Our July 31st event at the Ann Arbor Art Center is SOLD OUT! Obviously, local business leaders were looking for a fun, artsy networking event this summer. I personally can’t wait to hang out with 120 smart women (and maybe a few men too!) who want to talk about art, business, and life while consuming yummy wine and scrumptious cheese.

If you didn’t register in time, you can still join us after 7 PM at the Earle for more eating, drinking, and schmoozing - with happy hour prices all night long!

Thanks again to our sponsors:

• Morgan & York - The best selection of wine and cheese in town! Get a WXW discount.
• The Ann Arbor Art Center - For art classes, art shows, and creative gifts!
• The Earle - French and Italian cuisine in a romantic setting.

Check out our video and register for our July 31st networking-art-show-happy-hour-extravaganza!

Hey all you brilliant business leaders, seasoned managers, brave entrepreneurs, and aspiring executives! Register for the next WXW event on July 31st from 5 to 7 PM at the Ann Arbor Art Center. Please see the post below for details.

This time we’re focused purely on NETWORKING, and we hope to bring over 100 of you together to eat, drink, view some interesting art, and make new business connections.

If you didn’t have a chance to attend our inaugural event back in May, here’s a short video to let you see what you missed. We had over 200 big-brained business women in one room! Hot stuff!

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WXW is hosting a networking event and exhibition opening at the Ann Arbor Art Center on Thursday, July 31st from 5-7 PM.

Event attendance will be limited to the first 120 registrants. Online registration will begin on July 9th. The event is $10 per person and proceeds go the the Art Center. Wine and appetizers will be served.

During WXW’s May event, attendees told us they wanted more opportunities to network, form strong connections, and continue the “exchange” of ideas, stories, and lessons learned. Our next event on July 31st will provide a good venue to keep the exchange going.

The exhibition, titled “A PLACE AT THE TABLE,” explores the way women artists have found (or have not found) their place or chair at a traditionally male-dominated “table”. The artwork should provide great fodder for conversations between women business leaders, many of whom have found their own place in a male-dominated industry or company. The exhibition is the first exhibition of the new Michigan Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art.

(What follows is a reprint from the Sunday, May 18 edition of the Ann Arbor News.)

What happens when high-powered business leaders get together to share success stories, exchange ideas, and lessons learned? We found out on Wednesday, May 7, when the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw (WXW) held their inaugural event in Ann Arbor. Over 200 people attended this first event of what promises to be a dynamic, rewarding, and highly successful group.

About a year ago Carrie Hensel (CEO of Inner Circle Media) and I sat down to discuss several pressing business issues. We wanted to grow our businesses and found that as we talked we were helping each other solve our business problems. We wondered how many other businesswomen were having this same type of conversation. The more we talked the more we felt we needed to take action. We decided to form the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw, a group dedicated to growing businesses by encouraging an exchange of ideas and an open approach to conversations. By bringing business leaders together to build stronger relationships we hoped to foster growth in our region.

A Steering Committee was formed, and an energized group of businesswomen led the charge to create the first WXW event. After a year of planning we were ready to host our first event. A panel of highly successful women business leaders from Southeast Michigan opened the event by sharing stories about the challenges they faced when growing their businesses and related lessons they had learned in their careers. They inspired the crowd to ask pointed questions about topics ranging from funding their businesses to finding the right employee for the right position.

The panel was followed by a series of four breakout sessions in which facilitators and attendees brainstormed about key issues involved in growing a business. The issues included managing growth, creating a business culture, relationship building, and visioning. Each session was fast-paced and lively discussions could be heard in every room. The breakout sessions were followed by a wrap-up session and informal networking.

I was encouraged to see several small groups of women continuing their conversations even as the event winded down. I listened in to discussions about how to work with family-owned businesses, what were the best relationships to cultivate, and how visioning had benefited one locally woman-owned business. These types of exchanges were just what we had in mind when we created the group. WXW was creating synergy among the attendees and connecting women who could continue their dialogue on their own.

