January 2021 Newsletter
A Message From Our President
Elizabeth Colón
NAWBO Chicago Board President

Happy New Year! We can’t believe it’s already 2021, but we’re so glad to leave 2020 behind.

Our theme for January is “Fresh Starts” – a fresh start for you, for your relationships, and especially for your business! No matter what kind of year 2020 was for you, it’s never too late to start a new year off on a better foot.

No matter where you are with your business, and no matter what your goals for 2020 were, 2021 can be the year that everything turns around for you. Don’t wait to build the business of your dreams. Join us in jumping into January with a fresh start!
Membership Insights: Fresh Starts

The January theme is "Fresh Starts." What are you planning for your business in 2021?
As I embark on a new leadership role in 2021, I am excited and ready for this challenge. While my firm, Sassetti LLC, is celebrating 100 years, we have an opportunity to create that “fresh start.” 

Jessica Freiburg
2020 has tested every aspect of our business at Fig Factor Media. From processes, to onboarding new clients, new hires, and P&L management, there were opportunities to strategically grow.

Jacqueline Ruiz
For 2021 as I enter my 4th year in business, I look forward to new challenges and opportunities to help heal others from 2020. I will expand my networks to educate and stay up to date on issues, new and old.

Irene Caminer
Meet the Board: Jeff Simon

Director-at-Large, NAWBO Chicago
Vice President - Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors
What do you hope to contribute to NAWBO during your term as a board member? What are your top priorities?
 
I hope to bring a diverse view and be a resource for the organization. Our top priorities should be to continue to grow our membership by engaging women business owners through programming, connectivity and advocacy.

Jeff also shares his perspective on the current business climate and on measuring success.
In Memory of Joan Buegen
NAWBO Chicago is saddened to relay the passing of Joan Beugen, the second president of NAWBO Chicago. She was the Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Cresta Creative. For over 40 years she produced corporate and marketing communication and was a pillar of her industry.

More information about her legacy and her memorial can be found here.
Nominations Open: Annual Awards for Business Excellence
Nominate an Outstanding Business

Nomination deadline is January 31, 2021. The Daily Herald Business Ledger Annual Awards for Business Excellence (AABE) highlight successful suburban businesses and organizations and honor the people who make them successful. For more upcoming Daily Herald Business Ledger events and their dates, the list is available here.
Nominations Open: Enterprising Women of the Year
Nominate yourself or a friend for the 2021 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards

Nomination deadline is January 31, 2021 at midnight. This award provides international recognition for outstanding work as a woman-owned enterprise. The winner will be notified mid-February.
Grant Applications Now Open
Round 2 of the Rebuild Distressed Communities (RDC) Grant is now open! Applications are due by 5 pm on Thursday, January 21, 2021.

To submit an application or find more information, visit the LISC website

The program will prioritize small businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, businesses that have a high community impact—such as grocery stores—and businesses in communities that have experienced historic disinvestment.
Call for Connects Leaders
After three incredible years, Deb Dietz has stepped down as the leader of the North Connects at the end of December. We are inviting members who are interested in leadership in NAWBO to consider being a co-chair of this monthly group. All Connects Leaders have strong support in our Regional Leader program. We invite you to be an ambassador to the organization. Help our members feel connected and our guests to feel welcomed. 

These small group monthly meetings provide educational networking events throughout the Chicagoland region that allow our members to come together regularly. If you are interested or want to learn more, please email [email protected].
A Special Thank You
NAWBO Chicago would like to recognize the NAWBO Chicago Boardroom Exchange members who donated $500 to Female Strong for continued support of the YEA! Chicago program.
Maximize Your Membership In the New Year
Whether a solopreneur or a million-dollar business, NAWBO Chicago gives women-owned businesses of all levels the resources and support needed to help them grow and thrive. A NAWBO Chicago membership offers the power and benefits of an established community of women entrepreneurs.
Join a Mastermind
Premier Members are eligible to participate in one Mastermind as a Member Benefit. A Mastermind group is the same small group of women that meet on a regular basis to provide peer-to-peer discussions. Email to learn more.

Update Your Profile
Your profile is how you are represented to other members. By including details about your business, your interests and yourself, you have a better opportunity to be seen. Click here to update.

Get Involved with a Committee
NAWBO Chicago hosts four active committees: Advocacy, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Membership, and Celebration of Achievement Conference. Please find the descriptions and committee leaders here. 

Attend a Monthly Event
Connects are monthly, small group meetings that allow our members to come together regularly throughout the Chicagoland region. Find future events here.
If you know a woman business owner who hasn’t yet signed up to receive these amazing benefits, invite them to join our NAWBO community.
*click above for more local events
*click above for more featured events
"Banks and Your Business"
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

"Your Gut Matters"
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
8:30 am - 10:00 am

"Mental Wellness Check for Leaders"
Thursday, January 28, 2021
8:30 am - 10:00 am
"Women and Wealth"
Hosted by Wells Fargo Advisors
Thursday, January 21, 2021
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

"Self-worth to Net-worth"
Presented by Jessica Zweig
March 17, 2021
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Members in the News
Congratulations to NAWBO Chicago Member Nicole Martin for being featured in CIO Views as one of The Most Admired Women Leaders in Business, 2020. Read about it here.

We are pleased to share the news that NAWBO Chicago Member Sue Dawson has changed the name of her firm to Navigant Law Firm LLC.
NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Submit February information to the newsletter editor by January 27, 2021.

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