Central Alabama Women's Business Center

Long Time No Post

2009-05-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Wow, I didn't realize that it had been so long since I had posted. I get busy...You know how it goes. There is SO much to catch you up on:

1. Dancing With The Roses - was AWESOME! It was such a wonderful time. And Fabian Sanchez....wow...he has a lot of..uuummm...energy!

2. We participated in the Regions Charity Classic "Birdies For Charity" and it went very well. We haven't gotten all the proceeds yet, but it looks like we will surpass last year's total by a good margin.

3. Our interns last day is May 29th. Where has this school year gone (How many times did I hear my mother the teacher ask that same question) One of our interns Tyler is graduating on Saturday and we wish her the best of luck she has been great. We took them for their end of year lunch to the Cheesecake Factory last Friday and let me tell you if you have not had the opportunity to take 3 teenagers from school to lunch and back, it is quite an experience.

Well, that's all I have for now!

Talk to you later!

Noelle

1 week until the BIG event

2009-03-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you are excited about "dancing with the roses" as I am. I have been thinking about this for a while now and you know, I can not wait until I can see Fabian Sanchez dance. This is going to be great. There are still tickets available at www.alabamaroses.org. Please go check it out.

Our Experiential class went wonderfully. I got to sit in on it and i can tell you it helped me so much. Don Milton who taught the class has an easy way about him that put everyone at ease and helped us all to enjoy that class to the fullest. His website is www.donmilton.net, go look at it, it's amazing what he can do.

We have 1 more class and 1 more event this month and then it's on to April (my FAVORITE month of the year). Our Business Plan class is the 31st and "dances with roses" is the 26th.

I hope to see all of you soon. Have a great day!

Talk to you soon!

Noelle

"dancing with the roses" update

2009-03-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope that this finds you all well this week. I am sorry it has been a week since my last post but I was out sick for 2 days and you can just imagine the work that was waiting for me when I got back.

So, updates...today is the LAST day for the Scholarship applications. I must have them "IN MY HAND" no later than 5:00 pm CST 03/13/09.
This is the scholarship that we will be handing out at the Roses event so look for more updates and Good Luck to everyone who applies.

Next, the "dancing with the roses" event is going to be held 03/26/2009 and it promises to be a grand event for all. Don't forget to get your tickets now before we sell out. Ticket prices are $50 individual / $80 - couple / $500 - table. For Sponsorship information please contact me (Noelle) at the Center 205-453-0249. The crack team that we have has put together an event that will be something to not be missed.

Next, we have 3 classes next week,
1. Emotions and Work Performance - 03/17/2009 - $15 - 11:30 - 1:00
2. Being Your Own Boss - 03/19/2009 - $15 - 5:45 - 7:45
3. Ask the Expert - 30 minute sessions 1 on 1 - we still have slots available $10 - 03/20/09

That's all I have for today, have a great day and don't forget to wear Green next Tuesday the 19th for St. Patrick's Day!

Talk to you soon,

Noelle

ALERT! Schloarship Application date pushed back

2009-03-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just to give everyone a heads up. the deadline to have the scholarship applications has been pushed back until March 13, 2009 at 5:00 pm.

If you would like for me to send you the application, please email me at noelle@cawbc.org and I will get it out to you!

Thanks!

Noelle

Scholarship Submission Date TODAY!

2009-02-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

i just wanted to remind everyone that today is the date that the submissions for the E C Schlarb Foundation for Women Entrepreneurs scholarship that is going to be given away March 26, 2009 at our "dancing with the roses" The Second Annual Alabama Roses Dinner are due today by 5 pm.

Either Noelle or Edith will be in our office until 5 to accept those submissions.

We thank you for your participation and Good Luck to everyone that applies!

Talk to you later!

Noelle

Friday February 20, 2009

2009-02-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Everyone!

