Several top women entrepreneurs to speak at WISE 2007 conference; registrations accepted

Several top women entrepreneurs to speak at WISE 2007 conference; registrations accepted February 19, 2007Amy Schmitzaemehrin@syr.edu

The Falcone Center of Entrepreneurship in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, in collaboration with the Key Foundation, has announced a stellar lineup for the 2007 Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (WISE) conference, to be held April 12 at the OnCenter in downtown Syracuse.

Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor will open the program. Emcee for the event is Donna Adamo, news anchor at WTVH-5. Notable speakers include:

• B. Smith, former fashion model, writer, host of national cable TV show “B. Smith with Style,” owner of three restaurants, and founder of the B.Smith with Style Home Collection, a collection of home decor and specialty serveware sold at more than 750 Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide;
• Seattle Sutton, founder and president of Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating, a healthy fast-food meal provider that has now been franchised throughout the Midwest and is still in expansion mode; Sutton created the company in 1985, when she was more than 50 years old and after spending 22 years as a registered nurse; Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating has since grown to include 229 distributors in nine states;
• Doreen Marks, founder of Otis Products, the leading manufacturer of firearms maintenance systems, which she developed at age 16; Otis Products has grown to include more than 180 products and has earned more than 30 patents; Marks, a Lyons Falls, N.Y., native, was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as one of the top women in small businesses in 2005;
• Victoria MacKenzie-Childs, well-known artist and founder of the nationally recognized MacKenzie-Childs design stores and home products; after selling MacKenzie-Childs, she recently launched a new creative venture with her husband called Victoria and Richard Emprise;
• Patience Brewster, Skaneateles-based artist, whose cards, artwork and merchandise are sold worldwide; her whimsical art and philosophy is recognized by many, and she has successfully created a global market for her products and art expressions.

The 2007 WISE Symposium will also mark the proclamation of Women Entrepreneurs Day by Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll and Onondaga County Executive Nicholas Pirro.

“The 2007 WISE Symposium is really a historic occasion,” says Nola Miyasaki, executive director of entrepreneurship programs at Whitman. “This year marks our fifth anniversary, and we are preparing for a big celebration. As in years past, we have a great lineup of entrepreneurs and experts from across the country and from Central New York. Last year, WISE attracted nearly 600 women who inspired each other and learned from the stories of our amazing speakers. This year, we expect to have another sell-out crowd. The popularity of WISE is a tribute to the growing number of women entrepreneurs worldwide — and it’s a revolution we are glad to continue supporting in CNY.”

Breakout sessions will be divided into a “Startup Track” and a “Growth Track” to address the needs of entrepreneurs at different stages with their ventures. The “Startup Track” will include topics on writing a business plan, the psychology behind creating a successful venture, important accounting and financing advice, and information on sources for help. The “Growth Track” will include sessions on specific marketing techniques, refining growth models for profitability, building a brand, and finding new customers.

The conference will close with a reception and wine tasting. Registration is $50 through April 9 and $65 after that date. Seating is limited. For more information or to register, visit http://whitman.syr.edu/eee/wise/Conference.html or contact Lindsay Wickham, event coordinator for the Falcone Center, at (315) 443-3550.

The 2007 WISE Conference is made possible with the support of major sponsors the Key Foundation, the Whitman School of Management, the Sugarman Law Firm, MVP Healthcare, Heylor Freyer & Coon, National Grid and others.

Launched in 2003, the WISE program was developed to foster the pursuit of entrepreneurial opportunities by women from all walks of life. In addition to the annual WISE conference, WISE sponsors various supporting year-round events.