Women’s Independent Press

1. Don’t let it be just you.
Many small businesses suffer from the all-controlling owner who not only knows how to do everything but also insists on being part of everything. But overreliance on a single individual – you or anyone else – can be a red flag to potential buyers if the shoes they have to fill appear too big, or it appears that the business model itself can’t stand on its own.
2. Avoid excessive customer concentration.
Buyers dislike seeing a small number of key customers accounting for the bulk of sales. Work to diversify your customer base – by size, numbers, geographically and other factors. You should also know that if you have a highly concentrated customer list when your business sells, you may be asked to include a so-called “erosion clause” in the deal that lowers the price if a top customer leaves.
3. Keep financial statements and tax returns in line.
It’s vital to have good accounting systems and financial safeguards in place, and to keep accurate records and statements. Any buyers will want to examine these records as part of a due diligence process. Also try to avoid adjustments or add-backs, which don’t look good.
4. Don’t be too dependent on a key employee.
It’s not unusual for a small company to encounter problems if a top salesperson leaves and takes along some key accounts. The problem can also arise with a technical expert, machine operator or “indispensable” office manager.
5. Negotiate the right kind of lease.
You might think a month-to-month lease is great because it offers flexibility. But buyers and banks think more about how expensive it is to move a business. In fact, for other than professional type businesses, banks are reluctant to lend for longer than the term of a lease, including options. No lease can mean no sale.
6. Keep your technology up to date.
Use the expertise you have in your industry to get technology up-to-speed, show increased efficiencies (and profits) and sell for a higher price. A business that seems stuck in the technological past will be a turnoff to potential buyers.
7. Avoid any “off the books” cash.
There isn’t a CPA around who will let a business buyer pay a price based on unreported cash. Don’t consider this part of the value of your business.

8. Grow your revenues.
This one’s rather obvious, but true. A business doing $500,000 in sales won’t sell for the same multiple of profits as a similar business doing $5 million. There are simply more risk factors associated with a smaller business. A minor hiccup to a larger operation can be a major disruption to a smaller one.
9. Keep business and personal matters separate.
Many small business owners have received lower prices or haven’t been able to sell a business at all because they’ve co-mingled their personal and business finances. Sure, it’s sometimes easier to pay for things out of your own pocket, or have your business cover expenses that are really personal in nature in order to get the tax write-off. But, the bottom line is that banks and buyers want to see profits. Show a lot of profit, pay some tax and it will come back to you in multiples when it comes time to sell.
10. Make it a business, not a 24/7 commitment.
Maybe you’re willing to work all the time, but most buyers aren’t. They may not have the same passion for your product or service; instead they have business skills to leverage what you’ve done. Hire employees and learn to delegate.
Daniel Kehrer, Founder & Managing Director of BizBest Media Corp., is a nationally-known, award-winning expert on small and local business, start-ups, content marketing, entrepreneurship and social media, with an MBA from UCLA/Anderson. Read more of Daniel’s tips at www.BizBest.com , follow him at www.twitter.com/ 140Main and connect on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/danielkehrer

By Tom Winshcel
Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh Downtown, WV

Achieving financial independence is key to enjoying a satisfying retirement. Social Security has many tools to help you plan for your future.
Prepare for a secure, comfortable retirement by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Once there, open a secure my Social Securityaccount and assess your financial needs. You’ll get immediate access to your personal Social Security Statement, your earnings record, and an estimate of your retirement benefits at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70. You can also ensure your earnings are correct, since your future benefits are based on your earnings record.
Choosing when to retire is an important decision. At our Retirement Estimator, which you can find at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator, you can get an estimate of your future benefit amount. You can use “what if” scenarios to see how your benefit amounts will change with different retirement dates and future earnings estimates.
Also, visit www.myra.govto check out myRA, a new retirement savings option from the Department of the Treasury for the millions of Americans who face barriers to saving for retirement. myRA is a simple, secure, and affordable way to help you take control of your future.
Once you are ready to retire, apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire. Our online retirement application is the easiest and fastest way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. It can take you as little as 15 minutes to complete. There are no forms to sign, and usually no documentation is required. Additionally, you can apply online from the convenience of your home.
Learn more about Social Security retirement benefits by reading our publication at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
With all of these resources in place, you too can prepare to reap the joys of a financially secure retirement. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov

