Leadership and the Entrepreneurial Spirit!

Are you starting a business? Trying to grow your business? Or just trying to manage day to day?

It’s that time of year, when we take a good hard look at our business and revisit everything we’ve accomplished, the mistakes we’ve made and think about what we’d do differently. We’re also looking at our goals for the New Year.

What better time to attend PWC University’s “Leadership and the Entrepreneurial Spirit!”

The event will be held at Brighton Bay (10061 Sweetwater Pkwy) on Wednesday, December 14 from 9-11 a.m.  The cost is only $15 if you register by December 12! Registration after that date will be $25.

Business leaders Lauren Little, owner of Edible Arrangements; Lynne Coggin, owner of The Referral Institute of Jacksonville; and Michele McManamon, vice president and co-owner of Sandler Training will lead a panel discussion. PWC has some questions on hot topics to get them started then questions will be open to attendees!

Light refreshments will be served.

Sponsored by Camille Clement Gregg, owner of Outside the Box Consulting, LLC.

Congratulations to the PWC 2012 Board of Directors!

Front left: Jane Scofield, Amber Brill, Secretary Kirsten Schneider, Program Director Renee English, Pam Woodworth andTreasurer Eva Greenfield. Back left: Richard Scherzer, Grace McCord, Jeanne Peterson, Connie Robinson, Deb Eveson, Aleta Walker, President Jeanne Caussin, Snowden McFall, Rod Borom, Florinda Lopes and Vice President Tanya Guydos.

The 2012 PWC Board of Directors were introduced at the October 5th meeting. The group will be lead by incoming President Jeanne Caussin of Regions Bank. Planning will begin shortly for the upcoming year. Watch the PWC blog, Facebook, Twitter and Linked In pages for ongoing information!

Congratulations, Kirsten!!!

Kirsten Schneider was recently voted PWC’s Small Business Leader of the Year! With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Kirsten is the chef and owner of Dinners Direct, a delivery-only prepared meal service.

“I have a real desire to help all those busy working Moms, like myself, who barely have enough time to take care of themselves to at least prepare a nutritious meal for their family. Dinners Direct makes it so easy and eliminates the stress of ‘What’s for Dinner?’” said Kirsten.

Kirsten is a member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Chair for the Community Involvement Committee of the Professional Women’s Council, a member of the Women in Business Network, and of The Culinary Institute of America Alumni Association. She is married to her husband, Chris, of 15 years and has two beautiful children 9 year-old Christian, and Grace, who is 2 1/2.

Congratulations, Kirsten!

EXCEL-erated [May Recap]

Once again, we had a great turnout for the May EXCEL-erated event Hosted by Kathryn Brown Photography and Latitude 30! We mixed, mingled, networked and sampled some delicious menu items.

Our topic of the evening is how do you entertain your clients. We all shared the different approaches that we take in making our clients feel special and know how much we appreciate their business. The overwhelming response that we all felt made the best impression was simply a hand written note. Though so simple in concept the effort and thoughtfulness that it communicates to the recipient goes above and beyond and can do nothing but solidify a wonderful client relationship for years to come!

A very special thanks to our sponsors!

Ribbon Cutting [Friday June 17th]

Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting and support fellow PWC Member Jessica Thomas with the Grand Opening of Thomas Marketing Consulting

9250 Baymeadows Road
Suite 430
8:30am

PWC University [Social Media Recap]

What do you get with you combine 8 panelists, over 30 attendees and wifi? Social Media Magic!

PWC University's second session brought together local social media gurus and business professionals eager to take the next step in expanding or incorporating a new plan of action in the largest growing social phenomenon in the 21st Century.

Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, LinkedIn, YouTube and various sites have changed the way our world communicates and connects. Offering a huge opportunity for future business and marketing, the web offers a more intimate marketing arena whose cost is simply the investment of time.

PWC-U ignited a fire of inspiration and has continued to receive positive feedback. We are so thankful to all who participated and made this hands on workshop a complete success! Stay tuned for news on our next PWC University in August!

images courtesy Kathryn Brown Photography

Spotlight Speaker Openings [August]

We have two Spotlight Speaker openings for August:

August 3rd and August 17th
if you are interested in booking these dates please contact Paris Hurley or Elizabeth Paulson.

EXCEL-erated Event: Tuesday May 24th

Please join us for the Excel-erated event on 
Tuesday May 24<sup>th
Hosted by Kathryn Brown Photography and Latitude 30


Latitude 30</sup>
10370 Phillips Highway

Jacksonville, FL 32256


Bring plenty of business cards and door prizes for more exposure!

PWC University: Social Media Workshop May 11th, 2011

Coming up next week is the much anticipated Social Media Workshop at PWC University!


Wednesday May 11th 9am-Noon
Be sure to register and join us for this ground breaking event. Hear the latest trends, information and techniques regarding social media. Learn how you can use it to grow your business, increase awareness, loyalty and profits.

What are you waiting for, Get Involved and create a social media strategy that WORKS!

