About the Women’s Business NetworkThe Women’s Business Network is a group of local woman who come together as a resource for each other by providing a network of referrals, business education, and generating professional ties and lasting friendships. WBN is open to all women, in all fields of business, who find networking mutually beneficial.

WBN Key StrategiesThrough the monthly meetings, we provide opportunity to learn from each other, support each other, and build personal and professional relationships. WBN focuses on leadership and professional development as well as community support and charitable contributions. WBN is dedicated to “Women Empowering Women”.

WBN BenefitsMembers enjoy many benefits:

• Opportunities to expand networking connections• Useful information about succeeding in the marketplace• Educational programs, events, and communications• Friendships that can last a lifetime

Who Attends WBN• Professionals• Small Business Owners• Sales People• Entrepreneurs• Consultants• Educators

WBN Activities• Monthly Network Luncheon Meetings• Mini Presentations• Community Involvement• Annual Expo• Charitable fundraiser• Mixers• And much more…

WBN Meetings

When:Fourth Wednesday of every month

11:15 Networking11:45 Lunch and Presentations12:45 Introductions1:15 Adjourn

Where:Timothy O’Toole’s412 N. Milwaukee Ave.Libertyville, IL 60048

Cost:$15 for members$20 for non-members

WBN Membership:WBN’s membership consists of local businesswomen who either work or live in the Lake County area. By growing WBN, it helps keep the dues down, increases members who help further promote other members’ businesses, and allows members to expand their sphere of contacts and networking. WBN maintains the dues at an affordable level for everyone. Guests are welcome to attend WBN meetings. Our bylaws limit the number of meetings a guest can attend to a maximum of two before becoming a member.

An application for membership is included in this package. We welcome you to be a part of this organization and begin a new association with local businesswomen. Remember, participation helps you grow your business and establish beneficial business and personal relationships. All membership applications are pending board approval.

WBN Bylaws––Revised August 2016

Purpose:We come together as resources for each other by providing a network of referrals, personal introductions, leads and business discussions in order to promote commerce and generate professional ties and friendship.

Membership:We are an open group for all women whose attendance would be mutually beneficial, with a restriction of two members per business category. Each member may occupy only one business category. Members are restricted to publicly discussing only their designated business category within the formal context of a WBN meeting. If a member wishes to switch categories, she will be required to submit a new application indicating what new category she wishes to represent. Membership applications are pending board approval and will be reviewed monthly. The board decision on a membership application is final.

Guests:All members are encouraged to bring guests. A guest may attend twice and then is expected to either join or refrain from further attendance.

Attendance:We strongly encourage steady attendance in order to benefit from the group and benefit others. If a member is absent from three meetings within the calendar year without being excused, their membership may be terminated. An absence may be excused by contating a board member prior to the meeting. Acceptable absences are illness, personal and business travel, or a family emergency. If an extended leave is needed, a leave of absence may be requested.

Referrals:No restrictions. We believe that referrals and their benefits come to those who attend, and those that give shall in turn receive.

Meeting Agenda:The meeting will start promptly at 11:45 a.m., but members should arrive at 11:15 in order to check-in and allow for networking time. The meeting begins with a round of introductions (15 second infomercials). Up to four speakers are allowed 8 minutes for a presentation and questions from the group, depending on the meeting agenda. Referrals are exchanged. Old and new business follows, including announcements of other activities, events, or organizations of interest. A final round of closing comments/announcements concludes the meeting. Optional networking may follow the meeting.

Location:Timothy O’Toole’s, 412 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville. Lunch is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

Dues and Fees:Dues to be collected annually at the January meeting ($85) and are non-refundable. Dues for members who join in the interim will be prorated. Nonpayment of dues assumes termination of membership.

WBN BoardElection of officers is to be held at the September meeting. Newly elected board members will begin attending board meetings in October to shadow existing board members. The new Board officially conducts all business and meetings by the meeting in January. To hold an officer role, members must commit to at least 70% attendance during the year.

Board terms are two years and will be staggered. The President & Secretary will serve the same two year term. The Vice President & Treasurer will serve the same two year term. Each year there will be only two positions open for re-election (i.e. President & Secretary or Vice President & Treasurer). The goal of the staggered terms is to ensure there will always be at least two experienced board members.

At the conclusion of the two year term, members are free to hold a different position on the board, but cannot accept an additional two year term for the same position.

Responsibilities:

President:Conducts meetings, sets agenda, and introduces guests, plus oversees Membership committee, distributes information and flyers.

Vice President:Conducts meetings in President’s absence; oversees the choice of monthly charitable recipient; acts as a liaison with charities; coordinates with treasurer to ensure payment to charitable recipients; oversees Event Planning committee.

Secretary:Keeps time for speaker slots, records minutes and circulates minutes in a timely manner after each monthly meeting. Oversees Public Relations committee.

Treasurer:Fulfills accounting role; deposits membership and monthly luncheon fees, balances checkbook, pays invoices.

Ad Hoc Committees:

Membership: Maintains membership list, provides sign-in sheet at each meeting, prepares and distributes membership packets. Forwards meeting announcement to updated member list each month; creates ideas and implementation of membership drives.

Membership is a two person position. Each co-chair will serve a two year term. The terms will be staggered so there is always an experienced individual acting as co-chair.

Because the membership co-chairs work closely with the Treasurer, one co-chair will always be an authorized signer on the WBN bank account.

Public Relations: Updates blog/website, circulates press releases to area newspapers, event calendars, and promotes WBN activity. Serves as graphic designer.

Members At Large: All Members generate leads and promote membership.

Membership Application

Date: ______________

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Company Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________ City: ___________________ Zip: ______________

Business Phone: _________________________ Website: ___________________________________

Cell Phone: _______________________________ Email: __________________________________

(The following description will be used on the WBN website & Facebook group. If you prefer your Cell Phone or any information listed ABOVE not be included on the WBN website, please indicate that.) Upon board approval, Member will be asked to provide a profile photo and logo for the personal page on WBN website.

Description of Your Business: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What Would Be a Great Lead for You?: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What Business Category Would Best Describe You?: _______________________________________

(Please Note: Each member may occupy only one business category. Members are restricted to publicly discussing only their designated business category while within the formal context of a WBN meeting. Membership applications are pending board approval and will be reviewed monthly. The board decision on a membership application is final)

Please make all checks payable to: Women’s Business Network