Building Bridges for Business Empowers Pittsburgh Small Business

NEWS RELEASE


August 23, 2012                                                                                      
Contact Information:  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Linda Handley, Founder
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com


Building Bridges for Business and Partners empower Pittsburgh Small Business Owners

PITTSBURGH – Building Bridges for Business – a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering small business owners by providing one-stop access to resources, information and partnerships – is achieving its organizational mission - providing small business owners with unprecedented connections to local agencies, contacts and other necessary business resources.

Founder Linda Handley

“Our team has certainly worked hard to push the organization forward and improve visibility among small business owners,” said Linda Handley, founder, Building Bridges for Business. “We have also been very fortunate to have the support from a host of pivotal partnerships, particularly the offices of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.”  In addition, Building Bridges for Business has partnered with local universities, such as the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and the Small Business Development Center at Duquesne University.

Sue Malone, President of Strategies for Small Business, after a recent event helping Pittsburgh Small Businesses for free, said, “Building Bridges does an outstanding job offering the small businesses of Pittsburgh an opportunity to soar."  I am in many cities working with Small Businesses and I have never seen such dedication as I see in Building Bridges to offer such a unique opportunity for the small businesses of Pittsburgh."  The organization hosted its fourth sold-out event this summer, Small Business Works, at the Kingsley Association. At the event over 200 local small business owners listened to a message from Malone, and every business that asked received assistance with funding, free advice on a formal business plan and/or free marketing collateral, such as logos and press kits.

“Thanks to the support of our sponsors, donors and partners, we are reaching our goals and achieving our vision,” said Amanda Wodzenski President of Building Bridges for Business. “The contributions and support from so many organizations and individuals has made starting a business and sustaining a business in Pittsburgh simpler, and our local economy will continue to benefit as a result.”  Major sponsors include Staples, Comcast, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Brunnhuber and Associates, and Pittsburgh Venture Capital.

Other live events – all of which have sold out – include fall 2011’s Welcome to Oz, featuring guest speakers Dr. Winslow Sargeant, chief council for advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration and Luke Ravenstahl, mayor, City of Pittsburgh at the Fairmont Hotel. Last summer, Google’s Pittsburgh headquarters opened its doors to local business owners and the organization held a Young Entrepreneurs event.

Aside from live events, Building Bridges for Business also launched Pittsburgh’s first-ever monthly TweetChat in September 2011, using the hashtag #SmallBizPgh and featuring small business experts, entrepreneurs and government officials from across the United States. At these events, local business owners can pose questions to the featured guests via Twitter.

This summer, the organization kicked off its Coffee With…SM video series, available on YouTube and the organization’s website. Geared towards small business owners, the videos feature guests – including Dr. Sargeant, city council members and successful small business owners – discussing current issues facing small business and sharing tips to help business owners succeed.

For more information, visit Building Bridges for Business’ homepage at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn or contact Building Bridges for Business by e-mailing info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.  Major sponsors include Staples, Comcast, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Brunnhuber and Associates, and Pittsburgh Venture Capital.
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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

Join SBA's Ngozi Bell for July Twitterchat

Building Bridges for Business

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    
June 27, 2012

Contact Information: 

Linda Handley, Founder
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com


Small Business Administration Advocate Ngozi Bell Featured Guest for July #SmallBizPgh Twitterchat

PITTSBURGH, PA – Small Business Administration (SBA) Region III Advocate, Ngozi Bell (@advocacySBA) will answer questions via Twitter on July 10, 2012 between 7 pm and 8 pm EST in Pittsburgh's small business Twitterchat presented by Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz).

As the SBA’s Region III Advocate, Bell works with federal, state and local policy makers and leaders, small business stakeholders and small businesses to identify new issues and concerns around policy and regulations that affect small business owners. Region III includes Pennsylvania, as well as, Delaware, the District of Colombia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

The virtual event, which is aimed at providing valuable, free resources for small business owners will feature Bell, who will answer a set of questions from Building Bridges for Business and other questions posed by entrepreneurs from the region and can be followed live using hashtag #smallbizpgh on either twebevent.com or tweetchat.com.