Golf Lessons (Adult) at Pine Creek Golf Center-Starting Monday, June 8
Small Group Golf Lessons (Adult) with Debbie Constantin, LPGA Master Professional

Small Group Adult Golf Lessons - Mondays from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm starting Monday, June 8, 2015

Small group size for student/instructor interaction. Balls included with lessons. $140.00 per person for 5 hours instruction.

Dates for Adult Golf Lessons (Small Group):
• Monday, June 8
• Monday, June 15
• Monday, June 22
• Monday, June 29
Start time: 6:30 pm End time: 7:45 pm

Location: Pine Creek Golf Center, 2379 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park
PA 15101

For additional information, contact Debbie Constantin: 412.551.7532 (cell) or debbieconstantin@pinecreekgolfcenter.com

http://www.debbieconstantingolf.com

Debbie Constantin, is a LPGA Master Professional and Certified Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Instructor.
Debbie philosophy is, “Each and every one of us is unique in physical build, age, flexibility, strength, athletic abilities and understanding of the golf swing. I do not believe there is just one way to swing a club and I do not believe in trying to mold everyone to swing the club the same way.
How you swing is going to depend on what your body can do. My goals are to help you learn to swing in the most efficient manner possible to the best of your abilities, while adding consistency to your golf game.”

Ladies Beginners Golf League-Tuesday nights at Pittsburgh North Golf Club

Come join us Tuesday evenings for 9 holes. Tee times starting around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Pittsburgh North Golf Club. We play on the Fox course.
Pittsburgh North Golf Club - 3800 Bakerstown Road, Bakerstown, PA 15007
For information on the classes or the league, please phone Debbie Constantin, LPGA Master Professional, at 412-551-7532 or email her at debconstantin@pinecreekgolfcenter.com

Junior (age 6-10) Golf Lessons at Pine Creek Golf Center-Starting Saturday, May 2!

Small Group Golf Lessons (Juniors - ages 6 to 10) with Debbie Constantin, LPGA Master Professional
Small Group Juniors (Ages 6 - 10) Golf Lessons - Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm starting Saturday, May 2, 2015
Open to Juniors ages 6 - 10 years. Small group size for student/instructor interaction. Balls included with lessons. $140.00 per person for 5 hours instruction.
Dates for Juniors (Ages 6 - 10) Golf Lessons (Small Group):
• Saturday, May 2
• Saturday, May 9
• Saturday, May 16
• Saturday, May 23
Start time: 2:00 pm End time: 3:15 pm
Location: Pine Creek Golf Center, 2379 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101
For additional information, contact Debbie Constantin:
412.551.7532 (cell) or debbieconstantin@pinecreekgolfcenter.com
http://www.debbieconstantingolf.com
Debbie Constantin, is a LPGA Master Professional and Certified Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Instructor.
Debbie philosophy is, “Each and every one of us is unique in physical build, age, flexibility, strength, athletic abilities and understanding of the golf swing. I do not believe there is just one way to swing a club and I do not believe in trying to mold everyone to swing the club the same way.
How you swing is going to depend on what your body can do. My goals are to help you learn to swing in the most efficient manner possible to the best of your abilities, while adding consistency to your golf game.”
Junior (age 11-15) Golf Lessons at Pine Creek Golf Center - Starting Saturday, May 2!
Small Group Golf Lessons (Juniors - ages 11 to 15) with Debbie Constantin, LPGA Master Professional

