page for Mr. Romance Pittsburgh at www.mrromancepittsburgh.ning.com

Mentored for Girls Going Places annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. where young girls 12 to 18 get a full days dose of business and entrepreneurship from seasoned business owners like Susan Tresatti

Susan has also donated her time to teach small businesses Internet Marketing

Girl Scout Leader for 3 years

Boy scout Committee member for 5 years

She also regularly donates her customer’s computers to non-profit companies when they get new ones.

Me thinks the lady doth protest too much that she is not involved in much volunteer work.
Sue’s education in addition to years in the trenches as an entrepreneur, trainer and tech trouble shooter includes Bachelors from Point Park University and MBA from Seton Hill University.
She is the married mother of two children and has traveled to three foreign countries. Her businesses include the Weight Loss Patch and she is also a World Ventures Travel (travel agent) Sue’s primary business is: Taylored Solutions Inc. – Woman Business Enterprise WBE which offers technology solutions that “FIT” your business She is also part of the Hewlett Packard Pennsylvania Account Team Taylored Solutions list of services includes: Web Design; E-Learning software and Computer Support.

As Part of the Hewlett Packard PA Account Team Sue offers Discounted Pricing; Special pricing for Big Deals; help with quotes and service issues and A Team that has
been working with HP for over 20 years. She also offers the Ability to purchase
through your own” FREE” Personalized HP Web Site.

Taylored Solutions, Inc.
107 Brian Drive
Saxonburg, PA 16056
Phone: 724-234-2669
Fax: 724-234-4816
www.taylored-solutions.com
sales@taylored-solutions.com

Episode 25--Embroid Me Franchiser, Richard Stillwell, Citizens Corps and USA Freedom Corps Member

2008-05-28T09:05:00.002-04:00

EPISODE25 - Embroid Me Franchiser, Richard Stilwell
04/16/2008 08:00 AM EDT
Episode Notes: Citizens Corps and USA Freedom Corps Member, Air Force Reserves and Energetic Entrepreneur along with many other civic activities.

Richard Stilwell, Weirton WV, was born and raised in eastern panhandle of West Virginia. During his service in the Air Force he traveled and lived in various places including Germany. After active service Richard joined the Air Force Reserves as a Flight Engineer which enabled him to do more traveling while helping out his country. He worked in various airline industries in the southern and northern CA when he decided he wanted to be closer to his home state. He then moved 20 some years ago to work for US Airways in Pittsburgh which he though would be a good place to start and raise a family. At US Air he worked as both a mechanic and Inspector, where he learned and expanded his attention to detail.

Unfortunately after 911 the airlines as well as many other industrial were greatly affected which eventually lead to his and his family’s decision to follow Richard’s life long dream to start a business. His business has enabled him to become involved in his local Rotarian club Parkway West Rotary Club which won Club of the year. Richard is involved in various activates with the rotary most notably the annual STEAK N ALE picnic and sits on the committed for the Gerry Dulac Charity Golf Classic l annual golf tournament.

Richard is also in his local Citizens Corps. For those who do not know USA Freedom Corps was established Jan 2002 following the Sept 11, 2001 tragic events. The Citizen Corps is a component of the Freedom Corps created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer stronger and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their communities safer from threats of crime terrorism and disasters of all kinds

Lest you think that Richard is all work and no play, he has a personal passion for thoroughbred horses and horse racing. He and several friends have owned several horses in the past and currently do now. They have been very fortunate that the horses have won enough money to pay for themselves which as anyone in the horse racing business knows is wonderful if you break even and don’t lose money. As of now Richard and his group has a young horse that will be ready for training in another year. He has won in the past a national contest on the internet for Bristnet handicappers edge Bristnet.com and won a trip to Las Vegas to participate in The National Handicap Championship.

Richard and his wife own a business called Embroid Me which is part of a franchise with of over 400 stores world wide. The business deals in retail embroidery, screen printing and promotional products. Richard had always wanted to own his own business but not sure what kind and after some research decided that EmbroidMe was something that would be a good fit. He finds it constantly stimulating due to the large variety of items that the Embroid Me Store offers. Richard’s attention to detail learned in his prior field in the repair and inspection of airplanes has crossed over into his attention and detail of his business Embroid Me.
Richard is keeps current with innovations in the embroidery business. This had lead to his numerous updates to computer artwork and process of digitizing into “stitch file “making a more rapid turn around time for customers.

The two most common things Richard hears from his customers is that they did not know there was a place that can do what his business does and that it was done so quickly.

Embroid Me caters to both large and small businesses as well as schools and any organization that needs anything from embroidery to t-shirts to school athletic uniforms. Embroid Me helps companies and organizations with branding by excellent logo work. . This is also a very cost effective way for companies to advertise by putting their company logo on apparel to increase their company or organization visibility. . One Embroid Me customer has his company logo put on stuffed animals for anyone in his company who has a birth of a new baby. What a way to advertise!!!!

Embroid Me has a machine called a garment printer making it easy to produce a small number of t-shirts or even one. This makes embroidery an excellent choice over screen printing. There are no minimums to order like some other embroidery companies. Embroid Me specializes in custom embroidery items. For those who do not understand it means one of a kind item designed by the customer that you will not find in some store along with numerous others of the same type..

