Rachel's Cure By Design Finalist in "Best in Shop" Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:               

Jennifer Faines 

for Rachel’s Cure by Design

412-559-2860

Jennifer.faines@gmail.com

Rachel’s Cure By Design (RCBD) of Pittsburgh is among 20 finalists

 in ideeli’s “Best in Shop” contest

Voting for a winner is open until September 7

PITTSBURGH, PA – August 23, 2012 – Rachel’s Cure by Design (RCBD), a thriving social entrepreneurship that designs high-quality handmade jewelry and donates a portion of each sale to JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), has been named one of twenty women entrepreneurs chosen as finalists in ideeli’s “Best in Shop” contest.

The ideeli contest, in partnership with New York Times bestselling author and small business champion Tory Johnson, invited women entrepreneurs to enter for a chance to be featured on ideeli, the online retailer named to the top of Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest growing private companies in 2011.

When she was just 12, Rachel Tobin, a creative and inspired young Pittsburgh woman diagnosed with T1D (type 1 diabetes), began designing and selling jewelry to donate a portion of the proceeds to JDRF.  Rachel, who is now 19, has designed more than 100 unique styles of high-quality, glass, gem and beaded silver items, and has donated almost $50k for JDRF/WPA.  Rachel entered the ideeli “Best in Shop” contest to help reach her immediate goal of donating $100k to help fund a cure for T1D.

Voting begins now on the Best in Shop tab on ideeli’s Facebook page. The voting period will close on September 7th and ideeli will announce the three final winners on September 13th.  The three winning entrepreneurs and their companies will work with Johnson and the ideeli team to curate a sale of their products to be featured in a special fall edition of ideeli’s "Tory's Shop," a series of sales curated in collaboration with Tory Johnson, featuring women-run small businesses from around the country.

As part of her commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, every week in her popular segment on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Tory spotlights exclusive deals from countless women-owned small businesses throughout America—saving viewers money and bringing extraordinary growth opportunities to each company. For more information on ideeli’s Best in Shop contest, visit www.ideeli.com/bestinshop.

Currently, RCBD jewelry is available for purchase online, in select boutiques and via these fundraising partnerships that, along with JDRF, benefit from sales of items created expressly for their causes. Each piece is personally designed and named with heart by Rachel. Jewelry is handmade by Rachel and/or supporters who believe in her cause.  Bracelets also include a “made with love” silver charm.

About Rachel’s Cure By Design

Rachel’s Cure by Design (RCBD) is a Pittsburgh-based social entrepreneurship that offers more than 100 unique styles of high quality, glass, gem and beaded silver bracelets and other jewelry. RCBD is passionate about creating and selling beautiful, handmade jewelry that delivers a message of hope and helps support JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). RCBD jewelry is available for purchase online, in select boutiques and via fundraising partnerships with other organizations that, along with JDRF, also receive donations from sales of items created expressly for their causes.

For more information about Rachel’s Cure by Design:

·         Shop online at: www.rachelscbd.com

·         Twitter: @rachelscbd

·         Facebook:  www.facebook.com/rachelscurebydesign

·         Get to know us on our blog: http://www.rachelscbd.com/blog/

About ideeli

ideeli is an online retailer specializing in limited-time sales that feature incredible brands at exceptional prices. Every day, ideeli presents more than a dozen new sales showcasing fashion for men, women and children, beauty products, and home décor, offering the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of a deal. Launched in June 2007, ideeli is one of the fastest growing retailers in the U.S., with more than 5.5 million members and more than 3,000 brand partners. In 2011, ideeli was named to the top of Inc. magazine’s list of the country’s fastest-growing private companies. Join us at www.ideeli.com

# # #

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Chapter of NAWBO Seeks Nominees for Awards

As the 2011-2012 NAWBO year comes to a close, it is The Pittsburgh Chapter of NAWBO tradition to recognize the women in our organization and in the Greater Pittsburgh area who have contributed their time, energy and talents to women business owners, to NAWBO and to our community.  We will also recognize our new members and share news on local and national benefits of NAWBO membership..

Please join us for NAWBO's Annual /Awards Celebration.  Reserve the date, Wednesday, August 15th.  We invite you to join us for a special luncheon of celebration of great businesspersons and their friends.  The luncheon will be held at the Grand Concourse, Station Square. Registration and networking start at 1:00 PM.  The cost of the luncheon is $35.00.

Each year four awards are given. Three of them are for NAWBO MEMBERS only. They are:  Woman Business Owner of the Year, Member of the Year, and Rookie of the Year.

