Women’s Independent Press

www.sba.gov

Many of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act affect small businesses differently depending on their size. For self-employed individuals in particular, there are new options for health coverage and other changes under the health care law that will directly affect you in the coming months.

New Options for Health Coverage through the Affordable Insurance Marketplaces

Under the Affordable Care Act, self-employed business owners now have more options than ever to find affordable health coverage. Beginning in January 2014, self-employed individuals and other consumers will be able to purchase their insurance through new Health Insurance Marketplaces (also referred to as Exchanges).

Health insurance plans offered in these new insurance Marketplaces will offer a core package of benefits, known as “essential health benefits.” The plans may vary according to the percentage of costs the health plan covers, or “metal levels”: 60 percent for a bronze plan, 70 percent for a silver plan, 80 percent for a gold plan, and 90 percent coverage for a platinum plan. Issuers may offer catastrophic-only coverage, which includes free prevention and several primary care visits, to young adults among others.

Self-employed individuals may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions on a sliding scale, based on income, to purchase coverage in the Marketplace. Increased access to quality, affordable health care will make it easier for potential entrepreneurs to go out on their own instead of staying at larger firms simply because of “job lock” or the lack of access to affordable insurance outside of work.

For more information on individual tax credits offered through the Marketplaces and to stay connected with the latest information visit healthcare.gov.

Find Insurance Options Today

To find an insurance plan that meets your needs today, check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) insurance finder tool. By answering just a few simple questions, you’ll be able to locate health insurance plans in your state and explore whether there are local facilities in your area that provide free or reduced-cost health care.

To learn more about health insurance available to self-employed individuals, visit healthcare.gov.

New Insurance Coverage Requirements: Individual Shared Responsibility

The Individual Shared Responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act call for each individual, beginning in 2014, to have:

Basic health insurance coverage (known as minimum essential coverage) for each month,
Qualify for an exemption, or
Make an Individual Shared Responsibility payment when filing a federal income tax return starting in 2015.
Minimum essential coverage includes employer-sponsored coverage, coverage purchased in the individual market, Medicare, Medicaid coverage, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, veteran’s health coverage, TRICARE, and others as identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Individuals will not have to make a payment under the Individual Shared Responsibility provisions if:

Coverage is unaffordable
They spend less than three consecutive months without coverage
They qualify for an exemption for several other reasons, including hardship and religious beliefs.
To learn what Individual Shared Responsibility requirements and exemptions may apply to you, refer to this Fact Sheet from the U.S. Department of Treasury, as well as these helpful Q&As from the Internal Revenue Service, or consult with your tax professional.

For more information about other provisions affecting self-employed business owners under the Affordable Care Act, go to sba.gov/healthcare.

About the Author
Meredith K. Olafson is Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration where she oversees the agency’s education and outreach efforts around health care and the Affordable Care Act.

Find an event from The Outdoor Classroom at:
www.theoutdoorclassroompa.org

For information about all upcoming programs, please visit us online:
www.worldpittsburgh.org
World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
2640 BNY Mellon Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2510
Phone: 412-281-7970 | welcome@worldpittsburgh.org | www.worldpittsburgh.org

The Business Buffet
The 5th Annual Pittsburgh Entrepreneur Conference

Keynote Speaker: JJ DiGeronimo, Author, Entrepreneur, Wife & Mother

Keynote Presentation:
THE WORKING WOMAN’S GPS
A Successful Woman’s Guide: Work, Life, Schedules & Joy

Join us for a day full of education, professional development and
networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs. This year’s event is specially formatted to provide something for everyone in business! This event also hosts our Extraordinary Women Awards Luncheon.