Richard prides himself in creating unique items for his customers. One repeat customer has had EmbroidMe make a unique retirement gift which also is a collector’s item. This particular company has gone thru different ownerships over the years and what EmbroidMe has done is take each logo the company has used and put it on a piecie of cloth. The company then takes it and has it professional framed. After the 1st one was done it became such a big hit that the company keeps coming back for more for each new retiree. Richard has designed one of a kind tire covers for jeep tires. Sure customers can order one from the company that made their vehicle but they want something uniquely their own. Customers know there is a premium price for some of these items, but they know they are getting a premium custom made item they designed for someone special or for themselves which they will have and cherish for years to come. People love to come into the store and design their own logos and with the artwork capabilities Richard has it makes it easier and faster to find a fit for each individual group or event.

Richard’s Parkway Rotary Club’s signature annual charity, Gerry Dulac Golf Classic outing is at Diamond Run Golf course on July 21, 2007. You can get tickets from any Parkway West Rotary Club member, or e-mail Richard or, stop by the Embroid Me store in Robinson Township, Pa. and Richard has a form for you to register. All proceeds are donated to charity.

You can listen to the archived version of Episode 25 at: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/33431

Richard Stilwell
Embroid Me
6538 Steubenville Pike
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-446-2776
pittrobinson@embroidme.com

Testimonial for Professionals with Impact Show

2008-02-06T23:35:00.000-05:00

Hi Joanne,
I just had to write to you and thank you for the time and energy you put
into your podcasts. I just finished listening to several in the last few
days and loved them all! My husband bought me a new ipod for Christmas
and I've been listening in the car and now I am listening to one as I
type this. What a wealth of wonderful info. I can't wait to listen to
more of them. There are so many helpful hints and inspiring stories. I
listened to the interview with Beth Caldwell (who I love...she's such a
nice person) and the Gossip Lady today. I think that the first one I
listened to was: Ann Martin Lipstick to Law (since I am an MK
consultant). I also listened to the one with Becky Gomes and rsvped to
her marketing meeting. I'm very excited about attending at the end of
February. So many exciting things going on in Pittsburgh. With three
small children I haven't been able to attend the marketing and
networking events but I would love to get involved eventually with them.
Thank you for contributing such a wonderful Podcast for Pittsburgh
Business Owners. It's so cool that your guests are willing to share and
help others. I'm very impressed and can't wait to be involved with this
great group of Pittsburghers. Thanks again!

Have a great weekend.
Wendy

Wendy Cibula
wendy@franklininn.net

Host note:

Wendy is the owner of a wonderful Mexican Restaurant in Pittsburgh Area.
Wendy and John Cibula
Franklin Inn Mexican Restaurant
2313 Rochester Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-366-4140

Episode 22, Becky Gomes of Up a Notch Marketing

2008-01-30T13:08:00.000-05:00

Becky Gomes is the president of Up A Notch Marketing.

For the last 15 years Becky’s passion has been sales and marketing. She has proven that her unique direct marketing techniques work by taking her restaurant, Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, located in Pittsburgh’s trendy South Side, to huge net profits. Nakama has also garnered over 40 ‘People’s Choice’ awards in the past four years.

Becky’s innovative marketing techniques have developed and nurtured over 28, 000 members and guests on Nakama’s VIP lists. Becky teaches these same strategies to different business owners and entrepreneurs at her Up A Notch Marketing Chapter Meetings.

Questions that Becky answered during this interview?

Who are these meetings geared towards?

I saw some of these strange banners at your last meeting….what were they for and what did they mean?

What makes your marketing meetings different from ‘networking’ meetings?

Tell me some different ways that you have applied your marketing?

What is unique about your meetings?

Is this in lecture format???

Well, do people network??

What if I wanted personal coaching time with you?

What exactly are ‘mastermind groups’ ???

Tell me where people would start if they wanted to find out more information on the type of marketing you teach?

Reach Becky at: www.upanotchmarketing.com

Techno Granny Interviews Techno Professionals

2008-01-16T21:24:00.001-05:00

Interviews on topic with users of 21st Century technology to get you to use it also.

Great interview with Shawne Duperon on "Professionals with Impact" UPCOMING SEMINAR WITH SHAWN

2008-01-16T21:16:00.000-05:00

“Romancing the Media: How to Get a Second Date”
Tele-seminar, Feb 11, 2008
**************************************************

Mark your calendars for my next teleseminar:
“Romancing the Media: How to Get a Second Date."

I’m teaming up with business guru and customer
service expert Lori Vest.

You’ll discover a unique approach to long-term
and long-lasting media coverage: It’s all about
the romance!

Through hilarious analogies of dating in the 21st
century, We’ll teach you how to approach media
like a successful dating campaign. Your goal in
love? To find your soul mate! Your goal in
media? To create as many strong media
relationships as you can, so that you get ongoing
free coverage. Ironically, the same principles
apply to both love and media!

The biggest mistake you can make on a first date
is to push your own ideas, goals, and successes
on your unsuspecting romantic prospect. The same
holds true for media. The biggest mistake you
make while pitching is being completely focused
on YOUR story, YOUR product or YOUR service.
Yikes!

In this content-driven tele-seminar, you’ll learn
how to court the media and create long-term,
long-lasting relationships that will generate
incredible free coverage for years!

