Newsletter
Summer 2019 
President's Report

The other day, I was listening to a Ted Talk by Simon Sinek on servant leadership. Servant leadership seems to be the trendy term right now, and I must agree that I believe the best leadership style is servant leadership. The inspiring points he made really struck a chord—you have to know the “why” before the “how” and the “what” can be accomplished.
Our founding NAWBO members knew something about this. They had a vision for an organization that did not exist. Their “why” in creating NAWBO was to allow women entrepreneurs to come together and advocate and advance policies and ideas that would benefit women for decades to come. Now, some 40 years later, we continue to benefit rom their servant leadership. Their mantra and their call for service is passed to us.
As I take on the responsibility of being President of our amazing chapter, I am humbled by the legacy that has been created by Presidents before me. Thank you, Susie Platt, for your leadership this past year. And, thank you to all our board members who have provided time, talents and treasure to this great organization.
As we embark on this next year, our board is excited to strategically move our chapter to the next level—and the key is engagement from our members. Each of you is unique. Collectively, we create an energetic strength that expands our individual attributes.
We ask that you engage with us in creating and unfolding a vision of growth and meaningful engagement for our organization. What will be the vision that we translate into reality? What obstacles or ideas do you have for women entrepreneurs like yourself and your NAWBO peers? What will our legacy be? We are in this together. We are all part of NAWBO for a personal or business reason. Yet, as we contribute to the greater whole, we bring our own experiences and expertise to the NAWBO table, and our fellow members benefit from who we are. This gives us great diversity and strength.
As we carry out our mission, let’s be servant leaders and ask ourselves the important questions of how we, too, can add to the legacy and pass that mission on to the next generation of women entrepreneurs. Let’s answer the call for servant leaders as much as our schedules and other commitments allow–attend more events, join a NAWBO committee, share a new idea or join the NAWBO board. Whatever time and talent you can give to NAWBO will not go to waste.
Imagine where we’ll be this time next year if each of us embraces our servant leadership abilities. I enjoy this quote by J.K. Rowling: “We do not need magic to change the world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to Imagine.” I’m excited to see how our world will change when we apply the power we have.
Welcome New Members

Emily’s Authentic Solutions; Mio Creativo
Meet Emily Britton-Arnold. Some time ago, Emily realized the processes and protocols in her old company limited her ability to provide administrative services in an efficient manner. “I knew if I went out on my own that I could produce excellent work on my terms.” said Emily. So, seven months ago she started the Administrative Consulting Agency. No grass has grown under Emily’s feet. Recently, an opportunity presented itself to start a coworking space. This way she can continue her successful administrative business and create a valuable community of people who are blessed to do their own thing but not feel isolated.
Emily has a true passion to help people grow. In her administrative business, she gets to take things off cpeople’s plates so they can focus on growth, making money, and truly working where they’re passionate in their business. Her coworking space brings in startups and gives them the opportunity to grow and to nurture relationships that will help thrust them forward.

Common Place

Kellie Branch-Dircks, LCSW
EZ Dreamin' Counseling Services
Kellie Branch-Dircks provides counseling through a variety of options; in-person, online and in-home. Over her more than ten years of owning her own business, Kellie has acquired a unique partner for her counseling services. Not only does she provide in-person, online and in-home options, but has an equine partner to help her meet her client’s needs.
Kellie says, “My professional experiences are eclectic, but I would say my experiences have most prepared me for working with the geriatric population and those with chronic health and terminal conditions.”

Red Haute Images & DRAKEPhoto
In love with the art and business of photography Kelli started DRAKEphoto in 2007 photographing families, children, high school seniors, pets, weddings and more. After photographing several boudoir sessions, she found them to be so impacting for women that she launched Red Haute Images in 2010.
Kelli loves working with women who may be a little nervous about doing a boudoir session. “I guide and coach them through the process and help them to see and appreciate their beauty, it's truly an empowering experience!”
Frequently participating in, or annoyed by, her love of creation is her wonderful husband of 16 years and her creative and sweet daughter. “I love my little family of three and cherish our time together, especially our camping adventures (technically Glamping!)”

Sheila Fain
LaMarsh Global

Paola P. Hinton
Five Senses Spa, Salon & Barbershop

Lopears Poochie Playground

Julie Hubbard
YourOilCoach.com

Michele Matthis
Mid-America Insurance Services

Jamie Messmore
Soccer Shots Peoria/ Quad Cities and Molly Maid of Peoria
Jamie Messmore and her husband have owned Molly Maid of Peoria for the past 2 ½ years. The two have been users of cleaning services and when her husband was looking for a business, the opportunity with Molly Maid turned up. From bathroom sinks to kitchen appliances, her team is happy to tackle those hard-to-clean areas of the home and she is proud to serve Peoria and the surrounding communities.
What keeps Jamie busy besides work? “Most of my free time is spent with my family, I have two girls, 5 and 3, so they keep us pretty busy. Headed into the summer season we're looking forward to spending our days at the pool!”

Pets for Seniors/Pets for Saving
Denise Patton retired from the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office as financial Director in 2017, after 31 years of service. Looking for an area to volunteer, she met Liz Pollack in September of 2018 and fell in love with PFS; both the shelter and the retail shop. In October of 2018 she became the treasurer. Denise not only does the financials for PFS but works in the Forever Home Resale shop which helps finance the care of the shelter animals. Denise says, “I really enjoy meeting all the customers of the Resale Shop and working with the other volunteers especially the PFS volunteers because of their compassion about the Shelter.”
communications used to reach the community. “
Of course, her fur babies travel with them! Missie is a German shorthaired pointer and Nova is a Brittany. Denise’s other past times include fishing, reading, flower gardening and painting.

