Women’s Independent Press

www.Women-Drivers.com
by Anne Fleming

Women are the fastest growing segment of car buyers at car dealerships, spending billions of
dollars annually on new and used cars, as well as car service and maintenance. They’re more confident, educated, and prepared to make smart car decisions than ever before, and thanks to dealer rating websites like Women‐Drivers.com, Facebook, Twitter and other online outlets, women are also voicing their opinions on those decisions in greater numbers.

They are finally catching the attention of car dealers, for good reason. Recent findings by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association show 9 out of 10 women are involved in their household’s vehicle maintenance and repair decision‐making process. Industry experts say that 65‐70% of the customers taking cars in for service and repair are women. The landscape of the traditional male‐oriented and male‐dominated dealership is changing.

“Car dealerships have to treat women respectfully or they risk sending customers to their nearest competitor –another dealership, or an independent specialty or ‘big box’ auto repair store,” says Anne Fleming, President of www.women-drivers.com

The car dealer review site is a marketplace connecting women to dealerships that already
promote trust and transparency, as demonstrated through their Women Satisfaction Index® (WSI) scores. “Our service reviews underscore the bottom line for women – when they are treated respectfully and have a good experience, they return to that dealership again and again.”

This is no surprise to dealerships, as customer retention is critical to their business. Vehicle owners visit a dealership’s service lane two to three times a year. The more a customer comes back the higher the likelihood they will not only return for service in the future, but will also purchase their next car there.

Top 10 Dealer Brands for Women’s Experience with Service & Maintenance

Women‐Drivers.com’s WSI® Service scores, indicated by nearly 1,400 reviews (in which 5 is the highest

possible rating) showcase the top women‐friendly brands – Mercedes‐Benz (4.70), Honda (4.64), BMW (4.60), Acura (4.43), Lexus (4.42), Buick and GMC (4.25), Jeep (4.22), Toyota (4.17) and Chrysler (4.09). Paying close attention to their customer satisfaction performance is paying off.
The midyear report showed:

• 73% of women said they will service their car at the dealership in the future
• 53% said they have their car service work completed at the same dealership where they purchased their car
• 66% of the women received follow‐up communication from the dealership after the work was completed

Room to Improve – Negative Data Trends

Many brands remain below the top 10 with lots of room yet to improve regarding customer service and satisfaction.

Women‐Drivers.com’s research across all brands reflects forthcoming feedback from women on their dealership service department experiences. Highlights include:

• 41% were dissatisfied with their last experience
• 34% didn’t like the way the service advisor spoke to them or the way they were treated
• 33% said that their problem wasn’t resolved to their satisfaction
• 23% thought the dealership was lacking in concierge services
• 22% said the dealerships hours weren’t convenient

For those that said they would no longer use their originating service department:

• 69% said they would have their car serviced at the dealership if they were provided with a
Courtesy vehicle
• 41% wanted the dealership to have more amenities like a child play area, Internet and wireless
capability, or a television

5 Features of Top‐Notch Customer Service

Five variables are utilized, in part or in whole, by forward‐thinking dealerships with extraordinarily high loyalty and

retention rates with women consumers. They are:

1. More Women in the Workplace: Over 18% of women working at car dealerships and many are in the
position of service advisor, the first line of contact with the dealership’s customers. These dealerships realize that seeing a knowledgeable woman behind the service counter makes female customers more comfortable to ask questions concerning repairs.

2. Using Technology to Communicate Repair Needs: Most dealers continue to focus on “verbal selling” instead of “visual selling.” Women, many of whom are skeptical of “up sells at the dealership” decline the additional or unforeseen recommendation over 40% of the time. Why? Customers want proof to ensure that the repairis warranted – and, when they cannot see the problem many opt out, and may even feel suspicious about it.

Companies like ClearMechanic.com develop technology for automotive dealerships including mobile apps, expert illustration content and web‐based tools to “visually explain” repairs with real‐time photos and videos. Customers and dealerships alike see this as win‐win. Dealerships that use this “proof‐based”
technology have a 20‐40% increase in success on additional service recommendations while their customer retention rates and CSI scores improve.
3. Go Beyond TV: Make the service waiting area into places where women are comfortable spending time, especially mothers with children. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere with comfortable seating, WiFi connectivity, and flat‐screen TVs are a start. The warmth of the waiting area, the types of magazines provided and the wall colors also enhance the space. Provide hot and cool beverages and a children’s designated play center. Allow for free transportation services so women can run errands while waiting for their car to be finished. Where possible, allow for courtesy overnight vehicles – this concierge service is employed by luxury brands and can have a real impact on women using a dealership, so trickle‐down brands and dealerships take note.