“Ngozi will provide entrepreneurs in Western Pennsylvania with information on how the office of Advocacy’s resources can be leveraged to aid and spur small business growth locally and across the country,” said Linda Handley, founder, Building Bridges for Business. “In addition, her background as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist will supply insight on how to start a business and catch the eyes of investors, which are necessary for sustainability and growth.”

The Twitterchat will be presented by Building Bridges for Business, as well as its partners, including Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh Mayor's Office, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center and the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University.

For more on the event, visit Building Bridges for Business' homepage at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter or contact Building Bridges for Business by e-mailing info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

About Building Bridges for Business
Since its inception in November 2010, the organization has hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser from the Small Business Administration. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat.

About Ngozi Bell
Ngozi Bell was appointed Regional III Advocate by the Federal Government in November 2010. Regional advocates work with Federal, state and local policy makers and leaders, small business stakeholders and small businesses to help identify new issues and concerns around policy and regulations that affect small business owners, and they work closely with the chief counsel for advocacy.

Most recently, Bell served as vice president of Birchmere Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm that focuses on investing in and developing startup companies in the medical, cleantech, and technology sectors. Prior to that, Bell was a senior director of technology and marketing at LSI, Agere Systems, and Lucent Technologies.
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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

Second Annual Small Business Works Seminar

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2012

Contact Information:
Linda Handley, Founder Building Bridges for Business
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com

Five Powerhouse Organizations Partner to Provide Second Annual Small Business Works Seminar

Pittsburgh, PA – The second annual Small Business Works seminars – aimed at empowering and educating small business owners – will kick off at 9 a.m. on May 21, 2012 at the Kingsley Association in East Pittsburgh. The event will be hosted by Building Bridges for Business, the County of Allegheny, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center.

Small Business Works will provide education on the necessary steps to obtain capital. Learn from our nationally known expert speaker on HOW to apply successfully for a business loan. Information will be provided on:

• What are the basic steps and information needed in applying for a loan?
• The hidden obstacles in the loan application process and how to overcome them.
• Sources and types of capital.
• We walk you through filling out a sample loan package.

The event will also feature resources that will offer growth opportunities for attendees.

“Small businesses are really the lifeblood of our economy and their impact and importance has really been seen in this tight economy,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.  “Offering programs like this helps to eliminate the barriers that small companies face and empowers and educates them so that they may take advantage of the opportunities that exist.”

“Small businesses are essential to our neighborhood business districts and their success and growth is key to maintaining a livable and vibrant City,” said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. “Through opportunities like this, we hope to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success by educating them on the many tools and existing programs that are currently available.”

The Kingsley event will be the first in a series of other Small Business Works seminars in various Allegheny County neighborhoods set to occur in 2012. Each event will provide access to education and regional business resources. Major sponsors for the Kingsley Small Business Works seminars include: Brunnhuber and Associates, Comcast Business Class, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh Venture Capital, Staples, the Frankstown Road Giant Eagle, and Positively Pittsburgh Live. Find more information and to register for the event on Building Bridges for Business’ web site, www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

“The event with Building Bridges is about giving financial options to the small businesses of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,” said Sue Malone keynote speaker for the May 21, 2012 event.  Malone added, “The first thing we have to understand financing is still available for small businesses, both start up and existing businesses. We have all been through the economic down turn and have heard there is “no” money available. I will let you know, there is money available, it just takes a bit more effort to obtain the financing.”

About Building Bridges for Business
Since its inception in November 2010, Building Bridges for Business hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser for small business. Other events have featured educational resources and key local small business figures. “We want to bridge the valuable resources in Western Pennsylvania with business owners and residents who want to start a business,” says Building Bridges President, Amanda Wodzenski.

Building Bridges for Business was founded in 2010 in conjunction with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, the Allegheny County Executive's Office, Duquesne University and Chatham University to provide education and resources for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County entrepreneurs on business growth, promotion, management and to aid individuals hoping to launch a new business. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat in September 2011 to offer vital resources from small business experts to entrepreneurs via Twitter.
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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

LA Comes to the 'Burgh via PR Twitterchat

NEWS RELEASE

April 10, 2012                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
                               
Contact Information:     

Linda Handley, Founder
Phone: 412.475.9010

E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com

Los Angeles PR Firm Founder and Expert Business Builder Lisa Elia Featured Guest for May 15 #SmallBizPgh Twitterchat 

PITTSBURGH, PA – Award winning entrepreneur and public relations expert, Lisa Elia, will answer questions via Twitter on May 15, 2012 between 7 pm and 8 pm EST in Pittsburgh's small business Twitterchat presented by Building Bridges for Business (bridges4biz).