You’ll also learn:

-How to pitch the perfect story
-The elements you must pitch so the media fall in
love with YOU
-How to create a one-stop media location for any
reporter
-How to use food to get coverage
-Why you must always ask for permission to pitch
-How to get more than a minute of airtime for
your book, product or service
-How to piggyback off of local and national
stories
-How to piggyback using USA Today, the best
resource for studies
-The big differences between broadcast versus
print
-Three mistakes you don’t want to make when
romancing a media contact

The one-hour tele-seminar is Feb 11, 2008, 7PM
EST The cost is $39.95. Click here to sign up.
http://tinyurl.com/2tyesj

Shawne Duperon
CEO, ShawneTV
Marketing & Promotions
TV, Networking & Gossip Expert

ShawneTV
29558 English Way
Novi, MI 48377
248-669-1868

"We are not here merely to make a living. We are here to enrich the world
and we impoverish ourselves if we forget this errand." ~ Woodrow Wilson

Episode 19--Emmy Award Winning TV Producer and Meda and Gossip Expert

2008-01-15T08:43:00.000-05:00

EMMY Award winning producer Shawne Duperon has been in television for
nearly 20 years. She also spoke recently at lst Annual NAWBO Days in September, 2007, anyone who heard her would agree, her information is super-charged.

She’s worked for ABC and NBC and has traveled the globe for the likes of
World Business Review with Alexander Haig and The Science Museum of
London. You’ve seen her programing on PBS, and Discovery Channel and
you’ve even heard her as the voice for OnStar.

Shawne has interviewed many famous people including Morgan Freeman, Colin
Powell and Yo Yo Ma.

Shawne is currently a PhD student at Wayne State University in Detroit..
with a focus on gossip and media.

Media, she says, is the ultimate network. Knowing how to generate free
publicity will have your business rock!

Questions she will answer on Professionals with Impact, Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at

1) What is the difference between marketing and PR?

2) How do you start a PR campaign

3) Talk about ways to get publicity right now..

4) What if the news comes to that superbowl party and doesn’t mention your
company.. it kind of defeats the purpose right?

5) but don’t we want the news to mention our business?

6) How do you start a relationship,

7) give us some examples of stories right now…

8) when do you call the newsroom?

9) at 8:25 PM she will take live questions from the audience

You have been invited by Joanne Quinn-Smith to join a live Community Call.
Professionals with Impact-PWI (Join in)

Host: jqsdreamweaver - jqsdreamweaver@hotmail.com
Episode: EPISODE19 - SHAWNE DUPERON OF SHAWNE TV
Gossip and media expert. Award winning TV producer and networking guru. Recently interviewed by the New York Times.
Call ID: 33431

Scheduled Time:

Date: Wed, January 16, 2008
Time: 08:30 PM EST

How to participate:

Call in:
1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 33431 # (Call ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN
Join from your computer:
1. Click here to join the call or just listen along
2. (Optional) Become a TalkShoe member
Listen to the Recording:
If you missed this event or want to hear previous recorded episodes click here.

Professionals with Impact Interviewee sends out Law of Attraction, "Peace" Message

2007-12-20T08:21:00.000-05:00

From Beth Caldwell, PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com

Hi Everyone,I have just finished up a 3 day retreat and I noticed something. Inmany of the windows I was browsing I saw signs for PEACE.I remembered a quote used in The Secret about Mother Theresa saying she would never attend a war protest, but she would be happy to attend a rally for peace.

I have been thinking a lot about all of the families devastated andseparated by this war. We visited the cemetery last week, and I was humbled by the number of soldiers graves there. What would happen if we all began to think about peace instead of war? If you believe in the power of positive thought, then you know what I am talking about. If you don't believe in positive thinking, then what can this hurt?

I have created a PDF for PEACE. Please print it out and hang it in thewindows of your home and office. Every person that sees it will think"Peace" if only for a momentWhat may happen? Please download the attached PDF and hang it in your window at home and at the office.Pass it on to your families, friends, and all businesses that you knowof.

Wishing you Peaceful Holidays,

Beth Caldwellwww.PositiveMoms. com412-875-5336

Find "Peace" PDF at: http://www.mediafire.com/?1nqoxm0ddrd

Janet W. Christy, Author of "Capitalizaing on Being Women Owned"

2007-12-15T16:51:00.001-05:00

Listen to a “Steel Magnolia” talk about
“Capitalizing on Being Women Owned”
Entrepreneur, Author and Crusader for MWBE’s and WBE’s

Janet W Christy Bio

Janet W. Christy is the founder and President of Leverage & Development, LLC, a consulting firm that helps Women and Minority owned businesses use their status to their advantage. The firm’s services include marketing research and planning, certification assistance, sales guidance, and assistance in government bidding.

Janet also works with government entities and non-profits in the development of programs for entrepreneurs and W/MBEs (Woman/Minority Business Enterprises). The firm’s services include feasibility studies, marketing research, grant writing, and operational plan development.

Janet is the author of Capitalizing On Being Woman Owned, a marketing guide for Woman Owned Businesses. This book was released in September 2006. She also offers workshops for W/MBEs to help them leverage their ownership status for marketing advantage.

Janet W. Christy
Leverage & Development, LLC
507 Bluebird Lane
Greer, SC 29650
864-244-4117
janet@leverageanddevelopment.com
http://www.leverageanddevelopment.com/

The Interview and Topics Covered

This is a great time to be a Woman Owned Business
Generally, why is this such a good time to be a Woman Owned Business
What is the Federal Government doing to promote the use of Woman Owned Businesses?
How do State Governments encourage the use of Woman Owned Businesses?
Why is the success of Woman Owned Businesses important to cities and counties?
How do commercial enterprises address the use of Woman Owned Businesses?
Should Woman Owned Businesses market themselves directly to prospects or is it better for them to be subcontractors?
Why should a Woman Owned Business consider partnering with other businesses?
Is there grant money for women to start or run businesses? (Also makes a good opening question)

Second Topic
Certification
What is certification?
What are the general requirements to be certified?
How does certification benefit Woman Owned Businesses?
Which certification is best for a Woman Owned Business?
Once a business is certified as Woman Owned, do they just wait for the phone to ring?