4. Expand Hours: According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average service department is open 56 hours a week compared to an 80 hour average for a specialty car repair chain store. With 40% of children today being born to unwed mothers and 29.5% of households run by single parents, dealerships that expand their hours are expanding their customer base.1

5. The Golden Rule: Put a highly trained listener into the position of Service Advisor – the professional who can hear not only what women are actually saying, but also be interested in what they aren’t saying. Abandon the role as the know‐it‐all automotive expert and strive to support and educate women throughout the entire sales process. Treat women with respect and treat them as the savvy consumers they are.

Without question, customer service and customer satisfaction are being re‐defined by women car buyers and dealerships alike. Women value relationships and trust car dealers who focus on building a long‐term relationship, not just making a sale. Every dealership should strive to be identified as a dealership that women trust, since providing superior service to its women customers means that same level of service to all of customers.

Anne Fleming

President & Car Buying Advocate

By Mary Grace Musuneggi
www.mfgplanners.com

In today’s world, newlyweds face a variety of challenges; many of which stem directly from the financial decisions all couples must take. Here are some tips to help on your road to financial success:

• Identify your values
• Create a budget
• Reduce or eliminate your consumer debt
• Start or increase an emergency fund
• Live below your means
• Have regular “financial” family meetings
• Plan and set your goals together as a team
• Educate yourselves about financial issues
• If you have dependents, get disability/life insurance, a will and an estate plan
• Save for your retirement
• Arrange your affairs in a tax efficient manner
• Visit a financial planner

Preparing your initial financial plan is a two person job. As your financial situation evolves, you’ll have the most success if you continue to communicate and work together on your finances.

Mary Grace Musuneggi
Founder and Executive Director
November 2012

By Leann Schmidt

Every time I watch the news, I’m astounded by the lack of attention to issues that are front and center for at least half 50% of our voting population during this election cycle. Over and over, I hear “It’s the economy.” And, “ Jobs, jobs, Jobs”. I don’t think the story is so simple. The election polls are showing a definitive lead for Obama with women, and there’s a reason for that. It’s not that we don’t care about the economy, but we are keenly aware that our reproductive rights play a significant role in our health and wealth, both of which are at substantial risk with the GOP. Women’s reproductive health has been a significant target of attack this year, where nearly 40% of our state legislators have passed discriminatory laws aimed at taking away access to contraception for less fortunate women, diminishing a woman’s right to choose abortion by giving some doctors a free pass to deceive women, and by minimizing women’s rights to equal pay and the rights to make decisions about our own healthcare. If this election were only about the economy and jobs, then why are legislators in 2012 so focused on passing restrictive laws concerning women’s reproductive health when in office, and then pretend like it’s irrelevant and not really happening when it’s time to swoon voters? Pay attention, ladies. It’s really happening.

Let’s look at the economy and jobs as it relates to women and reproductive health issues. It’s a whole different story than what we’re being led to believe.

Women who have children make less money than women without children. This is true even for women at the top of the economic ladder as described In a 2010 article at http://www.chron.com/life/article/Women-at-work-Gender-role-notions-children-1709063.php:

A recent study of graduates of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business showed that equity in the workplace for MBAs is not a question of male or female.

“There are really three groups,” said Marianne Bertrand, a co-author of the study. “There are men, and women with kids, and women without kids.”

The study, Dynamics of the Gender Gap for Young Professionals in the Financial and Corporate Sectors, published this summer in American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, showed that women and men with MBAs started their careers earning about the same amount and working similar hours.

But as they progressed, their paths diverged. Nine years out of school, female MBAs earned an average of $250,000 and men, $400,000.

Women also worked shorter hours, 51 hours a week compared to men’s 57 hours nine years after graduation. They also were more likely to take time off. The main reason: children.

Not listed is a fourth group for “men with kids”. Surely men with MBAs have children too. Even still, this is not a referendum on whether or not to have children. However, it is clear in this study that women with children work 11% fewer hours than men or women without children, but pay a significantly higher price. In the above example, that price tag is a whopping 37.5% pay difference.

Forcing women to have children by limiting access to birth control and abortions has a direct impact on a woman’s ability to earn equal wages. Inserting archaic religious values into laws that oppose women’s ability to choose how many children to have or restricting her ability to plan when to have them has a direct effect on the economy of women in the short term and long term.

The chart below was provided at Catalyst.org, in the article Women’s Earnings and Income published in August, 2012. I added the percentage of pay difference between women and men for each education level.

