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2008-2009 AWE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Front row from left: President Kim Schamberger of Finishing Touches by Kin, Vice President Beverly Mapes of Top of the List, Marketing Chair Connie Sweet, Connection Graphics, Programs Chair Floriza Genautis, Management Business Solutions, Treasurer Kathy Heintzelman, Heintzelman Accounting Services, Inc. Back row from left: Membership Chair Suzanne Knight, 1-2-1 Personal Computer Training and Secretary Deanna Fridley, Crosby and Henry Insurance
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West Michigan Women Entrepreneurs - AWEsome
AWE members mean business! In a June survey of
the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs over 90 percent
of the respondents cited “networking and gaining business
contacts” as their main reason for membership. In
fact, that was the main reason for the first AWE meeting
in 1984, when Grand Rapids women business
owners gathered at a woman-owned restaurant
to create a network of businesswomen who
shared common aspirations, interests, and needs.
Today, AWE’s mission is to be the premier organization
promoting the success of women entrepreneurs
through networking connections, educational
resources, and leadership development.
The businesses represented in this organization
range from sole proprietorships with fewer than five
employees to corporations with over 100 employees;
from service providers to manufacturing and construction
companies; and from revenues under
$50,000 to sales exceeding $5 million.
AWE’s new Board of Directors has already implemented
several changes in response to survey comments.
Almost half the members asked for an alternative
to the traditional dinner meetings, so this year will
feature both dinners and AWEsome Hour Networking.
Meetings are always the third Monday of the month
from 5:30–7:30 p.m., but locations will vary so members
can try new places while networking. The line-up
includes Naya Bistro and Wine Bar, Louis Benton Steak
House, and the JW Marriott. First up is Naya on Monday,
August 18. After August is Thousand Oaks Golf
Club (September 15) and Malarky’s on the East Beltline
(October 20). The popular Women in Networking
(WIN) lunch program will continue in 2008–09 with a
new location. AWE members and guests will meet every
fourth Monday from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the
Fair Housing Center of West Michigan (located at 20
Hall Street SE on the corner of Hall and Division). Each
WIN meeting offers a speaker and time to network as
well as eat. This month’s WIN lunch on August 25 features
Chris Frederick Willis, owner and CEO of awardwinning
Media 1. Willis will speak on how entrepreneurs
can tap into their creative side and apply their creativity in
their businesses. September 22 will be led by Renwick
Brutus, owner of Achievement Resources, an executive
management company. Renwick will present a motivational
program to inspire business owners to triumph over
adversity. In addition to the regular monthly meetings, two
major annual events
showcase AWE’s commitment
to women entrepreneurs
in West
Michigan. Pathways to
Success, AWE’s annual
January conference, offers speakers and workshops on marketing,
public relations, tax law, and business growth and
leadership.
The January 2009 Pathways to Success conference will
celebrate AWE’s 25th anniversary with a focus on change.
New this year will be special attention to the needs of
second-stage business owners as they guide their business
past the start-up phase. Breakout sessions will include
the effects of today’s technology on business, the
benefits of becoming a certified Michigan Woman-owned
Business Enterprise, and goal-directed networking. “We
don’t think learning and business should be boring,” says
Floriza Genautis, AWE Program Coordinator and owner
of Management Business Solutions. “AWE members are
serious about growing their businesses, but we like to
have fun, too. ”The second annual event, AWE’s November
membership drive, also puts this philosophy to
work. Members are encouraged to bring guests to enjoy
dinner and a program highlighting members’ achievements
and how AWE promotes the success of local businesswomen.
Interested, but don’t know an AWE member?
“No problem,” says Connie Sweet, owner of Connection
Graphics and AWE’s Marketing Coordinator. “The
membership dinner is a great way to meet lots of established
and prospective members. Come alone or, if you’d
like to attend with someone, give us a call (616-719-
5382) and we’ll match you with an interested member.”
Partnerships with local organizations extend AWE’s
ability to promote member businesses. A major benefit
of AWE membership includes a $100 discount
on standard dues from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber
of Commerce.
AWE’s membership in the Regional Alliance for
Diversity in Public Purchasing expands the network
of women and minority-owned businesses
that provide goods and services for public institutions.
AWE members can also participate in the
Michigan Women’s Marketplace, which provides
business opportunities through an online directory
that lists woman-owned businesses in all industries
throughout the state.
AWE membership is open all to business owners
and professionals who support AWE’s goals and promote
and support women business owners and professionals
in Grand Rapids. AWE President Kim
Schwamberger, owner of Finishing Touches by Kim,
encourages curious visitors. “Come see what AWE
is like. People are welcome to attend events before
they join, and members can always bring guests.”
Registration and prepayment are required for most
events. Check out AWE at www.awe-westmichigan.org
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