Janet Christy Bio

Janet Christy has spent the majority of her professional career in marketing, sales and public relations positions. She has also worked on several economic development and technology initiatives in the Southeast.

In 2003 Janet formed Leverage & Development, LLC, a consulting firm focused on helping Small and Woman/Minority Owned businesses and government/education entities. The firm has several service offerings that assist businesses and governments in evaluating their assets and then developing plans to improve them and/or use them to accomplish specific goals.

In 2006 Career Press (Franklin NJ) published Janet’s book Capitalizing On Being Woman Owned. Janet has also written articles for several magazines and blogs including “Home Business Magazine.” She has made more than 30 radio appearance to discuss the advantages and opportunities for woman owned businesses. Janet has been named as part of the “Brain Trust” for the Small Business Advocate (http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/) and has been appointed to the Board of Business Credit Success (http://www.businesscreditsuccess/). She continues to speak and conduct workshops related to Women and Minority Owned Businesses.

“One of my main goals in life is to help women understand that they have choices in life. Helping them be successful in their business choices is one of the ways I can do this,” says Janet. That is why she often speaks to women’s groups and mentors other women.
.

Janet has worked on both sides of the procurement process. Her experience includes both preparing RFPs (Request for Proposal) and RFIs (Request for Information) and responding to them. She currently works as a consultant for Small and Woman/Minority Owned Businesses to aid them in responding to RFPs. She also assists government and education entities in the development of RFPs and the evaluation of responses. Janet’s firm, Leverage & Development, LLC offers a workshop to help businesses understand the culture behind government purchasing, the workshop is titled “I Want A Government Contract – I Think.”

Before becoming a Consultant and Author, Janet spent more than 25 years in the telecommunications industry. In late 1999, Janet, along with several partners, formulated, raised angel and bank financing, and implemented the business plan for a telecommunications company specializing in back-office and consulting services for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Virtual ISPs and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs). The group launched the telecommunications company and within less than a year sold the ISP portion to a publicly traded company. Janet served as Executive Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Customer Service.

PWI Interviewee, Beth Caldwell Offers Free Networking in Pittsburgh

2007-12-02T08:59:00.000-05:00

PWI Guest, Beth Caldwell's Pittsburgh Professional Women Offers Mostly Free Networking
"Professionals with Impact." Beth is a single mom with great website to help home-based mom businesses: www.PositiveMoms.com; watch for Beth's new site: www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.com

Beth is a former guest on "Positively Pittsburgh Live," "Techno Granny." and "Professionals with Impact". Listen to Beth's interview on PWI at:
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/tscmd/tc/33431
You can listen to Beth's extensive community involvement and also hear about her current businesses and many wonderful words of wisdom for women entrepreneurs, home based mom businesses and professional women.

Beth has a passion for helping women entrepreneurs and business professionals and also a great on line networking site: pittsburghwomensnetworking@yahoo.com with over 400 women participants.

Below is a release on Beth's newest business venture, Pittsburgh Professional Women:

Pittsburgh Professional Women is an online resource for business women in Western PA. The mission is to educate and empower women in business. PPW events are held North, South, East and West, and most are free.

Here are our events for December, please attend the events of your choice, and feel free to share this with other business women. Watch for the new website announcement coming soon.

Beth Caldwell412-875-5336Oakmont,

Wednesday, December 5th at 6pm.Women and Wealth,

a free educational program for professional women, small business owners, executive women, retired and divorced women who wish to become financially empowered. Presented by Pittsburgh Professional Women. Speaker: Lori Brinker, CFP.
Topic: Your Investments Can Reflect Your Values.
Meeting begins at 6pm at the Oakmont Public Library, lower level in the Red Oak Room. 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Oakmont, PA 15139, followed by informal networking at a local restaurant.
Please RSVP to 724-339-5312.

Greentree, Thursday, December 6thHoliday Open House benefiting Dress For Success Pittsburgh. 4pm-6pm.

Presented by Pittsburgh Professional Women. Join us for an open house from at:

Regus Executive Suites, Foster Plaza 5, 651 Holiday Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Food and meeting space compliments of Regus.
Admission is free as long as you bring a donation for Dress For Success.
For a wish list, please email bethcaldwell@comcast.net. RSVP to 412-928-3227.

Monroeville, Friday, December 14th at 11:30am Women in Leadership Luncheon Speaker Dr. Nancy Mramor.

This lunch is presented by the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Pittsburgh Professional Women.
Open to all businesswomen. Cost $20.
Location: Tolerico's Restaurant, 2525 Monroeville Blvd, behind Monroeville Mall. .
RSVP in advance to 856-0622. __._,_.___

Two-fer: Rebecca Lamperski, author of "Full Bloom" and Shawne Duperon of Shawne TV

2007-12-01T08:24:00.001-05:00

Rebecca Lamperski, Author of Full Bloom, recent interviewee on "Positively Pittsburgh Live" used lessons that she had learned at National Associaiton of Women Business Owners lst Annual NAWBO Day during Shawne Duperon's seminar on Media Relations to generate publicity for another of her organizations, National Speaker's Association.