Small Group Juniors (Ages 11- 15) Golf Lessons - Saturdays from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm starting Saturday, May 2, 2015
Open to Juniors ages 11- 15 years. Small group size for student/instructor interaction. Balls included with lessons. $140.00 per person for 5 hours instruction.
Dates for Juniors (Ages 6 - 10) Golf Lessons (Small Group):
• Saturday, May 2
• Saturday, May 9
• Saturday, May 16
• Saturday, May 23
Start time: 3:30 pm End time: 4:45 pm
Location: Pine Creek Golf Center, 2379 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101
For additional information, contact Debbie Constantin: 412.551.7532 (cell) or debbieconstantin@pinecreekgolfcenter.com
http://www.debbieconstantingolf.com

Debbie Constantin, is a LPGA Master Professional and Certified Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Instructor.
Debbie philosophy is, “Each and every one of us is unique in physical build, age, flexibility, strength, athletic abilities and understanding of the golf swing. I do not believe there is just one way to swing a club and I do not believe in trying to mold everyone to swing the club the same way.
How you swing is going to depend on what your body can do. My goals are to help you learn to swing in the most efficient manner possible to the best of your abilities, while adding consistency to your golf game.”

Junior (age 6-10) Golf Lessons at Pine Creek Golf Center-Starting Saturday, June 6!

Small Group Golf Lessons (Juniors - ages 6 to 10) with Debbie Constantin, LPGA Master Professional
Small Group Juniors (Ages 6 - 10) Golf Lessons - Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm starting Saturday, June 6, 2015
Open to Juniors ages 6 - 10 years. Small group size for student/instructor interaction. Balls included with lessons. $140.00 per person for 5 hours instruction.
Dates for Juniors (Ages 6 - 10) Golf Lessons (Small Group):
• Saturday, June 6
• Saturday, June 13
• Saturday, June 20
• Saturday, June 27
Start time: 12:00 pm End time: 1:15 pm
Location: Pine Creek Golf Center, 2379 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101
For additional information, contact Debbie Constantin:
412.551.7532 (cell) or debbieconstantin@pinecreekgolfcenter.com
http://www.debbieconstantingolf.com
Debbie Constantin, is a LPGA Master Professional and Certified Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Instructor.
Debbie philosophy is, “Each and every one of us is unique in physical build, age, flexibility, strength, athletic abilities and understanding of the golf swing. I do not believe there is just one way to swing a club and I do not believe in trying to mold everyone to swing the club the same way.
How you swing is going to depend on what your body can do. My goals are to help you learn to swing in the most efficient manner possible to the best of your abilities, while adding consistency to your golf game.”
Junior (age 11-15) Golf Lessons at Pine Creek Golf Center - Starting Saturday, June 6!
Small Group Golf Lessons (Juniors - ages 11 to 15) with Debbie Constantin, LPGA Master Professional

Small Group Juniors (Ages 11- 15) Golf Lessons - Saturdays from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm starting Saturday, June 6, 2015

Open to Juniors ages 11- 15 years. Small group size for student/instructor interaction. Balls included with lessons. $140.00 per person for 5 hours instruction.

Dates for Juniors (Ages 6 - 10) Golf Lessons (Small Group):
• Saturday, June 6
• Saturday, June 13
• Saturday, June 20
• Saturday, June 27
Start time: 1:30 pm End time: 2:45 pm
Location: Pine Creek Golf Center, 2379 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101
For additional information, contact Debbie Constantin: 412.551.7532 (cell) or debbieconstantin@pinecreekgolfcenter.com
http://www.debbieconstantingolf.com

Debbie Constantin, is a LPGA Master Professional and Certified Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Instructor.
Debbie philosophy is, “Each and every one of us is unique in physical build, age, flexibility, strength, athletic abilities and understanding of the golf swing. I do not believe there is just one way to swing a club and I do not believe in trying to mold everyone to swing the club the same way.
How you swing is going to depend on what your body can do. My goals are to help you learn to swing in the most efficient manner possible to the best of your abilities, while adding consistency to your golf game.”