Wow it has been a busy week, we have had 3 luncheons, a kick off meeting and 2 night meetings, Edith has been running all week. (I only had to go to the kickoff meeting). There are just a few things I want to touch on before the weekend.

1. Please DO NO forget that if you are going to apply for the Scholarship that we are giving away the deadline for submission is February 27, 2009 at 5 pm. I will wait to get our mail until right at 5 o'clock. Good luck everyone this is a great project the Foundation is doing again.

2. Don't forget our major fundraiser "dancing with the roses - The 2nd Annual Alabama Roses Dinner". Not only are we giving away the scholarship that night we have a Special Guest who will be performing. Fabian Sanchez from the hit TV show "Dancing with the Stars" will be showing off his amazing dance moves as well as some other surprises. We will be holding it at the Harbert Center on March 26, 2009. We will have registration from 5:30 - 6:00 with dinner from 6 - 7:30. To register please call Noelle at (205) 453-0249 or email at noelle@cawbc.org (we will have a link to register and pay online by next week)

3. I attended the kickoff meeting for "Birdies for Charity" yesterday and wow, it promises to be an even bigger even than last year. I wanted to let everyone one that 100% of the money we raise goes to us. So, the more pledges we get the more we make. This year's grand prize in the "Guess The Birdies" contest will be entered into a drawing to win a "Stay & Play" Package at the Wold Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, FL. I wanted also let you know that we are trying this year for what are called Bonus Bucks. Regions takes the 3 charities with the highest pledges and/or donations and gives them money.
A. Top pledge and/or donation - 100% match from Regions up to $10,000
B. 2nd place - 100% match from Regions up to $5,000
C. 3rd place - 100% match up to $2500
Plus those are in addition to what we raise. So, please help us make the Center some needed funds.

4. Don't forget that we have not 1 but 2 classes next week
A. Everything You Have Ever Wanted to know about Sales - Hoover Library - $20 - 02/25/09 11:30-1:00
B. The Business Art of Social Networking - CAWBC offices (2 N 20th St, Suite 830)- $15 - 02/26/09 11:30-1:00

That's all I have for now If I have forgotten something I will come back and re-post

Talk to you all later!

Noelle

Dancing with the Roses - 2nd Annual Alabama Roses Dinner

2009-02-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Well, I can finally let everyone know the BIG news. At our Alabama Roses dinner we will have a performance by none other than Fabian Sanchez of "Dancing With The Stars" fame. I can not wait!!!

In case you don't know about our dinner it is a major fundraiser for the Center and it will be a plated dinner at The Harbert Center March 26, 2009 with reception from 5:30 - 6 and dinner from 6 - 7:30pm. You can register by calling me at 205-453-0249 or emailing me at noelle@cawbc.org.

I should have it up on the website no later than Monday the 23rd.

I also want to let you know of a scholarship that we will be giving away that night as well. This scholarship is intended for continuing education of a Woman Owned Business in business for 3 or more years. For the application form please call me at (205) 453-0249 or email me at noelle@cawbc.org and I will be happy to forward or fax you the form. Deadline for entry is February 27, 2009 by 5 pm.

Please don't forget we also have the Business Taxes 101 class Thursday at 11:30 in Chelsea as well as the 2 classes next week "Everything You ever wanted to know about Sales" 02/25 at 11:30 and "The Business Art of Social Networking) 02/25 at 11:30 here at our office (2 North 20th Suite 830).

Well, that's all for now, please check back often and be sure to leave comments for us!

Talk to you later

Noelle

Press Release 02/09/2009 - For Immediate Release

2009-02-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Central Alabama Women Business Center

For Immediate Release: Contact: Noelle Gaspard
February 9, 2009 205-453-0249 / noelle@cawbc.org

Foundation Offers $1,000 Scholarship to Business Women

Scholarship to be awarded during the Second Annual Alabama Roses Dinner March 26 at the Harbert Center

What: The Elizabeth Conwell Schlarb Foundation for Women Entrepreneurs’ Scholarship Fund

Who: For women business owners in business for at least three years

Where: For businesses in Central Alabama

When: Applications are due February 27, 2009

More Info: Applicants may use the money to pay for one or more courses at a two or four
year college or for Entrepreneurial Education and Professional Development. Applications can be obtained at www.cawbc.org or by contacting Noelle Gaspard at 205-453-0249 and/or noelle@cawbc.org.