Degree / Pay difference between genders	Median weekly earnings, women	Median weekly earnings, men
Doctoral – 20% difference	$1,352	$1,686
Professional – 28% difference	$1,362	$1,881
Master’s = 24% difference	$1,127	$1,488
Bachelor’s – 23% difference	$909	$1,188
Associate’s – 24% difference	$677	$886
High school graduate, no college 24% difference	$543	$710

In no instance above do women make as much or more than their male counterparts. Yet despite these obvious pay differences, women don’t pay less for higher education, rent, groceries or gas at the pump. They do, however, pay more for health insurance and largely foot the bill for population control. Many Republican lawmakers and citizens don’t think women deserve a “free ride” – and they say this with a straight face as though women in this country have ever gotten one. Are we willing to overlook the obvious unfairness in the job market to insist on an improved economy that will not be reflected in our own bank balances? I’m not interested in the “trickle down” effect. My vote in this election won’t go to the candidate who thinks women should be reduced to working twice as hard for half as much. I’m not interested in begging for scraps. Any candidate who won’t take a solid stance on the issues of equal pay and full rights to my reproductive health is not someone who I believe could ever improve MY economic situation as a woman in this country – that goes for the president right on down to the local mayor.

The other interesting manipulation is to pretend like women’s rights are really on the backburner in this election and will have no effect on our lives. How many times I hear people say, “I’m not a one-issue voter”. If you break down all the ways that women get the shaft in this country – from pay to contraception, I guess you could say I’m not a one issue voter either. But the truth is, the economy effects women differently than it does men. By pretending that these issues aren’t “as important” as the economy, alternative energy, education, debt reduction, etc., then you are slighting yourself, the real economy and half of the American population. I urge you not to drink this Kool-Aid.

Candidates also seek to divide women on the issue of abortion. It’s a doozy. I’ve never heard anyone say, “I love abortions!”, but I do know of many women who have exercised their right to choice, and those decisions were theirs to make and live with. If women are to be held accountable for their decisions, then they should be able to make those decisions without the interference of the government, who shamelessly tug at the heartstrings of the American people for votes, not for true concern of the women or the babies. You can see their disdain for poor women who cannot afford to support their children by the anger and resentment regarding welfare, food stamps and even free lunches for those children in schools. They want to “save the babies” but then they spit on the children and hail spite at the women. It might surprise a lot of people to learn that Planned Parenthood was a Republican idea born in the 1970’s, aimed at decreasing pregnancy by women who were not financially prepared to have children. It’s much cheaper to provide contraception than it is to provide clothes, healthcare, free lunches and food stamps for children whose parents cannot afford these things.

For those who are against abortion, I strongly recommend volunteering at places where you can provide education and counsel to women instead of leaving it to misinformed and sexist legislators. For instance, on August 19, 2012 (yep, just a few weeks ago), Todd Akin, a six-term member of Congress from Missouri told an interviewer that “legitimate rape” typically doesn’t result in pregnancy because “the woman’s body has a way to shut that whole thing down”. This is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard, completely without merit or science. Most Republicans went running for the hills after Akin’s comments, but the problem is, this man is a SIX TERM MEMBER OF CONGRESS who has served on the SCIENCE & Technology Committee in Congress! It’s obvious that this sentiment has been floating around the halls of congress and in the minds of congressional leaders who are in charge of passing laws in our country on women’s health. If you are truly opposed to abortion, there are better ways to help decrease them than by leaving it to our Congressional lawmakers. They will use your reproductive health to their benefit for a good sound bite, and you could be forced to live with their decisions whether you like it or not. Even if you personally disagree with abortion, I urge you not to remove this important option from women’s health care. There are too many good reasons to keep that door open.

If you’re still convinced that the economy is really the #1 issue this year, I encourage you to look at the actions of the legislators in office this year. They’ve been a lot more focused on reducing women’s rights than on bringing jobs to your neighborhood.

Don’t think it can’t happen. Take action. The Supreme Court has ruled to allow extremely rich people to create ads where they can lie all day long. Research every advertisement that you see (from both sides). Then VOTE!

Programs are held on Thursdays at 12:15 pm at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Downtown & Business, 612 Smithfield St., Downtown. They are free and open to the public.

October 4 Genealogical Resources in Western Pennsylvania
Marilyn Cocchiola Holt, MLS, Department Head
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Department

Ms. Holt, a recognized authority in the field of genealogy, will introduce us to many sources of genealogical information in our area, including vital records, church and cemetery records, newspapers, city directories, and more. This information will be invaluable to anyone interested in beginning a genealogy research project.

.October 11 How the iPad Can Enhance Your Professional Career
Ida A. Joiner, Training Project Management Consultant, PNC Bank

What’s all the hype about the iPad? How is it being used? Where is it being used? Ms. Joiner, fresh from publishing iPad 2.0: Information Professionals Don’t Leave Home Without It, will discuss some of the iPad’s business apps that set it apart from similar devices, as well as why she won’t leave home without it!

