Women’s Independent Press

412.281.7141 I
www.carnegielibrary.org
612 Smithfield Street
Pittsburgh PA. 15222

Thursday Lunch and Learn business series
>> Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh–Downtown & Business I 12:15 pm

December 3 The Retirement Gamble
DVD 60 minutes
PBS investigates how hidden fees charged by IRA and 401(k) fund managers are decreasing the financial prospects of retirees.

December 10 TechConnect: 3D Printing Basics
Presented by Wesley Roberts, CLP Main
3D printing is an exciting new technology trend that’s redefining the way we manufacture physical products. Stop by this session to see our MakerBot 3D printer and learn the basics of how it works.

December 17 Small Business Research
Are you interested in starting a business in Pennsylvania? Learn how you can use the library to help open your business with access to comprehensive print materials, e-resources, and services for small business startups.

Seating is available for 40 people on a first-come, first seated basis.
Want to know more? Ask a Librarian.
412.281.7141 I www.carnegielibrary.org

Pittsburgh PA

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Meet N’ Move Progressive Dinner

Come have dinner with 150 business owners and professionals from
all over Pittsburgh as we take this unique opportunity to break
bread with our friends up north! Only room for 75 participants
from each organization!

• Three course meal included
• Moderated timed move schedule
• Opportunity to explain business at each table
• Open networking before and after
• Cash bar after dinner

Registration begins at 4:15 pm and the event will start promptly
at 5:00 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton. This is a fun and effective
way to develop new relationships in business as guests move from
table to table during the progressive dinner!

Date: December 1, 2015
Time: 4:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Place: Doubletree by HIlton (formerly Sheraton),
910 Sheraton Drive, Mars, PA 16046
Hosts: Pittsburgh Social Exchange and Pittsburgh North
Regional Chamber
Cost: Members-$55; Non-members-$65
http://www.pittsburghsocialexchange.com/event-2057573

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Write Your Book to Build Your Business

Presented by book coach Bonnie Budzowski of Incredible Messages
If you have always wanted to write a book, or know you need one to build business, join us at this exciting event. Learn details about how you can get focused and get your book underway.
The event is complimentary, but you must register in advance.
Breakfast Buffet is included (8 to 8:30 a.m.)
Date: December 3, 2015
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Place: Eat N Park, Banksville Road
Host: Incredible Messages
Cost: Complimentary
RSVP: Suggested by November 30
For complete program info and to register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/write-your-book-to-build-your-business-tickets-19428053832?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventname_text#

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Business Exchange Networking Lunch

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

Dec. 9 - Mount Lebanon, The Devonshire of Mount Lebanon,
1050 McNeilly Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
RSVP: email Carol Briney at Carol@CarolABriney.com

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

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ICF Pittsburgh Holiday Party

The ICF Pittsburgh tradition of holiday fun and frivolity continues!
Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Solstice or Christmas,
you won’t want to miss the fellowship and festivities. Get to know better
other coaches through our Season of Light introductions.

Then laugh until your sides ache while we experience a cheeky coach-related version of Shark Tank. Even if you haven’t seen it on TV yet, you’ll have a blast! We have a special team of sharks lined up who are sure to make this a memorable event.

To top things off, there will be a Bonus Book Giveaway. Authors are invited to bring a copy of their book or CD to share for a drawing. And, of course, there will be a scrumptious buffet with delectable sweettreats. Join us, meet new coaches and reconnect with long-time colleagues!

Continuing with our tradition of giving back to a local agency,
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will be the recipient of
our goodwill. Please come prepared with a check made out to ICF Pittsburgh and the Food Bank in the memo line.

Date: December 9, 2015
Place: Sheraton at Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Time: 11:15 - 11:30 a.m. - Registration
11:30 a.m - 1:10 p.m. - Holiday Luncheon & Festivities
Host: International Coach Federation, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: By 5 p.m., Dec. 4: Members -$39, Nonmembers-$55.
After 5 p.m., Dec. 4: Members-$55, Nonmembers-$55
Further info: contact Roberta Rollings at Pghcoachesassoc@aol.com.