It’s been nearly two years since my rape. As I got ready that night, I remember the excitement as I anticipated spending the evening among great people, celebrating a friend’s birthday. She and I learned to salsa dance together, so I was equally excited that our plans included salsa dancing at a nearby restaurant that was hosting a Latin social. A group of us, including the birthday girl, carpooled into the city together, where a few more acquaintances joined us. It had all the makings of a great night.

I enjoyed every minute, dancing and laughing with my friends. Not only were we celebrating a birthday, it was also the last time all of us would be together. Knowing I was moving to a different state just a few days later made this night all the more special. Before I knew it, the DJ was announcing “last song.” As we got ready to leave, I started wrapping up the conversation I was having with an acquaintance from our dance socials. He asked if I would like to continue our conversation, offering a ride back to my car instead of carpooling with the others. I discussed it with my friends, excited about the invitation and wanting to get their blessing. They gave it, I hugged them goodbye, and my soon to be rapist held my hand as we walked to his car where he chivalrously opened my door. We listened to music and talked. Not ten minutes later, everything changed.

My breath escaped me and my stomach churned as he took an exit twenty minutes too early. The rain pelted the hood of the car as he took several quick turns and eventually pulled off next to a field and some trees. There was nothing and no one in sight. Before I had the chance to catch my breath, he stopped the car and climbed on top of me. When he kissed me, I asked him to stop and explained that he had the wrong idea. I wanted to believe that we just had different understandings of where the night was headed, and once he knew we weren’t on the same page, he’d reasonably drive me back to my car. It only took a moment, as his hands pulled at my pants, for me to realize that this was not simply a misunderstanding. For three hours, I begged him to stop. When forcefully saying “no” and attempting to physically halt his advances didn’t work, I tried to appeal to any compassion he might have. I let him into the most vulnerable part of my heart, sharing that I had made a personal decision long ago to wait to have sex until I was married. I knew he could hear the desperation in my voice. I knew he could feel my fear permeate through my pleas. There was no room for confusion in my demands to stop, and I kept hoping he would listen. I kept thinking that he would just realize it was a mistake, apologize, and take me to my car.

My words fell like the rain around me, and nothing made a difference. For three hours, he touched every part of me, with every part of him. All the while, pieces of me died inside. When it was over, he stepped outside, taking his clothes and my self-worth with him. I dressed as quickly as possible. After climbing back into the driver’s seat, he apologized for being so “brutal” and drove off in the direction we had come from. Paralyzed and numb, I stared out the window in disbelief, as he attempted small talk. I was completely hollow. It’s a feeling I will never forget.

It was nearly 6:00 am when I finally clambered behind the wheel of my vehicle. I made the hour trek home on auto pilot.

This is my story of survival. Although it’s uniquely my own, I believe the general themes of my experience run rampant amidst sexual assault survivors. We’d like to think that rapists only come out at night in dark alleys, and while indeed they do, far more often they are a friend, a family member, or an acquaintance. More than a couple of people I’ve shared my story with have asked, “Well, what did you think would happen?” My response, once I’ve taken a deep breath to calm my anxious heart, is always the same: “I thought he’d drive me home, maybe kiss me goodnight. It never crossed my mind that I should think he was probably going to rape me.” While misplaced and remarkably insensitive, I think their question illuminates that there is still a great deal of work to be done to change the way we think about these crimes. We have to stop wondering what the victim could have done differently, and start asking what we can do differently as a society to minimize rapists’ propensity to act.

Ultimately, I think it’s just easier to blame the victim. While most of the reactions I have received in response to my assault have been encouraging and supportive, I have also had family and friends inadvertently respond by blaming something I did or did not do. As hurtful as their replies were, I was admittedly beating myself up with the same questions. “What could I have done differently?” “Why didn’t I…?” I began to wonder at the logic behind this reasoning. Where were these questions of blame originating?

