Greetings and Happy May!
I’d like to begin by reflecting on our amazing 40th Annual Celebration of Achievement in Oak Brook last week. It was an incredibly special day that showcases the robust community of NAWBO Chicago. I hope you all left the Hyatt Lodge feeling “Powered To Thrive” and motivated to take your business where you want it to go. The chapter truly is a rare gem when it comes to unique and relevant women’s business groups, and it brings me such joy knowing many of you made new connections and met other women business leaders who will help you grow and surpass your goals this year.
Outside of NAWBO Chicago, I was a member of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, and it never had the warmth of NAWBO. Being together last week was like coming home to celebrate a joyous family occasion! That’s the power of NAWBO Chicago! The conference is our biggest showcase of the year where we provide a platform for our sponsors to shine by hosting breakout sessions on relevant business topics. It’s also wonderful to watch members and sponsors come together in the exhibit hall. It was insightful to learn about new products and services designed to help each of us in our businesses and roles as owners and CEOs.
I’d like to highlight the day by spotlighting three signature parts:
- Every year, the chapter looks forward to honoring our award recipients. I know I speak for the entire ballroom when I say it was a delight to recognize Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, Ari Krzyzek, Melissa Lagowski, Mary Lawrence and Ebony Whitson. Congratulations to each of them!
- Precious L. Williams gave one of the most dynamic and thoughtful keynote addresses in chapter history! She courageously told us to take our power and “pitch everywhere,” challenging and encouraging you to be somebody nobody thought you could be – not even yourself. What amazing energy!
- And we concluded the day with one of our most beloved traditions – the Chocolate & Cocktail Reception. This provides a nice time to reflect on the day together and network with each other.
I am so delighted that we’re going to start a NAWBO Northwest Indiana (NWI) satellite extension powered by NAWBO Chicago. Having spent the last two years in NWI, I’ve met many women business owners who could benefit from the support NAWBO offers.
As I come to the end of my term as president, I want to share with you what I believe NAWBO Chicago should mean to you as a business owner. Having been a member for 11 years, I have seen the many ways the chapter assists WBOs wherever they are in their entrepreneurial journey. To start with, our partners and sponsors are top-notch providers in their respective fields and ready, willing and able to assist our members. Another invaluable asset is our relationship with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. This valuable program assists business owners with the development of a solid business growth plan and the resources to achieve it. But wait, there’s more! Additionally, members can participate in a Mastermind group or engage in monthly Connects to lean on and learn from each other.
The annual conference is just one example of the power of NAWBO Chicago. Always remember the opportunities that exist throughout the rest of the year for members to engage, connect and grow.
I hope this letter finds you well. And I hope by reading through May’s message it has reaffirmed that NAWBO Chicago has so much to offer its members. We are Stronger Together!
Take care,
Edie Fienemann