Date: April 3, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: The Clarion Hotel, 401 Holiday Drive, Green Tree
Host: Women’s Small Business Association
Cost: WSBA Premier Member- $35: Non-members-$38

For more information and registration go to:
http://www.wsbaconference.com

Business Exchange Networking Lunch

* Give a 1-2 minute commercial for your business.
* Bring business cards, brochures, and samples.
* Make new business contacts.
Four Dates and Locations:

April 3 - Wexford, Atria’s, 12980 Perry Highway, Wexford
RSVP: email Michelle Zmijanac at
Michellezmijanac@bestpracticesdelivered.com
April 10- Mount Lebanon, Atria’s, 110 Beverly Rd, Mt. Lebanon
RSVP: email Tina Noblers at
TinaNobers@CMNNutritionGroup
April 17- Murrysville, Bella Luna Trattoria, 5060 William Penn
Hwy, Monroeville, Pa 15146
RSVP Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

April 24- Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC
Park, Ohara Twp
RSVP: 412-781-8773 or PlanBConsultant@comcast.net

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 (Bring cash; No-shows will be billed for the lunch)
RSVP: By Monday prior to the event

For more info, go to: http://www.blxnetworking.com

Staying Fit and Competitive at Any Age

Dr. Vonda Wright, Orthopedic Surgeon, will talk about fitness after
40 and how any woman can stay fit at any age. She’ll be joined by
Dr. Aimee Kimball, director of mental training for UPMC Sports
Medicine, who will discuss how to enhance mental performance and gain
the competitive edge you need to succeed in sports and life.

April 4, 2013
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fairmont Hotel Pittsburgh
Guests are provided a light lunch and dessert.
Tickets are $25. Or $75 for the series of 4 luncheons.
Registration is online at www.bethlehemhaven.org
or by phone at
412-391-1348 x228.

Biz Mix Networking Event

Join the Pittsburgh Business Times to mix, mingle and network with Pittsburgh business professionals at BizMix , an evening networking event presented by the Business Times. This is also a great opportunity to meet Business Times editors, reporters and staff in an informal setting.

BizMix is a way to make those connections that will help you grow your business. Bring plenty of business cards and get ready to make new acquaintances. Most of this open-house style event will be informal networking. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and appetizers and receive two drink tickets. All attendees receive five free auction tickets for chances to win gift cards, baskets and more.

Date: April 4, 2013
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Rivers Casino, Drum Bar, 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh
Cost: $35 (Include hors d’oeuvres and drinks)
Business Times subscribers receive a 10% discount.
RSVP: Early registration encouraged (Limited Space)

For questions or additional information, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or kkomondor@bizjournals.com

Register online at:
pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event

First Thursdays International Networking Happy Hour

If you are interested in meeting people from all over the world in
Pittsburgh and learning more about different cultures, join us for
this event. Bring your friends, family and colleagues or come
alone - you will make new friends!

In April, GlobalPittsburgh will partner with the Pittsburgh Folk
Festival to celebrate “Unity in Diversity.” Over 50 years, the
Pittsburgh Folk Festival has been a member-based consortium of thnic community cultural organization that now celebrates the
diversity of more than 30 countries and cultures around the
Pittsburgh area. Their 56th Annual International Folk Festival
will take place April 19-20, 2013.

Come to our networking event on April 4 to learn more about the Pittsburgh Folk Festival.GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes and activities on the first Thursday of every month. It’s an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair. Everyone is welcome.

Date: April 4, 2013
Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Place: Ava Lounge, 126 S. Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA
Hosts: Global Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Folk Festival
Cost: Members- No charge: non-members- $5

RSVP/Info: Nadya Kessler, 412-392-4513,
nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org
Register online at:
www.globalpittsburgh.org

Enhanced Creativity
Ethnic Wedding Specialist & Event Planner
has partnered with the Lupus Foundation to provide a day of pampering
along with Awareness and Education at its

2nd Annual Brunch
My Fair Lady - Health and Wellness Edition

April 6th
11:30am - 3:00pm

Pittsburgh Athletic Association
4215 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15213

Delicious Cuisine, complimentary gifts and much more!
Tickets $37
$8 optional valet parking available
Listen to guest speakers talk about why it is important to take time out for YOU!
Great for event planners, local businesses, non-profit organizations and
anyone affected by Lupus
Rae Coleman, Owner
Enhanced Creativity
www.enhancedcreativity.com
enhancedcreativity2009@gmail.com
724 831-7321

Secrets of Pittsburgh’s Fastest Growing Companies

How do you manage a company with triple digit growth?
Join us for a lively discussion about rapid growth with some of
the leaders of the 2012 Pittsburgh 100. Their perspectives on
achieving, maintaining and, in some cases, dealing with rapid
growth are sure to provide you with valuable insight for your
own business operation.