Reprinted from "ShawneTV Guide," a free ezinethat generates amazing news stories andconversations. Subscribe at www.shawnetv.com.© Copyright 2007 by Shawne Duperon, ShawneTV Inc.ShawneTV29558 English WayNovi, MI48377US

Lessons Learned from an Association

Rebecca Lamperski of Full Bloom, is a growthexpert. She created some pretty amazing coveragefor her local National Speakers Association inPittsburgh, under the most unusual circumstances.She was a live guest on KDKA after pitching aspeak-a-thon for the radio. Yep, that's right,the radio! Rarely will you see TV coverage for aradio event.

Here's how she did it:"The success really came when I adjusted theannouncement into an external press release tosend to the local broadcast stations, radiostations and newspapers.""Taking what I had learned from Shawne, I neededa hook - a statistic or an interesting fact totie-into. With a simple search of the internet,I found a new study about how much women talkcompared to men. I added that tie-in to my pressrelease, and it was magic!""We received a call from the local broadcaststation for an interview on their morning show -and they specifically indicated they wanted me totalk about how much women and men talk. That'show I knew it was the press release that worked!"Great job, Rebecca.

Here's the link to her interview.
http://kdka.com/video/?id=34053@kdka.dayport.com

Professionals with Impact Interview 8/16/2007 Carol Carmichael of Carol's Restaurant; Historic West End

2007-11-27T10:13:00.000-05:00

08/16/2007 Professionals with Impact Interview
Carol Carmichael of Carol's Restaurant
Historic West End, Temperanceville, Pittsburgh, Pa.

The historic West End also known as Temperanceville is revitalizing and at the core of that with many innovative ideas is Carol Carmichael of Carol’s Restaurant and Hometown Sports Deli. Carol is a die-hard Steeler’s Fan and her local color restaurant’s walls are decked with Sports Memorabilia from Steeler’s history. Walking in to Carol’s fifty occupancy restaurant is like walking in to grandma’s kitchen or your best friend’s sports den.

Energy, personality, a genuine concern for her guests automatically emanates from Carol. It’s so easy to discern that she has a love for the West End of Pittsburgh and all of the organizations that comprise it and she has a heart for those less fortunate who are right in her back yard. Carol is dedicated to the revitalization of the West End as a viable local community.

Keeping with the theme of the movie line, “If you build it they will come," Carol has invented the Man Sandwich and the West End Club. These sandwiches are literally two-fers. They are large enough to satisfy a quarter back or a line backer and average size eaters will take home half for the next day. Each sandwich has two to two and a half pounds of ingredient and takes up a large plate. Carol’s dream is for some of the Steeler’s to lumber in and sample her hearty fare.

A local Pittsburgh tour guide told me that it’s a rite of passage for locals to bring their out of town relatives and newbies to Carol’s for one of her famous ginormous sandwiches just so that they can see the look on the surprised novice at Carol’s Restaurant.

Carol is open from 7 AM to 3 PM but is always eager to offer her restaurant in the evenings to be used for fundraisers and parties for her local clients and community organizations. She has opened for spaghetti dinner and hoagie fundraisers for many local organizations.
You have not lived in Pittsburgh really until you have rode the incline, quacked like a duck on our local “Just Ducky” tour and eaten one of the famous man-size two pound sandwiches at Carol’s. You may also want to check out Carol’s homemade soup and her homemade meatloaf and chicken parmesan

EPISODE 14 La Vette Smith, Volunteer and Voyager, November 13, 2007

2007-11-17T22:24:00.000-05:00

SHOW NOTES SUBMITTED BY LAVETTE SMITH

Cherished Journeys is a Travel Concierge Service that serves all categories of travelers to destinations all over the world. We specialize in Family & Group Leisure Travel, Special Events & Charity Cruises with a special focus on tropical destinations. Our unique Concierge Service offers the perfect recommendations and makes all the necessary arrangements from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Biography:
LaVette Malloy Smith an early transplant to Pittsburgh from Camden New Jersey completed her Undergrad and Graduate Studies at Duquesne University.

LaVette’s extensive business background is diverse and includes: 11 years as the cofounder and President of A&L Rentals a real estate investment co, 5 years as the Executive Director of UMOJA African Arts Company, 5 years as the Manager of the Multimedia Dept. with ANSYS, Inc. and a lifetime of experience as an entrepreneur.

Passionate about children, LaVette has dedicated her time to organizations such as: Court Appointed Special Advocates and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. A graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh, LaVette knows the importance of civic involvement and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Women Business Owners and Court Appointed Special Advocates.

LaVette has been married for 13 years to Alvin Smith, and she is the mother to her three boys - Soleil, Amari and Landis.

On Professionals with Impact, we discussed La Vette’s work with non-profits to help them organize cruises and earn money. We also discussed La Vette’s niche specialization of group and family travel and her pod cast “Family Chatter.” La vette also is in planning phases for: The Burgh’s Family Cruise for June 2008
Wishing you Blissful Travels & Cherished Journeys,
TravelConcierge@CherishedJourneys.com
412-856-0502

Episode 6--Professionals with Impact Profile--Deborah Levine--American Diversity Report

2007-11-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

Deborah Levine

Deborah Levine is Editor of the American Diversity Report, President of Communication Prose Ink and Founder of the Women’s Council on Diversity. Deborah is a facilitator, coach, and trainer specializing in communications, leadership development, and cross-cultural team building. Ms. Levine specializes in environments experiencing change; where cultural groups based on race, gender, generation, ethnicity, and company longevity are in flux. With more than 25 years experience, Ms. Levine has applied her expertise across a wide variety of industries.