The fourth award is the Founder's Award.  This award is for a woman who most exemplifies the dedication, courage and advocacy of national past president, Gillian Rudd.  Due to her efforts, courage and tenacity, Congressional Act HR5050 was passed in 1989. This historic bill mandated the U.S. government to accumulate and release data on the number of women and minority owned businesses.  It also mandated the SBA to establish outreach, advocacy and training to encourage the growth of women business owners. For many of us it is difficult to remember a time when Women Business Owner's were not recognized or respected.  But some do.  And we know that without her efforts and the leadership of NAWBO, we would STILL NOT exist.  Without acknowledgement of our existence, we are not able to impact or have any significant power, influence, or ability to build our business and shape our economic destiny.

Please submit the names of the women who you believe are the most deserving of the awards given by the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of NAWBO.  Deadline for the nomination: August 8, 2012.

These outstanding women will be honored at our NAWBO Annual Banquet on Wednesday, August 18th below are the categories, description and nomination form.

Please submit your nomination by e-mail to: selfimagebz@aol.com

Deadline for submissions August 8, 2012

Please title the e-mail NAWBO Nominations 2012.  Any questions please contact me by e-mail or my office @ 412.440.6969 or cell 412-670-4322.

JoAnn R. Forrester Chair, End of Year Awards and New Member Luncheon
National Member Services Representative Past NAWBO President 1998-2001, 1988-90

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Building Strategies for Sustainable Growth Topic of eMagnify Symposium

"Building Strategies for Sustainable Growth"

A Women's Entrepreneurial Symposium

March 9, 2012

presented by

Seton Hill University's
E-Magnify Women's Business Center

Save the date for the 2012 E-Magnify women's entrepreneurial symposium, "Building Strategies for Sustainable Growth," which will be held at the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center in downtown Greensburg, PA, on Friday, March 9. This year's symposium will focus on growth strategies for small businesses and will include workshops and a keynote address on a variety of ways to increase your organization's revenue stream.

The Symposium Keynote Speaker will be Mary Cantando, president of The Woman's Advantage. She will deliver a keynote address entitled "Make This Your Best Year Ever...in Business!". As a nationally recognized speaker, author, columnist, and consultant, Mary engages audiences throughout the country with her insight and understanding regarding the power and potential of women business owners. Her presentations deliver powerful, cutting-edge information that provide immediate results for her audiences.

An entrepreneurial executive since 1989, Mary is a recognized authority on women's business initiatives. Having personally closed sales of up to $50M, Mary is a respected sales and marketing expert who serves as a trusted mentor and advisor, and has helped countless women entrepreneurs develop new, successful revenue streams for their enterprises.

Mary is a member of the National Speakers' Association and presents at regional, national, and international events focused on the recognition and development of women business owners. She also serves as a facilitator for the Women Presidents' Organization, sits on the advisory board of Enterprising Women magazine, and serves on the National Forum of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. In addition, she is tapped as a resource by media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fast Company.

Mary will speak about building strategies for sustainable growth at this year's E-Magnify women's entrepreneurial symposium. Growing a business is challenging whether you are just starting or are a seasoned entrepreneur. Developing key strategies to sustain your business is essential to long-term growth.

Full symposium details and registration will be available soon. Please mark your calendar for Friday, March 9, and get ready to grow your business!

About E-Magnify

Seton Hill University's E-Magnify® women's business center provides business counseling, training, and mentoring to help women start and grow their businesses. For more information about E-Magnify please visit www.e-magnify.com.

Posted on behalf of Joanne Quinn-Smith by Joyce Kane.  Joyce is the Owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Debra Dion Krischke Book Signing in December

Nationally Known Women’s Advocate Spearheads a Collective Book Featuring Successful Women Entrepreneurs

“Many business owners are living their passion. This can include plenty of obstacles, but when we inspire one another, and stick with it...you will be lifted to unimaginable heights”--Debra Dion Krischke, Advocate for Women and Children, Founder Foodie Fundraising.

Just Released!

Inspired Entrepreneurs: A Collection of Female Triumphs in Business and Life

A collection of 22 inspirational stories about women who have stepped out of their

comfort zones to follow their dreams.

“Starting a business can be scary, intimidating and overwhelming. These stories inspire other women by showing them that success is possible!”--Debra Dion Krischke

Friday, December 3rd – 4:00 to 7PM Treasure House Fashion Happy Hour - Wine and Taste Treats! Bring a bag of clothes to donate and give back to women! 8035 McKnight Rd. #G2


Saturday, December 4th – 11AM to 1PM – Beckoning of Booklovers - Penguin Bookshop – Sewickley – Support local authors at this discussion and book signing! www.penguinbookshop.com http://www.penguinbookshop.com/


This book is a collection of stories about regular women who felt trapped in their careers. Each of them dared to step out in courage to follow her passion, and ventured to change her world. The driving force behind the project, Debra Dion Krischke, is an advocate for women and children.

