As Seton Hill College’s National Education Center for Women in Business began planning months ago for its annual women-focused small business conference, we had an opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact entrepreneurs are having on our region, nation and world.
Six short years ago, when The Center was founded in Greensburg, “entrepreneur” was still largely an unfamiliar “handle.” Many we encountered in our advocacy work continued to be tripped up by both its pronunciation and spelling.
Today, those running their own businesses are already ahead of the game as we accelerate into what many are calling the “Entrepreneurial Age.” So it was befitting, we thought, to tag this year’s conference with the theme: “Entrepreneurs Ahead: Defining the Signs of the Time.”
Entrepreneurs are the engines for today’s information-driven economy; those who are creative, resourceful and who choose to take a risk will dominate the 21st century.
This year’s conference will bring together the best and the brightest — both from our region and our national community. Conferees will have the opportunity to learn from and network with fellow entrepreneurs who have achieved tremendous success, like keynoter Nancy Evans, co-founder of iVillage, the widely recognized Web site for women, and Janet Crane, vice president of eBay, who will share her e-commerce knowledge.
Attendees will be a part of the exciting unveiling of the region’s premier online community for women in business — e-magnify.com — as it is officially launched as part of the conference’s luncheon festivities.
We are sincerely grateful to this year’s sponsors, particularly PNC Bank, which has supported our regional conference since its inaugural year and continues to be our partner on many fronts as we work to nourish our region’s entrepreneurs. We are excited about welcoming more than a dozen new sponsors that have joined us this year in bringing you an educational and networking event that you won’t soon forget.
My staff and I look forward to welcoming you March 14.
How to register: Call (800) NECWB-4-U or (724) 830-4625.
Barbara K. Mistick is director of Seton Hill College’s National Education Center for Women in Business in Greensburg, presenter of the tri-state region’s annual women-focused small business conference.