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Network After Work at Buckhead Saloon

Network After Work is America’s premier face-to-face business
networking company with monthly mixer events in over 40 cities
catering to nearly one million members. Attendees make valuable
connections with other members of their business community while
enjoying different exciting venues including clubs, restaurants,
hotels and special event locations. Events attract a diverse mix
of up to several hundred professionals from all industries and
career levels. It all takes place on a weekday right after work
in a fun and relaxed atmosphere conducive to making connections.

Name-tags color coded by industries help sort through the many
opportunities while a free drink and light bites before 7 p.m.
helps get the ball rolling right from the start.

Date: December 9, 2015
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Buckhead Saloon, 225 W. Station Square, Pittsburgh PA 15219
Host: Network After Work
Cost: $15 in advance /$20 with RSVP at door/$25 without RSVP
RSVP: Suggested by December 7
Register online at:
http://www.networkafterwork.com/city/Pittsburgh
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SMC Pittsburgh Holiday Mixer
Join SMC for a festive evening at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
Come see this unique venue and enjoy the restored 1870’s barn
where our mixer is being held. Bring your staff, associates,
family and friends to celebrate the start of the holiday
season and the success of your business!

Date: December 10, 2015
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 799 Pinkerton Run Road,
Oakdale, PA 15071
Host: SMC Small Business Councils
Cost: Members-$30; Non-members-$55
RSVP: Suggested by December 4th
Register online at:
https://www.smc.org/event/smc-pittsburgh-holiday-mixer

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I’m Here to Serve: the Business Case for
Customer Service

Speaker: Rania Harris, Owner, Rania’s Catering

Rania will discuss the ins and outs of her experience starting a
catering business, her unique way of doing business that has led
to her long-time establishment in the Pittsburgh community, and
how she developed and maintains her all-encompassing focus on
serving her clients.

Date: December 11, 2015
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM (Breakfast served at 7:30 AM)
Place: James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University, Shadyside
Host: The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University
Cost: $25 (includes continental breakfast)
Students- $12 with valid ID (Email pdecker@chatham.edu)
RSVP: Suggested by March 10
Questions? Contact 412-365-1253
Register online at: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/networking/breakfastseries

Hot Ways to Get Booked and Paid as a
Professional Speaker

Presented by Laurie Guest, Certified Speaking Professional

Join this fast-paced, entertaining program and discover
hot ideas to thrive in the speaking business. Discover
how to create your own speaking success quickly and painlessly.
Find out how Laurie Guest was able to quit her full-time job less
than two years after her first paid speaking engagement while
still maintaining a positive bottom line business each year.

Emphasis will be on low-cost marketing and effective business
techniques that are necessary for speaking success. Whether
you are new to the business or a seasoned veteran, there is
an idea waiting for you here. We will dig deep into the
twelve ideas that earned Laurie thousands of dollars in
very short period of time.

After the break we will open the floor to rapid-fire Q&A.
Come to this session with prepared questions about growing
your business. You can ask her anything!

Date: December 12, 2015
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Location: Sigmas Conference and Event Center, 1717 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Host: National Speakers Association, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: NSA Members-$50; Affiliates-$55; Nonmembers-$60
(Includes continental breakfast)
RSVP: Suggested by December 9th
www.nsapittsburgh.org

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The Best Marketing Strategies and Tactics to
Make 2016 Your Best Year Yet

Speakers:
Becky Auer & Weston Lyon

Date: December 15, 2015
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Place: Sigma’s Conference & Event Center,
1717 Backcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Sponsor: No BS Marketing Meeting
Cost: FREE for First Time Guests; $20 for Returning Guests
RSVP Date: December 13

Registration Web Address:
http://www.nobsmarketingmeeting.com

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Holiday Party at Stage AE

You are cordially invited to join us at Stage AE as we host the largest annual holiday business reception in Pittsburgh. How big? We rented the largest indoor and outdoor concert venue in America because we anticipate 1,000 guests this year. Kick off the holiday season as The Pittsburgh Social Exchange hosts this festive celebration!