The virtual event, which is aimed at providing valuable, free resources for small business owners will feature Elia, who will answer a set of questions from Building Bridges for Business and other questions posed by entrepreneurs from the region and can be followed live using hashtag #smallbizpgh on either twebevent.com or tweetchat.com.

“Lisa’s drive and passion for women’s entrepreneurship and her field of public relations will provide local entrepreneurs with prime advice on how they can achieve their dream of owning and developing their own small businesses,” said Building Bridges for Business founder, Linda Handley. “She brings business expertise to the table, as well as insight on how to appropriately market and promote business on a large scale, which will be an added bonus for our attendees.”

The Twitterchat will be presented by Building Bridges for Business, as well as its partners, including Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh Mayor's Office, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center and the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University.

For more on the event, visit Building Bridges for Business' homepage at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter or contact Building Bridges for Business by e-mailing info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

Since its inception in November 2010, the organization has hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser from the Small Business Administration. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat.

About Lisa Elia

Lisa Elia is a publicist, media trainer and CEO and founder of Lisa Elia Public Relations, a full-service PR firm in Los Angeles. She is an expert media trainer and speaker who has become known for her Women of Influence Program, media training services, annual events, and private coaching programs.

She has secured placements for her clients in major media outlets, such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Time Magazine, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNN, Redbook, In Style and hundreds of others. She has positioned clients for book deals, endorsement deals, positions as contributing editors to magazines and even their own TV shows.

As an entrepreneur herself for over 20 years, Elia has spoken at many events for entrepreneurs, sharing tips on publicity, internal communications, positioning oneself as an expert and a variety of other topics. She has created programs to teach people how to do their own PR and to improve their on-camera presence.
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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

WSBA Annual Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT:

Wadria Taylor
(412) 208-0249

E-mail: events@styleandsteel.net

HANDS ON TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION FOCUS OF CONFERENCE

Pittsburgh, PA, March 12….Online Marketing Tool Kit for Small Businesses, The Mobile Entrepreneur and "35 Winning Strategies from Today's Leading Entrepreneurs" are just a few topics and highlights scheduled for the Women’s Small Business Association’s annual event.

The WSBAs’ most significant networking outlet, will take place Wednesday, April 4 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Greentree. Themed, “Hands-On Technology,” the Pittsburgh Entrepreneur Conference and Trade show will provide a day filled with educational, professional development and networking opportunities.

“As a way to assure that participants leave the event with usable knowledge, this year's activities will offer "Hands On" interaction with the presenters. Attendees that bring their laptop or mobile devices will be able to try the techniques that are being presented,” explained Susan Miller, the WSBA founder and president.

Speakers and workshop leaders will include local tech gurus Donna Baxter of Soul Pitt Media and Cassandra Brown of Jireh Mobile. The keynote speaker is Dr. Summer Knight of Tallahassee, Florida.

As the owner of her 12 year old company, Baxter’s mission is to educate minority and women business owners on the power of the Internet. The former rap artist turned internet Tech Diva has gone from “Rhymer to Digital Designer.” The “Cool Nerd” explains technology in ways participanats never heard making it easy to understand, funny, and entertaining while leaving audiences motivated to “Get Online or Get Left Behind!”

Within the last seven years Jireh Mobile has evolved into a mobile marketing solutions company that has established itself as a leader in interactive mobile campaigns and database management. Brown, a nurse turned entrepreneur has been spreading her expertise on using mobile technology to enhance ones marking strategies while outlining the basic principles for launching a successful mobile campaign for close to a decade.

Knight is an entrepreneur doctor turned businesswoman. She is a founder and leads Springboard Partners, a consulting group of CEOs and powerful entrepreneurs who facilitate the rapid growth of scalable businesses. Dr. Knight also leads the DSK brand that focuses on empowering people to live their GREATest lives. She utilizes the 3E’s – to Encourage, Empower, and Embolden people and organizations to reach for their GREATest potential.