October 18 Suze Orman’s Money Class: Learn to Create Your New American Dream
(DVD – 74 minutes) A PBS Special Presentation

Personal finance expert Suze Orman believes this is a critical time to evaluate many of the traditional strategies we’ve been using to realize our financial goals. In this DVD, she offers her thoughts about saving and investing, financing a college education, retirement planning and more that can help you get closer to achieving your own version of the American dream.

October 25 Considering Writing a Book?
Maryanne Barnes, Author and Lecturer

Ms. Barnes, author of “A Cat is Better Than a Boyfriend,” will be here to discuss the basic steps you need to know if you want to publish a book. She will offer sensible advice for first-time authors that will help them navigate this challenging process.

By Diana Fletcher

A new school year! You receive reminders about physicals, vaccinations, team sign-ups and after-school clubs.
Taking care of your children involves a lot of time, attention and planning. However, there is one more thing you need to do. You need to protect your child from the dangers that many times people don’t want to talk about.

Predators come in all shapes and sizes. Often, sexual abuse takes place in the home or a place where they frequently go, and the abuse is from someone you know and trust. Children may be told that they must keep the abuse a secret or their family will be killed or hurt or that they won’t be believed.

Commit to making time every day to listen to your child, pay close attention to their moods and open up conversations to all sorts of subjects, without judgment or punishment.
Make sure your child knows that they can tell you anything and you will protect them. They must never keep secrets about something that does “not feel right.” Children who are abused will suffer over and over again and are vulnerable to further attacks. They bear emotional scars that other predators will spot immediately.

Here are a few warning signs that something may be wrong in a child’s life:

1. Sudden change in behavior or grades

2. Expensive gifts being given to your child or teen

3. Dropping out of activities they used to enjoy

4. Fear or depression

5. For girls, a boyfriend considerably older

6. Suddenly not wanting to spend time with certain people without explanation

Children need to know that we are watching out for them. This goes for parents, aunts, uncles, teachers and everyone who comes into contact with children. We all have a responsibility to this most vulnerable group.

If you need help dealing with a situation, get help! Call the police, call rape hotlines, tell other people.

Do not let your own fear hold you back.

© 2012 Diana Fletcher

Diana Fletcher
Author of Happy on Purpose Daily Messages of Empowerment and Joy for Women
Author, Life Coach, Speaker
412 612-5977
www.thoughtsbydiana.com

Diana Fletcher
412 612-5977
www.thoughtsbydiana.com

October 3, 2012 Professional Development Day

Participate in a variety of professional development workshops.
Learn how to be a healthier, happier, bolder, more effective and
successful professional. Nine different speakers.

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Place: Gaetano’s Restaurant & Banquet Center, 1617 Banksville Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15216
Host: WIN-Pittsburgh, a NAFE Affiliate
Cost: Members-$60.00; Non-members-$75.00

RSVP/Info: Dawn Pomaybo, 412.963.6311 info@winpitt.org
For more info and to register, go to: http://www.winpitt.org/index_files/events.htm

October 6 Celebration & Blessing of the Animals in Pittsburgh

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Outside of
Journeys of Life
810 Bellefonte Street
Shadyside 15232

October 8 - Pittsburgh Professional Women Presents: Smart Marketing Tools for Business Success Dinner/Workshop - from 6-8pm
Special Guest Speaker: Pittsburgh Magazine Marketing Director Leah Gally Krenn - WPXI TV Studios - 4145 Evergreen Road Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15214 (Just off of McKnight Road) PPW Members $35/Non Members $49
Register Online www.PittsburghProfessionalWomen.org

October 10 - “Freedom for Birth” Film Screening and Reception - 6:30pm at Pittsburgh Filmmakers Melwood Screening Room Event link: http://www.midwifecenter.org/default.asp?iId=GDLFHK

October 10 - Free Tele-Class October 10, 2012 at 8pm “How to Create a Publicity Plan for Your Business” The tele-class will be recorded, so if this topic interests you, please sign up using the link below.
Presented by Publicity Expert and Author Beth Caldwell with Global Tele-Class.

Class Description: Most companies and organizations do not need to hire a full time publicist, but you do need a plan. Having a good publicity plan is essential to be able to take advantage of media opportunities. On this intensive action-packed call, Beth will share with you her publicity tips that she’s developed over the past 12 years in her business.

Here are the complete details: TeleClass Title: How to Create a Publicity Plan for Your Business Date: 10/10/12 at 8:00 PM ET (New York Time) On this intensive and action packed call, Beth will share publicity tips and teach you to: Understand the stair-steps of media coverage - Position yourself as an expert and a resource for the media - Create your own personalized media list - Create an attention-getting media release - Create your individualized 12 month media plan So many of us miss publicity opportunities because we just don’t know how to take advantage of them. Join us so that you can learn to create the plan, and be ready when the media needs your expertise.

