Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Location: Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, VT
Cost: FREE

THIS IS A FREE WORKSHOP!

Keynote Speaker: Lilly Ledbetter

Lilly Ledbetter served as a manager at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plant in Gadsden, Alabama for over nineteen years. She received the top performance award and was one of four area managers, and the only woman, selected to initiate the light truck production at the Gadsden Plant. After learning that over the course of her career she had been paid significantly
less than her male colleagues, Ms. Ledbetter filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. In 2007, Ms. Ledbetter's legal battle came to an end with the Supreme Court's ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear, which overturned her original jury award on a statute of limitations basis. Despite this loss, Ms. Ledbetter’s fight against pay discrimination led to the introduction of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was the first bill signed into law by President Obama in January 2009. Ms. Ledbetter continues to be an
advocate for pay equity.

Prior to her tenure at Goodyear, Ms. Ledbetter worked as a District Manager for H & R Block, Inc. and as an assistant Financial Aid Director at Jacksonville State University. She was the first female president of the Anniston Area Management Association, she is a past Director of District
Two of the Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs, served a six year term on the Alabama Board for License of Private Schools, she is active in her church and community, and a national winner of ballroom dancing. A life-long resident of Alabama, she and her late husband of fifty-three years
have two children and four grandchildren.

Session 1: 10:30- 11:45 AM

Testing Your Business Venture Idea: A Feasibility Clinic - Presented by Rebecca Kerin: Do you have a business idea but you are not sure if it will work? Do you want to learn the next steps to develop your idea? This workshop will help you evaluate your business idea based on entrepreneurial skills and financial feasibility.

Follow Your Bliss: Radical Career Change with panelists Roxanne Isbister, Judy Gendron, Lee Youngman, and moderated by Lori Valburn: Listen to the challenges and triumphs of several women who have changed their career paths over their lifetime. Expand your knowledge through their perspectives.

Buying A Used Car - Presented by Eileen Hughes Nooney: This workshop will demystify the process of purchasing a car, because used cars can be as good as new, and save you money. Decide which car is right for you from financing, service contracts, and trade in values.

A Resume that Stands Out - Presented by Beth Gilpin: Make sure your resume stands out among the many. Learn skills to translate your experience, both career and life experience, into job qualifications. Learn to present yourself as a whole person, and climb to the top of that pile.

Making Cent$ Out of the Economy - Presented by Tricia Senzel: Curious about the economy? This workshop teaches you how to decipher reports and indicators that measure the health of the economy. Also learn about investment and business cycles.

Monetizing Your Website - Presented by Sarah Spencer – Turn your website into a money making machine with the basics of how to generate multiple streams of revenue on your website. Many of these programs are FREE to sign up for and you can apply on your website in minutes.


The Power of Public Speaking - Presented by Samantha Bovat: The ability to speak in public is a necessity to grow your business. Convey your personal confidence, credibility, and creativity with some tips and tricks for public speaking.

Find a Job Utilizing Online Resources - Presented by Sally Redpath: Explore several online resources that provide valuable information for job seekers. You will learn labor market information such as industry trends, job banks, and assessment resources.

Stress Relief with Felted Soaps - Presented by Brigette Oesterle: Melt away the stress of work and home, and save a little money on gifts. This project uses natural soap and wool to create great, fun gifts for any occasion.

From Chaos to Calm: Enhancing Productivity and Success - Presented by Julie Cubino: As a business owner, you are responsible for the creative vision of your business, but you must be able to manage the details too. Bring calm to your life by learning strategies to capture creative ideas that will be remembered by your customers, and learn tools to handle the administrative flow which is always part of a successful business.

Session 2: 1:30-2:45 PM

Feeding of Your Newborn Business - Presented by Laura Lind Blum: Have you taken the first step and implemented your business idea? Learn some practical start-up steps for businesses and what to expect on the journey to becoming a business owner.

Earn College Credit for What You Know! - Presented by Gabrielle Dietzel: College-equivalent learning can take place anywhere: On the job, in the community, and as a result of self study. Save time and money, and plan a college education that takes your life skills and knowledge into account.

Workplace Conflict: Stop Walking On Eggshells - Presented by Yvonne Byrd: Keep your work relationships peaceful and productive to ensure a healthy work environment. Learn to assess the power dynamic of workplace environments and make active choices that transform conflict.

Creative Marketing for Unique Times - Presented by Amy Mattinat: Beef up on your marketing, and learn how to get the "biggest bang for your buck" with effective real world marketing strategies!

Do It Yourself Home Weatherization - Presented by Paul Zabriskie: Learn how to assess your home’s inefficiencies and reduce your fuel bills. These simple tools are good for the environment and your wallet!

Gratitude Journal: Reflect on Your Needs - Presented by Sarah Silbert: Celebrate you, your family, and your dreams! Learn how to create your own gratitude journal, and create space in your life for positive reflection.

Just Do It! Better Money Management - Presented by Shirley Mason: Learn how to set and achieve personal finance goals. Develop saving habits for success. Access and interpret your credit report, and protect yourself against identity theft.

Cash Flow: How and Why? - Presented by Rebecca Kerin: Where does your business cash come from and where does it go each month? Learn how to create, use, and analyze your business cash flow statement.

Laughing Yoga: Rediscovering Your Happy Place - Presented by Angela Scott: Experience an hour filled with laughter, gentle yoga, and relaxation. This workshop is facilitated by a certified instructor to center your body, mind, and spirit.

Listening to Your Business: Advanced Businesses Workshop - Presented by Megan Smith: Learning how to listen to your business to identify your business’ strengths and weaknesses. Come visualize the future of your business and formulate a plan in reaching your business goals.

IMPORTANT - If your are interested in ONLY attending the keynote speaker portion of the conference, please e-mail Allison at Allison_Morse@leahy.senate.gov