Fashion Entrepreneurs to Speak at E-Magnify Gala

We're delighted that entrepreneurs Kiya Tomlin and Demetria Boccella will be joining us next week as guest speakers for our Networking & Cosmetics Gala at Macy's Monroeville Mall (5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29).

Kiya and Demetria will speak about how they got started in business, touch on Spring/Summer fashion trends, and be available to help guests select a wardrobe. 

Kiya Tomlin is a women's wear designer and dressmaker, specializing in custom dresses. With a love of fashion since childhood, Kiya submerged herself in designing textbooks and and sewing manuals, creating prom dresses for friends and family. After graduating from The College of William and Mary, Kiya realized her childhood hobby was actually her true passion. She enrolled at the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Art and Architectural Planning to study design formally, and continues to elevate her craft through fit and couture workshops around the country. At her new studio in Pittsburgh's East End, Kiya works closely with clients to create designs unique to their individual taste and figure. Kiya's designs are elegant and timeless, displaying her love of unusual and luxurious textiles. Clients of all ages, shapes, and sizes looking for a casual day dresses to evening couture can come "experience the design."

It's going to be a great night! Will you join us? Register for just $15 (and receive a $15 Macy's gift card). All proceeds from the night will benefit E-Magnify's programs for women business owners.

Online Events for National Small Business Week

Aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and others are invited to attend the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week events held May 12-16, 2014.

Activities will include forums and panels discussing trends in small business, business innovation, financing, growth, matchmaking events, as well as networking opportunities and award ceremonies.  

Events will be held around the country and online. Register for online webinars and live-streaming events at www.sba.gov/smallbusinessweek.

About National Small Business Week: Every year since 1963, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from across the nation through National Small Business Week.  This year, events will take place across the country to engage the small business community and highlight their importance as innovators and job creators

This year's National Small Business Week will culminate in Washington, D.C., where the 2014 National Small Business Person of the Year will be named.  Candidates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico will be competing for the award. Small business owners and their employees who attend will interact with federal government officials, local elected leaders, representatives from national businesses and other small business experts.

who strengthen the nation’s economy.

Winners' Circle Awards Reception (May 21)

Register today for the 19th Annual Winners' Circle Awards Luncheon Reception. 

Date: May 21, 2014

Location: Greensburg Country Club, Greensburg, PA

Congratulations to this year's winners! 

>>ATHENA® Award
Diane Proctor (Finance Controller, Kennametal, Inc.)

>>Seton Hill University Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

The Progress Fund, represented by Karen Post, Chief Financial Office 

>>Award for Community Service
Norma Skillings (Clinical Research Coordinator, Westmoreland Neurology Associates)

>>YWCA Rising Star Award

Kristen Varoli (Owner/Stylist, Contempo Artistries Salon)

The Winners' Circle Awards Program, presented by Seton Hill University's E-Magnify women's business center, recognizes women, men, businesses, or organizations who advocate for women, women-owned business and our community. 

This year's awards lunch features a new format with food stations and a greater opportunity to network.  Register online here. (Registration deadline is May 14.)

"Shark Tank" Show Seeks Military Veterans

Producers of the TV show "Shark Tank" are looking for Military Veterans with a great product or business in need of an investment for a possible special Veteran’s Day episode.

"Shark Tank," the critically acclaimed, business-themed show, is continuing the search for the best entrepreneurs with the best businesses and products that America has to offer. The Emmy-nominated show features The Sharks – tough, self-made, millionaire/billionaires who give budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their dreams come true and become successful – and possibly wealthy – business people.

To apply, email SharkTankCasting@yahoo.com. Be sure to put VETS CASTING in the subject line.

Tomorrow: ACA Webinar re: Seasonal/Variable-Hour Employees

Join us for this FREE webinar, May 2, 2014, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. 

If you own a restaurant, personal care home, landscaping company, or any business that employs people seasonally or with variable hours, do you know if your employees should be covered under the Affordable Care Act?

The time to find out is now.

