� Demonstrated Excellence as a woman business owner

� Demonstrated Professional accomplishments during the past 5 years

� Demonstrated Initiative and creativity in addressing major challenges in her business

� Demonstrated Civic and Community involvement

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New Partnership between NAWBO and UPS!
 
NAWBO and UPS are proud to announce a new initiative to create a 501c3 to support our efforts for education and development of women business owners.  NAWBO knows it's future depends on staying relevant and continue the efforts to bring resources and support to women business owners.  A 501c3 non-profit status goes a long way to establishing NAWBO's reputation and services. 
 
Member Leslie Vidra, attorney and recently renewing NAWBO member has volunteered to serve as the lead on this project, and she will be working closely with UPS employee Stephanie Smith.  With this partnership, UPS clearly establishes itself as genuinely interested in the development of women business owners in our community.  We at NAWBO are proud and delighted to be working with such a great partner.
 
Interested in getting involved?  Let us know by contacting our Executive Director, Helen Overfield.

 

The Best of the Best Award
It's the top award given by Allegra Network to one franchise location, based on meeting a list of predetermined criteria. Franchise members who receive this accolade continuously exemplify what
it means to be a master of profitability, and demonstrate the true meaning of "buckling down" to ensure that sales goals are met and new initiatives are launched. This year Allegra Network presents the award to Denise Spalding and Jennifer Eberle, owners of Allegra Print & Imaging, Louisville-East, Ky. "It's an honor to be recognized as the Best of the Best," said Denise. "Our team worked very hard to achieve our 2008 company goals, which propelled us to the top."

Even though Denise and Jennifer aren't strangers to winning awards (they've been past recipients of the Sales Excellence award, Platinum Star award, Mark of Excellence award and Annual Sales
Growth award), this is the first time they have been recognized as the Best of the Best. "We were a finalist in 2006," said Jennifer. "One of our goals has been to be recognized with this award since its inception." Of course, you can't be the best if you don't have a stellar team that will support you every step of the way. In addition to Denise and Jennifer, there are 17 employees that contribute to the overall success of their business. Congratulations Allegra team!


Sign-A-Rama Downtown Inducted into Corporate Hall of Fame
Sign-A-Rama Downtown owners Maggie and Brian Harlow were recently inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame during World Expo 2009 - United Franchise Group's (UFG) annual exposition for its franchises. Sign-A-Rama is UFG's largest franchise with more than 950 retail locations worldwide.

"To say this is an honor is an understatement," said Maggie Harlow. "We were truly surprised and humbled to be named among this elite group of owners who represent excellence in the industry in every possible way just six years into our business."

According to the corporate Sign-A-Rama office, the Hall of Fame award represents the best of the best in Sign-A-Rama franchises. The award is an opportunity to honor great team players and owners who have exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit that has contributed to the overall growth of the Sign-A-Rama brand.

"Brian and Maggie exemplify everything we are looking for in Hall of Fame winners," said Ray Titus, president and founder of United Franchise Group. "They have a highly successful Sign-A-Rama location, and they are excellent team players serving as mentors and leaders to guide other owners in our extensive franchise system."

Among other requirements for the Hall of Fame award, the franchise must have been in business for at least six years and reached one million dollars in sales for two consecutive years. The Harlows established their business in 2003 and did over $1.2 million in sales during that first year of business - a franchise record for a new location.  Their sales last year were $1.7+ million and $1.1+ million in 2007. The Harlows have also been honored with several other corporate franchise awards including the 2008 President's Award, Outstanding Achievement in 2006 and 2004, Mentor of the Year in 2005 and the 2004 Rookie of the Year.

"We've been overwhelmed by the recognition and support we have received over the years from the corporate office as well as fellow franchise owners. We love what we do and love being part of the Sign-A-Rama family," said Maggie.

The Harlows also own FranchiseMart Louisville, another UFG franchise. FranchiseMart Louisville is a resource for those interested in a more efficient and effective way to research before investing in a business. FranchiseMart Louisville offers hundreds of franchising opportunities with new businesses being added every day. The company also helps business owners develop a franchise format for successful enterprises.

"Maggie and Brian are exactly the kind of successful, driven, focused people we look for in franchise ownership," said Ray Titus.

Maggie  Harlow is the current president of the Louisville, KY chapter of NAWBO. According to Maggie, being associated with NAWBO and surrounded by business-minded women with entrepreneurial spirits has contributed to her success at Sign-A-Rama Downtown.

NAWBO depends heavily on our partnerships with corporate sponsors. Without them we would not be able to support the programs we offer our members and the business community. In return, our sponsors enjoy visibility among women business owners
and community leaders.  In addition to the WBOY sponsorships and chapter sponsorships
at the levels of Visionary ($15,000), Leadership ($10,000), Champion ($5,000) and Supporting ($3,000), our chapter recently created a sponsorship program called Create Your Own Package. Any business can take advantage of the visibility offered by these options.

Create Your Own Package Sponsorships:
$1,500 Meeting and educational seminar sponsor
$1,500 Presenting sponsor of WBOY silent auction, includes booth
$1,000 E-newsletter sponsor, with linked ad and two company articles for 1 year.
$1,000 Printed newsletter sponsor, with ½-page ad and article in each issue for one year/ 6

           issues
$ 500 Educational material sponsor
$ 500 Company logo on website with link
$ 500 Postage sponsor
$ 500 Food & beverage sponsor for event, with visibility on promotional materials
$ 280 Table at annual signature event
$ 250 Half a corporate table (4 seats) at WBOY luncheon and awards ceremony
$ 250 Featured article in E-newsletter or printed newsletter
$ 200 One-year participation in Buy NAWBO 1st Program
$ 200 Promotional or information material at a NAWBO meeting
$ 150 Ad in E-newsletter

For more information, contact:
Corporate Sponsor Chair, Rachel Butler 502-412-6502,
rachelbutler@rightangleresults.com or
Chapter Executive Director, Helen Overfield, 502-625-0248,
director@nawbolouisville.org
 

Economic Inclusion: Partnering for Success

Economic inclusion ensures all businesses are afforded the opportunity to succeed in the marketplace of commerce and ideas. Now, you're invited to hear one of the leading experts in the field of business diversity at a special community event.


A special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Wal-Mart and Host Sponsor Bellarmine University and to program partners National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), West Louisville Business Association, Hispanic and Latino Business Council (HLBC), African American Business Association (AABA), and the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC).
The cost to attend is $15. To register, call (502) 625-0085 or email Registration@GreaterLouisville.com.

Bellarmine University - Frazier Hall
2001 Newburg Road Louisville KY 40205

More Informationregistration@greaterlouisville.com
Phone502.625.0085
Fax502.625.0010

Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: Wal-Mart
Host Sponsor: Bellarmine University

Agenda
3:00pm - 3:30pm - Registration and networking
3:30pm - 5:00pm - Program and Q&A


                                                                                                   

 

Goldberg Simpson 

Norton Healthcare