‘Accessing Capital’ Theme Of 9th Annual WBDC Business Breakfast

TRUMBULL — The Women’s Business Development Center will be holding its ninth annual WBDC AM Business Breakfast fundraising event at the Trumbull Marriott on October 21, from 7:30 to 9:30.

This year’s breakfast is titled “Enterpri$ing Women — Acce$$ing Capital,” with NewAlliance Bank as the title sponsor. Xerox, the United Illuminating Company, and Bigelow Tea are also primary sponsors of the event.

Peyton R. Patterson, chairman and CEO of NewAlliance Bank, will be the keynote speaker. The event chairwoman is Mary-Jane Foster, vice president of community relations at the University of Bridgeport; co-chairwoman is Susan Pomerance, owner of the Yofi Collection; and the event’s emcee is Lisa Wexler, WNLK radio host.

Mr Patterson will be participating in a live interview with Rebecca Surran, anchor of News12 Connecticut. The interview will address financial issues facing small businesses today and will offer direction, guidance, and insight on the banking industry’s support of small business.

Margaret “Peg” Sheahan will serve as honorary chairwoman of the breakfast. She will be recognized for her instrumental work in WBDC’s growth, leadership, and vision, as well as supporting numerous nonprofit agencies throughout Connecticut. Ms Sheahan is a partner in the law firm, Mitchell & Sheahan, PC, in Stratford and has served on the WBDC Board of Directors since 2001.

A special highlight of the breakfast will be the unveiling of WBDC’s new marketing strategy, complete with a new name and modernized logo.

“WBDC has progressed dramatically since its start in 1997. What started as one center, one destination, is now many destinations,” said Fran Pastore, CEO of WBDC. “The new marketing strategy reflects this expansion. We have grown from delivering classes in Fairfield County to serving clients throughout the entire state in order to become the leader of entrepreneurial and financial training for women in Connecticut. In fact, WBDC is one of only 100 Women’s Business Centers in the country, which were created as part of a congressional initiative to empower women.”

In addition to the breakfast, guests will enjoy the Enterpri$ing Women Showcase, a pre- and postevent opportunity to network and connect with small business owners and companies focused on job development and growth. The showcase will highlight WBDC women-owned businesses, companies that focus on small business and those dedicated to job growth and development.

For those unable to attend the breakfast, the Showcase will be held from 9:30 am to noon, and is free of charge.

Individual event tickets are $75 each and may be purchased at www.ctwbdc.org. For sponsorship information, or to participate in the Showcase, contact Mary Laughlin at 203-532-1130.