NAWBO members are making business generating connections every day.  Find out who's making connections at NAWBO's Connections Corner. 

Help propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power by shopping NAWBO first!  Read how NAWBO members Emily Smith and Nick Farina did just that:

Emily Smith of the Tenant Advisory Division of Chicagoland Commercial worked with Holly Kahn of Holly Barry House Ltd. for thank you gift baskets for her clients and received rave reviews. Holly was a delight to work with and Emily's clients were extremely touched. Emily then went to Karen Rose, owner of City Olive, and purchased some special olive oils as a personal gift for her sister who is quite the foodie. But wait, there's more-thinking of her banking needs and realizing the importance of having a good relationship with your banker, Emily decided to open up a new Business Banking Account with Elizabeth Rossdeutscher at Bank Financial. In doing so, Emily was the featured business of the month in February at the Lincoln Park Branch and received her first set of business checks free of charge. Emily also went to see Jessica Merino with Ameriprise Financial when purchasing a new Disability Insurance Plan. Jessica was able to give valuable advice on what level of insurance Emily needed in order to give her piece of mind. Emily then set up a new HSA Insurance Plan with Anna Maria Viti-Welch of Guy Viti Insurance (www.guyviti.com). Anna Maria's team was extremely helpful in the entire process and helped Emily save over 45% off her individual insurance costs.

Nick Farina, President of new NAWBO Corporate Partner Voltage and member of the Corporate Affairs Committee, has had wonderful experiences working with several NAWBO members over the last several months. First up were some holiday cards from Erin Kelly, President of Eclectik Design - Nick got feedback from several recipients who loved the uniqueness of the cards, which stood out amongst all of their other holiday cards. When it came time to expand his business into the world of government contracts and city licensing, Nick turned to Gayle Newcomb, President of Newcomb Consulting. Gayle was responsive and extremely knowledgeable. For a visa to Russia and more pages in his passport, Nick chose Laurie Dickinson Lee, President of Swift Passport Services. Laurie was able to work magic on Nick's less-than-ideal photo submissions and really went the extra mile to start the project off right. Finally, Nick bought a Groupon from Valerie Beck's Chicago Chocolate Tours' new Cupcake Tours, and is excited to see what "real" cupcakes taste like!

This is what we mean when we say shop NAWBO first!  Thank you Emily and Nick for your support of your fellow NAWBO members and for sharing your connections!