The first WXW event is really just the start of something even bigger. The enthusiastic response has spurred further discussions on the future of WXW. Attendees came from as far away as Toledo, Ohio, to attend the kickoff to WXW, and there is interest in more regional collaborations with other groups. We also asked all of the WXW attendees to fill out an exit survey. They asked for us to continue the group and host more activities, including roundtable discussions and in-depth working sessions on a variety of topics. The format for our first event—a panel and breakouts—was also rated highly, so we plan on using it for our future events.

The attendees were also complimentary. “Great networking! Thrilled at the number of attendees,” commented one attendee. “The women who attended were dynamic, interesting, involved,” said another.

The overwhelming response has been positive. That positive energy can be converted into action that helps businesses grow. We’re ready to continue the exchange by sharing our growth strategies, working together, and forging strong relationships. WXW is just one of many area organizations dedicated to business growth. I would encourage business leaders to attend regional events sponsored by other groups, such as the Chambers of Commerce. Our local economy depends on groups such as this to create connections between businesses. It’s all part of what Carrie and I said at the end of our first WXW meeting: Now We’re Talking!

Tina Reed, Ann Arbor News Reporter and aspiring local business leader, wrote about the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw (WXW) on May 1^st. Tina summed up our inaugural event nicely when she said, “The May 7 event will address issues like managing business growth and breathing new energy into established companies. With an extended happy hour afterward, the organizers hope to create a networking atmosphere
that caters to local business women.”

> Read the entire article here.

Back in December when we started planning the inaugural WXW event, we wondered if there was a need in the market for a new group focused on women business leaders. With the WXW kick off just days away, we now know that we guessed right – women professionals, entrepreneurs, community officials, and aspiring leaders definitely feel the need to gather together to talk about business. Attendees are signing up in droves. In fact, we expect to hit 200 registrants within the next two days. We’re looking forward to an enthusiastic crowd and an interactive event where ideas, connections, and fun will abound.

> Register Now!

Attendees at the WXW inaugural event on May 7th will have the choice to attend one of four fun, interactive, breakout sessions. Topics include…

1. Managing Growth –

Most of us believe that a growing business is a successful business – because clearly unsuccessful businesses don’t grow. But growth is a tricky issue for most companies. To grow, you need to increase sales. Then you need to deliver your product or service. Then you need to continue to sell more and
deliver more…but what if your company falters as you try to scale up? What if you’re overestimating your sales projections? What if you can’t hire the right people quickly enough? What if the processes that worked when you were a smaller firm begin to break down as you expand?

In this breakout session, the group will want to talk about the struggles, successes, problems, and solutions of their growing companies. Whether you’re a company of one or about to hire your 150th employee, this session will help you begin to analyze your business and determine how you’d like to efficiently grow.

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2. Learning to Lead & Creating Culture –

What exactly does it mean to be a LEADER? If you’re the boss, the manager, or the person calling the shots, then you’re automatically a good leader, right? Well, probably not. Just because you’re bossy doesn’t mean you’re an inspiring leader.

Managers and bosses focus on systems, processes, structure, and control. Leaders focus on a direction, a path, and a shared dream. Ultimately, leaders focus on TRUST between PEOPLE. Good leaders know how to inspire and empower others to turn a company’s vision into action.

So, how can we learn to be leaders? This session is for women who want to become better leaders. Participants will discuss how to build trust, communicate a compelling and inclusive vision, empower their teams to be creative & innovative, and create a strong, positive, open culture within their companies.

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3. Relationship Building –

Good salespeople will often say that networking is everything. In reality, networking is only the beginning. Shaking hands and exchanging business cards shouldn’t be the end of the process—it’s actually the first step in building lasting, rewarding business relationships. A business relationship goes beyond networking to create a bond of trust and respect. As you build relationships you will see the reciprocal benefits. You’ll earn referrals, you’ll build your business, and grow!

Are you searching for a new ways to build meaningful relationships? During this breakout session, participants will think beyond the standard notions of networking and discuss how to forge relationships that matter—with prospects, clients, trusted advisors, potential partners and collaborators.

