Business Owner, People Matters Making People Matter

March 2021 Newsletter

A Message From Our President

Elizabeth Colón

NAWBO Chicago Board President

Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions, LLC

Happy March! We are so excited (and relieved) that Spring is finally upon us!

The theme this month is “People Matters” and we’re focusing in on HR-related companies and topics such as staffing, recruiting, training, leadership development and more!

It goes without saying that people are the backbone of the company and, therefore, they certainly matter to us. When hiring new team members, it’s important to make sure they know that they matter – to you, to their coworkers, and to the company.

Membership Insights: People Matters

For many companies, our most important asset is our people. What advice do you have for other members to recruit the best employees and develop them as leaders in their company?

The most powerful role we have as leaders is the ability to lead and grow talent within our organizations. It is our responsibility to seek those individuals that may not have had the experience, but with the right guidance and training can and should be supported to advance within their career. The responsibility of recruiting talent is a role that should not be taken lightly. Within that decision holds the future of talent untapped as well as talent that was overlooked.

Terri Evans

Rylon's Smokehouse, LLP

At Heron Agency, I always look at the assembly of my team the way a coach assembles a sports team of a variety of players needed for different positions. I am a big proponent of mentoring and then watching people grow, presenting opportunities for their advancement. Two of my employees were entry level publicists and are now Vice Presidents.

Noreen Heron

Heron Agency

The talent war was won long ago. The talent won. Talent will choose where it wants to work and even now, amidst the pandemic, talent is realizing they deserve meaningful work. Talent seeks to put their efforts into something greater than themselves, and leaders that believe in shared leadership must invite talent to lead.

Nicole Martin

HRBoost

As business owners, I think it is vital to know ourselves first. With all that we invest in our businesses, we need to realize that we are part of an ever-evolving culture and environment. With that thought, we are also part of the talent pool in our respective businesses. When we step back to look at our business's complete talent profile, we can then best see the gaps and blind spots to fill.

Laura Morgan

MorganHR, Inc.

Being at the forefront of innovation and technology will get the attention of the new generation, but most are looking for more from your company than a paycheck and bragging rights. The simplest word for it would be community--they want diversity in the workplace, as well as a sense of belonging and being valued.

Aneesa Muthana

Pioneer Service Inc.

Meet the Board: Elizabeth Colón

President, NAWBO Chicago

President & CEO, Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions

What do you hope to contribute to NAWBO during your term as a board member? What are your top priorities?

My hope is to bring together women business owners from all geographic locations in the Chicagoland area to inspire and support their growth at whatever stage of business they are in.

Elizabeth also shares her favorite story from her first year in business and how she regains balance at work.

March Talks Tickets On Sale

The first 50 people to register will receive a free autographed copy of Jessica's new book courtesy of Wells Fargo Advisors!

Following the program, we invite you to join us for a “St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour” where guests will be able to network with other attendees. Wear your green or other festive attire and bring your beverage of choice. We look forward to having a little holiday fun!

The Spring Membership Drive Has Started!

The 2021 Spring Membership Drive runs from March 1 to April 30. Please invite fellow female entrepreneurs to receive the support that NAWBO offers in growing their business!

In addition to all the incredible benefits that come with being better together as part of the NAWBO community, there are special incentives: New members who join NAWBO during this time receive a $45.00 discount off the one-time new member initiation fee (normally $100.00). New members who join NAWBO in the NextGen membership category during this time receive $45.00 off the annual NextGen membership dues (normally $120.00), plus, the reinstatement fee of $25 has been waived so we can welcome back previous members of NAWBO. Click here to join!

2021 Celebration of Achievement: Tickets On Sale

NAWBO Chicago invites you to join us in celebrating outstanding women and their entrepreneurial achievements at this year's Celebration of Achievement virtual conference. Receive essential information to rebuild your business post-pandemic, connect with Chicagoland women business owners, be inspired, and engage with valuable discussions and panels throughout the conference.

Don't miss the Special March Promotion: When you purchase a Celebration of Achievement ticket in March, you receive one free ticket to the Pre-Conference Happy Hour on April 29th!

2021 Celebration of Achievement: Call for Awards

Nominations are open for NAWBO Chicago's most prestigious awards! These four awards showcase outstanding individuals for their business achievements and commitment to propelling women entrepreneurs forward. Nominations are due by March 10, 2021.

Grant Opportunity: Comcast RISE

The Comcast RISE Investment Fund provides monetary grants to help Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) - owned small businesses grow as they navigate the challenges of the pandemic. The Investment Fund is the latest extension of Comcast RISE (Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment), the multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in 2020 to provide funding to BIPOC-owned small businesses.

Applications are open March 1-14, 2021 and are available at www.ComcastRISE.com.

Learn More

SomerCor Expands Leadership Team

SomerCor, a Small Business Administration (SBA) Certified Development Company (CDC), is proud to announce the hire of veteran SBA banker, Margaret Griffin, as Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer. With a decade of industry experience, Griffin assumes this key leadership role as part of a strategic growth plan and a continued commitment to outstanding customer service and best-in-class SBA compliance.

Learn More

Members in the News

Congratulations to NAWBO Chicago Member, Ashley Logan, on being featured in Hinsdale Living. Read her feature "Empowering Purpose."

Spring 2021 Speakers Academy Program

The National Speakers Association of Illinois brings you the 2021 Speakers Academy Program with sessions on March 13 and 27, April 10 and 24, May 8 and 22. Each session contains essential information ranging from improving platform skills to marketing and running your business. Participants will get the tools they need to succeed as professional speakers. Sessions are held virtually on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Enroll now!

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.