Virtually 1000 small business women throughout the region utilizes the resources and services of the Women’s Small Business Association. Founded by Miller, the group is designed to function as a valuable resource, by assisting and stimulating small and startup businesses. Its goal is to foster women's economic independence by helping them develop skills needed for entrepreneurial success through networking and education.

Miller, who considers herself a serial entrepreneur, established the WSBA in 2007 from her passion to help women in small business. With over 15 years of experience in starting and developing small businesses, she is very familiar with the constant struggles that today's business women will encounter. She believes that the face of the economy will be changed by the growth of small businesses and the resilience of the entrepreneur. “It is her mission to develop a business resource that will encourage, support, and provide the tools needed by women in small business.”

For more information on the WSBA 4th Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon contact the event director Wadria Taylor of Style and Steel Event Planning, 412-208-0249 events@styleandsteel.net.

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

Susan Solovic Tweetchat Presented by Building Bridges for Business

NEWS RELEASE

February 22, 2012 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:
Linda Handley, Founder
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com
Mail: 342 South Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Susan Solovic, March 13, 2012 7pm Be among the first in Pittsburgh to join us for a TWEETCHAT #SMALLBIZPGH Building Bridges for Business


PITTSBURGH, PA – Award winning entrepreneur and author, Susan Solovic will answer questions via Twitter on March 13, 2012 between 7 pm and 8 pm in Pittsburgh's first small business Twitterchat presented by Building Bridges for Business (bridges4biz) Sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Solovic is an award winning entrepreneur, a CEO, a journalist, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com and USA Today bestselling author, multi-media personality, and attorney is our guest.

The virtual event, which is aimed at providing valuable, free resources for small business owners will feature Solovic, who will answer a set of questions from Building Bridges for Business and other questions posed by entrepreneurs from the region and can be followed live using hashtag #smallbizpgh on either twebevent.com or tweetchat.com.

The Twitterchat will be presented by Building Bridges for Business, as well as its partners, including Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh Mayor's Office, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center and the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University.

For more on the event, visit Building Bridges for Business' homepage at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter or contact Building Bridges for Business by e-mailing info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org. Since its inception in November 2010, the organization has hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser from the Small Business Administration. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat.

A woman of many talents, Susan Wilson Solovic is an award-winning entrepreneur, a CEO, a journalist, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com and USA Today bestselling author, multi-media personality, and attorney. But behind every achievement, Solovic embodies ideas that make her universally—and intimately—relatable to all entrepreneurs: hard work, fortitude, and persistence. In a world of quick and questionable viral fame, Solovic is a rare commodity: she is what she preaches.
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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

Twitterchat with Melinda Emerson for Pittsburgh Entrepreneurs

NEWS RELEASE

January 5, 2012
Pittsburgh, PA

FORBES - INFLUENTIAL WOMAN FOR ENTREPRENEURS FEATURED GUEST AT JANUARY #SMALLBIZPGH TWITTERCHAT

Melinda Emerson will provide live answers and resources via Twitter for Pittsburgh Entrepreneurs

PITTSBURGH, PA – Influential entrepreneur and author, Melinda Emerson (@smallbizlady) will answer questions from local entrepreneurs via Twitter on January 17, 2012 between 7 pm and 8 pm in the third installment of Pittsburgh's first small business Twitterchat presented by Building Bridges for Business (bridges4biz).

The virtual event, which is aimed at providing valuable, free resources for small business owners and leaders in Allegheny County, will feature Emerson, who will answer a set of questions from Building Bridges for Business and other questions posed by entrepreneurs from the region and can be followed live using hashtag #smallbizpgh on either twebevent.com or tweetchat.com.

The Twitterchat will be presented by Building Bridges for Business, as well as its partners, including Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh Mayor's Office, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center and the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University.

The #smallbizpgh Twitterchat is free, allowing interested users to engage and participate using smart phones, tablets and computers.

The third installment, in a series of Twitterchats, the #smallbizpgh Twitterchat is the first of its kind in Pittsburgh, allowing small business owners to network and ask questions from reputable and proven experts.