Janet Pritchard Consulting

Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Spring Celebration
Mary Rous has a strong history in and an amazing passion for the arts. She has been a choral teacher and the choral director at Manual High School, but she is equally proud to be part of the Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Spring Celebration. This program was started by Retired Regional Superintendent Dr. Gerry Brookhart 34 years ago and Mary has been a part of it almost as long. The GMB Arts in Education Spring Celebration is coordinated through the Office Regional Superintendent of School, and the Peoria County Regional Office of Education and supported by the Friends of Peoria County ROE #48. It serves as a non-competitive environment for showcasing the talents of area children that encourages participation in the arts at a formative time in their lives -- PreK through 12th grade. It also heightens the community's awareness that the arts are an important component of our young people’s development. “I have been part of this program in one capacity or another for every one of those 34 years except the first. I have been a teacher, a parent of a participant, the assistant director, the Project Director, I helped develop and expand the Board and I am now the Artistic and Advocacy Director.”

Stellar Systems, Inc.
Kathy Schaeffer has been with Stellar Systems, Inc. for thirteen years as Director of Business Development and Marketing. Stellar has been in existence for more than 30 years and specializes in website development/hosting, networking, software development and scanning/archiving. Clients include local, state and national organizations.
Kathy believes women can and should contribute to businesses including owning them.

Heights Life/N2 Publishing
Cheryl Schlumpf has been the owner of the publication “Heights Life” for five years. It is a monthly social neighborhood publication that serves Grandview Dr. and N. Prospect Rd. The publication helps grow a sense of community by connecting residents, sharing stories and photos and introducing the best local businesses.
A friend introduced Cheryl to the N2 Publishing business model, and she fell in love with the culture and how it grows community while supporting local business. “I believe that the most important thing in our personal and professional lives are the relationships we build with others. Our publications are very targeted and allow me the opportunity to connect people to people . . . neighbor to neighbor, business to neighbor, business to business, and even nonprofit to residents and businesses. Relational business is a skill often overlooked in today's world. It is more than just networking groups. It is understanding how to connect.”
In addition, Cheryl also loves the ability to control her work life balance. She enjoys kayaking with her husband Fred and has started cycling again though she claims it’s going to take a bit to get back in shape on that one. She also claims, “We are big Chicago Cub fans and try to catch a few games. A great deal of our extended family lives nearby, and we are able to enjoy the local dining, music, and events in the Peoria area with them.”

Kelly Schneider
United Stroke Alliance
Kelly believes her ability to be flexible helps her shine in her job. In her position, she has to improvise and handle the difficulties when something happens to throw off the schedule for weekend retreats. She is able to handle it creatively and still create a sense of flow.

Mentoring Women Millennials
Monthly Meetings

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Don't forget:
The Pathways to Success Conference on September 19th will replace our usual Monthly Meeting. See the Pathways to Success section of this newsletter for more information.
Calendar of Events

These quarterly breakfast meetings are designed to provide opportunities for new members or those who are not to be supported by the long-term members of NAWBO. Topics vary. Come with your business questions!
July 25, 2019
The Joys and Challenges of Home-Based Businesses
July 25, 2019 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
It is both rewarding and challenging to be a homebased business. Come and meet with the pros who have taken on this challenge and succeeded! You don't need to be a home-based business owner to come and network with others who own businesses and like to share their knowledge and expertise. All are welcome!
Next Breakfast with the Pros October 24, 2019 8:00 am - 9:30 am |
Pathways to Success

Thursday, September 19, 2019
FACT SHEET
Our 2019 Pathways to Success features Mimi Brown, a business owner, two-time beauty queen, DJ, contestant on NBC’s Biggest Loser and renowned speaker. Mimi is able to instantly connect to listeners through her personal story. She draws the audience in with powerful, entertaining and insightful truths and actionable steps that equip and ignite your leadership. Our afternoon breakout sessions are designed
to cultivate ideas, discuss the challenges and ?nd solutions. In addition, we will start the conference with a networking and training session designed to help attendees advance their career or business.
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Registration (Mimosas and Orange Juice Available)
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Networking and Vendors
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Networking, Cash Bar, Vendors and Door Prizes
4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Networking, Cash Bar, and Vendors
Women in Leadership of Central Illinois promotes leadership among women by providing mentoring, networking and educational opportunities. Members include managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals with a sincere commitment to their careers, families, communities and especially their personal and professional growth. They are achievement oriented women, sharing their successes, developing their personal and professional accomplishments and recognizing and celebrating the women in our area.
Member News
Mastermind Groups – a new NAWBO-CI Member Benefit!
Our Central Illinois Chapter of NAWBO are establishing two mastermind groups for our members. They will function as informal business advisory boards! Whether you have been in business six months or 20 years, you can benefit from being a part of a Masterminds group!
Our vision, based on survey results from our chapter members, is to create productive, interactive groups of women who are encouraged and enriched by participating in the Masterminds process. This enables members to grow their businesses as they grow in their understanding of themselves and how they do business.
Each person brings a unique perspective to the group and benefits from sharing insights into problems and solutions. All members of the group gain greater objectivity, value, and a sense of their own power from peer support.
The key is total confidentiality surrounded by other women business owners that you have made a commitment to support. Each member is required to sign a confidentiality agreement so it is clear from the beginning that the information imparted during the Masterminds sessions is not divulged to others outside the group. The group will create it’s own code of conduct and determine if it’s a closed group or open to new members on an on-going basis.
We are so excited about offering this NAWBO Member Benefit. We know that those who participate will love having a safe place to vent, to be held accountable for goals, to learn and to build solid friendships in a community of like minded business women.
We need two team leaders. If you are interested, please contact,
Liz Pollack at 309-370-4492 or [email protected]