MEETING DATE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2008
DOORS OPEN: 11:30AM
PRICE: $20 ( Includes Lunch )
LOCATION: EMBASSY SUITES
TOWN: ROGERS, ARKANSAS

Sustainability is quickly becoming the word of the day in nearly every aspect of our lives, as businesses grow more and more company leaders and managers are challenged to to address issues that extend beyond the company’s bottom line. Sustainability is “the increase in productivity and/or reduction of consumed resources without compromising product or service quality, competitiveness, or profitability.” This is certainly not an easy task with issues ranging from employee health and safety to global warming and it’s easy to see how quickly overwhelming this topic can become. But what can we do? How can each of us, at home and at work, create a more equal balance between the needs of the people vs. the needs of the planet?

Women In Networking would like to provide some insight into how larger companies, specifically Wal-Mart, are addressing these issues. Janelle Kearsley, Director of Corporate Strategy/Sustainability for Wal-Mart Stores will be providing invaluable information that can help you and your business become more sustainable.

The Wal-Mart Strategy/Sustainability team was established in 2005 as part of a drive to incorporate social and environmental sustainability into its business practices. In her role, Ms. Kearsley is charged with deriving economic value from improved environmental outcomes by: educating associates on how to incorporate sustainability into their businesses; creating tools to enhance network – to – network communications; and communicating the sustainability strategy to internal and external stake-holders.

MEETING DATE: 20 AUGUST 2008
DOORS OPEN: 11:30AM
PRICE: $20 ( Includes Lunch )
LOCATION: EMBASSY SUITES
TOWN: ROGERS, ARKANSAS

We are all more than aware of today’s vastly changing economy. Thanks to wide-spread news coverage on the subject of rising fuel costs affecting so many things in our lives such as the grocery bill and our salaries, it’s no wonder we’re closing our purses, tightening our belts and trying to squeeze every drop of gas from the lawn mower. But do we need to worry so much about this situation or is this simply overblown media scare tactics due to lack of other topics to cover? How many of us really understand why fuel costs are on the rise? It’s difficult find the truth in a sea of speculation and rumors floating around on the subject.

Women In Networking would like to place a cap, pardon the pun, on the speculation about the economy. We’ve invited Katherine A. Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research ( CBER ) at the University of Arkansas, to speak with us on August 20th. Kathy intends to discuss some of the biggest economic issues and questions that have been on the top of our minds from this past year. Why are fuel prices so high right now? How long will this last? Will these prices ever fall again? What does the housing market look like? Are we in a recession? And the biggest, toughest question of all, what does all of this mean to you and I?

Kathy Deck is the Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Her research interests include local economic development, industry market structure, and education and health care economics. In providing applied economic research as part of the outreach mission of the Walton College, Deck has managed studies for a variety of clients including: Arvest Bank Group, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, and the cities of Fayetteville and Lowell. Deck also acts as a media resource for economic analysis of current events and trends.

Deck earned a B.A. in economics from the College of William and Mary and a M.S. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before joining the Center for Business and Economic Research, Deck was the antitrust economist for the Arizona Attorney General.

MEETING DATE: 16 JULY 2008
DOORS OPEN: 11:30AM
PRICE: $20 ( Includes Lunch )
LOCATION: EMBASSY SUITES
TOWN: ROGERS, ARKANSAS

With so much going on outdoors during the summer months it’s easy to neglect the interior of our homes and personal spaces. Though summer is the perfect time to make all your outdoor plans, bask in the warm sun and enjoy the beautiful beaches, it’s also the perfect time for home renovations, clearing out the clutter and starting on those interior decorating projects you’ve been putting off. Most likely they’ve been put off because it’s not easy knowing where to start or which direction the design should follow. The good news is that you’re not alone, decorating a home can be exhausting and without the proper skills and abilities you’re most likely going to need some assistance. Professionals have many decorating tips, tricks and ideas to get you off your feet and into your dream with less cost and frustration.

This month Women In Networking is welcoming Michelle Nickell from My Furniture My Way to help push us, just a little, in that right direction. She will show us how to get the job done in creative ways that save money and avoid undo stress. Michelle wants to get you off the ground floor and into the home you’ve been dreaming of. “The purpose of My Furniture My Way is to offer the public a chance to turn their house into their home. Surrounding themselves with warm woods, colorful accessories, luxurious fabrics and beautiful rugs . . . casual luxury if you will. It is an appreciation of design and craftsmanship. It is about furniture that speaks to your should. Whether you prefer French, Classic, Rustic or Urbane you will find yourself at home with us.” Michelle will touch on creative ways to make your home yours again, while maintaining your own sense of style and elegance. Let’s welcome Michelle together on July 16th.

MEETING DATE: 30 APRIL 2008
DOORS OPEN: 11:30AM
PRICE: $20 ( Includes Lunch )
LOCATION: EMBASSY SUITES
TOWN: ROGERS, ARKANSAS

A woman that retires at age 60 can expect to live 21 years in retirement. Do you have the finances to provide for yourself? Did you know that 80 – 90% of women end up managing their own finances at some point in their lives? Do you have someone you can trust to guide you in this challenge?

Join us this April 30th for a panel discussion of women and finance. Our finance professionals are Tonya Fulcher with Beall Barclay and Nancy Millikan, financial adviser and CFP ( Certified Financial Planner ) with Wachovia Securities, LLC. We will be discussing common concerns and possible solutions to assist women with their financial challenges and how to prepare for their future.