To interview Debra, contact: Team Effort Events 724-935-6100 or Debra@TeamEffortEvents.com


Meet The Inspired Entrepreneurs:

Chapter 1: Finding Your Passion while Paying the Bills

Debra Dion Krischke, Wexford, PA: When her business was rocked by 9/11, this serial entrepreneur found a new passion in raising money for women’s initiatives. Her company now raises money for women and girls worldwide.

Chapter 2: Anything but Ordinary

Kamana Mathur, Reston, VA: As a foreign officer for President Bush, Kamana worked with heads of state from around the world. This international trend setter was born ahead of her time. She now specializes in immigration law.

Chapter 6: Renaissance Woman

Armaiti Shahidi-Fitzgerald, Dallas, Texas: Mrs. International 2010 came to the US from Iran at age 20 and learned that in the United States the sky is the limit for opportunities.

Chapter 17: Change is the Essence of Life

Cathy Jennings, Harrisburg, PA: A stubborn and independent red-head, Cathy tried a lot of traditional jobs before finding her passion--she calls herself a “Chief Conversation Starter”. Cathy coaches professionals to network and grow their businesses.

Chapter 19: Sista for the Soul

Rhonda Willingham, Flint, Michigan: After being laid off from her job as a therapeutic recreational specialist, working with people in a psychiatric home, this resourceful entrepreneur created an empire out of her hobby-afro-centric greeting cards!

Five Facts about Women-Owned Businesses*:

Nearly 10.4 million businesses are owned by women (50% or more), employing more than 12.8 million people, and generating $1.9 trillion in sales

Seventy-five percent of all businesses do not have employees; similarly, 81% of women-owned businesses are without employees, for a total of 5.4 million businesses.

Sales revenue increased 66% for women-owned businesses without employees from 1997-2004, compared to 42% for all such businesses.

Women business owners are prepared to face risk, 66% are willing to take above average or substantial risks for business investments.

Women and men business owners have different management styles. Women emphasize relationship building as well as fact gathering and are more likely to consult with experts, employees, and fellow business owners.


*Center for Women’s Business Research, 2010

For media interviews, speaking or expertise requests, or receive a complimentary review copy of the book, contact:

Team Effort Events 724-935-6100 or Debra@TeamEffortEvents.com

-END¬

Women-Owned Businesses on the Upswing, Positive Economic Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




New Census Data Reinforces the Economic Power of Women-Owned Businesses in the U.S. Says NAWBO



(July 15, 2010)—Preliminary results released this week by the U. S. Census Bureau from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners (SBO) show an increase of 20.1 percent in women-owned businesses since 2002, accounting for 7.8 million non-farm U. S. businesses. In 2007, women-owned firms held 28.7 percent of all non-farm businesses in the United States, 6.4 percent of total employment and 4.0 percent of total receipts. The SBO Survey defines women-owned businesses as firms in which women own 51 percent or more of the stock or equity of the business.



A 2010 Member Survey by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) indicates the trend will continue, not only in women starting new businesses, but also in the growth and expansion of existing businesses. The NAWBO survey shows 34 percent of members expected to hire new workers and 21 percent planned to increase capital investment in 2010.



This is good news for the women's business community and the economy at large. "In the past decade, the number of privately owned companies started by women in America has increased twice as fast as the number owned by men," said NAWBO President and CEO Helen Han. "Even in the current business landscape where all businesses are forced to do more with less, and for less, women business owners are holding their own and contributing significantly to the overall economy."



NAWBO believes there are many reasons for the success of women-owned businesses. "Women business owners are often very resilient because of the challenges they face in starting and growing their businesses," said NAWBO Chair Kelly Scanlon. "Women also have a natural aptitude for business marketing and tend to be more creative and grassroots in their campaigns—all key to helping them thrive."



Other notable highlights of the SBO survey include:



In 2007, 31.9 percent of women-owned firms operated in the repair, maintenance, personal and laundry services industries and the health care and social assistance industries. Women-owned firms accounted for 45.2 percent of all U.S. businesses in these industries. Wholesale trade and retail trade accounted for 36.2 percent of women-owned business revenue.

California had the most women-owned firms at 1 million (13.3 percent of all such firms), with receipts of $181.5 billion (15.2 percent of all women-owned firm receipts). Texas was second with 610,279 women-owned firms or 7.8 percent, with receipts of $96.8 billion or 8.1 percent. New York followed, accounting for 7.6 percent of all women-owned firms, and 7.1 percent of receipts.