I’ve come to this conclusion: we like to feel that we are safe; that evil lives in a far away land. When our world is penetrated by a darkness, such as sexual assault, we want to believe that there is a reason it happened. We want to believe that the victims must have done something to bring it about. Because if it was the victim’s fault, then we can quickly take the whole terrible ordeal and box it up. We can simply avoid whatever culprit we’ve chosen, rather than face the pain, the questions, and the unsettling reality that sometimes bad things just happen. Undeserved. Unprovoked. Unwanted. They just happen. Sometimes, people choose evil over good. Once we’re ready to admit this, to sit in the discontentment of all our unanswerable questions and to place the blame where it belongs - with the one who chose to commit the heinous act – then, and only then, can family and friends accompany victims through the aftermath. Then and only then, can we as victims begin our journey to wholeness.

I could not have known that night, as I laughed and danced with my friends, that I was experiencing the final carefree moments of the life I once knew. In only a few hours, my world would be irrevocably changed. That rainy evening destroyed the woman I knew so well as “myself.” The Danielle my family loved, the one my friends knew, the one I felt safe and comfortable being, was shattered, without my consent, sending me on a painful journey to build someone new out of the nothingness. I never asked for this. I didn’t want this. I know I didn’t deserve this. My assailant, alone, is responsible. He is responsible for his choices, his actions, and my pain. He chose to drive to a deserted location and he chose to persist after I asked, then begged, him to stop. He chose to strip me of my clothing, my vulnerability, and my dignity.

What I thought was an innocent, well-intended gesture to drive me to my car to get to know me better, left me broken, with not even me knowing who I was. He had every reason and every opportunity to make a different choice. It’s time to place blame where blame belongs. We need to look at the source of the problem, rather than those impacted by it, to finally examine the epidemic itself: how it’s spreading, why it’s spreading, the root of the infection. Let’s start asking “Why do rapists rape?” instead of “Why do victims get victimized?” Instead of asking, “What were you wearing?” Or “Why did you accept a ride?”, or any other query that insinuates the victim could have somehow prevented the assault, let’s ask why our culture accepts those questions as reasonable in the first place. We have to stop ostracizing those affected by this painful crime and begin working to cure the epidemic itself.

-Danielle Castellucci hopes to bring light from this darkness. Subsequently, she is working toward her graduate degree in Forensic Psychology and volunteers locally as a victim advocate. You can find more on her personal journey to healing and venture through the legal system on her blog: www.diaryofasojourn.com

www.pittsburgh.score.org

Before you sign away your profits by leasing more office space, take a minute to consider saving money by hiring virtual employees. Using virtual employees not only helps conserve expenses involved in providing physical space for employees, it can also increase your options for finding quality workers. Jobsearch site Flexjobs found a 27 percent increase in the number of remote jobs posted over the last year, signaling that the option to work from home is becoming more accepted and widely available across industries.
It’s a smart concept, but can you make remote hiring work for your business? Believe me, it is possible. While I sometimes miss the atmosphere of a busy office, there are so many positives about having virtual employees, I want to share how my business has made it work.Virtual Workers
1. Get a good cloud system. Whether you use Google Docs, DropBox or another cloud storage system, you’ll want an easy way to store and share files between you and employees. It’s also a great way to share large files and ensure everyone has access to the most updated versions.
2. Set expectations from the beginning. Managing remote workers means putting together a clear system of procedures and communication. What hours do you expect the workers to be available and what do you expect in terms of response times? If you and your employees work in different time zones, schedule specific times to talk or at least weekly conference calls to make sure everyone stays in the know.
3. Talk and talk some more. You can set up weekly Skype calls or have an actual videoconference with a tool like GoToMeeting.com or Chromebox for Meetings to share slideshows, PowerPoint presentations and more in real-time online. If you live close enough to meet in person, make sure you get together at least once a month to maintain company enthusiasm.

Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a media and custom content company focusing on small business and entrepreneurship. Email Rieva at rieva@smallbizdaily.com, follow her on Google+ and Twitter.com/Rieva and visit her website, SmallBizDaily.com, to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for Rieva’s free TrendCast reports.

By Diana Fletcher

How sick and absurd would it be if I called my friends and said, “Hey, I have this 5 year old boy/girl here, and we can do whatever we want with him/her….come on over!”
I cannot even imagine saying those words, thinking those thoughts and living in that space. Yet, that is what is going on with people who fuel the sex trafficking industry. And it is an industry. It is hugely lucrative, highly developed, and very, very sick.
So what can we do? What can we do to combat this horrendous situation?
We can talk about it.
We can stop it by bringing it into the light.
We have to open our eyes. there are more slaves now in the world than at any time in history.
The abuse of children –boys and girls–is horrifying and disgusting, yet very real.
It is sick at any level.
Even if it is not the Pedophile Crowd, you have the people fueling the market for prostitutes who did not choose to be prostitutes.
Young women and men who have been forced into this situation.
This is not a victimless crime.
We grew up with this idea that prostitutes wanted to be prostitutes and really, what was the big deal?
Now we know better and it’s time to pull off the blinders, wake up and protect other human beings!
No one should ever be forced into doing something they don’t want to, especially vulnerable young children and helpless men and women. Ever.
Human Trafficking is such an overwhelmingly horrific issue that it is easy to get discouraged when you are active in the fight.
But I realized today that there is something that is making me feel very hopeful. There are more and more people trying to help.
I go to Twitter and find more and more organizations and people to follow who really want to stop this crime against people. There are individuals and groups speaking out and fundraising to raise money to help rescue people and support survivors.
There are people and groups who are training law enforcement personnel and working to change laws.
All of this makes me happy. If you focus too much on how big of a problem this is, it is easy to feel sad and helpless. But if you focus on the hope that things can change, it’s a whole different feeling.

If you want to help, please inform yourself on the subject and spread the word about slavery.
Here are some places to learn more:
The Polaris Project www.Polarisproject.org
International Justice Mission https://www.ijm.org
The Project to End Human Trafficking www.endhumantrafficking.org
Hotline # 1 888-3737-888

If you own or manage a business, you cannot afford to write off the issue of partner violence as a private matter confined to the home. With daily accounts in the news and more than one million people reporting a violent assault by an intimate partner each year, we cannot ignore the problem. In Pennsylvania alone, approximately 100,000 victims of partner violence seek assistance every year.
At STANDING FIRM, we identify ourselves as “The Business Case to End Partner Violence.” We assist companies of all types and sizes to implement policies that deal with partner violence and its impact upon the work place.
STANDING FIRM equips employers with the knowledge necessary to address the financial, safety and human costs of partner violence on the workplace. It arms your company or organization with the necessary tools to take effective action regardless of the size and structure of your workforce.
Whether your company employs 10 or 10,000, partner violence has far-reaching consequences. In fact, more than half of partner violence related homicides of female employees in the U.S. occur in workplaces with fewer than 20 employees. Some other startling facts:
• 94% of corporate security directors rank partner violence as a high security problem
• 74% of abusers report having easy access to their intimate partner’s workplace, with 21% of them admitting contacting the victim at the workplace in violation of a no-contact agreement
• Nationally, 25% of workplace violence events are related to domestic violence.
We encourage you to go to our website for more information: standingfirmswpa.org, and we invite you to contact us with any concerns you may have regarding partner violence at your place of business.
Not a manager or business owner and would like to see your employer address the realities of domestic violence? Please let us know! We’ll be happy to let them know all of the services we can provide. Call 412.421.3682.

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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.
April 1- Wexford, Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North,
910 Sheraton Drive, Mars/Wexford, PA 16046
RSVP: email Carol Briney at
Carol@CarolABriney.com
April 8- Mount Lebanon, The Devonshire of Mount Lebanon,
1050 McNeilly Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
RSVP: email Carol Briney at Carol@CarolABriney.com
April 24-Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC Park,
Ohara Twp
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://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=bkOnMsL_f1BKzRo1zpu5fA.