Featured Speakers: Carl Knoblock (District Director, Western Pennsylvania SBA Office) and Jacqueline Lampert (Founder, Lake Street Strategies, LLC).

There is no charge to attend this webinar, but registration is required.

 Learn more and register for free here.

2nd Annual Networking & Cosmetics Gala

You're invited to our second annual Networking & Cosmetics Gala hosted by Macy's! Join us for an evening of networking, shopping, beauty, and more.

Date: May 29, 2014
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Macy's Monroeville Mall, Monroeville, PA

All proceeds from the event will benefit programs and services for women business owners like you.

For your $15 registration you will receive: 

• $15 Macy's gift card to use the night of the event
• Opportunity to network in a social environment with fun entertainment
• Complimentary appetizers and refreshments courtesy of Amelia's Elegant Catering
• Complimentary beauty consultations from your favorite cosmetic vendor
• Informal modeling of this summer's hottest looks
• One-on-one demonstration of the romantic points of fragrances and help finding the perfect fragrance for you
• Personal shopping services
• Door prizes
• Complimentary swag bag

We look forward to you joining us for this exciting evening! 

Learn more and register here. 

Upcoming Events for You & Your Business

Don't miss these educational and networking events from E-Magnify and our partners. 

Secrets to Succession Planning

April 29, 2014 (7:30 - 9:30 a.m.)
Kovalchick Athletic & Convention Center, Indiana, PA
Registration: $20

Are you interested in passing your business on to your children? Have you thought about the future of your company? Is succession planning for you and your family-owned business? Attend this presentation and panel discussion to learn more. (Presented by Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the IUP Center for Family Business in cooperation with E-Magnify, the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, IUP SBDC, and SBA.)

Miss Representation (film & discussion)

May 1, 2014 (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
Cinemark, Robinson Township, PA
Tickets: $20

Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, this film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. Following the presentation, Debra Mason, E-Magnify's Manager of Education & Training, will facilitate an audience discussion about how to take action that can help to make a difference in the community.

Affordable Care Act Webinar for Small Businesses with Seasonal & Variable-Hour Employees

May 2, 2014 (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)

Registration: FREE

If you own a restaurant, personal care home, landscaping company, or any business that employs people seasonally or with variable hours, do you know if your employees should be covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? The time to find out is now. Join us for this no-cost webinar to learn about the following ACA issues: Employer Mandate, Pay or Play, and Employer Shared Responsibility. Featured Speakers: Carl Knoblock (District Director, Western Pennsylvania SBA Office) and Jacqueline Lampert (Founder, Lake Street Strategies, LLC). (Presented by E-Magnify.)

PowerLink Financial Boot Camp

May 2, 2014 (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Erie Technology Incubator, Erie, PA

Registration: $149 (includes materials, breakfast, & lunch)
As a CEO, you need to use your financial statements to make sound business decisions. You need to be able to quickly review, interpret, and analyze your company's financial information so you can use it to manage your business effectively and profitably. After one intense and fun day at PowerLink's Financial Boot Camp, you'll be able to do just that. (Presented by E-Magnify + PowerLink. Hosted by ATHENAPowerLink.)

Women First Mixer

May 6, 2014 (5:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
Brunzies, 458 Philadelphia St., Indiana, PA
Registration: FREE
Network with local women business owners and leaders. For more information about First Commonwealth Bank and women in business, visit www.fcbanking.com/womenfirst/. (Presented by First Commonwealth Bank in partnership with E-Magnify + PowerLink; IUP Center for Family Business; and Indiana County Chamber of Commerce.)

E-Magnify Networking & Cosmetics Gala
May 29, 2014 (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.) 
Macy's Monroeville Mall, Monroeville, PA

You're invited to an evening of networking, shopping, beauty and more. Come network with other women in business in a social environment with fun entertainment! For a $15 registration you will receive a $15 Macy's gift card to use the evening of the event, complimentary appetizers and refreshments courtesy of Amelia's Elegant Catering,  complimentary cosmetic consultations, personal shopping services, a "swag" bag, and door prize drawings. All proceeds of the registration fee benefit E-Magnify programs for women business owners. Register here.