One Woman Conference Special Edition eNewsletter

One Woman Conference Special Edition eNewsletter June 2011

In This Issue

Youth Explosion!

Conference Highlights

Workshop Tracks

EXPO

OWC Connection Events

OWC Registration

Sponsor Recognition

Greetings!

Welcome!

It's 2011 and there are less than a handful of women in senior executive positions among Fortune 500 companies. Many women have voiced their frustration with corporate America and their opportunities for advancement beyond lateral career moves.

Still, many other women have been laid off altogether and are left to rethink the future.

These occurrences have set fire to a blazing movement and women have been establishing their own companies at an amazing rate. Conceptualizing, establishing and promoting your dream into lucrative businesses is the new American dream.

Since its inception three years ago, the One Woman National Business Conference® (OWC) has consistently been a place where dynamic women learn and share their experiences. These business women all have a genuine interest in helping one another and the motivation to reach the next level professionally.

We invite every woman in business to join our network because support is a powerful tool, especially when done among women; making this event more than a conference, but a movement of like-minded business owners.

As the Founder and CEO of Texas Business Alliance, one of my key initial goals was to help women build important business contacts. This is extremely important to me, not only because I understand how imperative it is to establish relationships with decision makers who listen to your voice and value the vision of your business, but because I care and I believe in shared economic prosperity and want every woman to be successful.

Sincerely,

SIGNATURE

Jeffrey L. Boney

Founder and CEO

Texas Business Alliance

Texas Business Alliance (TBA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization with a mission to equip minority- and women-owned businesses to be qualified suppliers, ready to compete for public, private and international opportunities through progressive development, and specialized training. The Texas Business Alliance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed to support the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy and related youth business programs. OWC is a promotion, advocacy and development small business conference of TBA.

Greetings!

Greetings!

It's not surprising many new businesses fail in the first few years.

The responsibility can be overwhelming and without an adequate support system, chances are mistakes will be made. Making connections with others who have been where you are and who know what you are feeling is a key component to ensuring your business does not become a statistic.

At OWC, not only will you experience innovative sessions, high-powered speakers and a look at the latest trends, but you'll also learn how to stay competitive in your field, and catch the eye of contracting entities looking for you.

I'm excited for this year's attendees to have the opportunity to learn from our keynote speakers, seasoned journalist Lisa Ling and award-winning marketing and communications strategist Valeisha M. Butterfield. Both women are experts in their field and have traveled the world witnessing first-hand the struggles for women worldwide. Their presentations will share the advantages of seeking opportunities abroad, having a global perspective and how to do so successfully as a woman.

OWC 2011 workshops are designed to teach you back-to-basics fundamentals and how to compete for public, private and international opportunities through access, advocacy, capital and promotion. We'll share just how the game has changed and give you the playbook to get into the action!

If you're new to the world of business ownership -- welcome and let this be your first great business decision. We promise you that the two-day conference will strengthen your vision, kick-start your drive and fill up your phone's contact list with the best of the Texas business world and beyond.

If you're an experienced multi-million dollarearner, OWC has a specialized track of development just for you. Although all industry representatives are welcome, we particularly invite suppliers who deliver services to OWC partner core businesses, i.e., oil, gas and energy; technology; maritime; space; manufacturing; commerical construction; medical, etc.

Finally, corporate and governmental supplier diversity professionals have their own track of development for personal and professional growth.

We look forward to meeting each and every one of you!

Jennifer Dean, Susan Repka and Christal M. Jackson

Co-Chairs

One Woman National Business Conference®

YOUTH EXPLOSION!

Have you always been told how creative you are?

Do your parents and teachers compliment you on your flair for fashion?

Have you consistently strived to be the top seller during every school fundraiser?

Get ready to grab hold of your passion for fashion and get those creative juices flowing at this year's Youth Explosion! taking place at OWC. If you're between the ages of 14-19, you're invited to apply to compete.

You'll learn and apply collaboration skills to compete with some of the most talented young entrepreneurs in the Greater Houston area.

The conference is guaranteed to be packed with information and will offer budding business professionals an opportunity to network and connect. So, if you've dreamed of owning your own business and you're ready to flex your competitive muscles, hurry and sign up, space is limited and only the motivated need apply.

The application deadline is July 1, 2011.

The Youth Explosion! is a FREE program for youth.

Application Steps:

Complete the Application Online. Click here.
Complete the Business Assessment. Click here.
Complete a 250-word essay on the current trends in the fashion/style industry and email your essay to info@mwhpublicrelations.com.