Tuition: No Cost
Register Online Here: http://www.globalteleclass.com/scripts/teleclasses.lasso?Dept=002

October 10 -
Brown Bag Lunch
12:00 – 1:00pm

Speaker: Gary Topolosky, Patent Attorney

Topic: Is my Intellectual Property protected?

Make the most of your intellectual property. Join us to understanding patent, trademark and copyright laws and the “revolutionary” changes coming to patent applications after March 15, 2013. Learn about the costs of coverage, the value of pursuing international patent equivalents and how to exploit one’s own intellectual property in licensing deals with competitors.

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

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:

Oct. 3 - Wexford, Atria’s, 12980 Perry Highway, Wexford
RSVP: email Michelle Zmijanac at
Michellezmijanac@bestpracticesdelivered.com

Oct. 10- Mount Lebanon, Atria’s, 110 Beverly Road,

Mt. Lebanon
RSVP: email Tina Noblers at

TinaNobers@CMNNutritionGroup

Oct. 17- Murrysville, Bella Luna Trattoria, 5060 William Penn

Hwy, Monroeville, Pa 15146
RSVP Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

Oct. 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

The WSBA Network Lunch

A Networking Luncheon for Women Business Owners & Professionals
“Get Heard, Get Noticed, Get Leads”

A networking event open to any business woman who would like
to increase her business contacts/clientele. Our networking
format will be structured to provide participants with high
profile and networking. Bring 20-30 business cards/brochures,
cash for your lunch check, and be prepared to give a 60-second commercial about yourself.

Oct. 3 - 1:00 p.m. - Butler
Oct. 4 - 11:30 a.m. - Allegheny Valley
Oct. 8 - 1:00 p.m. - Beaver County
Oct. 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Shaler/Gibsonia
Oct. 12 - 1:00 p.m. - Robinson/Airport
Oct. 17 - 1:00 p.m. - South Hills

Oct. 18 - 1:00 p.m. - East End
Oct. 19 - 1:00 p.m. - Monroeville
Oct. 23 - 1:00 p.m. - North Hills
Oct. 24 - 5:15 p.m. - After Work (Mansions on Fifth Hotel)
Oct. 26 - 12:00 p.m. - Westmoreland

Host: Women’s Small Business Association
Fee: $2 meeting fee (plus the cost of lunch)
RSVP: Required (Note: Any “Yes” RSVPs who do not show
will be charged a $20 no-show fee.)

For more info and to register online: http://www.wsba.ws

October 11 - Day of the Girl - Hard Rock Cafe, Station Square - Pittsburgh - 6:30 PM - visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e6ewj5fl7f136129&oseq=  for additional information

October 11 - The Executive Women’s Council presents: Taking Care of you: A Recipe for Nutritional Well Being - Cost is $40 per member, $55 per non-member, space is limited, reserve early - 5:30 - 8 PM - visit https://ewcgp.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=formlogin&form=129367&return=L2luZGV4LnBocD9vcHRpb249Y29tX21jJnZpZXc9bWMmbWNpZD1mb3JtXzEyOTM2Nz9zZXJ2SWQ9Mzg4NSZvcHRpb249Y29tX21jJnZpZXc9bWMmbWNpZD1mb3JtXzEyOTM2Nw==   to register for this event

October 12 - “Alternate Dispute Resolution: How to Keep your Business out of the Courts” A CWE Breakfast Series - 7:30am-9:00am - Chatham University Shadyside Campus - Register online at www.chatham.edu/cwe or call 412-365-1253 for more information

October 13 - Women’s Expo of Greater Pittsburgh - 10AM-4PM - Monroeville Convention Center - $5 Admission - 10:00 Ribbon Cutting, reigning Miss Pittsburgh -12 Noon: Fashion Show/White House Black Market Exhibits, 50/50 Drawing, Chinese Auction and more - For complimentary group tickets call Lori Bridgett at 724-713-3310 or e-mail greaterpittsburghwomensexpo@gmail.com

October 13, 2012
A Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women is being held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Hampton Fields Village, 4480 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park PA 15101.

This workshop is for women who are contemplating or in the early to mid stages of the divorce process. This 4-hour information packed workshop is being taught by a family law attorney, a certified divorce financial analyst, and a therapist. This Second Saturday Workshop is an excellent supplement to professional advice and will explore the legal, financial and emotional issues of divorce to help women to achieve optimum results while saving time and money. Individuals will gain important knowledge and resources that will inform, prepare and protect them as they gain a greater understanding of the divorce process. Cost to attend is $35 per person and pre-registration is necessary to 724-493-9695

October 17, 2012 Tales from the Dark Side: Nightmare

Clients & How to Handle Them
Nightmare clients. As consultants, we’ve all had them. How do you handle them? What can you do to avoid them? How can you keep your consulting dreams from turning into nightmares?