Deborah is . . .

An award-winning author of books and articles in national publications including The American Journal of Community Psychology, The Journal of Public Management & Social Policy, The On-Line Facilitator and The Harvard Divinity School Bulletin. Her training strategies and collaborative style have been the topic of reports in The On-Line Wall Street Journal and The Chicago Tribune.

A product of Harvard and New York Universities (BS, Cultural Anthropology), the University of Illinois at Chicago (MA, Urban Planning & Policy) and the recipient of a UCLA post-doctoral research fellowship.

A management consultant providing an array of services including, board development, change management, networking, and fundraising planning. Often deployed by the United Way, her local clients include First Tennessee Bank, the Urban League, Siskin Hospital, Barking Legs Theater, and Community Impact of Chattanooga.

A diversity trainer and multicultural educator. Her Global Leadership Program is designed for decision makers. The training deals with issues in business, the workplace, the community, and social services. Her approach is applicable to management, civic leaders, nonprofit executives and trainers.

An executive coach providing troubleshooter expertise to workplace challenges. She has provided coaching expertise to corporate managers, nonprofit executives, and community leaders. The combination of communication skills, conflict management strategies and leadership development tutorials has proven to be both flexible and effective.

A curriculum consultant to the Institute of Ethical Leadership of the Business School of Southern Adventist University and adjunct faculty to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Elmhurst College. Ms. Levine is a frequent guest lecturer at numerous colleges, public and private high schools.

A popular speaker in the media and at conferences and for a wide-range of civic, religious and business associations including the Huntsville, Birmingham area, and North Chattanooga Chambers of Commerce, United Way, ASTD, International Women Executives Association, Kiwanis, Storytelling in Organizations Association.

The recipient of the 2004 “E” Award for Excellence by the Tennessee Economic Council on Women. Nominee for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. Ms. Levine has mentored more than 100 men and women of diverse cultural backgrounds and spearheaded numerous networking projects including Chicago’s Black-Jewish Dialogue, Oklahoma’s Say-No-to-Hate Coalition, and Chattanooga’s Diversity & Economics Think Tank/Women’s Council on Diversity.

http://www.americandiversityreport.com/

Episode 4: Dan Friedman of Optimum Realty

2007-11-11T08:29:00.000-05:00

EPISODE 4 - -Professionals with Impact--Dan Friedman of Optimum Realty Corporation

Daniel J. Friedman
236 Illinois Street
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 530-9728
dan@taxlien.com

October, 1991 - OPTIMUM REALTY CORPORATION
Present Elmhurst, Illinois
President
Optimum Realty Corporation manages an investment fund which specializes in tax-distressed real estate. Dan’s direct reports are as a portfolio manager and an accounting manager. Though he is responsible for portfolio management, banking relations and related treasury functions, he is also personally responsible for investor relations including presiding at stockholders meetings and making presentations to prospective investors, overseeing the legal and compliance functions, and interfacing with attorneys, investment bankers and broker/dealers. From 1996 to 1998 Dan was an adjunct professor of management at the Southern California campus of the University of Phoenix in addition to his responsibilities for Optimum.. From 1991 through 1996 he managed Optimum Realty Corporation’s predecessor companies. Dan was also formerly the Director of Credit and Treasury for KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC. in Glendale, California.

Dan is also a Member of the Board of Directors, Center for Speech & Language Disorders, Elmhurst, IL.

taxlien.com is the home page of Optimum Realty Corporation, a leader in tax-distressed real estate investing since 1991. We manage a private tax lien investment pool and we operate taxdeed.com®, America's leading online seller of tax foreclosure real estate. We also provide tax lien acquisition and servicing to hedge funds. Click on our Land Available page for information about prime investment real estate for sale. We are not a broker of tax liens and cannot help you find or buy tax liens. We are not an educational organization and do not offer books, tapes or seminars on tax lien investing. To connect with other sites where you can learn about tax lien investing, go to our links page. We are closed to new investors.

From E-Bay Advertisement;
Maintained by: taxdeeds.inc ( 405 )
We are the leading online seller of tax foreclosure real estate in the United States. Never a reserve. No "Bid for Down Payment" auctions. Low closing fees; fast deed processing. We are also a registered eBay Trading Assistant and can help you sell your real estate on eBay. www.taxlien.com.

Weston Lyon--King of the Functional Fitness Jungle

2007-11-10T17:41:00.000-05:00

My very first guest was Weston Lyon whom I met when he was a guest speaker with the National Associaiton of Women Business Owners in Pittsburgh and created quite a stir on the front of our website swinging through the trees without his shirt on. Weston actually specializes in helping busy business women keep in shape.
This is Weston's profile in his own words.

Forget the Excuses! It’s Time for YOU to Achieve the Results You’re Looking for. It’s Time for YOU to Become Healthy, Fit, & Sexy! Weston Lyon’s Functional Fitness Programs Are the Answer.