The breakout session following the panel is the perfect opportunity to create your new accounts, empliment new ideas and strategies or become more familiar with how to be more efficient with your current social media accounts.

Hosted by Brighton Bay

10061 Sweetwater Parkway

Jacksonville, FL 32256

$ 25 Early Registration                 

$ 35 At the Door -if available

Open to the public - All are welcome!

Register Online at www.pwcjax.org

EXCEL-erated Event: Tuesday April 26th

Please join us for the Excel-erated event on 

Tuesday April 26^th

^{Hosted by CarTech USA}
11672 Philips Hwy.

Jacksonville, FL 32256

Bring plenty of business cards and door prizes for more exposure!

Community Involvement

We will be collecting for the Arlington Food Bank over the next several months, please bring your donations to the next PWC meeting.  


Any non-perishables are good but they need the following:

Canned meats, Mixed Vegetables, Coffee, Pork&Beans, Sugar, Flour, dry beans, Muffin Mix(Jiffy etc), Canned Potatoes, Laundry Detergent, Dish washing Detergent, Bars of Soap, Toilet Paper

Building a STRONG Network

Whether you are new to networking, PWC or a seasoned business professional here are a few tips that will help you make the most of any networking opportunities (especially the bi-monthly PWC meetings!) and create a healthy and strong business network:

1. RSVP and Arrive Early
2. Dress to Impress- Like it or not, in business many times people do judge a book by the cover. So be sure that yours is properly packaged :)
3. Bring plenty of business cards and promotional materials (at least 30)- being prepared always leaves a lasting impression.
4. Greet professionals with a friendly handshake (or hugs for PWC) and by name.
5. Listen....do not simply try to "sell" them on you or your services, take the time to listen to them.
6. Eye contact, take the time to make a connection instead of rushing around the room passing out business cards without making real, lasting contact.
7. Follow up- timely follow ups from a quick email telling them it was a pleasure to meet them or scheduling a coffee or lunch for a one to one meeting will help build and strengthen your professional network and relationships.
8. Consistency- attending meetings and functions on a consistent basis increases familiarity helps to reinforce and communicate your commitment to your business, your network and your community.
9. Get Involved- Becoming more active in various levels will not only help build upon consistency but it will increase your exposure to the entire network at large and give an active example of your dedication, work ethic and teamwork approach to business which directly translates to the value you will be for your clients.
10. Be an Encourager- Smile, Uplift, Encourage and maintaining an overall positive attitude comes across in every aspect of communication from body language, the words we say and the way we greet one another. Being a bright spot in someone's day may make a much bigger difference than you may ever realize (even if it does not come directly back to you in the form of "business" or a "sale")
11...
And perhaps overall, the greatest act that you could ever do for your business is Invest In Others! When you do all of the above and have truly listened to the wealth of professionals around you and not only take notes for those who you may be able to help with your services, but those who you could refer to others- that is the Holy Grail of Networking! It will pay itself forward in every way as you work to not only grow your business...you help grow those around you as well!

First PWC University a SUCCESS!!!

The first PWC University Event took place on Wednesday, March 9th at Brighton Bay, with Dr. Carolyn McClanahan delivering a fast-paced and informative discussion on the new health care reform legislation. Attendees provided excellent feedback on the value of the information provided to them both personally and professionally, and looked forward to our next Social Media Workshop Event May 11th.

Our first event could not have been successful without the support and efforts of several PWC team members:

• Jane Scofield for co-chairing and diligently working to support the effort in every way
• Pam Woodworth, who could not have been more helpful - providing flyers for the event, offering a helping hand any time one was required, and always pitching in where needed.
• Connie Robinson for being our skilled check-in artist, helping to smooth out any last minute rough edges for this first of many PWC University events.
• Renee English, who went out of her way to deliver sound equipment at the last minute
• Joanne Lechner for assisting in putting together a beautiful gift basket for our presenter.
• Kathryn Brown for designing event flyers and taking photos of the event to highlight some of the bright spots.
• Tanya Guydos for all of her behind the scenes efforts to support the University with financial matters.

To these ladies and those additional folks who assisted in getting PWC University off the ground, my thanks and appreciation!

- Deb Eveson


Join us for the NEXT for PWC University: Social Media Workshop May 11th, 2011

PWC Meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of Every Month

A Reminder that new for 2011 PWC has transitioned to a simpler meeting schedule that's easy for everyone to remember: The 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at Maggiano's Little Italy at the St. John's Towncenter.

Please RSVP by Monday the week of the luncheon online at www.pwcjax.org


Our next PWC lunch is Wednesday, April 6th @ Maggiano's 11:30 - 1:00pm
RSVP online @ www.pwcjax.org come out and network

PWC University: Social Media Workshop May 11th, 2011

PWC University is excited to announce our next event..............a Social Media Workshop!

Need some help in understanding the fundamentals of how to link your facebook, twitter, and linked- in accounts?

Don't speak the Social Media language, but know you really need to take action?

