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A Message from the President . . .

March 8th is International Women’s Day.   Make sure you celebrate women around the world.  It is so important for women to support each other, not to be in conflict or in competition with each other and to allow our differences.  We are all women but we are not all the same.  Allowing differences makes room for women to succeed.

This month I had many opportunities to engage in conversations in support of women

business owners and it reminded me how important it is for each of us to join in conversations that impact us as women and women business owners.

I sat with Congresswomen Congresswoman Jackie Speier at a luncheon in which she spoke about pay equity.  This gave me the chance to speak with her about women business owners not having equal access to capitol or markets.  Congresswoman Speier told of her work with NAWBO National Chair, Billie Dragoo, to raise the limits on federal contracts for women.

At the Gender Equity Challenge I heard companies speak about setting goals for women in leadership within their companies and on their boards.  Representatives of one company proudly stated that they have three women on their board of 12.  I asked about their goal to increase that to six. They indicated three was enough. This showed me we have a long way to go.

As a member of the nominating committee for the NAWBO national board, I had the opportunity to meet some current board members and applicants. I was impressed with the caliber of women who are passionate to give back to the community that supported them when they grew their multi-million dollar businesses.  These women give of their own resources to work on behalf of NAWBO members focusing on public policy in the Capitol, creating educational opportunities for members, and raising awareness of women business owners in general. They are well aware that we do not have a level playing field as of yet.

There is power in numbers and the growing number of women-owned businesses is getting a voice because of our impact on the economy. There is more to be done to help women scale their businesses.  Part of the limitation is within us and part is gender biased. I invite you to become involved in conversations that matter to you and your business. It makes a difference. Identify yourself as a NAWBO member so that you are not standing alone. We are a community of women who own businesses and we have individual and collective voices.

Our online calendar includes many opportunities for women to be informed and engage in conversations that matter to business owners. Look at our online calendar as well as what is going on in your local city or county. Get involved.

Fifty six women attended our dinner meeting in February bringing their passion and enthusiastic support for each other. I invite you to join us in March Women’s History Month.  We will feature three women growing successful businesses giving each one a chance to tell herstory. Come and be inspired.

Best wishes in your success,

Kay Robinson
President, NAWBO SFBA

NAWBO-SFBA MONTHLY EDUCATIONAL SPEAKER SERIES & DINNER . . .

When: Second Thursday, Monthly
Time: 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Where: Sir Francis Drake Hotel | 450 Powell Street • San Francisco, CA 94108
Google Map & Directions
REGISTER | FLYER

Creative Force; Courageous Growth;
Powerful Women in Business

According to the Harvard Business Review, "Women represent a growth market more than twice as big as China and India combined. They control $20 trillion in global consumer spending, own or operate between 25-33% of all private businesses, and earn an estimated $13 trillion."

Enjoy an exciting evening with local women business owners, who are part of this evoluntionary market!

The Speaker Panel will talk about:

• How to drive innovation and growth in your business.
• How to acknowledge your natural leadership style and remain nimble enough to take advantage of a business economy that changes so rapidly.
• How to move forward, push though your fear and have the courage to dare greatly while creating the business of your dreams.

About the Speakers

	Deidrie Towery, Founder & President of ProActive Business Solutions, Inc. DeeDee has been a pioneer in technology for the last 35 years, primarily involved in project management and managed services. She has designed and installed computer systems all over the world in a wide variety of industries including hospitality, utilities, financial services, information technology, semiconductors and healthcare.
	Jennifer Adams Bunkers, CEO/Founder of TruKid Natural Kid Products & Velocity Source Group, Inc. Jennifer created TruKid,a line of natural skin, hair & sun care for kids. Using only natural ingredients & essential oils to make scents that kids love, she devised an easy system to help teach kids to take care of themselves. Jennifer is also the CEO of Velocity Source Group, a packaging development, design, sourcing & manufacturing firm.
	Vivian Dai, Chief Officer & Owner of Stella Studio Stella Carakasi is a premium collection of lifestyle clothing coveted by women looking for affordable luxury. Stella Carakasi brings a fresh perspective, pushing designs for real women with silhouettes that flatter, fabric combinations that seduce on sight and touch, and unexpected design.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13TH
5:30PM-8:00PM

View Pricing and Location

REGISTER NOW! | Remember Bring Extra Business Cards!
How To Register:
• Go to the Month Calendar View
• Select the Event Link on March 13th
• Start your Registration

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MARCH SPECIAL EVENTs . . .

MEMBER IN THE NEWS . . .

FEATURED MEMBER . . .