In 2007, there were 911,285 women-owned employer firms. These firms employed 7.6 million persons with a total payroll of $218.1 billion, an increase of 6.2 percent and 25.7 percent respectively from 2002. In 2007, these firms generated $1.0 trillion in receipts, an increase of 25.9 percent.

For the complete release of data, go to http://www.census.gov/econ/sbo/.



ABOUT NAWBO

Founded in 1975, NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. More than 35 years later, NAWBO is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries. The organization's mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; to create innovative and effective change in the business culture; to build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and to transform public policy and influence opinion makers. To learn more about NAWBO, visit www.nawbo.org.



Media Contacts:

NAWBO Media Relations

Christina Jorgensen (ext. 103)

Lauren Astor (ext. 115)

Phone: (818) 772-9555

Email: media@nawbo.org



www.nawbo.org

###

FEMALE ENTRPRENEURS FACE FEW CONTRACTS, LITTLE FUNDING,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joanne Quinn-Smith


Public Relations


Tel. 412-628-5048


Email: Jqsdreamweaver@aol.com



FEMALE ENTRPRENEURS FACE FEW CONTRACTS, LITTLE FUNDING,

HIGHER HEALTHCARE



Giving Advocates Much to Discuss





Pittsburgh, Pa. (September 25, 2009) – Wendy Lopez, Rebecca Harris, Ana Harvy, Jayne Huston and by Bill Flanagan spoke on a Women Business Owners Advocacy panel at the 3rd Annual NAWBO Day Friday, October 2, at the Greentree Radisson Hotel, at 10 AM.



There are 10.1 billion women owned businesses in the US, about 40% of all businesses in the country. At least 5% of federal contract spending is to be awarded to certified women owned firms. Yet over the past 10 years, this mandate has not been reached. In 2008 alone, it was missed by over 12 billion dollars, according to the US Women’s Chamber of Commerce. In addition, only 2.3% of money from institutional investors went to women owned businesses. Not only are women owned firms being awarded fewer government contracts and having less access to capital than male owned firms, female entrepreneurs are also being hit harder with high healthcare costs.



"Women start small businesses at twice the rate as men and usually have less capital, so these health insurance costs have a more severe impact on female entrepreneurs." said Deborah L. Frett, CEO of Business and Professional Women's Foundation.



“Congress can't ignore the 10.1 million female entrepreneurs,” says Kelly Scanlon, chair-elect of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).



The associations and programs represented by NAWBO Day’s Advocacy Panel continue to address these issues on the local, regional and national levels. These panelists have made it their duty to educate, defend and protect female entrepreneurs. Their organizations, along with NAWBO, have been responsible for making advancement possible. They have affected such change as the acknowledgement of women as business owners, the release of statistics on women owned businesses, secured loans for female owned businesses, and the formation of specialized training to educate women on starting and growing their businesses.



The advocacy panel consists of women who are themselves business owners and program directors, having had first hand experience with the obstacles that face female entrepreneurs. These four women are joined by Bill Flanagan, who has made it his responsibility to join in the press for change for women owned businesses.



In addition to the advocacy panel discussion, NAWBO Day includes speakers, workshops, and a trade show, designed to inform business owners. Whether just starting or seeking growth, struggling or soaring, a large corporation or a consultant in any industry, this event is suited to equip Entrepreneurs.



NAWBO continues to provide support to and advocacy for women entrepreneurs. The Pittsburgh chapter is the 5th oldest in the nation and the only chapter that has a City Council and Mayor designated NAWBO Day.



###



For more information about NAWBO Day visit http://www.nawbopittsburgh.org or contact Joanne Quinn-Smith at 412-628-5048. You may also email Joanne at Jqsdreamweaver@aol.com.



Women Busines Owners Advocacy Panel- Panelists include:



Wendy Lopez, NAWBO National Chair who recently sold her business on the cusp of the economic downturn for 8 million dollars;

Ana Recio Harvey, an experienced entrepreneur and recently the president of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, now head of the U.S. Small Business Administration`s Office of Women`s Business Ownership, SBA;

Jayne Huston, Executive Director of E-Magnify, National Women's Business Development Center;

Rebecca Harris, Executive Director Chatham University Center for Women's Entrepreneurship and

Moderated by Bill Flanagan, Host of Region's Business and Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

NAWBO DAY Event



· Friday, October 2, 2009, 8 AM to 3 PM, at:

Radisson Greentree Hotel

105 Radisson Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205

· Registration and trade show begin at 8:00 AM



· A day of speakers, panel discussion, workshops and trade show for entrepreneurs of all company sizes, industries - new or continuing business.



National Association of Women Business Owners



· Gives support to and advocacy for women business owners.



· http//www.nawbopittsburgh.org

















--

Delana Flowers

717-278-6391



FREELANCE WRITER * VOCALIST *SONG WRITER