A message from Joy Canova, President:

Were you there? Did you see it? The Nellie Cashman Gala was an exceptional evening!

October 1st, attendees of the gala were proud to be in the company of wonderfully accomplished businesswomen, their supporters, and their families. Our delightful Mistress of Ceremonies was WBO’s own Patti Dobrowolski; thank you Patti, for your grace and charm in welcoming our distinguished guests. The atmosphere was electric as the finalists took to the stage to share their stories. Thank you to all these great women for their candid revelations about life and the path to success. We respect and honor each of you.

Our Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year winner, Lee Rhodes of glassybaby, is a stellar example of the values of her award’s namesake. Not only do her unique votives nurture and soothe the spirit, but 10% from the sale of each designated color is donated to different national organizations to support cancer care and research as well as Conservation International and The Martha Stewart Center for Living. We are proud to name Lee Rhodes our 2008 Nellie.

We are no less proud of our 2008 Excellence Award winner, Dr. Julie Miller. With her company, Business Writing That Counts!, Dr. Julie has shown us how a business can stay essential in an ever changing marketplace. Think letter-writing is passé? Not so; only the vehicle of communications has changed, not the impact of our expressions. Not surprisingly, Dr. Miller is also a strong advocate for giving back to the community, which she does with vigor and style. What a remarkable 2008 Ellie!

While there are many supporters and contributors that made the evening possible, let me point our three critical players. Wells Fargo, as our Strategic Partner, has been steadfast in their support of our Nellie Gala. Why? They are steadfast supporters of women entrepreneurs! Pam Gray and Rochelle Alhadeff of Chat with Women graciously provided radio interviews to all our candidates and even had additional conversations with each finalist and winners. Furthermore, Seattle Business Monthly contributed beautiful Nellie advertising in their dynamic business magazine. Read below on how they are extending additional benefits to WBO members.

To all who made the evening so meaningful and inspiring, thank you so very much!

Sincerely,

Joy Canova

WBO 2008 President

Opportunity for Non-Profit Executives to Experience WBO for Free

Non-Profit Executives may apply for WBO scholarship membership for 2009 by contacting Philanthropy and Community Outreach Chair, Jule Meyer. Applications are due on November 30th. Preference will be given to applicants whose organization serves women and girls.

Connecting with Seattle University - Executive Speaker Series.

WBO Bronze Sponsor Seattle University's Albers School of Business and Economics is committed to providing its students a business education in support of ethical and socially responsible leadership. Each year, the Executive Speaker Series features prominent business leaders who augment the school's formal curriculum. The lectures are free and open to students, alumni, and the public. WBO members are invited to attend. The first lecture of the 2008-09 academic year will be Wednesday, October 15, 2008 (5:30 – 6:30 p.m.) and will feature Peter Rose, CEO of Expeditors International.

Location: Seattle University Pigott Auditorium, 901 12th Ave., Seattle, 98122.
Future lectures:
* November 6, 2008: Kemper Freeman, Chairman & CEO, Kemper Development Company
* January 29, 2009: Gerry Grinstein, Former CEO, Delta Airlines
* February 24, 2009: Colleen Brown, President & CEO, Fisher Communications
No RSVP required. For more information, email Barb Hauke or call (206) 296-5732.

Seattle University was honored this last year by being asked to help select and host the annual Opus Awards. The 2008 Opus Prize event will recognize three unsung heroes for their faith-based humanitarian efforts and each will be given an award for their entrepreneurial leadership. The grand prize winner will receive a $1 million award for use within his or her organization. The other two leaders will each receive $100,000 finalist awards. The decision will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Benaroya Hall from 7:30-9:30pm. All WBO members are invited to attend this celebration. To RSVP, please email Jennifer Horne or call (206) 296-5699 by Oct. 15th. More.

Continuing Education at Bellevue College! Explore professional development opportunities. More than 200 short classes offered in business and technology each quarter. More.

WBO Mailing List

Ambassadors Are Recruiting!

