U.S., NORTHWEST: 5th Annual Grand Networking Event for Oregon Women

by Lori Richardson

U.S., Northwest Bureau Chief
(Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon)

The Women in Business Party & Expo is a showcase event that any city wanting to put on an event focusing on women in business should take a look at. The people of Portland, Oregon are lucky that it happens in their city.

I had the pleasure of attending about five years ago, and never forgot the feeling I had when I left the event.

"What a fun party!" I exclaimed to my friend Michelle as we headed on our three-hour drive north. Our shoes were off, feet sore from walking around this huge venue - but we had smiles on our faces and a bag full of SWAG and business cards of people we'd like to further connect with.

It had all the elements of fun - immediate donation to Dress for Success as we entered, great live music, trade show booths, food, wine, and awards, called "Orchid Awards" for outstanding women who had been nominated for various business categories.

What I remembered about all the raffle prizes that the 70+ vendor booths had were that they were all really GREAT prizes - the ones you don't mind putting your business card in for (knowing someone will ultimately follow up with you.) One booth would have a $100 Nordstrom gift card, the next would have a $200 floral arrangement, then a $100 coffee card. I knew then that these trade show exhibitors knew how to collect business cards.
Non-stop (or so it seemed) music with various groups played and appetizers were passed throughout this huge convention center floor. I think that the large space made it seem even more of a "big deal" because typically women in business events that I have attended are not that large.

This year, on April 23rd, will be their 5th annual event. Sponsors are Portland State University School of Business Administration and Wells Fargo in addition to supporting and media sponsors. The theme is "Lady Luck" and will have a "Las Vegas-y" feel to it.

The category for awards will be Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman Executive of the Year (small/med. company), Woman Executive of the Year (large company), and Woman Executive of the Year (nonprofit).

Check in with me later to see whether I wore showgirl sparkles or a more dignified gambler's look. Either way, it is sure to be a great place to network with some of the most successful business people in Oregon.


Lori Richardson is author of "50 Ways in 50 Days...to Score More Sales" and as "The Sales Detective", trains and coaches sales teams, entrepreneurs, and business owners to solve sales issues and grow revenues. Reach her at lori@scoremoresales.com, or on Twitter @scoremoresales

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U.S., NORTHWEST: 5th Annual Grand Networking Event for Oregon Women

Network to Shop Locally in Oregon

By Lori Richardson, TNNW Northwest Bureau Chief

Sustainable Business Network of Portland, Oregon is a network of over 400 businesses who are locally owned, independent businesses committed to supporting other local businesses. In addition, to be accepted for membership, businesses must agree to be ethical, offer a healthy workplace, purchase and source local items when possible, and operate in ways that protect and restore the natural environment.

The SBN says that their members "are independent, locally owned businesses, farms, organizations, and individuals who are committed to this region and its quality of life."

In the last dozen or so years, with the advent of the internet, we've created a worldwide marketplace - neat idea from the standpoint of opening the doors to the world, but what happened to supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses to impact our local communities? SBN states its member benefits very well:

Membership in the SBN of Portland is open to private businesses, non-profits and individuals who are interested in working together to create a Local Living Economy in the greater Portland area to: --Re-circulate more dollars in our community --Support and strengthen locally owned, independent businesses and jobs --Preserve and enhance our unique neighborhoods --Get consumers to commit to spending more dollars with our participating businesses. While benefits vary based on type of membership, the most import benefit is the ability to help create the type of community we want to live in.

Members can get discounts through group purchasing and deals from fellow members. There are opportunities for peer-to-peer advice and consulting, and ongoing networking events.

SBNP is a local network of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, began in Philadelphia in the late 1990's, and now an international alliance of independently operated local business networks dedicated to building Local Living Economies. This network personifies the good in Portland, Oregon - it is a green friendly, beautiful "big town" that seems innocent compared to Seattle to the north and San Francisco to the south.

They hold visionary luncheons periodically in the Portland area. For more information, contact them at http://www.sbnportland.org/.

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Network to Shop Locally in Oregon