Connecticut Women's Business Development Council 'Women With Impact' Breakfast A Huge Success

STAMFORD, CT, November 30, 2012 (Press-News.org) The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) today held its annual Business Breakfast at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa in Stamford, CT. This year's program theme, "Connect-Grow-Influence: Women With Impact," focused on the important effect that women business owners have as decision makers, change agents, and economic influencers.

"As WBDC has grown and our scope of services has expanded to meet the ever changing needs of our clients in this unpredictable environment so too has our signature fundraising event grown and expanded. WBDC has evolved into a nationally respected and recognized voice on the topic of women and entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. We want to share with you the importance of the fastest growing segment of our nation's economy-WOB's. And how these enterprises, owned and operated by women continue to dramatically contribute to transform the economy as we know it into a robust and thriving economy," said Fran Pastore, WBDC CEO and President.

This year's theme continued throughout the conversation related to women accessing markets and capital in order to create jobs and taxpayers. The theme was initiated during the WBDC 2011 Business Breakfast that featured David Gergen, renowned political commentator and former presidential advisor.

Connecticut' First Lady and CEO of Greater Hartford Arts Council Cathy Malloy, the Breakfast Chairwoman has been actively involved with WBDC since its inception. "I am thrilled and delighted to witness the growth and influence of WBDC over the past fifteen years. It is an honor to be part of this prestigious organization," stated Cathy Malloy.

The 2012 Breakfast featured Kathy Kappy Lundquist, president and ceo of APTMetrics, Inc. as Event Chair. The Breakfast panel discussion was led by moderator, Chrystia Freeland, Editor, Thomson Reuters Digital. Esteemed executives and entrepreneurs rounded out the panel disc ussion and included: Susan Sobbott, President, American Express OPEN; Barbara Kasoff, President, Women Impacting Public Policy; Lisa Price, Founder, Carol's Daughter; and WBDC client, Amy Davis, Founder, Kiss-u Corps LLC.

A discussion of the current landscape for women entrepreneurs and how leadership on Pennsylvania Avenue, Capitol Hill and Wall Street will shape future policies and economic opportunities was highlighted on the agenda.

"Diverse leadership teams make smarter, more creative business decisions. Supporting women entrepreneurs is good for business and good for women. That's why I support efforts like those of the WBDC," stated Chrystia Freeland.

WBDC historically honors one of their members each year at the Breakfast. The award is named in memory of Deb Ziegler, a WBDC board member who represented the organization with an incomparable entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence. The 2012 WBDC Deb Ziegler Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence was awarded at the Breakfast to Liz Gilbert, owner of Gilbert's Gourmet Goodies for her personal tenacity, belief in her product and willingness to grow and evolve as an entrepreneur.

For the second year in a row First Niagara Bank Foundation was featured as the Marquee Sponsor at the event. Other major sponsors include: Hearst Media Services, The Vince and Linda McMahon Family Foundation, Peyton R. Patterson, Purdue Pharma L.P., AARP Connecticut, American Express OPEN, TD Bank, UBS, Xerox Corporation, APTMetrics, Inc., Pitney Bowes, Bourgeon Capital Management LLC, The Cue Ball Group, Shipman & Goodwin LLP and Stamford Hospital Foundation.

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic independence. WBDC is the leader of entrepreneurial and financial training for women in Connecticut and has been educating, empowering and promoting women through entrepreneurship, financial education and expanded career opportunities for 15 years. For more information visit www.ctwbdc.org or call 203-353-1750.