“The vision for the Building Bridges for Business community is to create an environment where entrepreneurs can grow and advance their business, support other business owners and develop as entrepreneurs who give back to their community,” says Building Bridges for Business founder, Linda Handley, who is also an entrepreneur, author and business adviser.

For more on the event, visit Building Bridges for Business' homepage at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter or contact Building Bridges for Business by e-mailing info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

Building Bridges for Business

Building Bridges for Business was founded in 2010 by entrepreneur, author and business adviser, Linda Handley in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Mayor's Office, the Allegheny County Executive's Office, Duquesne University and Chatham University to provide resources for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County entrepreneurs on business growth, promotion, management and to aid indviduals hoping to launch a new business.

Since its inception in November 2010, the organization has hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser from the Small Business Administration. Other events have featured key local small business figures. In 2012, Building Bridges for Business will host three more events, which are also expected to sell out.

Building Bridges for Business' goal is to create an organization that truly serves the Pittsburgh area's business owner and struggling entrepreneur by connecting them with resources and people who can guide them to success.

“We want to bridge the valuable resources in Western Pennsylvania with business owners and residents who want to start a business,” says Building Bridges for Business President, Amanda Wodzenski.

In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat in September 2011 to offer vital resources from small business experts to entrepreneurs via Twitter.

Melinda Emerson

Melinda Emerson is a Philadelphia-based author, speaker and small business coach whose proven techniques have aided over 2500 small business owners in growing their business.

She has been featured on NBC Nightly News, in the Wall Street Journal,U.S. News and World Report and Black Enterprise. In March 2010, Emerson published her first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works.

Known as @smallbizlady on Twitter, Emerson also hosts her own weekly Twitterchat using hashtag #Smallbizchat.

Emerson's day job is as founder, president and CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, a full-service multimedia production firm, which she founded in 1999. Clients of Quintessence Multimedia include Johnson & Johnson, Verizon, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Comcast and Radio One. The firm has received eight Telly awards for outstanding production.

Prior to her work at Quintessence, Emerson worked as a television producer for ABC and NBC. Emerson has also been an adjunct professor at Delaware State University and featured as a guest lecturer at a variety of colleges and universities.

Emerson is a graduate of Virginia Tech and has also attended executive education programs at Harvard University, Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia. She resides in suburban Philadelphia with her husband and son.

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DBRC Partners with Riverside Center for Innovation

DIVERSITY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER CONTRACTS WITH THE RIVERSIDE CENTER FOR INNOVATION




Distribution Date: November 1, 2011 Release Date: Immediate



 

PITTSBURGH: The Diversity Business Resource Center (DBRC), a consulting and referral provider for disadvantaged small businesses and entrepreneurs, has reestablished its partnership with Riverside Center for Innovation (RCI), the small business incubator located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. The DBRC was originally the brainchild of the MWDBE Governmental Committee, which is a collaboration of the diversity procurement officers of the local public agencies like ALCOSAN and the Pittsburgh International Airport as well as private companies in SW Pennsylvania charged with expanding contracting opportunities for women, minorities, and veterans. The DBRC serves the ten (10) county region which includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland.

The DBRC will reestablish its presence at RCI which will add additional support and training for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Newly hired Director, Judith Woodson McNeil, starts with a database of over 450 qualified vendors and contractors available to connect with government contracting opportunities and will seek new companies to join the network from surrounding counties. Judy has over 13 years of experience working in the non-profit community with a diversified background in financing, contracting and recruitment of disadvantage individuals and entrepreneurs.

The DBRC program will work with its clients seeking new and expanded business relationships with local government agencies that lead to significant increases in sales. This is in addition to advocating for disadvantaged small businesses on important issues such as access to capital as well as continuing to be a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs to quickly gain access to business development information.

Emily Buka, Executive Director of RCI says, "This venture dovetails well with the mission and re-vision of RCI since our purpose is to create a healthy environment for the region’s entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing incubation support, training, and innovation strategies.". RCI offers entrepreneurial training, workshops, contracting opportunities and shared office services. RCI is a Pennsylvania certified industrial development company that can access state financing programs to assist in the growth of small businesses.

For more information, persons should contact Juan Garrett, Riverside Center for Innovation, (412) 322-3523 or Judy McNeil at 412-322-3272

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