The Foundation was established in 1999 to help socially and economically disadvantaged
women business owners as they work to build and grow their business.

Provide educational scholarships to women entrepreneurs to further their education so as to build the skills necessary to be successful business owners.
Provide loans to women business owners who are unable to obtain funding from traditional sources for their business growth needs.
Provide career day programs at high schools and community colleges to demonstrate the importance and benefits of entrepreneurship with the focus on encouraging young women to consider beginning their own business.
Develop programs on topics of special interest to women business owners as they strive to grow their business.

About the Central Alabama Women’s Business Center
In 1999 the Central Alabama Women’s Business Center was funded as a project of the Schlarb Foundation for Women Entrepreneurs. The Center assists women entrepreneurs in starting, building and growing their businesses. Partially funded by the Small Business Administration, the Central Alabama Women’s Business Center services a seven county area including: Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, Walker, Talladega and Tuscaloosa Counties.

Monday February 9, 2009

2009-02-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Everyone,

Wasn't this past weekend beautiful! The sky was blue almost all weekend at my house. The herb window garden I planted in containers has started to sprout (if I can keep the cats out of them) and I opened all the windows. It was great!

Don't forget we are holding our ETS class Wednesday at 11:30 at the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (505 N 20th St, 2nd Floor - Financial Center) It is only $20 and lunch is provided. Dr. Beck Taylor with the Brock School of Business from Samford will be speaking about how to survive in a downtown economy - economic trends 2009. This should be a great class, please come out and support the Center, have a great lunch and hear a wonderful speaker all at the same time.

Also, don't forget we have out Business Taxes 101 class next Thursday in Chelsea also at 11:30.

That's all I have for now.

Talk to you later,

Noelle

Happy Friday!

2009-02-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Well, we have gone through another week here at the Center. It has been a great week and we are so looking forward to next week. Wednesday February 11, 2009, we are holding a seminar at the Birmingham Region Chamber of Commerce (505 N 20th St, Suite 200 Financial Center). The seminar is "How to Survive in a Downturn Economy - Economic Trends). Dr. Beck A Taylor - Dean and Professor of Economics for the Brock School of Business at Samford University. This is where you will lean about the business and economic trends that we can expect to see in 2009.

So, if you would like to come and hear this presentation, please RSVP to Noelle at (205) 453-0249. It is only $20 and it includes lunch. So, come and spend your lunch hour to learn how to survive this present economy.

Please have a great weekend and I will talk to you next week!

Talk to you later.

Noelle

February Class Updates

2009-02-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to let you know that the class list for February is now on the website (www.cawbc.org).

We are holding:

ETS: How to Survive in a Downturned Economy - Economic Trends 2009 - 02/11
Business Taxes 101 - 02/19
Everything You Wanted to Know About Sales - 02/25
The Business Art of Social Networking - 02/26

To find out more about these classes please visit the website.

We are also signed up to participate in this year's "Birdies For Charity" at the Regions Charity Classic ( we are charity #19. It is either listed under the E C Schlarb Foundation OR The Central Alabama Women's Business Center). This is a great way you can help the Center and it can be fun. If you donate you will also be eligible to win great prizes from the Tournament. last year we made almost $500 and we are hoping to raise a lot more.

Well, that's all for now,

Talk to you later,

Noelle

Happy Groundhog Day!!!!!

2009-02-02T10:28:00.001-08:00

Hello and Happy Groundhog Day to one and all!