Join your Pittsburgh Consulting Community peers as we share war stories about tough clients. No names and what we say there, stays there. Just the challenging situations and why they happened. But we won’t leave it at that. We’ll also do some peer consulting and come up with ideas on how to handle tough clients or avoid them in the first place.

Never had a nightmare client? Then join us anyway and learn from other’s hard knocks. As always, we’ll have plenty of time for
networking and snacking on Sigma’s great food. We’ll also have
a wine tasting.

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Place: Sigmas Conference and Event Center, 1717 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
Host: Pittsburgh Consulting Community
Cost: $35
RSVP: Suggested by October 15th

Questions: contact Michael Couch at
michael@mcassociatesinc.com  or 412-952-9036.

Register online at:
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=g9h94scab&oeidk=a07e6g77ac2ceaf1ef5

October 17, 2012
BizMix Networking Event at the Rivers Casino

Mix, mingle and network with Pittsburgh business professionals at BizMix, an evening networking event presented by the Business Times and c-hosted by the Pittsburgh Social Exchange. This is a great opportunity to meet and visit with Business Times editors and staff in an informal setting.

Reservations include:

* Delicious hors d’oeuvres and appetizers
* $10 in free play for pre-registered guests
* Chinese auction and door prizes

Early registration is strongly encouraged since we expect this
event to sell out at 300 guests. Plenty of free parking is
available at the Casino.

Time: 6:00 - 8:0 p.m.
Place: River Casino, 777 Casino Drive, Pittsburgh
(Rivers Banquet Room)
Hosts: Pittsburgh Business Times & Pittsburgh Social Exchange
Cost: $20- Business Times Subscribers; $35- Others
RSVP: Suggested by October 12
For more info, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or
komondor@bizjournals.com

October 18 - Disability Resource Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 AM

SPEAKER: Newlin Archinal, Wealth Advisor at Integrity Wealth Consulting, former WPXI-TV anchor and Arthritis Foundation Board Member and Melissa Kehl from the Arthritis Foundation

TOPIC: Working with Arthritis
Learn how self management helps control pain and keep you working despite having arthritis. Join us for a presentation about the chronic effects of this disease on 27 million Americans, how self-employment can and be your best option and what progress that the Arthritis Foundation is making today.
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

October 19, 2012
Think Big Forum: Embracing the Competition
Time: 8:00 am - Noon
Place: Chatham University Shadyside Campus

The Think Big Forum is a half-day forum that addresses current
issues of importance to businesswomen. Regional and national
speakers are brought in to provide key insights and experiences.

This year’s focus is on competition, and will feature the
following speakers:

Keynote Speaker: Chanda Bell, Co-Author of The Elf on the Shelf and Co-CEO
of Creatively Classic Activities and Books “Santa and his Elves vs. the Competition Grinch”

Other Featured Speakers:
Melinda Emerson, “How Social Media Can Be Your Secret Weapon”
Michele Fabrizi, president & CEO, MARC USA, “Formula for Growth:
Out-Thinking Your Competitors, Not Out-Spending Them”

Host: Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship,
Chatham University
Cost: $50.00 (Student Rate: $25 with valid student ID)

Register online at: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe
Or call 412-365-1253 for more information

October 22, 2012 Business Growth Expo
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place: DoubleTree Pittsburgh Downtown, One Bigelow Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Hosts: Pittsburgh Business Times and Pittsburgh Impact

Join the Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh Impact Initiative
and hundreds of local business professionals for our third annual Business Growth Expo. This business-building event will include expert local speakers, a business tradeshow and plenty of time for networking. Spend the day meeting fellow business executives, gaining valuable business-building information and getting motivated to increase and improve your business.

This year’s Expo will be focused on how large, medium and small companies in the region are building relationship that work.
High fuel prices and the difficulty in maintaining long-distance
relationships are encouraging large companies to search for local suppliers. Large Pittsburgh-based companies are taking the concept of “local” to a whole new level. Attend the Business Growth Expo to find out how your company can be a part of the local revolution.

There will be speakers and panel discussions in the morning and
a luncheon keynote speaker. The business tradeshow will be open the entire day and the speaker sessions will take place in an adjoining room. Regular admission includes the am speakers and panel only. The VIP admission includes access to all speakers, the business tradeshow, plus the luncheon with keynote speaker.

