| NAWBO Delaware Newsletter |
January, 2010 |
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Message from the President of NAWBO Delaware
by Karen L. Miller
I wish you all prosperity in your business and in your personal endeavors.
Perhaps NAWBO Delaware can help you get there through this year's programs and networking opportunities.
We're starting off the year on January 30, with a fantastic program: "Women Mean Business® Summit: Together Reaching Our Potential" featuring acclaimed business coach, author and speaker Mary Cantando.
You will hear from highly successful (Million $$ businesses!) local business owners as they share their success stories. No matter if your business reaches only consumers, only businesses or a combination of both, there are nuggets for you to take away and adapt to your business. Our featured local business owners are:
- Ellen Barrosse, Synchrogenix Information Strategies
- Beverly Stewart, Back to Basics Learning
- Patricia Troy-Brooks, Advanced Staffing
Each of these powerful women have beaten the odds, overcome obstacles and grown, even in the face of today's economic uncertainty. Come join us and be inspired to do the same.
Our leader for the day, Mary Cantando, will guide us through problem solving and energize us to be our best. In addition, we have a couple of terrific workshops to give you "hands-on" learning.
Oh, and did I mention there will be fabulous door prizes?
I hope to see you on Saturday January 30, at the Christiana Hilton in Newark for what promises to be a memorable day!
Click HERE to get more information and to register.
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| MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Richelle Rodgers |
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 Richelle is a native of Philadelphia, PA, graduating from Nazareth Academy. She holds a Masters Degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA. She is also a United States Vietnam-era veteran and lived in West Germany for over seven years. Currently Richelle owns her own management consulting firm and is a licensed affiliate with Axxiom Franchise Advisors, LLC. Richelle began her consulting career with the Barnes Foundation in Merion, PA and has provided museum consultative services to the Rochester Museum & Science Center, the Frederick Douglas Resource Center and the Baobab Cultural Center, all located in Rochester, New York. Prior to going into consulting, Richelle worked for the PA Historical and Museum Commission in Harrisburg, PA responsible for over 2.5 million artifacts in Harrisburg, PA and 27 historical sites throughout Pennsylvania. She served as a Collections Manager and Project Manager for automating the PHMC's museum collection. Richelle has also worked as an Executive Director for President Clinton's Birthplace Foundation in Hope, Arkansas. She has also worked as the North Texas Operations Director for MediSend International in Dallas, Texas. MediSend is a non-profit organization which shipped U.S. excess medical supplies and equipment to 66 developing countries. During her tenure, MediSend exceeded its shipment goals.
Richelle is a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Wilmington, and is currently a member of the New Castle Chamber of Commerce, Newark #1 BNI (Business Networking International), NAWBO National and NAWBO Delaware. She is also a member of News4Women and BWN (Business Women Network). Richelle has been affiliated and served on the Board of Directors with such organizations as the American Association of Museums, the Junior League of Harrisburg, the Historical Society of Dauphin County, Altrusa International, Executive Women International and CONTACT Harrisburg and the National Board of CONTACT USA. She was also a member of "Who's Who in Executive Females." Richelle speaks three languages, namely English, German and French.
Richelle is married and the proud grandmother of triplets who live in New Hope, PA. Richelle and her husband, Jerry, currently reside in Elkton, Maryland.
Richelle Rodgers, Owner
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What's Included in Executive Order #14? |
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· The Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise will offer training to small businesses on how to apply for state contracts and provide information on how to learn about available bidding opportunities.
· State agencies are to designate a Minority and Women Business Enterprise Liaison to advise the agency's cabinet secretary on ways to increase supplier diversity.
· The Governor established a Supplier Diversity Council, which is charged with monitoring the state's efforts in increasing the number of minority- and women-owned businesses winning state contracts.
· Clarified the planning process for supplier diversity efforts in order to improve the performance and accountability of government operations.
· Further increases government transparency via a a centralized, online publication listing all advertised and awarded state contracts.
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Upcoming Events |
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January 30, 2010
February 5, 2010
March 5, 2010
March 11, 2010
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Markell Signs Executive Order To Help Minority and Women-Owned Companies Compete for State Business |
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by Cathy Imburgia
 On December 22, Gov. Jack Markell signed an executive order that will make it easier for small and mid-sized companies to bid on state contracts. On hand for the signing of EO #14 were about 20 attendees representing minority- and women-owned businesses and supporting organizations, including NAWBO. (See sidebar for details.)
Cathy Imburgia, president of Creative Communications, current NAWBO Public Policy chair, and long-time advocate for fair and transparent procurement practices in the State, spoke at the event. "Increasing supplier diversity is not a handout but rather a means to level the playing field so that all qualified vendors have an equal opportunity to compete for state contracts; thereby providing the State with the best value for purchased goods and services," she said.
"My administration is working hard every day to make Delaware the best state in the nation to start and grow a businesses. This includes ensuring Delaware companies have opportunities to bid on Delaware business," Gov. Markell said. "Expanding the number of companies bidding helps make government more effective and efficient by increasing competition, which can drive up quality and drive down prices."
The order will create a centralized, online publication listing all advertised and awarded state contracts. In addition to helping the economy by increasing opportunities and competition, this new order will also further increase government transparency.
"I applaud this administration for taking this crucial first step," said Imburgia, who has has worked with the private sector, state and federal government. "I am confident that with the proper resourcing and support, we can turn this first step into an ever-lasting reality. But while we have taken this crucial first step to achieving supplier diversity," Imburgia cautioned, "let's understand that this is only the beginning. The Executive Order alone will not make it happen." |
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IRS Reminds Taxpayers that Keeping Good Records Reduces Stress at Tax Time |
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by John Berger, IRS (john.r.berger@irs.gov)
 The tax filing season is just around the corner, so if you haven't already done so, it's time to organize your records.
Whether you are a business owner or an individual taxpayer, you can avoid headaches at tax time with good records because they will help you remember transactions you made during the year.
Keeping well-organized records also ensures you can answer questions if your return is selected for examination or prepare a response if you are billed for additional tax. In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in a special manner. Generally speaking, you should keep any/all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return.
Small Business Owners
If you are a small business owner, you must keep all your employment tax records for at least four years after the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later. Examples of important documents business owners should keep Include:
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Gross receipts: Cash register tapes, bank deposit slips, receipt books, invoices, credit card charge slips and Forms 1099-MISC
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Proof of purchases: Canceled checks, cash register tape receipts, credit card sales slips and invoices
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Expense documents: Canceled checks, cash register tapes, account statements, credit card sales slips, invoices and petty cash slips for small cash payments
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Documents to verify your assets: Purchase and sales invoices, real estate closing statements and canceled checks.
Individuals
Individual taxpayers should usually keep the following records supporting items on their tax returns for at least three years:
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Bills
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Credit card and other receipts
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Invoices
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Mileage logs
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Canceled, imaged or substitute checks or any other proof of payment
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Any other records to support deductions or credits you claim on your return
For more information about recordkeeping, check out the IRS Web site, IRS.gov or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). | |
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NAWBO Delaware
P.O. Box 4657
Greenville, DE 19807
302-559-9080
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