Delicious hors d’oeuvres and light fare
Mix and mingle with hundreds of the Greater Pittsburgh Area’s business owners, corporate level executives, entrepreneurs, and other professionals
Executive VIP Reception from 5-6pm with open bar. Must have special tickets in advance while registration is open (Compliments of Ford Business Machines & Empire Investigation).
Incredible live entertainment from Elite Show Band!
Chinese auction, Door prizes, and Drawing
Cash Bar with Clique Signature Drink ‘The Grinch’
Special guests and local/regional celebs TBA
Business Professional attire please

You won’t get a chance to network and celebrate like this again until 2016! We expect to fill the entire venue. Join us at Stage AE for a business networking event you won’t forget! Bring business cards! This event will fill up!

Date: December 16, 2015
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Stage AE, 400 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15212
Host: Pittsburgh Social Exchange
Cost: PSE Members- $25; Non-members- $55
RSVP: Suggested by December 15

To register, go to:
http://www.pittsburghsocialexchange.com/event-2052899

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Women’s Power Lunch

Come be a part of the longest running networking luncheon in the
Pittsburgh area. Bring 50 business cards or brochures to hand
out and be prepared to give a short presentation on your business
to introduce yourself to other business women and professionals.

Date: December 18, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: To be announced
Cost: $25.00 (Prepayment required)
RSVP: By December 16th

Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com
or 724-452-5152 -Register online at : www.womenspowerlunch.com

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Jazz Happy Hour Networking

A casual twice-a month networking event for those interested in
business innovation in Pittsburgh. A jazz, soul and blues
happy hour show plus open-mike interviews with local executives.

Created by Jessica Lee, a successful entrepreneur and musician,
Jessica Lee’s Jazz Happy Hour promotes live music in downtown
Pittsburgh and assists the entrepreneurial networking of the
region with funding and partnering opportunities.

Date: December 31, 2015
Time: 6:00 - 8 p.m.
Place: Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Host: Jessica Lee
Cost: $5 (hors d’ouevres included)

Jazz Networking events are held on the second and final
Wednesdays of each month. For information on upcoming events,
www.jessicaleesong.com/jazz-networking

To RSVP, call 412-391-5227 or email erin.sustar@ourclub.com.

ww.sba.org
https://www.sba.gov/…/sba…/cybersecurity

 Protect against viruses, spyware, and other malicious code
Make sure each of your business’s computers are equipped with antivirus software and antispyware and update regularly. Such software is readily available online from a variety of vendors. All software vendors regularly provide patches and updates to their products to correct security problems and improve functionality. Configure all software to install updates automatically.
 Secure your networks
Safeguard your Internet connection by using a firewall and encrypting information. If you have a Wi-Fi network, make sure it is secure and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router.
 Establish security practices and policies to protect sensitive information
Establish policies on how employees should handle and protect personally identifiable information and other sensitive data. Clearly outline the consequences of violating your business’s cybersecurity policies.

 Educate employees about cyberthreats and hold them accountable
Educate your employees about online threats and how to protect your business’s data, including safe use of social networking sites. Depending on the nature of your business, employees might be introducing competitors to sensitive details about your firm’s internal business. Employees should be informed about how to post online in a way that does not reveal any trade secrets to the public or competing businesses. Hold employees accountable to the business’s Internet security policies and procedures.

 Require employees to use strong passwords and to change them often
Consider implementing multifactor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multifactor authentication for your account.

 Employ best practices on payment cards
Work with your banks or card processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations related to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and do not use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet.
Are you ready for the shift from magnetic-strip payment cards to safer, more secure chip card technology, also known as “EMV”? October 1st is the deadline set by major U.S. credit card issuers to be in compliance. Visit SBA.gov/EMV for more information and resources.

 Make backup copies of important business data and information
Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly, and store the copies either offsite or on the cloud.

 Control physical access to computers and network components
Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel.

 Create a mobile device action plan
Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent criminals from stealing information while the phone is on public networks. Be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment.