Cost: Regular Ticket - $39 (includes speakers & tradeshow)
V.I.P. Ticket - $79 (includes speakers, tradeshow,
luncheon & keynote speech)
Both tickets also include continental breakfast.
RSVP: Required
For complete info and to register, visit:
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event/59561#register  

October 20 - The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Germany in a match-up of the world’s top two squads at Toyota Park in Bridgeview III. The match is part of the Fran Tribute Tour, presented by Panasonic, and will kick off at 5:30 P.M. CT. See the stars of the 2012 London Olympic Games including Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach and Hope Solo. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0400492ED9965B52  to purchase tickets

October 27 - The College of DuPage will be the site of the first Illinois Women Veterans Fair, which is set to begin at 12 noon - Student Services Center at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. For more information and to register: http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1108816221110-153/COD+Women+Fair+Agenda+9-2012+FINAL.pdf

www.standingfirmswpa.org

Partner violence happens at home, but it walks through your door at work.
Imagine, on any given day…
Somewhere, a marketing executive is “reading her email” behind a closed door. She has come to work after a long night of abuse, physical and emotional. Her “email time” is her transition time from being an abused wife, to a corporate leader.
Somewhere, a crane operator is angrily talking to his wife on the phone for the tenth time that morning when he fails to hear the frightened calls from his coworkers to “STOP!” He drives the crane into a fellow construction worker, critically injuring him.
Somewhere, a sales clerk at a popular clothing store spends her day distracted, looking out of the front window of the store fearfully watching for her ex-fiancé. She left him three days ago, ending their long, abusive relationship and this is her first day back to work.
STANDING FIRM: The Business Case to End Partner alerts employers to the human, safety and financial costs of partner violence on the workplace and workforce and arms them with tools for effective organizational action. Partner violence costs businesses, whether they know it or not, in terms of increased health care costs, decreased productivity, absenteeism, and the very real threat of a workplace violence event. And, just as importantly, it is the RIGHT thing to do!
The Need:
Partner violence (PV) is responsible for one-fourth of all workplace violence incidents.
More than ONE in FIVE full-time employed adults have been victims of PV and 64% of them indicated their work performance was significantly impacted.
48% of abusers surveyed report difficulty concentrating on work.
Partner violence costs companies $727.8 million in lost productivity and $5.8 billion in health-related costs per year.
More than 7.9 million paid workdays are lost each year due to PV.
What Employers Can Do:
Recognize the business case for addressing PV in their organization.
Respond by taking effective organizational action steps.
Refer to available community services.

What Joining STANDING FIRM Means:
By joining, your company is signifying that PV is a serious organizational concern. STANDING FIRM members have access to resources to help you and your company develop a best practices approach to addressing PV in the workplace, according to your company’s needs.
Available resources include:
A complementary half-hour Getting Started phone consultation
Workplace policy and procedure templates
Various training options for managers, security, human resource personnel and staff
Customizable communication templates
Over 160 employers in the southwestern PA region have joined STANDING FIRM. Members can be for profit, non-profit, governmental or educational. Sizes of employers range from very large to very small. Often, mistakenly, smaller employers think that the STANDING FIRM initiative doesn’t apply to them because they are very small in size. However, it is important to know that over half of PV-related homicides of female employees occur in workplaces with fewer than 20 employees. If employed victims do not know how you will respond to a PV-related issue or threat, they will not tell you what is happening to them. If your other employees don’t know how you’ll respond, they won’t tell you what they know or suspect until it is too late.

How To Join
Employers can join STANDING FIRM by going to www.standingfirmswpa.org  and click on Join Us.

By Yvonne Phillips
www.fengshuipublication.com

As time moves so quickly, we must discipline ourselves not only toward setting goals, but toward placing emphasis on assessment of our progress, re-evaluation where necessary and most importantly, reinforcement of primary objectives. How far have you come in your business plan, your household goals, and fulfilling your overall dreams. Whether you wish to raise your financial bottom line or enhance your relationships or potential for leisure, you are responsible for laying the groundwork for your own success and strategically positioning yourself for attaining your wishes.

When Feng Shui is applied in a home or office, the space for serendipity and flow is set. We approach FS with greater peace, health, wealth and harmony in mind. These topics are very important to all of us and should be considered when approaching any environment, however, the miraculous and most impacting occurs when you take a few moments to further define in the most specific way possible, that which you desire to manifest in your world. Once defined, do not eliminate the most obvious yet overlooked spot in your domain, the entrance to your home.

The entrance sets the tone and mood for your day each and every time you step over its threshold. By using FS colors and symbols, you will enhance your potential more specifically, and you will be able to further define your goals and realize them. For example, if increasing wealth is a focus, place the Chinese glyph for success on a wall ledge opposite your front door. Add a silkscreen or print of a cat, koi or ox, powerful symbols of wealth and success.

