Women’s Business Development Center Host Annual Conference
Photo Credit: Jennifer Girard
Access was the theme for the 27th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference in September. About 2,000 guests gathered at McCormick Place in Chicago where they listened to best-selling author Terry Savage moderate a discussion at the Women’s Forum Breakfast on the challenges women and minority-owned businesses continue to face. Laurel Bellows, principal of the Bellows Law Group P.C., delivered the address on the empowerment of women at the organization’s annual Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon. The luncheon honored both female entrepreneurs and those who continue to encourage women’s economic development. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle addressed the audience as well. After the awards ceremony, the conference continued with the Women’s Business & Buyer’s Mart and ended with a networking reception.
For more information on WBDC, visit www.WBDC.org or call 312.853.3477.
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Fashion Show Jazzes Up Fashion Focus Chicago
Fashion Focus Chicago Week started with a bang as guests gathered for a one-of-a kind fashion event at the city’s Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel. Presented by Chevrolet and hosted by ABC’s Windy City Live co-host Valerie Warner, Project ThYck of ThYck Troupe Organization, NFP produced “Curves. Couture. Chicago.” Benefitting the Project HUGS Foundation, guests traveled to the city’s Gold Coast to witness models rip the runway with pieces from some of the city’s most talented designers, boutique owners and fashion lines catered to Chicago’s curvy, chic audience.
Photo Credit: Randy Frost
Chicago native and ThYck Troupe Organization, NFP founder Tressa Thomas joined her fellow mentees as a part of the featured musical talent at the jazz-infused event. In between sets and visual presentations, members of the Forum Dance Theatre and Footprints Tap Ensemble entertained the crowd with several dance routines. In addition, raffles prizes were given to the attendees. The show featured the boutiques Bonjour Madame, Boutique Unique and Blair Chic Boutique. Accessory lines Jack Cave Designs and SoundChick Accessories, in addition to clothing lines Chicago Sushi Couture and The Steve Harvey Collection made an appearance on the runway as well. Local vendors also showcased their products where guests could purchase before and after the fashion show.
