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“It is lonely at the top”. One of
the difficulties in running a small
business is the lack of informed,
objective counsel and advice or just
a “second opinion” on major issues
and decisions facing our business.
Fortunately, there are a number of
organizations in Chicago where one
can interface and dialogue with
peers who have faced the same
decisions in their own business.
Here you can openly seek advice and
support from experienced
entrepreneurs in non-competitive
businesses. Moreover, each
organization hosts conferences,
forum, networking events, etc. that
could lead to exposure in the local
market, contact, leads and business
growth. The websites of these
entities have calendars of events.
We have listed some of the more
prominent organizations for your
reference.
National Association of Women
Business Owners (Nawbo)
NAWBO Chicago Area Chapter
216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 625
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312-609-1300
Fax: 312-750-1203
www.nawbochicago.org
Purpose: A network of influential
women business owners that helps build
relationships leading to opportunities. The
organization empowers members by offering a
welcoming, diverse community providing advice,
education, inspiration and support. The
organization offers opportunities to interact
closely with more than 600 individual members
and corporate partners.
Summary: Hosts regular panel
discussions and socializing events that
participation in may lead to new business.
Approach: Speaking
Opportunities/Speakers Bureau-- Speaking
engagements are a great way to build recognition
and credibility in the business community. The
Speakers Bureau maintains a database of members
interested in speaking opportunities and makes
members aware of speaking opportunities. Let the
Speakers Bureau know about your interest and
qualifications by completing the Speaker’s
Bureau Application.
Also, NAWBO offers a Board of Advisors
program through which experienced members offer
one-time assistance to other members. Comprised
of successful business owners, its members
donate time and expertise to interested fellow
members to help them resolve specific business
concerns.
Costs: Annual dues are $300.00.
Audience: Women business owners
American Business Women’s
Association
General Information Phone (866) 281-2143
www.abwa-chicago.org
Purpose: Offers
leadership training, networking possibilities
and support to businesswomen in Chicagoland.
Summary: Host functions
that strengthen the friendships among its
members, and provide opportunities for lots of
networking.
Approach: Monthly
meetings each 4th Tuesday of the month at the
Renaissance Hotel in Chicago (866-281-2143 to
register). Appears to be on-line membership, but
offers local forums and professional development
opportunities and monthly Express Network
meetings. Members and guests are invited to
bring brochures/fliers to share on the
“Entrepreneur/Networking Table.” Offer speaking
opportunities and their website includes an
“Articles” section, but has no articles posted.
Audience: Businesswomen
from diverse backgrounds and occupations, and
provide opportunities for them to help
themselves and others grow personally and
professionally.
The Women’s Business Development
Center (WBDC)
(Local chapter of Women’s Business Enterprise
National Council)
8 S. Michigan, 4th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 853-3477
Purpose: A nationally and
internationally recognized not-for-profit
organization established in 1986 to work with
women to launch new businesses and strengthen
existing businesses in the Chicago area.
Summary: Established in
1986, the WBDC has grown from a two-woman
operation to a full-time staff of 24, which,
along with a team of talented consultants, serve
over 3,000 women annually. They claim that their
business development services are so well
recognized that 15 other organizations (e.g.
Cardinal Health) across the nation have used the
WBDC as a model for their own efforts.
Approach: The WBDC’s
website has an “Articles” section that provides
its members with guidance in various aspects of
their business. This may be a great avenue
through which we can write articles regarding
corporate entity selection or similar areas of
interest. The WBDC hosts complimentary
informational sessionsthat help prospective and
established business owners clarify learn more
about WBDC resources.
Audience: Women business
owners
WorldWIT, Inc.
Women. Insight. Technology (WIT)
www.worldwit.org
Anne Jennings, Editor
WorldWIT, Inc.
3405 Penrose Place
Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80301
On-line newsletter offers “Guest
Column,” which would give us excellent exposure
across the board. The local chapter offers
networking events that are great opportunities to
identify other opportunities/groups/organizations
that may benefit from our services. They also offer
blogging opportunities on a number of issues such as
“Solo Entrepreneurs,” and “The Nature of Business.”
*There is a quite robust Chicago Chapter called:
ChicWIT.
Purpose: Network building
Summary: A resource
(including local email lists) for women to share
ideas, network, mentor, and learn on a local or
global level.
Approach: In ChicWIT
there are many small business owners involved in
the on-line discussions, as well as corporate
and law firm types. Often individuals are
seeking attorneys and we can formulate a
response to these postings.
ChicWIT indicates that there are
great opportunities to connect with other
professional women in your area by helping with
Events, Public Relations,
Communication/Membership, Alliances and Academic
Outreach. We should explore these
“opportunities.”
ChicWIT also regularly hosts
networking events that are well attended and
convenient. ChicWIT also offers a variety of
seminars.
