News From Women's Business Council

Since this conference is in our own backyard, we encourage WBCS members to take advantage of this great opportunity for national recognition and valuable connections. We look forward to the light being shined on our region, and particularly our Texas capital city, Austin!

Planning has already begun! As the Host Council for the conference, WBCS will be actively involved in the planning process which includes forming a WBE Host Committee. The WBE Host Committee is a unique sponsorship opportunity for WBCS WBE members. It is comprised of approximately 12 WBE members who are selected to represent WBCS and serve as spokespeople for the conference. Please follow this link for a description of the cost, benefits and responsibilities of this sponsorship opportunity.

Given that the Host Committee is limited to 12 WBE members, we will prioritize our selection of interested WBEs based on involvement in and contribution to WBCS, as well as diversity of members. Please contact me at dhurst@wbcsouthwest.org or at 817-299-0566, ext 208 if interested in being considered for the Host Committee.

GALA

The Parade of Stars Awards Gala is tomorrow, Friday, February 7! We have been working around the clock to make this event fun for everyone! You can STILL purchase tickets for the event on-site for $85 members and $95 non-members.

In case you haven't seen all of the great things offered at our premiere event of the year, see below for what you can expect!

Event highlights:

Red Carpet Moment (cocktail attire)
Cocktail Reception
Custom Jewelry Raffle

Prize: 18 kt white gold pendant with a .46 ct. of white diamonds with a 1 carat black diamond

Three Course Dinner
Two Hour Open Bar (beer and wine)
Awards Ceremony
Live Auction

See the auction packages here!

Heads or Tails Game!

Prize: 64 GB iPad

After Party

Friday, February 7, 2014

6:00-9:30 PM

Hyatt Regency Dallas

300 Reunion Blvd

Dallas, Texas 75207

NEWS FROM WBENC

WBENC Insights

WBENC is excited to announce the launch of WBENC Insights - your exclusive online knowledge resource.

WBENC Insights is a password-protected site for WBENC-Certified WBEs, Regional Partner Organizations, and National Corporate and Government Members with information on industry forecasts, procurement trends, government contracting, and skill building.

Access WBENC Insights here!

ALL ABOUT AUSTIN

Austin Council Connections

February 25, 2014

Join us on Tuesday, February 25, for a workshop and networking reception at Abel's North Grill and Tap House in Austin.

Jan Triplett, Ph.D. and CEO of Business Success Center asks the question, "Does your business have a successful exit strategy?" Everything that people go into has an exit - planes, trains, buildings, offices, schools, homes. You go into business. Does your business have an exit that you can count on for your safety and well-being? It should: your business is your future. You will identify, analyze and evaluate the best approach and next steps for your business.

Topics to be covered:

Identification of the major ways to exit or cash out of a business and what is required to make each one successful.
Analysis of the current status of your business and how to evaluate your current exit plan.
Evaluation of your goals in relation to your current status and preferred exit strategy.
How to get started and follow through: identification of resources, costs and timeline.

Takeaways:

Understand how to build a successful exit strategy.
Determine the best approach for your business and what's going to be required.
Begin the process needed to create your individual exit strategy with a potential timeline and costs.

WBCS Members - $45

Non Members - $55

MINDFUL WOMEN RECAP

Mindful Women is definitely a member favorite! This event is special because it offers WBEs a chance to talk one-on-one about something meaningful they need or can provide in their business.

We started out the event by hearing from Rachel Sanchez of Prestige Maintenance USA and Lee Ann Packard of Marfield Corporate Stationery. They won the 2013 Done Deals award at Power to Potential for a "deal" that was made at a 2013 Mindful Women event!

We want to give an extra special thank you to our Education Committee who helped make this event a success!

We also would like to thank our wonderful sponsors who made this event possible: DFW International Airport, ExxonMobil, Oncor, Walmart Stores, Inc, Women's Enterprise, Anderson Asphalt & Concrete Paving, CM Productions, IES, and Techni-tool.

REFER A FRIEND

WBCS recently launched a new referral program intended to grow our network and enhance the business opportunities available to our members.

WBE's, you have the opportunity to earn a FREE general admission WBCS event ticket when you refer a woman owned business and she becomes certified. Submitting a referral is quick and easy, so get started!

Refer a Friend today!

UPCOMING EVENTS

TABLE TOPICS LUNCHEON SERIES

February 11, 2014
MEMBERS ONLY

The first Table Topics Luncheon of 2014 is next week, on Tuesday, February 11!

This will be the first of a three-part series focused on goal setting and planning to help female business professionals thrive in today's workplace. You will have the opportunity to explore ways to maintain financial stability while achieving goals, and maximize your business's market value. Register for all three events today!

The first topic, What's Your Plan Be? is presented by Libby Spears from Bravo cc.

In this captivating, fun and potentially game-changing presentation, Libby Spears will challenge your preconceived notions of success for women in our culture, inspire you to start having conversations that dig a little deeper and come face to face with your own limiting behaviors that are keeping you from living out your success plan.

businessWORKS!

April 10, 2014

businessWORKS! is the Southwest's leading expo connecting women business owners with corporations, businesses, government entities, institutions and other organizations.

In addition to the expo, there will also be:

Meet & Greet for Exhibitors
Kick Start Breakfast
Power Up Lunch
Matchmaker Sessions
Silent Auction
Networking Reception

Exhibitor spots are still available, but you will want to act fast to get the premiere pricing rate; after March 1, the prices will increase.

We are thrilled to provide Matchmaker Sessions this year! Be sure to look at the email we sent and complete your profile by February 28, to make a meaningful match!

ACE LUNCHEON

March 6, 2014

ACE MEMBERS ONLY

Attention, WBCS Members who work in Architecture Construction and Engineering, we are kicking off our first ACE luncheon of the year on March 6 at DFW International Airport.

The economy is turning around and new business opportunities are developing each day. Find out how to get your piece of the action!

What to expect at the luncheon:

Roundtable discussions on the best business development resources today for this industry

Marketing best practices
Lead generation
Websites
Upcoming projects

Representatives from local public entities will be in attendance
Develop, capture and share ideas with all attendees!

Interact with your peers to share what works and what doesn't
Where to look for successful prospects
What sets you apart?

If you are an ACE member and would like to register, please contact Elizabeth Thresher.

POWER OF PARTNERING

Hard Hat 2014

Register for Hard Hat today!

WBENC Summit and Salute

Have you registered for the WBENC Summit & Salute in New Orleans, March 18-20?

Network with procurement professionals from Fortune 500 companies and Government entities. Attend workshop sessions focusing on women's business growth, removing barriers to success, and the latest trends in supplier diversity programs. Celebrate the 14 Women's Business Enterprise Stars and the 2013 America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises.

RHCA | Agenda for Building Capacity

This event is specifically for Tarrant County minority, woman and veteran owned businesses wanting to do business with corporate and government entities.

Company representatives including, American Airlines, Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, DFW International Airport, City of Fort Worth and Oncor, among others, will facilitate roundtable discussions for growth opportunities. Agency representatives will provide information regarding benefits of memberships.

WBCS will be there to talk with you!

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, February 27, 2014

8:00-11:00 AM

Radisson Hotel - Fossil Creek

2540 Meacham Boulevard

Fort Worth, TX 76106

Registration is required before February 17, sign up today!

DCCCD Cooperative Training Program