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Write Your Book to Build Your Business
Presented by Bonnie Budzowski
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=VReiw9WMbKyQ._O_sM_vvg

If you want to write a book to build your business, I invite you
to be my guest at a FREE breakfast seminar.

Learn details about how you can get focused and get your book
underway. Get an overview of your publishing options.

Date: April 2, 2015
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Place: Cambria Suites Pittsburgh at Consol Energy Center
Host: Incredible Messages
Cost: Complimentary
RSVP: Required in advance

Register online at:http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=4WlkzIjZnwgE1Q6xD3Rdvg

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Network After Work
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 pm
helps get the ball rolling right from the start.

Date: April 8, 2015
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 pm
Place: Buckhead Saloon, 225 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh
Host: Network After Work
Cost: First 100 Tickets: $12; Regular Price-$15;
At The Door With RSVP-$20; At The Door NO RSVP-$25
RSVP: Early registration encouraged
Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=yjpyesJ3msgKIvGFI2Vhvg

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Best Practices for Buying and Selling a Business
Panelists:
* Wendy P. Staso, President of Huckestein Mechanical Services, Inc.
* Denise DeSimone, Chairman/Founder of C-leveled
* Yvonne Campos, Founding CEO of Campos, Inc

From the due diligence process needed to organize your business
for sale and understanding how to avoid pitfalls in preparing,
valuing, and getting the best price for your business to knowing
what to look for in a business, these women have done it all!

Learn more about preparing a business for sale, building your
business to sell, and purchasing a business from this great
panel of women who know how it’s done.

visit our website at http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=zFc57FznD.6lvU.huQ0teQ

Date: April 10, 2015
Time: 7:30 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 April 7
Questions? Contact 412-365-1253
Register: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=zFc57FznD.6lvU.huQ0teQ

BRENTWOOD BALDWIN WHITEHALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON
April 10, 2015
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 10, noon, at South Hills Country Club. . Please plan on attending and bring a friend. We welcome members and non-members. Everyone will pass out cards and brochures and present a one-minute “commercial.”
Guest Speaker
Carol Birney
Slowing Down, To Power Up!

In this classroom that we call earth, we have been taught that he or she with the busiest schedule and the craziest life is the most successful.

In this inspiring, and high-energy keynote Carol will share ideas on how to assess what it is that you really want in your life and how to go about creating the life you want to live.

You will discover:

• Your priorities,

• Learn to live without guilt,

• Carol’s personal favorite - learn to say “no.”

In this talk, Carol will mix her irreverent sense of humor with clear, powerful and heart centered insights. She will give you simple, yet powerful, steps to take so that you too can create changes in your life.
You will leave knowing that you have the power to create a fulfilling life that you will enjoy.
Lunch for Chamber Members - $20 - Bring a friend!
Lunch for Non-Members - $25
Display Table $10
Please make a reservation by contacting our secretary:
Mary Dilla - secretary@bbwchamber.com

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Email Marketing on a Budget
Speaker: Matt Tomsho
How, Why, When, and to Whom? What makes email such a used and
abused marketing tool and how you can do it right on a tight budget.
Date: April 15, 2015
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Place: Volunteers of America, 1650 Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA
Host: Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Cost: Free (Bring a brown bag lunch)

To register, call 412.782.5344 (x209) or email
volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

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Inspired Women Paying it Forward

New Launch! A new Philanthropic/Networking event raising $10,000
at quarterly, Happy Hour meetings for women’s initiatives locally
and globally. Nominate your favorite non-profit! Cash Bar and
Food Available.

