November 2024 Newsletter

It’s hard to believe that November is already here, and we are progressing towards year-end and the strategy tasks that come with business planning for next year. Are you starting to think about what plans you have for utilizing your NAWBO Chicago membership in 2025? There are so many great benefits to this organization that I want to shout out from the top of our tallest building in Chicago – the Willis Tower – about all that NAWBO Chicago has to offer our community of women business owners! I hope you will take advantage and implement some of these fantastic benefits into your plans for optimizing your business in 2025.

November Member Spotlight - Lead

What's the most important lesson you've learned about leadership as a woman in business?

NAWBO had an advisory board that was a confidential two-hour swat team of experienced members who gave advice on a business issue that another member had. We made suggestions where needed but noticed a common theme in our sessions. The business owner had a passion for her product/service and knew she had a better way than her competitors. It was her determination that gave her success, more so than the typical business planning advice. 

Linda Forman

Owner

Linda Forman, CPA, P.C.

As a woman-owned business leader, I’ve learned that effective leadership blends empathy with assertiveness and fosters an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard. In a partnership environment, like mine, collaboration is truly key; I always surround myself with smart, thoughtful people who share the same values and goals, and many of whom are also women. Resilience has become another key to my leadership style – especially stepping into a role that has historically been held by a male.

Jessica Freiburg

Managing Partner

Sassetti, LLC

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned about leadership as a woman in business is the value of authenticity. I have found that influence and authenticity are inextricably linked. Only by being truly self-confident can we influence others to follow us. Embracing my true self has allowed me to lead with confidence and integrity. I realized that bringing my unique perspective fosters inclusivity and innovation. Additionally, I’ve learned the significance of building strong relationships.

Mary Lawrence

President

Richards Graphic Communications, Inc.

One important lesson I’ve learned about leadership as a woman in business is that true leadership starts with oneself. Each day, I make a conscious decision to improve and walk with integrity. This personal commitment shapes how I inspire and lead others. Having a clear vision is crucial. Without it, leading effectively is challenging. A defined vision sets the direction and purpose, enabling me to lead by example and with intention. This not only motivates who I work with but also drives innovation and success.

Brandy Riley

Owner & Creative Director

Riley Design Studio

• Name: Ebony Whitson
• Role In NAWBO Chicago: Director-at-Large, Co-Chair of the DEI Committee and Co-Leader of Wisconsin Connects
• Company: Whitson Wonder Productions
• Years In Business: Six
• Company Location: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
• Coffee Order: I prefer my own coffee, but I am a sucker for the Starbucks Refreshers. The pink drink is my favorite.
• Dream Vacation: Overwater bungalow in Tahiti

Why did you join NAWBO Chicago and what has been your experience belonging to the organization?

I joined NAWBO Chicago after encountering too many women’s groups that felt more like “mean girl” cliques than genuine communities. I wanted real support — a place where I could grow, be accepted for who I am and feel understood no matter where I was in my business journey. While you can’t control everyone’s motives, NAWBO has excelled at fostering a sense of sisterhood over competition, making it the most welcoming and supportive environment I’ve found.

Why does the work of NAWBO Chicago matter?

The work of NAWBO Chicago matters because women business owners need substantial support. We juggle multiple roles — wives, moms, spouses, caregivers, volunteers, business owners and corporate leaders. We need a space where our voices are heard and where we can access the resources to grow, connect and thrive in all aspects of our lives.

Create Business Efficiencies With Payroll & HR Software

Creating Business Efficiencies

November 12 at 9:30 am Central

Presented by Cody Zak, a Sales Executive of ADP’s Small Business Services in the Chicago Loop

Cody Zak will guide participants through various back-office tasks payroll and HR software can fulfill such as:

• Hiring support: job postings to leading job boards, google advertising space, job description templates, employee handbook support
• Business retirement plan administration
• Business health insurance plan administration (new employee onboarding, payroll deduction setup, renewal assistance, etc.)

We hope to see NAWBO Chicago members and guests at this fall workshop!

2024 Holiday Party

December 4 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Bank of America Tower, 110 N. Wacker Drive, 4th Floor

Join NAWBO Chicago on December 4 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm to eat, drink and be merry! Members are invited to spread the gift of NAWBO and invite other female entrepreneurs (and their holiday spirit) to this upcoming holiday party at the Merrill Lynch office in the Bank of America Tower, 110 N. Wacker Drive, 4th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Thank you to the BBV Wealth Management Group at Merrill Lynch for sponsoring the holiday party.

Michele Katz of Advítam IP was featured in NAWBO on the Go podcast, on an episode titled, “You Have the Right to...Your Intellectual Property.” In the episode, she explores the Big 3—trademarks, copyrights and patents—plus talks NAWBO connections and leadership.

First Women's Bank was nominated for the 2024 Chicago Innovation Awards. As a top 100 finalist, First Women's Bank will be awarded a scholarship to “The Practical Innovator” hosted through Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. The 23rd annual ceremony will be on November 14 at UIC Forum.

Anshe Emet Synagogue will host a Channukah Shuk and small business owners can apply to be a vendor and sell their goods. The shuk (Hebrew term for marketplace) will tentatively take place on Sunday, December 8 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway in Chicago. Please contact mbires@ansheemet.org with any questions.

Less Than 30 Days To Join NAWBO Chicago and Save On Fees!

NAWBO is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, so join now and save $50 off the new member initiation fee, until November 30. Members enjoy exciting benefits, including health and insurance benefits and other perks and discounts.

Please be sure to share this opportunity with any woman business owners in your network who have not yet joined.

Voices of Strength: Inspirational Leadership Among Native American Women

November 20 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

555 W. Monroe St. in Chicago

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, "Voices of Strength" brings together a panel of distinguished Native American women leaders to discuss their powerful journeys of leadership, fortitude and community impact. This event will highlight personal stories, challenges and triumphs of Native American women who have become trailblazers in their respective fields, driving change and inspiring future generations. 

The panelists will share their experiences in harmonizing cultural identity with modern leadership roles and how they continue to uplift their communities through advocacy, education and social change. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the rich contributions Native American women make to society and how their voices shape the future.

Hosted by the Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

The event is free to attend but registration is required.

As of January 1, 2024, the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act requires many companies doing business in the United States to report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control them. The law was passed to curb illicit finance and protect U.S. national security. Filing is simple, secure and free of charge.

Companies that are required to comply (“reporting companies”) must file their initial reports by the following deadlines:

• Existing companies: Reporting companies created or registered to do business in the United States before January 1, 2024, must file by January 1, 2025.
• Newly created or registered companies: Reporting companies created or registered to do business in the United States in 2024 have 90 calendar days to file after receiving actual or public notice that their company’s creation or registration is effective.



Beneficial ownership information reporting is not an annual requirement. A report only needs to be submitted once, unless the filer needs to update or correct information.

Maximize Your Membership In 2024

Join a Mastermind

Premier Members are eligible to participate in one Mastermind as a Member Benefit. A Mastermind group is an intimate consortium of women that meet on a regular basis to provide peer-to-peer discussions. Email to learn more.

Activate Your Account

With the new National membership platform, all members need to activate their GrowthZone account. Activation emails are sent from memberservices@nawbo.org.

Please email lora@nawbochicago.org with any questions. 

Get Involved with a Committee

NAWBO Chicago hosts four active committees: Advocacy, Diversity, Membership and Women Mean Business® Conference. If you’re interested in joining a committee or would like more information, please contact the office at info@nawbochicago.org.

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.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email December submissions to the newsletter editor by November 22, 2024.