The panelists will include:

Michael Wagner, President, Target Freight Management
(growth rate of 2,235% between 2009 and 2011)
Maria Fagan, President, Regulatory & Quality Solutions LLC
(growth rate of 277% between 2009 and 2011)
Elizabeth Gregg, President, Environmental Service Laboratories LLC
(growth rate of 195% between 2009 and 2011)
Ted Kerr, President, Touchstone Capital
(growth rate of 84% between 2009 and 2011)

Date: April 9, 2013
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Place: Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street, One Oxford Centre, Ste 411, Pittsburgh PA 15219
Host: Pittsburgh Business Times
Cost: Business Times Subscribers-$49.50; Others-$55

Register online at:
www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event/85211?ana=ET_pit_secrets

Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Eberly College of Business & Information Technology
Center for Family Business
Presents:
“Are You Thriving or Trapped in the Family Business?”
Michael A. Klein, PsyD, consultant, researcher, author of
“Trapped in the Family Business” will share insights and
examine key issues that undermine family member
performance and damage the business. Hear practical,
straightforward recommendations. Join us for this
Informative presentation. Bring your questions.

INDIANA – Tuesday, April 9, 2013 RUSTIC LODGE
5:00 p.m. Networking
5:30 p.m. Dinner - (Choice of Chicken Marsala or English Baked Cod)
6:00 p.m. Presentation followed by Q&A
7:30 p.m. Adjourn

Pittsburgh – Wednesday, April 10, 2013 RIVERS CLUB
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Presentation followed by Q& A
10:00 a.m. Adjourn
Registration Required - $30.00 Per Participant Per Session
724-357-2323
Includes Meal and Book
Student Scholarship Available
Center-familybusiness@iup.edu
Or Online:
www.iup.edu/centerforfamilybusiness

WIN-Pittsburgh’s Monthly Membership Meeting - Conflict Management Workshop
2 different locations:

4/11/13 8 a.m. -10 a.m. Panera Galleria, (1500 Washington Road)
4/16/13 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Panera Galleria, (12071 Perry Hwy, Wexford)

Enjoy breakfast while networking with other WIN-Pittsburgh members and
listen to a valuable presentation on Conflict Management by Dawn
Pomaybo.

WIN-Pittsburgh will host a fundraiser at each event in which a portion
of the proceeds will go towards an educational fund that will allow
women in business that are under a financial hardship to attend our
trainings. We will continue to promote our mission of the personal and
professional development of the women in our organization.

This fundraiser will be a Parklane Jewelry Bling Fling. Every
individual that participates in the fundraiser will receive a special
piece of jewelry to commemorate participation. Please join us for this
great event.

Individual tickets are $35 for non-WIN-Pittsburgh members and $25 for
members. Members must use the discount code.

To receive the discount code, please email : info@winpitt.org

April 12, 2013

Noon

South Hills Country Club

The monthly luncheon meeting* of the Women’s Networking of the

Brentwood Baldwin Whitehall Chamber of Commerce will meet on

Friday, April 12 noon, at South Hills Country Club . Please plan on

attending and bring a friend. We welcome members and non-members.

Tables are available for ladies who would like to display products or

merchandise.  Everyone will pass out cards and brochures and present

a one-minute “commercial.”

Guest Speaker

Bethany Narey Owner, CCT

Health Enhancing Thermography (HE@T)

Website: www.heat-images.com

Lunch for Chamber Members - $15 - Bring a friend!

Lunch for Non-Members - $18

Display Table $10

Pease make a reservation by contacting

Mary Dilla at: 412-884-1233 /secretary@bbwchamber.com

2013 Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics
04/15/2013 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
2013 Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics
Senator Olympia J. Snowe will discuss her career as a politician and the importance of women in public leadership.