A highlight of its events is the
annual international women’s business conference
(“Camp WorldWIT”). During the long weekend,
attendees share entrepreneurial and corporate
learning, hear outstanding keynoters and
on-point breakout speakers, and have ample
opportunities to network and share best
practices.
Audience: Women
entrepreneurs
Chicagoland Entrepreneurial
Center (“CEC”)
www.chicagolandec.org
Purpose: A nationally and
internationally recognized not-for-profit
organization established in 1986 to work with
women to launch new businesses and strengthen
existing businesses in the Chicago area.
Summary: It is a
non-profit affiliate of the Chicagoland Chamber
of Commerce and is sponsored by the Illinois
Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
Approach: The CEC relies
upon “partners” to provide the
training/facilitate the seminars. We should
explore any opportunities to become a partner.
The CEC hosts a seminar series
entitled “Smart Business for Small Business
Seminar Series” where local corporations
sponsors interactive meetings and panel
discussions designed to address the needs and
challenges of emerging businesses. Seminars
change annually depending on need and interest.
The CEC also hosts an
“Accelerator Seminar Series,” which is a
two-hour seminar conducted monthly at the CEC
and taught by successful entrepreneurs and
business professionals (like us!) to educate
entrepreneurs on vital components of business
success.
ATHENA program: The CEC
hosts the Chicagoland ATHENA PowerLink program.
Since 1999, the ATHENA program has been helping
women owned businesses expand profitably through
the use of professional advisory panels. As a
mentoring process, ATHENA “links” a business
with a volunteer panel of advisors recruited
from the local community. The panel and business
owner work together for one year to meet the
specific objectives of the business owner.
Audience: Small business
owners; start ups
Midwest Business Brokers and
Intermediaries
Purpose: Networking among
business brokers and related services.
Summary: A local
organization of M&A advisors comprised of
business brokers, M&A intermediaries, investment
bankers, attorneys, accounts, banks, SBA
lenders, valuation service providers, individual
buyers, private equity groups and corporate
buyers.
Approach: Twice monthly
programs feature “DealMart” and networking
opportunities.
Audience: Business to
business prospects
Illinois I.T. Association
Illinois Information Technology Association (ITA)
117 North Jefferson Street, Suite 100
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 435-2805
www.illinoistech.org
headquarters@illinoistech.org
Offers tailored sponsorship packages.
Fred Hoch, President
fhoch@illinoistech.org, or (312) 924-1062
Sarah Habansky, Manager of Programs
and Events
shabansky@illinoistech.org or (312) 924-1077.
The ITA has designed sponsorship
packages with the goal of adding substantial
value to companies seeking recognition in the
technology industry and among technology
executives at the myriad of companies locally. A
few local law firms are sponsor and offer
seminars addressing intellectual property
issues. The present a quarterly Legal Luncheon
that we should explore speaking opportunities.
ITA hosts about 150 presentations/events per
year
Cost: Sponsorships range
from $25,000 to $2,000.
Also the website of the Mayor’s
Council of Technology Advisors has an extensive
list of Chicago organizations that provide
networking opportunities amongst technology
professionals.
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General Publications
Today’s Chicago Woman
Circulation: 70,000/month
*Requested information 7/17/06
B. Crain’s
360 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 280-3155
Circulation: 50,392
www.entrepreneurlounge.com
Offers blogging opportunities and has articles
regarding issues facing entrepreneurs.
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Vertical Business Channel Networks
“But my business is different, with
its own unique requirements, issues and needs”.
Beyond the local organizations serving the general,
but universal needs of small business, one can look
to vertical trade organizations & periodicals to
connect with peers in your business. No matter what
your business, you can find vertical organizations
dedicated to business owner education, business
enhancement and network with peers, vendors and in
some cases, prospective clients.
Below you will find several examples
using a few select industries:
Optometry and Ophthalmology
organizations or associations in and around Chicago.
Illinois Optometric Association
302 W. Washington
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 525-8012
The IOA publishes an annual
Membership Directory, a monthly E-Newsletter and the
quarterly Journal of the Illinois Optometric
Association. Advertising opportunities are available
in the Directory and the Journal. For information
about writing for the Journal, contact the editor,
Gary G. Gray, OD, at gggod1@aol.com. Events include
the Midwest Vision Congress will offer a variety of
classes, May 11-13, 2006. IOA’s annual convention
will be Sept. 28 - Oct. 1, 2006 at the Crowne Plaza
in Springfield, IL.
American Academy of Optometry
(Chicago Chapter)
Dr. Mary Flynn Roberts
President
3241 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago IL 60616
(312) 225-1700
MFlynn@ico.edu
American Optometric Association
243 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
1st Floor
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: (800) 365-2219
Fax: (314) 991-4101
www.aoa.org
Addresses public policy and
legislation regarding the practice of optometry.