What was your journey from corporate America to spa owner?
I was always a top performer at American Express; the #1 salesperson in the country. Still, I was called to profoundly impact people’s lives. I became a coach to help people be more of who they could be. I was a regular client at F. Joseph Smith Massage Therapy Center. One day, Joseph said, “When are you going to buy this place?” It took 18 months and I was pushed far outside my comfort zone. I stepped forward with faith and good sense. Six months ago, I became a spa owner.

What is the genesis of Simply Inspired?
I believe that when we relax our bodies and quiet our minds, the answers we seek are revealed to us from within. When we feel good, we do good. We are beings of potentiality. When we get stuck in ruts, and doubt, we are unable to receive everything the universe has available to us. I want to help people break those walls. That’s why I recently added meditation classes.

What has been the biggest “Oh Wow” moment?
My vision is working! I’ve transformed the facility, the team, the client base…and it is working. We remodeled, restructured and rebranded and we had a record sales week over Valentines.

Sounds like you are reaching your potentiality. What challenges have you had to break down?
Believing in myself and my vision, having faith and courage to move forward. Still, it has been filled with anxiety. I keep nurturing myself – walking in nature, getting massages and reaching out to key people.
I learned to be specific. When I needed to raise money, the investors didn’t start coming until I was able to say the amount I needed aloud. I had to voice it, even when I didn’t think it was possible.

Tell us about your experience with NAWBO.
It changed my life. About 2.5 years ago, I started going to the Marin breakfast meetings to network. I started developing relationships with these wise, experienced, juicy women. Eventually, I became the leader of the Marin Breakfast Meetings and it got even better. I felt a responsibility to these women; to create inspiring meetings. NAWBO is making me better and deepening my relationships with amazing women!

What do you do away from the spa?
I ride my bike, spend time in nature, walk with the dog through the hills of Marin or hang out at the beach in Sausalito. I spend a lot of time by myself and I also like spending time with a few key girlfriends and my boyfriend. Movies and popcorn are my escape!

(Susan predicts Best Picture and Best Actor prizes for Dallas Buyers Club.)

Celebrate Susan’s Simply Inspired Spa and Gift Center with her special NAWBO offer. Through April 2014, mention “NAWBO20” when you make your reservation and you’ll receive 20% off the massage of your choice and include a ½ hour free hot tub!
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Be a "Featured Member" in the NAWBO-SFBA Newsletter, email Melody Brumis for details.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT . . .

WELCOME NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS OF NAWBO-SFBA . . .

New Members
Heidi Hartston, PhD, joined our chapter as an Emerging Business Owner.
Heidi's contact details: hhartston@yahoo.com | 650-888-0820

Bonnie Kay Spindler, Owner of Spindler Inc. in San Francisco, has joined our chapter as an Established Business Owner. Bonnie’s contact details: properties@bonniespindler.com | 415-474-4445

Lucy Wright, with Gleason and Tankard in Albany, has joined our chapter as an Established Business Owner. Lucy's contact details: lucy@gleasonandtankard.com | 510-704-9600

Renewing Members
Robin Azevedo, President of McRoskey Mattress Company in San Francisco, renewed her membership as an Established Business Owner.  Robin has been a NAWBO SFBA member since 2008 | View Profile

Jo Ilfeld, Owner of Success Reboot, renewed her membership as an Established Business Owner. Jo has been a NAWBO SFBA member since 2013 | View Profile

Debra Silver, President of All American Logistics LLC in Stockton, has renewed her membership as an Established Business Owner.  Debra has been a NAWBO SFBA Member since 2009 | View Profile

Thank You for Your Membership!
The NAWBO-SFBA Board of Directors look forward to seeing you
at upcoming events and the opportunity to meet, grow, thrive, and lead together!

Membership Expiring? Want to Join NAWBO-SFBA?
Remember to RENEW so you can stay updated on new, exciting Member Benefits OR
Start Your Membership Application at the NAWBO NATIONAL WEBSITE!

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUMS . . .

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - OAKLAND

When: First Thursday, Monthly
Time: 8:00AM - 9:30AM ***New Time***
Where: Olivetos Restaurant | 5655 College Avenue • Oakland, CA 94618
Google Map & Directions

Oakland Breakfast Facilitators:
Jo Illfeld and Rebecca Doubledee

Cost:
Early Registration by Tuesday
Members: Advance $12 | At-The-Door $15
Non-Members: Advance $20 | At-The-Door $25

REGISTER HERE NOW!

next forum: thursday, March 6th, 2014

Spotlight Speaker is Alicia Dunams on Best Seller In A Weekend
International speaker, prolific business blogger, and bestselling author,Alicia Dunams is a leading authority on women in Business, Motivational Leadership, Content Creation and Book Marketing. Alicia is the CEO of Bestseller in a Weekend™, which helps CEOs, business owners and service professionals write a book quickly, so that they can attract clients, establish industry expertise, and build profits.