On Weston's Website: you’ll find the answers you’ve been looking for to help you achieve the healthy, fit, & sexy body you’ve always dreamed of having.
As you look around my information filled website you’ll know why people call me the King of the Functional Fitness Jungle. However, unlike most KING’s I’m here to serve YOU. I’m not here for you to serve me. My goal is to help YOU achieve your health & fitness goals by giving you results oriented information that is simple, effective, and efficient.
There are several tools to help you on your journey to becoming healthy, fit, and sexy that I want you to know about.
1. I send out FREE Functional Fitness Tips several times a week. These tips are jam packed with valuable information (usually in storybook form so they’re easy to read). Information like how to burn fat fast, how to build functional muscle, and how to increase your strength, flexibility, & endurance simultaneously.
I encourage you to use this tool by signing up either at the TOP RIGHT part of this screen or the BOTTOM MIDDLE part of this screen. Yes, I’ve placed it in two different places. Why? Simply because it’s that important.
And to show you just how important it is if you sign up NOW I’ll even throw in my NEW Confidential Special Report 17 Mistakes to Avoid “Like the Plague” If You Want to Look Healthy, Fit, & Sexy Every Day of Your Life absolutely FREE. These Functional Fitness Tips will, without a doubt, change your life.
2. I also publish a BLOG called The Lyon’s Roar. This BLOG contains my uncensored opinions and like my fitness tips is filled with valuable information to help you on your journey to becoming healthy, fit, & sexy. You can take a sneak peek at this BLOG by scrolling down the page and looking for The Lyon’s Roar.
3. The last tool I have for you to take advantage of I’ve bundled together for simplicity. This tool consists of my products and services. If you’re interested in taking a deeper look into my services check out www.functionalfitnesscoach.com
For a list of my products scroll down to check them out or simply click on Products on the top bar and this will allow you to see The KING’s Treasure Room.
A couple of things I want you to know from my heart. I will not lie to you. I will tell you the facts as I see them. It’s easy for people who don’t care to soft serve you information or lie to you. I do care. I’m here to serve you. Are you up for the challenge? If so, welcome aboard. Also, make sure you bookmark this page because I will be constantly updating it with new material, new products, and new stories from successful clients.
I look forward to helping you and serving you in anyway I can…let's rock!
PS – If you want to change something in your life, you gotta change something in your life. Don’t delay or procrastinate – take MASSIVE ACTION NOW!!! Life is yours for the taking, don’t miss out.

The Lyon’s Roar
The Lyon’s Roar is the KING’s Uncensored BLOG, where Weston Lyon spills his guts to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Today there are a lot of people putting up BLOG’s, but none like this one. The Lyon’s Roar is a place where you can come to be touched, motivated, and inspired so you too can achieve a healthy, fit, & sexy body. Let the KING serve YOU…
Sneak Peek at the KING’s BLOG:

Scooby Doo and Dancing

This past Saturday I took my son, Haven, to see Scooby Doo Live at the Benedum (a Pittsburgh Theater). It was AWESOME! You should've seen his face when Scooby Doo came on stage riding a scooter (to give the gliding effect). It was priceless. And the rest of the kids in the audience went bonkers too. It was a mad house...but a lot of fun. The play lasted about 90 minutes with a break in the middle. And the actors/actresses were all over the place for the entire play. They were singing and dancing and running around. What a great workout! Do you like to sing and dance? ...click for more
(c) Weston Lyon, King of the Functional Fitness Jungle

Are You Offended by Christmas Trees?

2007-11-06T06:14:00.000-05:00

This article is atributed to Ben Stein. I am not sure if he wrote it, could just be an urban legend passed around on e-mail but it was sent to me by Jo Ann Forrester of SI Business Associates and I know she is a Professional with Impact. I don't know if Ben Stein wrote this article but I do know that whoever wrote it is also a "Professional with Impact."

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBSSunday Morning Commentary.My confession:I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it doesnot bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up,bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feeldiscriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don'tthink they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact,I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebratingthis happy time of year.

It doesn't bother me at all that there is a mangerscene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. Ifpeople want a crè£¨e, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a fewhundred yards away.I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't thinkChristians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think peoplewho believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. Ihave no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old too. But thereare a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it'sintended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regardingKatrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her bodyfound recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said "OK." Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. (TheBible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself.) And we said "OK." Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said, "OK." Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out.

Ithink it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many ony our address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what theywill think of you for sending it.

Techno Granny addendum: I don't personally care what anyone thinks. This is my blog and as the obstinate "covered over" grey grandmother that I am, I believe that I can express my beliefs freely on "my Blog." This is America and we need to take it back from those who would steal it from us. We need to celebrate all of our ethnicities, all of our faiths and all of our differences. That is what has made this country great. I will never condemn an atheist for his or her beliefs or tell him he cannot express them. If he has a "higher power" he can worship that higher power. If the atheist depends on himself, that's okay, too. I think he or she is going to be pretty lonely, but that's his business.

Many of our ancestors came here for religious freedom. What I object to is "Bullying." I object to the kid who says, "I don't like your game so not only am I not playing but I am going to make sure you don't play either."

If you have a comment, I would welcome it, after all, THIS IS STILL A FREE COUNTRY.

Episode 2: 6/`8/2007 Jo Ann Forrester/SI Business Associates

2007-10-29T07:56:00.000-04:00

JoAnn R. Forrester
S. I. Business Associates
Celebrate & Share
Price it Perfect
P. O. Box 472
Oakmont, PA 15139
412.828.2550
E-mail: selfimagebz@aol.com
www.sibaworld.com

Jo Ann R. Forrester is founder, president and majority of S I Business Associates, a business growth management firm established in 1975. Over 70,000 hours of experience in teaching, consulting, human relations and business development classes, seminars and individual consultations have made her a prominent woman on the business scene in Western Pennsylvania. As a financial consultant and growth management specialist, Jo Ann has specialized in helping small businesses grow and prosper. A number of her clients have won local, regional and national recognition for their achievements as small business owners. In 1998 she co-developed the PRICE IT PERFECT(TM) cost management and cost analysis program for small business. This program is recommended by several organizations, including the SBA 8A program for helping business owners and contractors bid successfully in government projects.