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4. Visioning - You Made It Past the Start-Up Phase - Now What?

Like most business owners, you invested all your time, energy, and ideas into beating the odds and starting a successful company. A few years later your company is coasting along - revenues are steadily increasing, and you have a solid team. You shouldn’t have a care in the world, right? Wrong!

Do you feel like your business is stuck in a rut? Do you feel more like a manager and less like an entrepreneur? Are you struggling to find more meaning in the work your company does? Attend this breakout session to rethink your company’s vision, rekindle those entrepreneurial flames, and take your company to new heights.

The Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw is proud to announce the panelists for our Wednesday, May 7 event. These four dynamic businesswomen will bring stories to share with you of how they managed growth, created a vision, built their businesses, and forged business relationships. Our dynamic panel will be led by Gretchen Driskell, Mayor of Saline, another local, successful businesswoman. In addition to answering your questions, the panel participants, as well as many other local businesswomen, will be participating during the entire event. The breakout sessions will be an opportunity for you to interact directly with other businesswomen, exchange ideas and make connections. Get ready for the exchange!

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Marcie Brogan -CEO, Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing

Marcie Brogan is CEO of Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing — headquartered in Birmingham with a branch in the Research Triangle, an affiliate in Chicago, and service offices in Lansing, DC and Naples. In 1972 she traded in a doctoral program at the University of Detroit for a copywriting job at Doner. She later joined BMP in London, followed by a stint in Brussels running a copy consultancy for overseas GM clients. She was then hired by Interpublic as creative director of its two ad agencies in The Netherlands. Back in the USA, Marcie opened her own agency in 1984; it has grown into a successful, high-energy, culturally and ethnically diverse agency committed to “creativity at work.” She most recently co-founded Ignite, the country’s fastest growing social media agency. She’s active in the community, civic and professional boards—the Nature Conservancy, the Eli Broad School of Management at MSU, the Detroit Regional Chamber and others. She has been honored by local, national and international organizations for her creative work, her professional achievements and her workplace innovations. Marcie is married to mystery author Mike Brogan, has two adult children and a brand new granddaughter named … Brogan.

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Michelle Crumm -Co-Founder/Chief Business Officer, Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Ms. Crumm has over 14 years of business and financial experience. As Co-Founder of Adaptive Materials, she has been integral in growing the company over 300% in the past three years. Capitalizing on her background, Ms.Crumm has been able to significantly increase market share and cash flow. With integrity and straightforward decision making, Ms. Crumm has been key at leading the company through the transition from start-up, high-technology, R&D company to a second stage, fast-growing manufacturing company. Prior to founding Adaptive Materials, her professional experience spans service firms, large automotive suppliers, and consumer package goods. She has held a variety of positions, including investor relations, procurement, and various financial positions. She is a licensed CPA, receiving her BS from Purdue University and her MBA from the University of Michigan.

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Carol A. Goss, President & CEO of The Skillman Foundation

Carol A. Goss is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Skillman Foundation in Detroit, Michigan. Prior to coming to The Skillman Foundation in March 1998 as a Senior Program Officer, her philanthropic experience included work as Program Officer at The Stuart Foundation in San Francisco, California and as Program Director at the W. K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Ms. Goss has more than 27 years experience in the human services field as a social worker, social work supervisor and agency administrator with the Detroit Dept. of Public Welfare, Oakland County Family and Children’s Services, and The Children’s Home Society in Oakland, California. Her experience spans the areas of child welfare, family services and youth development.

Ms. Goss, a native Detroiter, began a career of service in her youth and has continued to be active
with numerous area and national service, advocacy and philanthropic organizations, including: Grantmakers for Children Youth and Families; Association of Black Foundation Executives; Women in Philanthropy; Detroit Area Grantmakers; Detroit Parent Network; Michigan’s Children; Council of Michigan Foundations; Court Appointed Special Advocates Advisory Committee; Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee; The Links, Inc., Oakland Chapter; McKinley Foundation; Michigan Aids Fund; Michigan Task Force on the Overrepresentation of Minority Children in Foster Care; Minerva Educational Development Foundation; NAACP; New Detroit, Inc.; Skillman Center for Children; Tomorrow’s Child Michigan SIDS, Inc. and the Wayne County Task Force on Foster Care Youth.