The Ambassador Committee is currently recruiting new Ambassadors. Being an Ambassador gives you additional opportunities to meet with new and current members regarding the benefits of WBO. You also have the opportunity to meet and greet visitors at WBO events. The Ambassador Committee is a fantastic way to meet people and become involved in WBO. The time commitment is minimal, but the rewards are great. Contact Shawn Mercalde if you are interested in becoming an Ambassador for WBO or would like to attend our meeting at 9:00 a.m. on October 9, 2008 at the Noah's Bagels on Mercer Island.

BBG's are forming!

For more information about Business Building Groups, please contact Penelope Bell.

BBG Mixer October 30th, 2008, FREE Event for WBO members
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Shallot's Restaurant, 2525 4th (At Vine), Belltown, Seattle
Complimentary (and Delicious!) Appetizers, No host bar
Our mission is to support WBO members to "Get the most out of your BBGs" regardless of the developmental stage of your group or businesses. Your BBG committee is starting the BBG "Book Club"!!! This is a great way to meet potential BBG members, find groups who are looking for new BBG members, support each other's professional and personal growth, and to continue all of our ongoing education. You do not have to have read the books (or even have an interest in joining a BBG!) but if you like to read in advance, here are the proposed topics.
BBG Mixer Topics

* October 2008 The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
* January 2009 We will be highlighting and using Patti Dobrowolski's template for "Big Picture

Goals"
* May 2009 Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
* September 2009 TBD
Please rsvp to Penelope Bell, BBG Committee chair, email or call (206) 679-7644.

WBO Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is absolutely the best way to get to know other WBO members and get the most of your membership. Join one of WBO's Committees - there are plenty of ways for you to get involved by serving on a WBO committee or initiative.

A Warm Welcome to the Following New WBO Member:

Holly Michelle Eckert
Nonviolent Communication Training
Looking to enhance collaboration, strengthen employee loyalty and maximize productivity? Our training programs will support your team's optimal creativity and collaboration through building clear communication and respectful conflict resolution skills.

Susan McKay
Susan McKay, MA, MCC, LLC
Executive, team and leadership coach, inspiring executive and team development, enhanced communication and relations. Coaching partnerships focus on leadership development, cultural change, increased sales, and planning for continued organizational success.

Haley Pendergraft
Naptime Studio
Haley Pendergraft, founder of Naptime Studio, is a full time mom with a Masters in Teaching. She uses the daily joys of raising her son and her classroom experiences as inspiration for the creation of her products. It is the sole purpose of Naptime Studio to create quality products that provide a meaningful experience and a lasting impression.

Marilyn Taylor
Marilyn's Nut Butters
Unique, high-end organic nut butters, combining different nuts together, and adding spices to some of them – others have a savory flavor profile. Launching in September 08, I’m selling online and at farmers markets locally.

You probably heard on the news that families are forced to choose between buying Food or buying Gas. In 2008, Food Lifeline has seen at least a 15% increase in need for emergency food across the board. One in 5 children in Western Washington lives below the poverty line. Through October, WBO Bronze Sponsors Honda of Seattle and Toyota of Seattle are collecting food and funds to feed hungry people in our neighborhoods; your company is invited to join with us. Please bring your non-perishable food or monetary donations to Honda of Seattle or Toyota of Seattle located in the Denny Triangle of Downtown Seattle. 100% of all food and funds that we collect are donated to Food Lifeline. Food Lifeline supplies local food banks with food; they can feed 5 people with $1. For more information, please contact Nola Coston by email NolaC@HondaofSeatte.com or NolaC@ToyotaofSeattle.com or phone at (206) 654-6808.

The Seattle Public Library has invited Dr. Catherine Darley, The Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine to share her expertise in sleep health. On October 29th Dr. Darley will be presenting "Sleep Well, Feel Great, and Succeed in School." Over 30% of children have sleep problems, and their mood and performance suffer. Come learn about common pediatric sleep problems, how they influence your child, and what you can do to ensure your child gets healthy sleep. This free public talk will be at 6 pm in the Microsoft Auditorium at the Central Library at 1000 Fourth Ave, Seattle. Dr. Darley will also present on November 3rd, 6:30 pm, at the Ballard Library 5614 22nd Ave NW, Seattle.

Deanne DeMarco, Owner and President of Unique Solutions, is featured in the September/October issue of 425 Magazine in the article, 'Nine Lady Leaders'.