Evidently Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning which means that we are going to have 6 more weeks of winter. Looking out the window here at the Center, I am sure that Mr. Phil was NOT in Birmingham, about the only thing he would see today would be his reflection in a puddle of water on the concrete.

It is hard to believe that today is February 1, 2009. It is still odd to even write 2009 much less it be 2 months into the year. (I guess it is true that the older you get the faster the time goes).

I wanted to let you know that we have a major event in the works this year at the Center. I do not know all the dates but PLEASE keep a watch here to know the dates of one of THE places to be in March.

P.S. - A friend of mine runs the "Birmingham Terminal" website (www.bhamterminal.com) a young girl in the Children's Hospital is in desperate need of platelets. (I called to see if I could donate but you have to be able to sustain a 16 gauge needle in each arm and I don't have it)

If you can help please call:

American Red Cross - 1 (888) 905-3344

Tell them that you want to donate platelets and you want to be a direct donor for Hannah Grace Harrison.

They will take down your information and will call you back with a time to schedule the donation.

Well, that's all for now!

Talk to you soon!

Noelle

Class Thursday Night

2009-01-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to send out a reminder that Thursday Night we are holding a "Recession Proof Business Plan Class" here at the Center at 5:45 pm.

Please call me here to reserve your spot for this class (205-453-0249)

That's all for now.

Talk to you later!

Noelle

Board Meeting today

2009-01-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

Good Morning everyone,

Today is our monthly Board Meeting here at the Center. We are blessed to have wonderful people that give of their time as well as their resources to help us. I would like to take this moment to introduce you to them.

Ed Fields - Board President - Projects Unlimited
Jennifer Tsantes - Treasurer - Front2Back Business Services
Gloria Laster - O2 ideas
Elaine Walton - Mayer Electric
Russell Cunningham IV - Russell Law Firm
Anna Holmes - AGH
Satina Richardson - BIG Communications
Melva Tate - Strategic HR Partnerships
Marlene Wallace - Career Concepts

These special people work as a group to make sure our Center stays afloat both with money and with ideas.

Thank you Board of Directors!

That's all for now!

Talk to you later,

Noelle

Today's Topic - Interns at the Center

2009-01-23T06:45:00.001-08:00

Today I want to talk about the interns here at the Center. They are part of a wonderful program at Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School. When I started here at the Center a year ago, the interns were already here. I didn't quite know what they did or what, as their new boss, I should have them do. Well, I quickly found out that the 4 young ladies we had were wonderful. They were like sponges, eager to soak up any and all information, skills and even life lessons from everyone here.

Craig Ey with the Birmingham Business Journal wrote a piece on the school on December 19, 2008 (to read the story click the link: http://birmingham.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2008/12/22/story1.html) . When I called him to ask if it was OKt for me to link his story to this blog his answer was a very quick, "Sure". This school is known as "The School That Works" and work they do. Here at the Center we have 4 interns, they are each assigned a day to come in and they rotate on Mondays. We have 1 from each grade level 9 - 12. These girls are always well dressed, well spoken and willing to help. I must say that once put on task, they will get it done, no matter what "it" is.

Recently, Edith and I got a very nice surprise. Our senior from last year came by to say "HI". She is going to Miles College and is also working at UAB. It was exciting to see her and to hear that what she did for us here helped to prepare her for her job now that is putting her through college.
Here are the contacts for the school, I would encourage you to give them a call for more informationl. Yes, you are getting help for your business, but the students are getting valuable experience and education to take them wherever it is they want to go.

Holy Family President - Father Alex Steinmiller
Corporate Intership Director - Jan Fuller - (205) 263-0139 or jfuller@hfcrhs.com
Corporate Internship Asst - LaTanya Lee - (205) 263-0141 or llee@hfcrhs.com

That's all I have for now! Have a Great weekend!