More technical articles on practice management.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
655 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
www.aao.org
Monthly Journal:
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology publishes original articles that
pertain to clinical and basic research in all
areas of ophthalmology. Each issue includes
information on new diagnostic and surgical
techniques, successful treatment methods,
research findings, descriptions and locations of
ongoing clinical trials, and news of new
products and forthcoming meetings. Major reviews
on specific topics by acknowledged authorities
in each area of ophthalmology are also included,
as are AAO procedure assessments.
Audience: Every member of
the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as well
as other physicians, institutions, residents and
other healthcare professionals interested in
ophthalmology.
On-line Monthly Magazine:
EyeNet Magazine Has a series called “Practice
Management." Samples and advertising
information/article submission enclosed.
Illinois Association of
Ophthalmology
Dianne Ross MD, President
10 W. Phillip Rd., Suite 120
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Tel: (847) 680-1666
Fax: (847) 680-1682
Executive Director: Richard H Paul
EyeOrg@aol.com
www.midwesteyemd.org
The association has a new website
which assists those in need of ophthalmology
services to find an ophthalmologist.
Chicago Ophthalmological Society
10 W. Phillip Road, Suite 120
Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1730
Phone: (847) 680-1666
Fax: (847) 680-1682
EyeOrg@aol.com
Organization is focused on developments in
medical research and treatment; probably too
technical/medical for our purposes.
American Society of Ophthalmic
Administrators
Administrative Eyecare Editor
4000 Legato Road, Suite 700
Fairfax, Virginia 22033-4003
www.asoa.org
National organization regarding
the business of ophthalmology ASOA membership:
1,958.
Interesting articles such as,
I'm Really to Be a Sole Practitioner…Now What
Do?
Author: Michael Brown, MS
Publication:
Administrative Eye Care (quarterly)
Circulation: 8,447
Requirements: Articles
should provide practical information about
practice management issues; e.g., employee
incentive programs, patient education,
appointment scheduling, equipment selection,
practice development, practice protocols,
personnel issues, implementing government
regulations, complying with health and federal
labor standards; Submit to Editor at above
address. See enclosed samples.
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Medical-related organizations or associations
identified as having a Chicago connection
American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(847) 434-4000
www.aap.org
American Association of Hospital Dentists, Inc.
211 East Chicago Avenue, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 440-2661
Fax: (312) 440-2824
American Association of Medical Assistants
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606-2968
Phone: (312) 899-1500
Fax: (312) 899-1259
www.aama-ntl.org
American Association of Women Dentists
645 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 280-9296
Fax: (312) 280-9893
www.womendentists.org
info@womendentists.org
American College of Healthcare Executives
One North Franklin, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606-3491
Phone: (312) 424-2800
Fax: (312) 424-0023
American Dental Association
21 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 440-2500
Fax: (312) 440-7494
www.ada.org
American Dietetic Association
216 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
Phone: (312) 899-0040
Fax: (312) 899-1758
www.eatright.org
American Health Information Management Association
233 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 2150
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 233-1100
Fax: (312) 233-1090
www.ahima.org
info@ahima.org
American Medical Association
515 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 464-5000
Fax: (312) 464-4184
www.ama-assn.org
American Osteopathic Association
142 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312) 202-8000
FAX: (312-202-8200
www.aoa-net.org
info@aoa-net.org
mailto:info@aoa-net.org
American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: (847) 925-8070
Fax: (847) 925-1329
www.avma.org
blittle@avma.org
Institute of Food Technologists
221 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60601-1291
Phone: (312) 782-8424
Fax: (312) 782-8348
www.ift.org
info@ift.org
Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council
222 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 906-6000
Fax: (312) 993-0779
A
membership and service association comprising
more than 140 hospitals and health care
organizations. They offer a monthly newsletter
to communicate developments in health care (e.g.
How to ease into a smoke free environment;
Employers' and Employees' Obligations under the
Family and Medical Leave Act and American with
Disabilities)
Radiological Society of North America, Inc.
820 Jorie Boulevard
Oak Brook, IL 60523-1860
Phone: (630) 571-2670
Fax: (630) 571-7837
www.rsna.org
taylor@rsna.org
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Organizations or Associations targeting associations
Association Forum of Chicago
10 S. Riverside, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 924-7000
Fax: (312) 924-7100
www.associationforum.org/resources/memberOrganizations.asp
Offers sub-groups called Special Interest Groups
(“SIGs”) where members with shared interests
meet regularly to discuss issues, ideas, trends,
and thoughts on many areas of association and
nonprofit management. Particularly, the
“Content” Committee seeks articles of interest
to its members. The website has a very large
list of associations in the Chicagoland area.
Chicago Interactive Marketing Association
P.O. Box 543481
Chicago, IL 60654-0481
(312) 458-0870
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