As an executive coach, Alicia helps her clients accelerate their business growth by selling out seminars, increasing web traffic, securing paid keynotes and media bookings, and raising their consulting fees. Alicia is also a leading expert on teleseminars, webinars and Google+ Hangouts, and is the founder of See You On The Call. Other topics include: Boost Your Business with a Bestseller; This interactive program is designed to help your audience learn the tools to establish credibility, attract more clients, increase expertise in the marketplace, and build profits by writing a business book. 60 Days to 6-Figures; Launching your online business with virtual bootcamps. Leveraging Amazon for Profits; Generate more traffic, leads, and sales for your business by partnering with Amazon.com.

About the Speaker:
Known as profoundly dynamic and poised teacher with a concise and powerful message, Alicia is a transformational force who will motivate your audience to take big leaps in business. Alicia Dunams has been featured on Good Morning America, The Ricki Lake Show, Houston Chronicle, Oprah and Friends Radio.

REGISTER ONLINE BY TUESDAY, MARCH 4TH, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!
How To Register:
• Go to the Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Day
• Start your Registration

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - SAN FRANCISCO

When: Third Wednesday, Monthly
Time: 7:30AM - 9:00AM
Where: Small Business Admin SFDO | 455 Market St #600 • San Francisco, CA 94105
Google Map & Directions

San Francisco Breakfast Facilitators
Elizabeth Bachman and Michelle Lerman

Cost:
Early Registration by Monday
Members: Advance $12 | At-The-Door $15
Non-Members: Advance $20 | At-The-Door $25

REGISTER HERE NOW!

NEXT FORUM: WEDNESDAY, march 19th, 2014

Spotlight Speaker is Julie Baeder on 5 Simple Ways to Save on Taxes
Tax season is upon us and it's not too late to take advantage of savings strategies for 2013. For those of us who have already filed for 2013, we will be going over a few tax saving tips for 2014 and beyond, and Julie will offer a one or two timely investment ideas.

About the Speaker:
Julie Baeder, CIMA, CDFA is a First Vice President at Morgan Stanley who has been helping women invest wisely since 1992. Julie has a particular expertise in working with people going through transitions, such as divorce, widowhood or the sale of a business.

REGISTER ONLINE BY MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!
How To Register:
• Go to the Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Day
• Start your Registration

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - MARIN

When: Fourth Tuesday, Monthly
Time: 7:30AM - 9:00AM
Where: Il Fornaio Restaurant | Corte Madera Town Center • Corte Madera, CA 94925
Google Map & Directions

Marin Breakfast Facilitators
Susan Berke

Cost:
Early Registration by Friday
Members: Advance $12 | At-The-Door $15
Non-Members: Advance $20 | At-The-Door $25

REGISTER HERE NOW!

NEXT FORUM: TUESDAY, march 25th, 2014

Spotlight Speaker is Andrea Devaux on Making Your Message Memorable: how to say what you came to say & stay calm under fire

Why is MEDIA TRAINING important?
Anyone who has been in front of an audience or on camera, unprepared, knows the answer to this question immediately.

This is not a format where "winging it" is okay...

Public speaking is a necessary and indispensable life skill, and most people are called upon to speak in public at some point in their lives.

Public speaking improves research and organization abilities - crucial skills in any discipline or field.

Employers rank public speaking as one of the top skills they look for in employees, with some employers declaring public speaking ability as their number 1 most desired trait in employees.

Speech training and practice helps develop social skills, such as confidence, eye contact, poise, and articulation.

About the Speaker
Andrea Devaux currently works with individuals & groups who need to appear in public or on camera & need to finesse how to "stay on message" or for that matter - figure out what their message is. Her background in theater & film gives her a unique perspective on how to help her clients "come alive" & enjoy the experience of public speaking. If you'd rather die than speak in public, get ready for a paradigm shift!

REGISTER ONLINE BY FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!
How To Register:
• Go to the Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Day
• Start your Registration

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - WALNUT CREEK

When: Fourth Monday, Monthly
Time: 7:30AM - 9:00AM
Where: Sunrise Bistro | 559 Botelho Drive • Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Walnut Creek Breakfast Facilitator
Kim Miller-Hershon

Cost:
Early Registration by Thursday
Members: Advance $12 | At-The-Door $15
Non-Members: Advance $20 | At-The-Door $25

REGISTER HERE NOW!