Concentrating on small businesses, Jo Ann's experience includes developing over five hundred business plans and being the on-site consultant for the Women's Entrepreneurial Training Program for the City of Pittsburgh and the State of Pennsylvania. From 1991 to 1995 she served on a Pennsylvania Governor's Task Force for the development of a strategic growth plan for women business owners. As a member of the U. S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Advisory Council for the Western Pennsylvania District, Jo Ann was appointed the first woman in Chair of the Council in May of 1993.

Co-author of STEPS TO OWNING YOUR OWN SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, a workbook that has been used at Community College of Allegheny County since 1984, Jo Ann has led hundreds of men and women into an understanding of the often confusing world of business. Jo Ann is a nationally certified trainer for the National Foundation of Women Business Owners. JoAnn has shared her expertise with many organizations and institutions, including Carlow College, Robert Morris University, and Community College of Allegheny county, National Association of Women Business Owners and Allegheny County M/W/D.B.E. Department. In 2004 she was appointed one of the Program Loan Coordinators of the M/W/D.B.E. Working Capital Loan Program of Allegheny County.

JoAnn has served 5 terms as President of the National Association of Women Business Owners, spanning the years from 1988 to 2001; she also served on the National Board of NAWBO for the 1990-91 year. She was actively involved in establishing WOMEN DIRECT, the largest directory of women business owners to be published in the United States. In 1995, Jo Ann served as the primary consultant in the study, FINANCIAL PORTRAIT OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS, an in-depth regional survey of women business owners and their economic strengths conducted by the SBD of Duquesne University.

In 2002, JoAnn Forrester and Bonnie DiCarlo, established Celebrate & Share. C & S is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the achievements of women, while raising funds for organizations that support the needs of women and children. They have conducted numerous events over the years and have raised significant funds for such organizations as Cribs for Kids, Vision of Hope, Women’s Independent Press, Tomorrow’s Future, Linda Cobb’s Transplant Fund and Dress for Success. For the past three years they have conducted the Women of Achievement Breakfasts honoring over 70 women in the Pittsburgh area.

The U. S. Small Business Administration awarded Jo Ann the U.S. Small Business Award for 1989 Woman Business Advocate for Western Pennsylvania. She has made numerous speeches and appearances on radio and television promoting the interests of women business owners as a specialist in business planning and development. In 1993, she received recognition from THE BUSINESS SHOW as the Women Business Owner of the Year. In March of 1996, Jo Ann was elected to the Pennsylvania Honor Roll of Women sponsored by the PA Department of Commerce. She served as chair of the Global Partnership with Pennsylvania in 1997 and 98.

Jo Ann’s advocacy and support of small business has led her to be appointed to a number of board positions, including First commonwealth Bank, Community Development Corporation and the Loan Review Committee of the URA of the City of Pittsburgh. Previously she served on the Advisory Council of the Small Business Administration and The Women’s Enterprise Center. In 1999, Jo Ann received recognition as one of the Top 50 Women Business Owners in Pennsylvania. In May 2000 Jo Ann R. Forrester was awarded the SBA Women in Business Advocate Award for the state of Pennsylvania. In 2001 JoAnn was instated in the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

Services include the following:
Business and Strategic Plans for Growth

Blue Ribbon Profiles

Financing Strategies and Options

Cost Analysis and Management Services

Price it Perfect

Growth Management and Guidance

Stress Management for Business Owners

Consensus Building

Law to Lipstick--Ann Martin

2007-10-28T00:10:00.000-04:00

Episode 12

Anne Martin, Independent Senior Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Anne left a fifteen year legal year in 1991 to start a home based business with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Her dramatic career change “from law to lipstick” was motivated by a desire for a more balanced lifestyle and the desire to positively impact other women.
When Anne became an independent sales director in 1992, this offered her an even greater opportunity to mentor and coach other beauty consultants in starting their own businesses. She has mentored and coached hundreds of women in starting their own businesses. Her unit has been recognized nationally for their sales achievements for thirteen consecutive years. Her greatest joy is giving her job away by empowering other women to promote themselves to the position of sales director within the Mary Kay organization.

During her challenging transition from the legal profession to entrepreneurship, Anne enjoyed the wonderful support of her sister business owners in the Pittsburgh chapter of NAWBO.
She served on the board from 1993 until 1995.
When she re-joined NAWBO in 2003, she served as Chairman of the Program Committee for two years and has also been a co-chair of the Make the Connection Luncheon on two occasions.
Anne also served as a lector for several years at her church, Sacred Heart and on various parent committees in her son’s schools.

In seeking to inspire, encourage and empower other women in the community, Anne has volunteered as an image consultant with the Corporate Collection – an organization that assists women in making the transition into the work force. Anne has also reached out to a group of women who are often overlooked and stigmatized – women recovering from drug and alcohol addictions.
She has served on the board of the Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery (POWER) for two consecutive terms including three years as Chairman of the Development and Public Relations Committee.
She also served on the Executive Committee as well as on the Power/ZOAR Merger Committee. She is currently working with the Development Committee on several future fundraising ventures.

Anne’s mission is to inspire women to discover their life’s purpose and uncover their inner greatness. She is working on a book From Law To Lipstick and offers presentations on career change, life makeovers, and relationship marketing.

She can be reached at (412) 422 7818 or acmmk@hotmail.com

(c) Anne Martin, 2007