Never really understood how to link that video you just created about your business to your webpage for some extra exposure? 

Well, this is the workshop for you! And yes, we said workshop, not presentation.

Come work with the panelists providing hands-on experience to assist you in executing a more effective Social Media strategy for your business.

$ 25 Early Registration                 $ 35 At the Door -if available

 Open to the public - All are welcome!

Register Online at www.pwcjax.org

EXCEL-erated Event: Monday March 28th

Our March 28^th EXCEL-erated Event is held at

Pablo Creek Library

13295 Beach Blvd (between Kernan and Hodges)

5:30 – 7 pm

10 great sponsoring businesses

Great networking

Fabulous business building activities

Bring plenty of business cards and a door prize for more exposure!

Community Involvement [Habitat for Humanity]

The Beaches Habitat for Humanity Women's Build is coming up this Saturday (Feb. 19th) from 7:45-noon. 
Please contact Kirsten Schneider for more information or to volunteer :)

For The Soldiers

Our soldiers work hard everyday at their jobs of protecting and serving.

We would like to be able to give just a little back by sending them tokens of appreciated from home as well as some much needed relaxation from their day to day tasks...so they can be refreshed and get back to doing what they have commited their lives to do!

Over the next few weeks, PWC will be collecting donations of DVD's, magazines, books, etc. for our service men and women overseas. Please bring your items with you to the meetings :)

PWC University [Save The Date]

The Debut of PWC University is finally here!!!

We are so excited to announce the first session...

"As Health Care Reform Turns"

Special seminar presented by Dr. Carolyn McClanahan
March 9th
9:00am-12:00pm

- Discussing the 10 titles of the health care reform law.

- Objective, in depth review of the contents of the law and it's impact on individuals & business owners.

Hosted by: Brighton Bay

10061 Sweetwater Parkway

Jacksonville, FL 32256

$25 Early Registration; $35 at the door

 RSVP online HERE!

Spotlight Speaker Opportunities

PWC 2^nd Quarter Spotlight Speaker Slots open February 2^nd!

As a PWC spotlight speaker you are entitled to:

·         Display table dedicated for your company materials.

·         Company materials may be placed on all tables.

·         Five minutes to speak in front of the group.

·         Recognition in meeting evite and PWC website during the preceding 2-week period.

To secure a spot: 

1.     Go online! Fill out the application at http://www.pwcjax.org/pwcjax/SignUp.aspx   

2.     Don’t forget! Respond with your first and second date choices,

3.     Secure your spot! Send payment to PWC by 3/2/11,

4.     Get exposure! Send in your bio and photo to phurl06@yahoo.com

All proceeds from PWC Spotlight Speaker fees go to the PWC Grant Program – the money comes back to YOU! Act quickly as these coveted spots fill quickly! Once you have completed online steps, a confirmation email with instructions will be sent to you. We are looking forward to hearing your 5-minute presentation on the company you represent.

Upcoming Events [February/March]

Feb. 2nd- PWC Meeting
Maggiano's 11:30-1:00
More Details & RSVP

Feb.16th- PWC Meeting
Maggiano's 11:30-1:00
More Details & RSVP

Feb. 22nd- EXCEL-erated
IronStone Bank/ San Pablo
7:30-9:00 am
More Details

March 1st- Southside Sunrise
ALL Councils Event
8:00-9:30am at Costco

March 2nd- PWC Meeting
Maggiano's 11:30-1:00
More Details & RSVP

March 4th- It's HER Business
UNF University Center
7:30am-2:00pm

March 11th- Cornerstone Luncheon
Hyatt Regency, Downtown
11:30-1:30
More Details

March 16th- No PWC Meeting
Cancelled for the WIB Awards

March 21st- Women In Business Awards
11:30-2:00pm
More Details

March 28th- EXCEL-erated
Pablo Creek Library
5:30-7:00 pm
More Details

Grant Funds at Work [Yes You Canvas]

In December PWC had the opportunity to award over $6,000 in grants to our members. This is possible through the consistency and dedication of PWC Members that participate in our 50/50 raffle, Spotlight Speakers, Silent Auction and various other fund raisers through out the year.

It is our pleasure to be able to support such a dynamic group of talented professionals and be able to give back to the businesses and individuals that make PWC what it is.

This year we are taking this opportunity one step further to highlight the grant winners and show how they are putting their grants to work! If you are a 2010 grant winner, submit your story to us so we can share :)

First up, is David Durrett with Yes You Canvas!

We were all so ecstatic to see this billboard and love how many emails and comments we received from locals who saw the ad and the support the community has given to David and his creative talent and commitment to bring out the artist in all of us!

But what is even better is how David worked with a local Chamber business in the process. He had wanted to do a billboard for some time and had spoken Bethany from The Daily Billboard about doing one as soon and the budget became available.






Well, it came not only in time for the Holidays but David's billboard debuted on the weekend of a Jaguars football game! What a great example of working with local businesses to grow our business together- Way to go David!