Ms. Goss is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, earning both a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

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Eileen Spring -President/CEO, Food Gatherers

During Eileen Spring’s twelve year tenure at Food Gatherers, the organization has received local and national recognition for its efficiency and effectiveness. Food Gatherers has been listed as one of the Top Ten Charities in the nation and the nations’ best food bank by Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of non profits. Since it inception in 1988, Food Gatherers has rescued and distributed more 31 million pounds of food. Eileen manages a staff of fourteen and a volunteer force of 5,000. She is currently engaged in efforts to address the root causes of hunger through innovative programming and meaningful collaborations. Food Gatherers manages a Culinary Arts Job Training Program for homeless youth and is a founding member of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, a unique public and private collaboration dedicated to ending homelessness. Eileen is active on the local FEMA board, and is a board member of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance and The Food Bank Council of Michigan and has served on the National Council of Food Banks. Eileen received her BA from Hofstra University and her MA from the University of Michigan. She has more than 24 years experience in grassroots organizing and non-profit management.

The Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw Steering Committee has been gearing up for our first event, Wednesday, May 7. Every time we meet, the energy in the room seems to grow, and now it has spread across the region. I’ve been receiving emails from people who are ready to register. The wait is almost over. We will be posting registration details soon, and look for more information to come to your email inbox as well.

Our first event will be a day to remember. You will have the opportunity to exchange with women in an exciting, innovative forum. Our goal is for you to feel that you connected with someone new, discovered a new way to grow your business, and exchanged ideas by the end of the day.

I also just received some news about our panel of speakers. Our goal was to invite a panel of speakers that could address some of the major business issues of the day—managing growth, leadership, and relationship-building. Watch this space for an announcement about the panel, the list of speakers, and their bios. I think the panelists will bring stories to share, lessons learned, and advice that will speak to all of us.

Nine months ago Debra Power and I sat down for lunch together and discussed the need for a business group for women growing successful companies in Southeast Michigan. We’d heard from local women business leaders that, while there are many business organizations for women starting small businesses or sole proprietorships, there aren’t any groups specifically for women whose companies are in the growth stage. That’s when we came up with the idea for the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw, an organization for women who are building strong companies. We formed a planning committee of 10-12 brilliant business women who decided that the WXW would fill a unique and shared need. We would build a new organization that is…

• INTERACTIVE – We’ve all attended too many events where a speaker or panel talks at the audience. Often they preach business theory, and rarely do they share real stories about their own failures, successes, and lessons learned. The WXW promises that attendees will have the opportunity to
  meet each other, share stories and struggles, and work together to find solutions. By the end of each WXW meeting, attendees will feel like they’ve made real connections with like-minded women.

• OPEN – At WXW meetings, attendees choose the direction and content of the event. Questions, ideas, goals, dreams – all are encouraged in an open, warm, welcoming environment.

• FUN – Let’s face it, as women leading booming businesses, we spend a lot of time at work. We may often feel isolated, like we’re sometimes the only ones driving the business. It’s important that we (the Boss Ladies and Women In Charge) have a place where we can have FUN, connect, laugh, talk
  through issues, and be ourselves.

With the support of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, the WXW is building a buzz and attracting high level sponsors. and Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dykema have signed on as Premier Event Sponsors. These sponsors will benefit from increased visibility to women business owners, entrepreneurs, and decision makers.

The WXW was started in conjunction with the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce. WXW’s founders, Debra Power and Carrie Hensel, are members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and realized that an organization like the WXW would fill a unique need for Ann Arbor’s women business leaders. The Chamber
immediately embraced the mission and vision of the WXW and has provided immense support through staff assistance, marketing, and promotion.