Date: April 16, 2015
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Place: DoubleTree By Hilton – Cranberry
Host: Inspired Women
Cost: No charge to attend; $100 requested for featured charity
RSVP: Suggested by April 13

Questions: Call Debra Dion Krischke at 724-935-6100.
Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=SbdnE0_R7go0NuxEzZ51YA

Disability Resource Breakfast
Thursday, April 16, 2015
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Speaker: Cynthia Berger, Berger and Green
Topic: Work options and your disability benefits.
What should you expect when you get Social Security disability benefits? What are your options for continuing to do productive work? Join us to better understand your disability benefits.
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

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: April 17, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: To be announced
Cost: $22.00 (Prepayment required)
RSVP: By April 15th
Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com or 724-452-5152.
Register online at: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=YO61BRw44ZEMoGEy2Lnddw

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Get Noticed on LinkedIn
Presented by Cindy Rack
Date: April 18, 2015
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Location: Sheraton Station Square, 300 W Station Square Dr,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Host: National Speakers Association, Pittsburgh Chapter
Cost: NSA Members & Affiliates-$45; Nonmembers-$55
(Includes networking lunch.)
RSVP: Suggested by April 15th

For more information and to register, go to:http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=kphPHvoEABLElbi.oJm.uA.

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Date: April 25, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., followed by evening banquet
Place: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Meadow Lands
340 Racetrack Road, Washington, PA 15301
Sponsor: District 13 Toastmasters
Cost: See conference web site for pricing options
RSVP: Suggested by April 20

Registration Web Address:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=W5oeUninds.dy7oC07sk5A

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Dare to be Aware of Your True Potential
Presented by Lisa Pustelak

Date: April 28, 2015
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Place: Special virtual event (Participate from home or work)
Host: Pittsburgh Professional Women
RSVP: Early registration encouraged

Register online at:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=KpVlTLwh6GCiSaOCXzACXg

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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: April 29, 2015
Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Place: Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street, Level Four,
One Oxford Centre, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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,
visit http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=4gu7_&m=JF3C_UsZaeZhGz&b=MDEUAaVtfrt4muhcBX2WZg
To RSVP, call 412-391-5227 or email erin.sustar@ourclub.com.

By Patricia Thibault
Social Security District Manager Downtown Pittsburgh, PA

Every March, we pay special attention to the kidney, an organ vital to a healthy life. Social Security wants to help spread the word about the importance of kidney health and about what you should do if you think you or a loved one has a kidney-related disability.
Kidney disease prevents your kidneys from cleansing your blood to their full potential. Did you know that one out of three Americans is currently at high risk for developing kidney disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, and most of them don’t even know it.
Ebie is a prime example. Ebie was an emergency room worker with an active life at work, home, and in his community. He had no idea he’d developed a kidney condition until one day he felt ill while driving to work and had to call a coworker for help.
Our Faces and Facts of Disability website features Ebie’s story. He says people who receive Social Security disability benefits “can provide for themselves better and have a high quality of life.” As Ebie explains, many people with kidney diseases can greatly increase their quality of life with Social Security benefits. You can learn more about Ebie’s story at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts.
If a kidney disease such as end-stage renal disease (known as ESRD) requires chronic dialysis and prevents you from working, Social Security may be able to help you. If you’re undergoing dialysis, have had a kidney transplant, have persistent low creatinine clearance levels, or have persistent high serum creatinine levels, you may qualify for disability and/or Medicare benefits. You can find more information about eligibility based on kidney disease and the benefits available to you by reading our publications, Disability Benefits and Medicare, both available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Listed as one of Social Security’s Compassionate Allowance conditions, kidney cancer is another condition that may qualify you for disability and Medicare benefits. The Compassionate Allowances program assists in cases where a person’s medical condition is so severe it obviously meets Social Security’s disability standards—allowing quick processing of the disability application and payment of benefits. You can find more information about Compassionate Allowances by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances
Drink plenty of water, go for checkups, and if you think you may have a kidney disease, take action right away! As Ebie says, “quality of life is everything.”
If you think you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits based on a kidney disease, please don’t wait. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi, where you can apply for benefits online.