NEXT FORUM: MONDAY, march 24th, 2014

Spotlight Speaker is Kay Robinson, President NAWBO SFBA on
Making A Push To Achieve Goals for 2014.

The first quarter is almost over. Are you on target to achieve the goals you set for 2014. Did you set goals for 2014? Now is the perfect time to stop and work on your business, get strategic and be intuitive all at the same time. Be prepared to review or write your plan for 2014. Review your financials before you come so that you can be real about the steps that need to be taken. We will work together, mentor each other and walk away confident that you can move forward on achieving your vision for 2014.

About the Speaker:
Kay Robinson is the President of NAWBO SFBA, owner of Insight Intuitive Consulting, a business coaching company and is an EMyth certified coach. Kay conducts retreats and programs for women as Women Achieving Goals, a division of InSight. Kay co-owns GRANTAVE Productions & Casting with her husband, Michael Ching.

REGISTER ONLINE BY THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!
How To Register:
• Go to the Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Day
• Start your Registration

NAWBO SFBA PROGRAMS . . .

Leaders Circle

NAWBO-SFBA Leaders Circle is a facilitated program for women business owners with revenues over $2M, providing high value leadership and business skills to help grow their companies and directly impact their bottom line. | More Information

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Local Lean In Circle groups

Interested in Joining A Circle?
Get Added to Our Wait List:

San Francisco Circles: Email Laura Russell-Jones
Oakland-East Bay Circles: Email Jo Ilfeld

How To Become A Lean In Circle Member:
Circle enrollment is on a first-come, first serve basis and open to NAWBO Members Only. Each group has 8 up to 10 women maximum, who agree to meet monthly. After your registration is confirmed, you will receive Kickoff Meeting materials. The venue will be decided by the group, but will likely be at a restaurant in a central location.

Once a group meets the maximum number, the registration closes for that group and a wait list is created for the next Circle. Once enough women express interest for another Lean In Circle Group, registration opens for the next 8 up to 10 women.

Interested women contact Laura Russell-Jones and register on the NAWBO-SFBA website. If you are interested in a NEW location, please let us know.

Visit the the Lean In Page for More Information

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS . . .

MEMBER BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES . . .

NAWBO arranged special discount pricing to the following services:

• Sage Payment Solutions
• Turbo Tax Discount
• UPS Shipping Discounts
• American Express OPEN
• PR Newswire

View the National NAWBO Website to learn more about these Member Benefits | Learn More

BUSINESS NEWS YOU CAN USE . . .

PUBLIC POLICY: LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL . . .

Minimum Wage or Living Wage?
By Deborah Lardie, Public Policy Chair, NAWBO SFBA

There has been a lot of press lately around a recent minimum wage increase for Federal contractors and proposed minimum wage legislation in San Francisco. These measures are presented as strategies to grow prosperity in a sluggish economy that has not responded well to other actions. 

Top economists agree that the root cause of our continuing economic slump is due to wealth inequality resulting from decades of public policy decisions that have been devastating to the working and middle classes.  Living wage has been defined as the wage that can meet the basic needs to maintain a safe, decent standard of living within the community. Unfortunately there is a huge gap between the minimum wage and a living wage. While a raise in the minimum wage would put more money in the pockets of those who need it, it could be devastating to small businesses that are hanging on with narrow margins and small profits.  Some of these businesses compete with an online marketplace operating at a loss, financed by investment. Minimum wage jobs are used by small businesses to train entry level employees and valuable for those making a change in their field of work. Unfortunately they are also used by large corporate retail chains as a way to keep profits high, not providing benefits or as a stepping stone to a living wage for their employees.

A change in the minimum wage should be part of a comprehensive program by Federal, State and local government in the form of incentives, loans and tax breaks for small business and employees. This could revitalize industry in the US and put money back in the pockets of those who will buy goods and services.  Minimum wage legislation alone won’t accomplish this- though it would be a small step in the right direction.

References:

1. Pollin, R. (2007). Economic prospects: making the federal minimum wage a living wage. [e-book] Available through: http://www.peri.umass.edu | Download PDF Article
2. Reich, R. (2013). Inequality for all, Commonwealth National Podcast. [podcast] 11/21/2013. | Retrieved from: http://www.commonwealthclub.org | Listen to the Podcast
   

Equity Crowdsource Funding. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finalizes regulations for Equity Crowdsource Funding. We will keep you informed.