Registration and Directions
Fee : FREE
Location : Campbell Memorial Chapel
Directions : Map and Directions in links below.

Event Contact Information
Annie Guadagnino
412-365-1878
pcwp@chatham.edu

Building Bridges at The Grand Concourse
A Joint Business Social & Networking Reception
Contact
Stephanie Oliver
Events Coordinator
stephanie@pghse.com
(412)265-2315
Wednesday April 17, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Where
The Grand Concourse
100 West Station Square Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Entrepreneurial Thursday Networking Event

A casual weekly networking event for those interested in what’s
innovative and positive in Pittsburgh. A jazz, soul & blues happy
hour show plus open-mike interviews with local executives.

Date: April 18, 2013
Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Place: Little E’s, 949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh
Host: Jessica Lee
Cost: $5 (hors d’ouevres included)

For further info, email smarshall@pghgateways.org
www.entrepreneurialthursdays.com

Success Strategies of Smart Women
Presented by publicity expert Beth Caldwell

Beth will share the 12 Success Strategies of Smart Women. She’s been telling her clients for years, “Yes you CAN do it all, you just can’t do it all at the same time.” Beth is a author, speaker, mentor and motivator who has been helping women succeed for almost 20 years. Come and hear her practical tips and helpful strategies for your success.

Date: April 25, 2013
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Peak Performance Management, 790 Holiday Drive,
Foster Plaza Building 11, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Sponsor: Pittsburgh Professional Women
Cost: Members- $30; Non-members- $45
RSVP: Suggested by April 19 (Limited to 50 attendees)
To register, www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.org

Tuning up your Business Plan

This program is designed for those who have an ongoing business and may or may not have an existing business plan. This workshop examines the fundamental aspects of operating a highly successful business. It discusses proven strategies for using the major sections of a business plan including marketing, operations, financial management, plus managing/motivating a workforce. Participants learn to develop actionable plans to achieve measurable objectives in each of the key business functions.

This workshop will re-energize existing and unused business plans, encouraging participants to break out of their comfort zones to reach the next stage of growth.

Date: April 27, 2013
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Place: Chatham University, Shadyside
Host: The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University
Cost: $35
RSVP: Suggested by April 22nd

Register online at:
www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/specialevents.cfm

Every child needs a hero, but abused children need Superheroes!
North Park is the location for the 2013 Superhero Run
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Allegheny County & the Superhero Foundation have partnered to ensure that abused and neglected children involved within the system maintain their innocence and know that fairy tales do come true – that superheroes do exist. During Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month, the Texas based Superhero Foundation is sponsoring the 5th Annual Pittsburgh Superhero 5K and 1K on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the North Park Pool Loop in Allison Park.
What makes this race so special? Runners have the option to dress up as their favorite superheroes, which adds to the fun! All proceeds from this family-friendly event will go directly to CASA of Allegheny County whose mission is to ensure that every child has a safe, supportive and permanent home.
Registration: The early bird registration fee if paid before April 14th is $20 for adults and $10 for children 15 years of age or younger. Kids 5 and under are free! Early bird registrants are guaranteed a t-shirt if registered by March 28th. Each registration comes with 2 raffle tickets! On and after April 14th the registration fee increases by only $5. T-shirts are also available for purchase for $5.
Please visit www.Superherorun.com for more information and to register. The contact person for this event is Mrs. Monica Gay (412-493-3606 x210 (mgay@pgh-casa.org.)
CASA volunteers advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children by providing information to and working with the child welfare system ensuring that each child’s needs are being met and securing timely placement in a loving, safe and nurturing home. Every day, CASA works to expand community activism and awareness regarding dependent children and to promote a child welfare system that is child-focused in its politics and decision making.
For more information about CASA of Allegheny County please contact Daren Ellerbee (412-594-3606 or dellerbee@pgh-casa.org) or visit www.pgh-casa.org.