NOTE!

Watch ABC-13 "Visions" with host Miya Shay, Sunday, June 5, at 11:30 a.m. on Ch. 13. The Youth Explosion! will be featured and Zawadi Bryant, Youth Explosion! chair and TBA board member, interviewed.

ONE WOMAN CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

OWC 2011 is packed with many workshops designed to help establish solid foundations and develop lasting opportunities for new and experienced companies.

Attendees this year include top national and regional thought leaders and presenters, small business owners, corporate and governmental representatives, and young professionals.

Topics to be covered include information specific to each track of development such as team building and leadership, marketing, succession planning, business acquisitions and mentor protégé programs. The workshops are designed to be interactive and offer various educational tracks for start-ups, experienced small business owners, and corporate and governmental supplier diversity officers.

This year, OWC will also have an exciting teen workshop entitled the Youth Explosion! The two-day innovative intensive focuses on team building, creativity and the steps to be a successful entrepreneur in today's market using an "Apprentice" inspired format.

Various awards will be presented including the "Still Standing Small Business Award," which spotlights one company that's stood out while showing integrity, valor and sustainability through the economic recession. Others being recognized red-carpet-style at the Soaring Heights Awards Program will be innovative supplier diversity officers, and graduates of TBA's Business Enterprise Academy and Youth Entrepreneurship Academy.

Also occurring at the Soaring Heights Awards Program will be the One Woman® Shark Tank competition that is sure to bring out the competitive side in everyone with $5,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.

Each paid full-conference attendee will receive an OWC 2011 T-shirt and swag bag filled with valuable gifts courtesy of TBA member Taylor Smith Consulting.

Our theme this year, "Back-to-Basics," highlights the OWC commitment to deliver on the know-how, know-what and know-who to take your business to its next level of success. Increasing bottom-line performance is OWC's top-line goal!

WORKSHOP TRACKS I, II, III AND IV

OWC includes inspirational general sessions and developmental workshops -- the heart of the conference. Workshops are divided into four tracks with specific developmental courses designed to fit every stage in successful business growth. CEU credits are provided for Tracks II and III. Tracks I, II and III participants will receive a "Play Book" workbook.

Track I:

Start-Up/Emerging business owners -- Are you just beginning to test the waters of entrepreneurship or are you reaching your first two million in earnings? Get the "Play Book" on how to run a business from A-Z (even for emerging businesses), learn how to create or strengthen your business plan and create a sales strategy that will take you to the next level. You'll also learn how to deliver your "value proposition" and 60-second pitch with confidence and know the difference between the two. Finally, let us show you the true meaning of "It's who you know" and actually put those people in front of you.

Track II:

Experienced Small Business -- You've made it past the start-up challenges successfully and you've even made a lot of money doing it, now what? This track educates the seasoned business owner on cross-training and adding value to the product and team. Learn how to be a better "coach" and manage, motivate and mobilize your team for greater productivity. You will also learn how to establish effective sub-contractor relationships and how to sub-contract with smaller MWBEs successfully to secure more opportunities to become a stronger leader in your respective industry. Key next steps will be shared to include acquisition and/or succession.

Track III:

Supplier Diversity Professionals (Corporate and Governmental) -- Ready to take some time for your personal and professional growth? This track will require you to drill deeper to uncover creative and innovative ways to take your next career step while also being of service to suppliers. Experts in multiple fields will provide guidance on using ROI, brand enhancement, alignment with corporate goals, and revenue enablement processes and metrics to architect increased effectiveness.

Track IV:

Youth Explosion! (ages 14-19) -- The next generation of small business owners shouldn't be underestimated. With the right support and guidance, the sky is truly the limit for today's youth. During two rounds of competition, teams of four (4) will compete for amazing prizes and region-wide bragging rights. They will also have the opportunity meet other savvy young minds from across the region, participate in a HYPE party, tour local small businesses and learn from experts from the business community. If you're interested in owning your own business or want to find out if it is for you, participate in this FREE crash course and competition to see what you've got!

EXPO

Whether you're an exhibitor or walking through, the OWC Expo offers a unique opportunity for you to build business contacts and establish key relationships. Decision makers, corporate and governmental leaders, and industry suppliers get multiple opportunities to mix and mingle, hear your business value proposition, and forge strategies and partnerships that will enhance your business growth.

OWC offers two booth levels - standard at $350 and show-case positioning premium at $750. Each booth includes and 8' x 10' space, back and side drape, draped table, waste basket, two chairs and a name graphic.

