GMA Anchor Keynote Speaker

At Women’s Business Conference

HARTFORD — The 2009 Business Women’s Forum, Connecticut’s largest and longest-running full-day annual conference for women, will be conducted Tuesday, September 29, at the Connecticut Convention Center. “Bouncing Back: New hopes, New dreams, New ways” is the theme of the 27th annual forum, and 20-year veteran broadcaster Robin Roberts, with ABC-TV’s Good Morning America since 1995, and ESPN commentator from 1990 to 2005, will be the afternoon’s keynote speaker.

“More than 1,200 businesspeople from across Connecticut are expected to attend this megaevent,” stated Lynn Ward, president and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber, and a BFW sponsoring member. “We anticipate all participants will greatly benefit from this very exciting showcase of nationally heralded speakers and trainers who will educate and inspire attendees on both professional and personal levels.”

During the past 26 years of success, The Business Women’s Forum (BWF), a program of the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce Foundation, has generated more than $100,000 in scholarship funds for female Post University students to pursue a business education. This year the forum will honor Carlie Serif, who will enter her sophomore year at Post this fall. “The mission of BWF,” explained Ms Ward, “is our commitment to equality of opportunity and advancement for women in business.”

The annual forum is sponsored by numerous Connecticut-based companies.

Dr Ellen Durnin from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, and BWF member, is chairwoman of the 2009 Business Women’s Forum.

“For the past 27 years, this forum has provided attendees with access to phenomenal speakers, networking opportunities, and diverse training,” she said. “Each year, the forum has featured such prominent, high-profile keynote speakers as Goldie Hawn, Jamie Lee Curtis, Suze Orman, Jane Seymour, Susan St James, Chris Madden, Ann Curry, Jack Ford, and Faith Popcorn.”

Ms Roberts has a personal connection to the event’s theme of “Bouncing Back: New Hopes, New Dreams, New Ways.” A survivor of breast cancer since 2007, Roberts has been an outspoken advocate for increasing awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection, and one of the morning workshops, “Think Pink,” will highlight that important subject.

Additional morning workshops will include: “Social Media Spaghetti: The Bare Minimum You Need to Know to Untangle It All”; “When We’re Dealt Lemons, Let’s Make Lemonade: Mind Mapping the Next New You”; “Ten Biggest Mistakes Presenters Make”; “Fundamentals of Launching and Running a Business in Connecticut”; and “Motivated Follow-up: The Secret Sauce to Your Networking Success.”

Afternoon workshops will include: “Developing Your Competitive Edge”; “Lead More With Less”; “Grow Your Gusto”; “Managing Stress and Not Letting It Manage You”; “How to Manage Your Boss”; and “The Crab Bucket…The Way We Do Things”.

Comedy, inspiration, and motivation will start off the 8 am to 5 pm forum. The morning keynote address will be made by performing artist, communications catalyst, motivational speaker, and comedienne Victoria LaBalme. “Crazy, Busy, Nuts: Getting Off the Conveyor Belt of Life” will be the comedic, high-energy program presented by Ms LaBalme.

“It will be packed with hilarious tales and cutting-edge commentary on life-changing experiences,” said Ms Ward. “Her program promises to offer participants practical, applicable tools for managing the chaos of life, and an inspiration for change.” Ms LaBalme has appeared on HBO’s Sex & The City, Caroline’s Comedy Club on Broadway, and 27 television commercials, including one that aired during the 1998 Super Bowl.

At 4 pm, to close 2009 BWF, a wine and cheese reception will be held featuring networking, exhibits, and prizes.

Sponsorship opportunities are still being offered for this predicted sellout 27th Annual Business Women’s Forum. To inquire about supportive sponsorships, contact Ms Ward at the Waterbury Regional Chamber at 203-757-0701, or email her at lward@waterburychamber.com.

Tickets for the 2009 Business Women’s Forum are $175 per person, which includes continental breakfast, lunch, and the closing wine and cheese reception, and can be purchased at www.2009bwf.com.