On September 27, Joanne Factor of Strategic Living was featured in an internet radio show titled "Healing with Self Defense". This is the second in a series of shows about non-traditional methods for recovering from the debilitating consequences of crime, violence and physical or emotional abuse. Crime Prevention Specialist Susan Bartelstone spoke with Joanne Factor about the therapeutic benefits of self defense and martial arts training.

Joanne Factor of Strategic Living was a featured self-defense expert in an article published in both Women's Adventure Magazine (July/August) and in the Calgary Herald (Sept 18, 2008).

Thea M. Sand of Emmanuel’s Rug & Upholstery Cleaners earns Cleaning & Restoration Industry Recognition. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA), recently inducted
professional rug cleaning expert, Thea M. Sand of Emmanuel’s Rug & Upholstery Cleaners, as a Certified Rug Specialist® (CRS). Only a select group of individuals hold the rug cleaning industry’s foremost certification. In order to qualify for this credential, individuals completed extensive educational requirements covering a broad range of expertise in rug identification, as well as their remediation, cleaning and restoration.

Laurie Simon, Founder & CEO of Ombrella Consulting was recognized by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), the nation’s largest bi-partisan women’s business group. Simon was one of five national business owners presented a Fast 5 Award for demonstrating outstanding business growth over the past five years and making a national impact on the state of women in business. “Laurie is not only a successful business leader, she is an advocate who works to impact positive changes in her community and for women business owners across the country,” said WIPP President Barbara Kasoff. “We are proud to recognize her achievements and active citizenship through WIPP’s Fast 5 Award.”

Becky Cotter

Aflac

Becky Cotter joined the Aflac field force as an independent agent in 2004, earning “Rookie of the Year.” Now a District Sales Coordinator, Becky has built a successful referral business and has so far helped over 150 organizations enhance their employee benefits without adding additional cost, usually saving them money in taxes too! Over 400,000 employers have found Aflac’s voluntary benefits program a perfect solution to the rising cost of healthcare. Aflac pays cash benefits directly to policyholders, including products such as Cancer, Accident, Dental, Hospital, Life, Disability, Vision, etc. Most plans are also available to individuals.

Becky holds licenses in 10 states, predominately servicing the Western Washington region. Becky Cotter was twice awarded Aflac’s highest level of accommodation, President’s Club, ranking amongst the top 75 producers in the US. Becky currently serves on the WBO Board of Directors

Shawn K. Mercalde
Carney Badley Spellman, P.S.
Shawn is an attorney with the law firm of Carney Badley Spellman, P.S. She concentrates her practice in the areas of residential and commercial construction, commercial and construction contracts and litigation, federal and state procurement law, commercial leases, landlord-tenant disputes, collections and creditor’s rights. Shawn represents general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, business owners, property managers and developers. Shawn was named a Rising Star by Washington Law & Politics Magazine for 2006 and 2007.

Need an incentive to advertise? Do not wait – Deadline is October 15th!
Seattle Business Monthly is teaming up with WBO to offer our membership an incredible opportunity to advertise in the Seattle Business Monthly. It’s a great local magazine whose readership has an average household income of $145K and who are making purchasing decisions not only for themselves, but for their businesses. You can now access this publication at a great discount and, at the same time, show your WBO pride! More, or just click on the homepage link.

We had an exciting September luncheon. In fact, we lost count of how many tips we received from Nancy Juetten, of Main Street Media Savvy. Her topic “Get Seen, Heard and Celebrated Through the Power of Do-It-Yourself Publicity”, was packed full of great information and some good humor, too. Our Luncheon Sponsor was Nancy Owyang of Eye-to-Eye Graphics – a superb businesswoman and a great WBO volunteer. The Non-profit Spotlight this month was provided by Jessica Emerson of CityYear of King County – they are doing great work locally and WBO encourages you to lend your support.

Don’t miss this advert in The Marketplace. All postings are repeated here as an added benefit. Please support our member’s events and offerings and see Marketplace postings for details:

• Out-Patient Surgery Care Services, LLC, Marcia L. Jones, Phone: 425-273-5523, Email: marciah@seanet.com. Providing confidential transportation to and from your out-patient surgical procedure and providing post operative care in the comfort of your own home. Over 20 years experience. Licensed, Insured, Bonded.

Sincerely,

Joy Canova