If you wish to amplify happiness throughout the year for yourself and those you love, use a scroll or painted wooden or metal letters that spell the word. Use objects that lift your mood and inspire as they greet you upon entering, reminding you of your goal and supporting your intention for yourself, your business and your life. These small steps act to recalibrate our overall state-of-mind if the day’s events or life situations have derailed our mood or distracted us from our intention. When we lose ourselves to the issues that occupy our brain and negatively influence our day, we essentially are “re-booted” or reset when we cross the threshold of our private space and are met with images which realign us with our true focus and highest intention.

www.womenforahealthyenvironment.org

Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis
Executive Director
Women for a Healthy Environment
1405 Shady Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217-1350

Phone: 412.420.2290
Fax: 412.420.4450
Email: michelle@womenforahealthyenvironment.org

How healthy is the air around you? Much of your overall health can be improved by simply breathing better air and there are many small things that you can do to help increase your air quality. Studies have shown that indoor air has higher levels of toxins and pollutants than outdoor air. Factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality include:

Poor ventilation – a major problem and said to cause half of all indoor air problems

Toxic fumes – emitted from products found around the home

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that “volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.” EPA further indicates that concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. Products that contain VOCs include: paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.

What You Can Do to promote a healthy home:
Open a window to help to reduce indoor toxins in the air and run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen

Choose non-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, stains and adhesives

Eliminate smoking in the home
Change your furnace/air conditioner filters every three months and vacuum carpets regularly (use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum for a cleaner environment

Purchase natural flooring and non-toxic wool carpets, allow newly purchased carpets to air before installation

Select natural wood furniture – particle board or pressed wood products are known to contain formaldehyde

Use natural cleaning products

Check that combustion appliances such as stoves, fireplaces, furnaces are vented to the outside

Avoid air fresheners and candles, instead opt for safer alternatives including fresh/dried flowers; spices such as cinnamon, clove, or orange; and essential oils such as lemon, eucalyptus, clary sage and rose

Test for radon, asbestos and lead and install a carbon monoxide detector

Add houseplants to decrease the amount of pollutants in the air and absorb harmful gases

For More Information
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/is-imprv.html
http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/indoor-air-quality.htm

Doctors for America is a national movement of doctors and medical students who are working
together to improve the health of the nation and to ensure that everyone has access to affordable,
high-­-quality health care.
www.DrsForAmerica.org

MYTH #1: It’s too complicated to understand any of it.
FACT: The basics are simple. 32 million more American will be insured.
The worst insurance company abuses will end.
We will start improving quality and controlling cost for everyone.
FACT: HealthCare.gov explains the law and how it will be rolled out.

MYTH #2: It hasn’t helped anyone.
FACT: Insurance now covers: 1) Children with pre-existing conditions,
2) 2.5 million young adults through age 26 who can
now stay on their parents’ plans, 3) Adults with pre-existing conditions who can now sign up for high-risk plans
FACT: No more insurance company caps on how much they will spend on your heath care.

MYTH #3: We can’t afford to have it.
FACT: We can’t afford not to have it. By promoting access to the right care, at the right place, at the right time, the Affordable Care Act was designed to save money while keeping people healthier.

MYTH #4: It hurts Medicare and seniors.
FACT: Seniors get help affording prescription drugs.
FACT: Seniors get annual checkups with no copays.
FACT: It invests in making Medicare work better for the long run for seniors and doctors.

MYTH #5: It’s increasing premiums and costs for families.
FACT: Private employer-based health premiums were skyrocketing before the law, and it will help change that.
FACT: Insurance companies now have to explain why they are raising rates on a public website.
FACT: If insurance companies don’t spend enough of your premium dollars on health care, they are now required to send
you a rebate at the end of the year.

MYTH #6: It’s hurting small businesses.
FACT: Many small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are now getting tax credits of up to 35% of health insurance
premiums. Beginning in 2014, many small businesses will be eligible for tax credits up to 50% of insurance premiums.

MYTH #7: It’s unconstitutional.
FACT: Most law experts have said health reform is constitutional, and most judges - even the most conservative - agree.

MYTH #8: It’s all about insurance and not about health.
FACT: It creates a national Prevention Fund - a long overdue investment in improving health and preventing chronic disease. Communities across the country are already
using grant money to help people live healthier lives.
FACT: It invests in training more doctors, nurses, and other health professionals

MYTH #9: It’s all about insurance and not about cost.
FACT: The Medicare and Medicaid Center for Innovation is promoting new models, innovations, and research across the
country to start improving care while decreasing costs.
FACT: The law invests in improving quality and coordination of care.

MYTH #10: It’s a government takeover of health care.
FACT: The Affordable Care Act is a partnership between the government and businesses, communities, hospitals, doctors, and patients. It strengthens the private insurance market while protecting people and their health.
FACT: The more we know, the more we can get to
better health and better health care for our families and our country!