A limited number of premium booths remain. Booth sales are currently underway and will continue until sold out. Reserve your booth now at www.onewomanconference.com.

Authors' Cove tables also are available and we are currently registering authors. This year, designated book signing times and a special OWC Progressive Dinner is planned to showcase authors. More details to come!

OWC CONNECTION EVENTS

Female Success Factor connection event hosted by Rolling Out Magagine and TBA on April 26

Mark your calendars and register now to attend OWC Connection Events. This is an opportunity to take in more subject matter to enrich your business, bring balance, and enhance your quality of life and network with like-minded business owners!

JUNE CONNECTION

Stilettos or Flats - You Can Have Both!

Tuesday, June 28 ▪ 6-8 PM

Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Cost: FREE (light refreshments included)

Guest Speakers:

Jennifer Dean, President and CEO, Dean's Professional Services

Dr. Shel, Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa - Sugar Land

Description:

· Hold on to your seat, you are about to feel motivated and have some laugh-out-loud moments with this interactive presentation, designed for the everyday woman. Topics will address: proactive approach, effective communication, empowerment, personal motivation, goal setting, excellent customer service, professionalism, and the Domino Effect. This range of transformational techniques will inspire you to be successful in business and life.

· Empowering women through health which contributes to business success.

JULY CONNECTION

God in the Market: Empowered and Inspired to Bring God to the Market

Saturday, July 9 ▪ 9-11 AM

Sugar Creek Baptist Church

13333 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Cost: $15 for TBA members | $20 for Non-TBA Members | $25 onsite

Breakfast: Included

Guest Speakers:

Bonnie Monych, Your Workplace Doctor - Featured Speaker

Sharwin Boney, Chief Financial Officer, BoneFide Development Group - Host and Speaker

Jessica Leffew, Women's Ministry Coordinator, Sugar Creek Baptist Church - Venue Host

Susan Waldron, Medicus Alliance Clinical Research - Testimonial Speaker

Description:

Throughout history, we have seen women uniquely positioned to usher God's presence, plan and purpose to the earth. As depicted in the biblical account of the woman at the well, impact is made when "One Woman" is empowered and inspired to make a difference. Join us for a morning of refreshment, rejuvenation, fun fellowship and inspiration as we learn new ways of utilizing our faith in the marketplace.

AUGUST CONNECTION

Wine & Shoe Pairing

Tuesday, August 9 ▪ 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Sugar Land Town Square

Cost: FREE

Description:

See and shop the latest shoe collections during this special in-store, charitable event. Special shoe discounts for OWC registered participants. Wine and light bites served. Please bring a pair of gently worn shoes or a suit for donation to "Dress for Success."

AUGUST CONNECTION ONLINE

"Social Media Summer Camp....No Bug Spray Necessary!"

Wednesday, August 3 - Wednesday, September 7 ▪ 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CST

Venue: Webinar

Cost: $245 (includes six training sessions - Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter)

Description:

A six-part business Webinar series being delivered by Springboard social media's Shelley Roth, www.shelleyroth.com. Springboard has committed to donate $35 of every ticket purchased using the code OWC123 to the nonprofit organization Texas Business Alliance and its Youth Explosion! program occurring during OWC. Every business needs to learn how to properly use social media tools and incorporate them successfully into a marketing strategy.

OWC REGISTRATION

TBA members, WBEA and NAWBO members are currently registering at a 20 percent discount. Simply log on to www.onewomanconference.com and select "Register."

Our Host Committee members are all offering their network colleagues a 10 percent discount. Contact any host committee to receive a "TBA Partner code," log on to www.onewomanconference.com and select "Register."

Registration Rates:

$207 - TBA, WBEA, NAWBO Full-Conference Registration
$233 - Full-Conference Registration Host Committee Promotional Discount
$259 - Standard Full-Conference Registration
$300 - Onsite Full-Conference Registration
FREE - Youth Explosion! (includes meals and overnight accommodations)
$600 - Supplier Diversity Track Registration (includes overnight accommodations and Silver Level corporate sponsorship benefits)
$1,200 - Supplier Diversity Track Registration (includes overnight accommodations and Gold Level corporate sponsorship benefits)

Note: Your full-conference registration includes the Opening Breakfast featuring journalist Lisa Ling; the Corner Office Chat with refreshments; the View @ OWC relationship seminar and hors d'oeuvres; Soaring Heights Awards Brunch and Mimosa Jazz Reception; swag bag; door prizes; workshops and "Play Book;" Expo entry; and conference surprises!

Thank You One Woman® Sponsors and Partners!

Sponsors