Protect all pages on your public-facing websites, not just the checkout and sign-up pages

Cinnamon has long been a popular spice in baking and cooking. Research has found that it is not only delicious but it’s healthy, too. Just make sure that you’re buying true cinnamon and not cassia, which is often sold as cinnamon in stores. Here are 10 Health Benefits of Cinnamon that may make you want to include it in your diet every day.

Lower Cholesterol
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Blood Sugar Regulation
Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Yeast Infection Help
In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

Cancer Prevention
In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Anti-Clotting
It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

Arthritis Relief
In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

Anti-Bacterial
When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

Brain Health
One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

E. Coli Fighter
Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

High in Nutrients
It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

By the staff at Petagogy
‘Tis the season for decorations, parties and food galore! It is a festive time with lots to smile about, but as you prepare your home for your holiday festivities keep in mind some simple safety measures to help keep your four-legged family members safe.
*Christmas Trees and Holiday Plants
Cats and dogs may be (very) interested in the tree, and why not—it’s a little bit of the outdoors inside on those cold winter days. If your furry family member is interested in the pine tree in the corner make sure it is secured. A hefty cat on a branch or an excited jump by a pooch could topple the tree on to more than just the neatly wrapped boxes underneath. Also keep holiday plants off the ground as many seasonal plants, including holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies, as well as Christmas tree water, can be toxic if ingested by your pets.
*Decorations
Be mindful of low hanging decorations. Jingle bells, tinsel, lights and ribbon might look like toys to your pets. A gentle swat with a paw could lead to chewing and swallowing, which could lead to an emergency trip to the vet.
*Holiday Feasts
A highlight of the holiday season is the food. Serving sweets to your guests? Keep them up high out of your pooch’s reach. Chocolate and artificial sweetener (xylitol) are very bad for your pet. Although a few bites of plain turkey or vegetables are fine, the spices, sauces and butter used to make the turkey and sides delicious for your guests are not, so keep leftovers out of the dog bowl and encourage guests not to feed pets from their plate. No turkey or ham bones either—once the bones have been cooked they pose a serious hazard for your pets. Raw, uncooked bones are often safe, but when they are cooked they become hard and can crack, splinter or be come lodged in the throat. Still want to give your pet a holiday treat? Some high-quality food companies make special foods that you can give your pets around the holidays—try Merrick’s Venison Holiday Stew or Christmas Day Dinner for your pup.
*Holiday Guests
Family and friends may be coming to visit over the holidays or perhaps you are planning a holiday party. Guests may enjoy a holiday libation and can become lax about making sure doors and gates are closed, or may leave their adult beverage within your pet’s reach–both can be dangerous to your furry friends. In situations where your guests may not be pet savvy or they may not make the “best” decisions, it might be best to board your pet, or keep them separated in another room for the evening. Also make sure they are wearing current ID tags and are micro-chipped in case they escape during the flow of guests in and out of your house.
*Gifts for Your Pet
People love to spoil other people’s pets and may want to buy something tasty for your furkids. Be cautious; not everyone reads FDA warnings and may be unaware that certain chicken jerky and other treats made in China have been making pets sick. If you don’t trust the brand or know where the ingredients are sourced from, be gracious but don’t risk giving it to your pet just to be polite to the gift-giver. I promise your pet won’t rat you out