Treasures, Tulips and Tea to Benefit Angels’ Place, Inc.

When
Sunday April 28, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM EDT
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0013Guae9tdEg4wHdMHwudx5DKKDpgFlwiSLmH40vNO3fWl101WMxiY2ytbjPD0VU5Xoo5wpSNaEUifVHi42Cz3cwqdqenzf5ZwPXOVeWEHCaGiNi8-WZuZg_tcrBvPYazACIijDUn1898ggbVud5AV9rZH7GWjB5u9xkhe2cPhFk9ll__qJpjzRkuqqNRkEYBsU9uxpm54sCI

Where
Edgewood Country Club
100 Churchill Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15235

Spring into action! Register now for four powerful, enlightening and fun self-defense classes. Learn a range of effective ways to protect yourself with mental, physical and verbal skills. A registration form is attached.

Self-Defense for Women
April 28 - May 19 (four Sundays)
10 – noon
Falk School, 4060 Allequippa Street (Oakland)
Pittsburgh, PA 15261

Lioness Martial Arts
412.241.6519
info@lionessmartialarts.com

www.lionessmartialarts.com
www.facebook.com/LionessMartialArts

Event Details: https://www.chocolatebluesandbusiness.com

Pittsburgh Pa.
The Chocolate Blues and Business Festival is not your typical business event. Chocolate Blues is one of the largest, most productive and fun business events in the country. Currently, we are in over 50 U.S. Cities and we’re very excited to be coming to Pittsburgh.
Chocolate Blues and Business Networking Festival is being held May 2, 2013 at Epiphany Church McDowell Hall 164 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The event will be open from 1pm to 7pm (come & go).
We bring like-minded business owners and professionals together for a day of powerful connecting. Typically, our attendance is 500-700, sometimes a little less and often times much more. We have had as many as 2,730 professionals attend a single networking event!
The event features chocolate treats, blues/Jazz music, a business expo with vendors showcasing their products and services, open networking, a giant business card exchange, networking games, an appointment setting station, an ice-breaker networking game, door prizes and solid business connections.
There will be a collection basket set up to receive broken (in pieces is okay), damaged and old cell phones for Pittsburgh’s battered and abused women’s shelter). Donated phones that can be repaired will be donated and those that cannot be repaired will be recycled along with all monies from the recycling being donated to the Shelters. These cell phones will help women feel more secure and give them the ability to call 911 when and if another emergency arises. This endeavor shows that local business owners of all sizes do care about not only their businesses but their community; you couldn’t ask for a better example of this.

By Mary Grace Musuneggi
www.singlestepsstrategies.com

Most of the stress that we experience in our lives comes from the unexpected, the unplanned for, and what we normally refer to as “emergencies.” How often do we find ourselves in situations where as these things occur, we don’t know what steps to take next? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had at our disposal a resource of people who could make the wrongs alright? If the moment we need them, we could call on the person who can fix the broken or undo the damage that unexpected events can cause?
What if when we found ourselves floundering to solve a family problem, a financial issue, a legal concern, we knew just whom to call? What if when the washer stopped washing or the sink started dripping or the furnace would no longer heat the house, we had a database of people we could trust to rush to help us?
A few years ago I walked into my dining room to find that the chandelier was pulling away from the ceiling. I was afraid it would come crashing to the floor. Wanting to have it handled quickly and not knowing an electrician, I pulled out the yellow pages and started to thumb through. The first and biggest ad that I came to promised 24 hour and same day service available. Without hesitation, I called as I was sure that this was the answer to my immediate need. And as promised they sent someone right away. But as soon as the repairman came in the door, he asked me for a charge card to bill me for his initial service fee; and said it would be deducted from the total cost of the repair. He had not even looked at the light fixture at that point; and he made it clear that he did not take checks. As intelligent as I am, I was not at that moment suspicious of this technique, because I was too anxious to get the chandelier fixed. When he finally went into the dining room he quoted me a price that was totally out of line. In fact it was more than the chandelier was worth. When I complained, he simply headed to the door and said I would be charged the initial service fee for his travel time and estimate. As I finally came to my senses, I told him if he did I would report him to the Attorney General’s office, as now this whole thing looked like a scam. He countered by saying that if I paid him his fee in cash he would tear up the credit card receipt; and fix the light. Wow, had I been conned. But I went along with the deal because now I was “between a rock and a hard place.”
After he fixed the light and he left, I called the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney Generals office, as I could only think of all the “little old ladies” who were being ripped off by this guy. Not surprisingly I found that both organizations were aware of this company and they had had numerous complaints. Why hadn’t I contacted them first?