Talk to you later,

Noelle

A New Day

2009-01-22T07:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We are always looking for things that are of interest to place here so if you have something let us know and we will get it out.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday on Monday and then enjoyed the historic Presidential Inauguration on Tuesday. We watched it here at the Center with our intern Tyler and it was very moving to see her so interested.

**the Starting A Recession Proof Business class scheduled for 01/22/2009 has been CANCELLED!**

I apologize that our blog has not been updated in a couple of days, I was out sick.

Thanks again for checking us out here.

Talk to you later!

Noelle

Friday News and Closing Schedule

2009-01-16T08:12:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Well, at 5:30 this morning it was 13 degrees at my house...bbbrr. My kitty cats didn't want me to leave the bed since they were under the covers at my feet and toasty warm. Well, they don't pay the bills so I came to work.

I want to remind you the the Center will be closed on Monday January 19, 2009 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr holiday. We will reopen Tuesday January 20, 2009 at 8:30

Don't forget we also have 2 classes coming up for this month:
Being Your Own Boss - Creating a Recession Proof Business - 1/22/09 - 5:45-7:45pm
How to create a Recession Proof Business Plan - 1/29/09 - 5:45 - 7:45 pm

That's all for now, please stay warm and covered up while this cold weather is on us.

Talk to you later,

Noelle

Wednesday News - It's Cold!!!!

2009-01-14T09:18:00.001-08:00

Well, the rain has now stopped and the air is getting down right COLD!!!! We want to remind everyone to bundle up tonight and tomorrow night, I was reading something that said a winter blast skin up north can freeze skin in as little as 10 minutes exposed. WOW!

I DO want to remind everyone of the 2 classes we are having this month.
January 22, 2009 - Creating a Recession Proof Business
January 29, 2009 - Creating a Recession Proof Business Plan
We still have spots available for this class please go to our website http://www.cawbc.org/ and sign up on the training page, or just call Noelle at (205) 453-0249 and I will set you up.

Also, the Center will be closed on Monday January 19th in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. day. We will reopen Tuesday January 20the at 8:30.

I saw a quote just today that I would like to share with you:

"A good sense of humor is essential to deal with the world's reality" - Anonymous

That's all for now, talk to you soon,

Noelle

Monday Morning

2009-01-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

As you can tell the skies are finally blue again, of course there is a shot of air that is expected to be bitterly cold starting tomorrow.

We want to remind everyone that we will be closed on Monday January 19th in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr holiday.

We also have 2 classes set up:
01/22/09 - Recession Proof Business
01/29/09 - How to create a Recession Proof Business Plan
Both of these events will be held at the CAWBC offices (2 North 20th Suite 830)
For directions you can go to: http://cawbc.org/CAWBCdirections.pdf

That's all for now!

Talk to you later.

Noelle

Happy Thursday!

2009-01-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Well, the cool down has started, but thank goodness it has stopped raining. We send our sincere good wishes to all those who have been affected by the floodwaters.

That's all for now!

Noelle

Sunshine finally!

2009-01-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,

Thank goodness it has stopped raining. According to James Spann although the drought was officially over a couple of months ago, we now have a surplus of water. Good news for the grass at my house.

We have scheduled 2 classes for this month:

Being Your Own Boss: Are you ready, especially during a recession?
January 22, 2009
5:45 pm - 7:45 pm

Creating a Recession Proof Business Plan
January 29, 2009
5:45 pm - 7:45 pm

If you would like to sign up for these please either call Noelle at 205-453-0249 or email at noelle@cawbc.org.

That's all for now!

Noelle

New Year, New Blog

2009-01-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new Central Alabama Women's Business Center's blog.

We have decided to to start a daily blog here to share small tips and personal items from our staff and our Board of Directors.

We wanted to update the hours:

8:30-5:00 Monday - Friday

If we have classes they are usually in the evening from 5:45 - 7:45, if the class is not going to be here at the center we will post it both on the website and the outgoing phone message.

Look here for frequent updates.

Noelle