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
–Dr. Martin Luther King, J

Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance
Human Rights Days of Action 2015
In April of 2011, Pittsburgh became the 5th Human Rights City in the United States. The Human Rights City Alliance is working to change our policies and community to make the Human Rights City vision a reality. Join our work to promote dignity and justice for all! Please support the activities of Pittsburgh’s Human Rights Defenders during our Days of Action in honor of International Human Rights Day
*Tuesday, December 1
2:00 PM Pittsburgh Tour of Climate Scrooges, Join Three Rivers Rising Tide and the Three Rivers Action Council as we accompany the Ghost of Climate Future to pay visits to some of Allegheny County’s most outrageous climate Scrooges
Let’s claim our right to a clean and healthy environment! Meet at Gateway Center (Liberty @ Commonwealth Place & Stanwix). Dress warm (wear dark colors from the gloomy future) and be prepared for a 1.5 mile march! info@ThreeRiversRisingTide.org
*Wednesday, December 2
7:00 PM Fight Back for Pitt Faculty Panel featuring undergraduate students, graduate students, United Steelworkers organizers and faculty on why the exploitation of professors affects all of us and what University of Pittsburgh faculty are doing to fight back against the disappearance of tenure-track positions and adjunct professor pay of less than $14 an hour. William Pitt Union (Room 548) 3959 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh15213
*Friday, December 4
7:30 PM Sixth Annual Benefit Concert Youth Undoing Institutional Racism & Center for Coalfield Justice. Quakers / Friends Meeting House
4836 Ellsworth Ave. 15213. An evening of music featuring Smokestack Lightnin’, Burlap Road, Raging Grannies, PFM Harmonizers, Wesley and Wynston Peters, and Louis Suarez + bake sale and refreshments (Donation $15/$6 low income/student).
*Monday December 7
7:00 PM: Pittsburgh: No Limits for Women! A Look at the Cities for CEDAW Campaign (Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women), Frick Fine Arts Auditorium (Schenley Drive @ Schenley Plaza in Oakland). Cities for CEDAW kick-off lecture and discussion featuring June Zeitlin, a leading women’s rights organizer and advocate for legal protections for women.

6:00 PM Community Empowerment Association Speak Out - discussion on urban development and community needs in Homewood(7120 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh 15208) Millions of dollars in construction projects in East Liberty, Larimer and Homewood are currently in full operation, with very few minority contractors and community residents working on these jobs. Where is the diversity plan to ensure that black residents are included in Pittsburgh’s economic revitalization? A Human Rights City should prioritize work to ensure racial equity in development contracting.

*Wednesday December 9
12:00 - 3:00 PM Pittsburgh 2° Paris : Climate Symposium 3 talks featuring keynote speaker Grant Ervin: Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Pittsburgh, real-time Skype-Ins from conference attendees, and a closing panel discussion with Pittsburgh guests at the Athletic and Fitness Center Gym (Woodland Rd, Pittsburgh 15232) Chatham University Shadyside campus to learn more about COP21 and reaching a global climate agreement.
6:00 PM Join Amnesty International Pittsburgh (group 39) and other human rights defenders for annual Write-a-thon and Human Rights FestivalCalvary Episcopal Church (315 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh 15206). Help Pittsburgh contribute 500-1000 letters on important human rights cases of our time, including a local human rights case. Stop in and stay as long as you can, write letters and meet other activists and groups.
Free refreshments.Candlelight Ceremony and City Council Proclamation at 7:30 pm.
Rivers Casino Picket Action in support of Rivers Workers fighting for a fair process to organize. It will be located at the Rivers Casino. Time TBD.
*Thursday December 10
International Human Rights Day
Time TBA: What’s Up–Working and Healing to Abolish Total Supremacy Undermining Privilege will host an action downtown.
5:00-6:30– Human Rights as Political Tools: An Interdisciplinary Conversation: Prof. Michael Goodhart, Associate Professor of Political Science and Interim Director of the Global Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh, will lead a discussion of controversies surrounding human rights and propose an alternative to conventional moral and legal frameworks. Reception to follow talk. Location TBA/University of Pittsburgh

*Sunday December 13
12:00pm -5:00 pm UE Local 667 Solidarity Social Wilkins School Community Center (760 Charleston Ave., Swissvale 15218). Come join with the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE Local 667) members from the East End Food Co-op at their Solidarity Social as they kick off their campaign to win a first UE contract. Food and refreshments will be provided.

*Tuesday December 15
The Pittsburgh University Human Rights Network invites all faculty, staff, and graduate students at any area university to come for a Human Rights week social hour to learn about the vision for this newly forming network and to find out how you can help bring area campuses into the work of building a human rights city. 4:00-6:00 PM at the University Club College Lounge 123 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15260