Hindsight, they say, is 20-20. We learn so much after the fact. So I promised myself that something like this would never happen to me again. I decided to create my own “yellow pages” directory. I began by using the phonebook as a guide and I made a list of all classifications. But instead of just picking someone from the book to be my personal electrician, plumber, painter, handyman, doctor, lawyer, Indian chief; I spent the next 6 months asking friends, family, and business associates who they use. After I got a referral I checked with the BBB. Then I called each person and talked to them personally. I told them I was adding them to my personal yellow pages, and told them who referred me. I told them they were on my list as I heard they gave great service.
To say the least they were glad to hear that. Now I knew them and they knew me.
Over the years I have added a few names in each category, just because things do change. And any time I hear someone rave about the service they get, I ask for the service provider’s name.
So now when an emergency arises my stress level is significantly reduced when I know the right person to call upon. And know they will be glad to take my call.

Mary Grace Musuneggi

Founder and Executive Director
April 2013

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages
Presented by Daniel Stout, Mortgage Analyst, Reliance First Capital

Because Reverse Mortgages are popular you may have questions:

• If I am in debt should I consider this as an option?
• Can I use it to increase my monthly household income?
• What are the pros and cons of making this choice?
• How will this affect my heirs?

Daniel Stout of Reliance First Capital can answer these questions as well as discuss

• Reverse Mortgage Benefits
• The Top Eight Reverse Mortgage Misconceptions

Date: Monday, April 8, 2013
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Manor Oak Two
First Floor Conference Room
1910 Cochran Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220

To Register or for more information:
Web: www.singlestepsstrategies.com
Email: info@singlestepsstrategies.com
Phone: 412-341-2888

Refreshments will be served.

Seating is limited so register early.

This event is open to all pre-retirees, seniors, and their guests and families

Business Program Calendar

April 2013

Programs are held on Thursdays at 12:15 pm at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Downtown & Business. They are free and open to the public.

April 4 The Economy, and 10 Ways to Fix It
John H. Dunn, Jr., President – J. H. Dunn & Company

Mr. Dunn, advisor to major companies on their strategic and financial objectives, will present his views on the federal deficit, debt ceiling, entitlement programs and more. He’ll discuss free trade and fair trade; education and the need for a skilled workforce; health care; Social Security and government inefficiencies. This program is designed for anyone who has an interest in the current state of the U.S. economy.

April 11 Steps to Starting a Co-operative Business
Caroline Savery,
Independent Consultant on Co-operatives, Organizations and Sustainability

What are co-ops? How do they work? Find out what it takes to start up a new co-operative business, from visioning through starting operations.

April 18 Ask a Patent Attorney
Lee Kim, Esq. – Tucker Arensberg, P.C.

How do you apply for a patent? Do you know the difference between a design patent and a utility patent? How long does it usually take for a patent to be approved? Are you familiar with the copyright process and the types of works that can be copyrighted, such as literary works, songs, and choreography? Ms. Kim, an expert in these areas, will provide useful information to help you expedite these processes.

April 25 Chocolate: The Dark Side of the Cocoa Industry
(DVD – 47 minutes)

Africa’s Cote ‘d Ivoire is a primary source for cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate. Cacao is often harvested by child laborers, lured away from their families by false promises of hourly wages and access to education. Steps have been taken by the Chocolate Manufacturers Association to outlaw these practices, but several major companies are not yet in full compliance. Find out the villains and the heroes in this not-so-sweet documentary.