CALCompetes. Waiting for the online application to become available for business owners to bid on tax credits to scale and grow their business. We will keep you informed.

AFFILIATES AND PARTNERS EVENTS . . .

NAWBO is a sponsor of the GGBA Women's March MEGA Make Contact Event on Tuesday, March 11th at 6PM at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. Join us for this fun event in honor of Women’s History Month! | Register Here! 

NABWO SFBA is sponsoring the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County - Women of Success/Mujeres de Exito Conference & Expo "Aim High" on Wednesday, March 19th, 3:30PM - 8:00PM | Register Here! 

The Women’s Book Luncheon - Join the release of the first San Francisco Bay Area Printed Edition of The Women's Book: A compilation of inspiring leaders and organizations advancing businesswomen on Thursday, March 27th, 12PM-1:30PM at Hotel Sofitel San Francisco | Register Here!

BizWomen: The Business Times Mentoring Monday - At this event you will choose from 40 mentors who are the most influential women in the community for one-on-one coaching sessions for five minute conversations. Monday, April 7th 7:30AM-9:30AM, SF Hilton Union Square | Register Here! 

OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST . . .

Gender Partnership: The Economic Imperative for the 21st Century on Tuesday, March 18th, 1PM-5PM in Redwood City | More Info

San Francisco Small Business Administration offers Events and Opportunities for small businesses | Visit SF SBA web site

Would you be interviewed for a study of women entrepreneurs?
Rachel Dance, a senior in Management and Business at Skidmore, is interviewing women business owners across the country for her thesis on Women's Entrepreneurship. Rachel wants to compare women's experiences in entrepreneurship in different regions throughout the United States. She has identified San Francisco as one of the locations to be studied and would like to speak with women in this area. If you are interested in helping Rachel with her thesis, it involves a 15-minute interview.
Contact Rachel Dance

Anita Hill Documentary - Sam Maxwell, marketing coordinator for IDP distribution (Samuel Goldwyn Films.) is looking to send information regarding ANITA, a documentary on Anita Hill and the Clarence Thomas hearings, for community outreach purposes. If you/your organization is interested, contact Samual Goldwyn | Watch the Trailer Below!

Your Voice and Resource For Fairness and Equity
In a few short weeks, on March 1st, NAWBO will launch its annual spring membership drive. During this time, you’ll hear from NAWBO National, our 60-plus chapters and thousands of NAWBO sisters across the U.S. about the immense benefits of NAWBO membership; how it’s connected them to a sisterhood, to valuable resources and savings, to targeted, timely learning opportunities and more. Of all the benefits, though, perhaps the greatest remains simply being part of the 39-year-strong organization that is the voice of women entrepreneurs—the thoughtful, reputable voice that has spoken out and fought long and hard for equity and fairness in business, and continues to do so every day. | Read blog

Propel Your Business Conference - March 10 & 11, 2014
Join Us for the Propel Your Business Conference. Join other women business owners in Sacramento to hear from keynote speakers on topics that influence the growth of your business. If you register a group of five before January 31st, registration is $75 per person. Use the Promo Code: Group. For More Information and to Register, Visit, NAWBO-CA | FLYER

We have within us the innate ability to create and live the life we truly want…but only if that ability is developed and nurtured. If you are like most people, you have formed habits and ways of thinking that are in direct conflict with what you want. | Learn More

WHO WE ARE . . .

At NAWBO, we are volunteer woman business owners passionate about educating, empowering, collaborating and supporting other woman business owners to strengthen our collective wealth creating capacity while celebrating our diversity to propel us all forward both professionally and personally.

Not A Member Yet? Become a NAWBO Member to receive discounted rates on NAWBO Sponsored Events Nationwide and to Gain Promotional Opportunities for Your Business.
JOIN AT WWW.NAWBO.ORG

nawbo annual membership drive. . .

GET INVOLVED . . .

Get Involved! - Check Out the Current Opportunities at NAWBO-SFBA!
You are more than your business. NAWBO creates opportunities for you to be a leader, give back and to make a difference by being involved with a community of women business owners. We work in support of opportunities for women to become more successful and influential. Be Involved!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR . . .

Educational Speaker Series & Dinner
Thursday, March 13, 2014
"Topic"
with Speaker
5:30PM - 8:00PM
Sir Francis Drake Hotel (Union Square)
San Francisco, CA

1. Submissions, please send to: info@nawbo-sfba.org
2. We invite you to join NAWBO-SFBA and take advantage of a growing package of member benefits and activities. Learn more by visiting our membership page