Member/Community News

A SWEET CELEBRATION! Saturday, May 2 will be a night filled with chocolate, champagne, and celebrating when A Woman’s Place (AWP) marks 20 years of the Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy. Such a momentous occasion deserves a memorable party, and AWP is prepared to deliver! The silent and live auctions will be packed with fantastically filled baskets, unique experiences, and fabulous getaways. Enjoy the delicious hors d’oeuvres and a sit-down dinner paired with wine, beer, and bubbly, but don’t ruin your appetite for the night’s main event – a spread of chocolate desserts measuring over 55 feet in length. For more information about the 20th Anniversary Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy tickets and sponsorship packages, please visit http://awomansplace.org/ or contact Heather S. Giampapa at 215.343.9241 x120 or [email protected]. YOUR PERFECT ADVENTURE AWAITS! Raffle tickets are available online now… and you don’t even have to be present at the 20th Anniversary Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy to win! Visit http://tinyurl.com/q99pr2k to get your raffle tickets today. Just $20 each, and the winner will have their choice of one of three fantastic prizes: • You and a guest will enjoy the spirit of the Pacific Northwest with a first-class jaunt to Seattle, WA and Victoria, British Columbia. • Indulge in signature wines and luxurious pampering at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma, CA for 4 days & 3 nights • Top Gun Experience for 2 People as a Fighter Pilot for a Day in a Military Aircraft.

The Women’s Business Forum hosted Chanin Milnazik, owner of Brown Dog Design and founder of the Women’s Business Forum at their January meeting. Chanin started the WBF 14 years ago when she realized there was a great need for a women’s business organization that provided mentoring, inspiration and a little networking on the side for women business owners. Chanin spoke about creating our own opportunities in business. She asked that we imagine our lives on a movie screen one year from now. Do we like what we see? What changes have we made and what do we need to do now to make those positive changes happen? She then asked that we envision what our lives look like in 3 years and then again, in 5 years, and ask ourselves the same questions. What is on that screen? What’s happening with our businesses, our family life, and our personal life? What changes do we need to make or what direction should we go to make the positive things happen? Envision it, know it and grow it. Do this on a regular basis. Make it a positive experience. Chanin also spoke about the future of the Women’s Business Forum. She feels that we are fortunate to have a solid group of members who create a wonderful foundation for each other. We are committed to inspire, educate and create opportunities for our members. And we are committed to continuing to do this in the future. Chanin announced that The Women’s Business Forum plans for the future include celebrating our 14 years of success by giving back to the community by creating a Fund that would be used for micro-loans or grants to deserving women entrepreneurs in the area.

Before SuperBowl 49, NBC10 asked A Woman's Place what we thought about the NFL's response to domestic violence. The answer may surprise you.

Turn key operation - consignment store for sale in Doylestown Contact owner at 215-429-6161 for details

Turn key operation - consignment store for sale in Doylestown Contact owner at 215-429-6161 for details

Susan G. Komen Philadelphia® has selected A Woman’s Place as one of 25 Delaware Valley organizations being recognized as a Komen Philadelphia Women's Champion. The 25 organizations were selected by Komen Philadelphia as part of the 25th Celebration Year for the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure®, and will be presented the Women's Champion Awards at the event's Kick-Off Party on February 6. "We are honored to have been chosen as an organization of integrity by an organization that itself is so well respected and has helped paved the way to revolutionizing the face of breast cancer in our world," said Ifeoma U. Aduba, Executive Director, A Woman’s Place. "So often organizations like ours are seen for what we do in our specific service mission – it is truly special to be considered an integral part of something bigger… to be recognized as a foundation of women's past, present and future growth."

By: Deb Oliver: Yoon Cannon, of Paramount Business Coach, LLC, a businesswoman, entrepreneur and mother of three residing in Buckingham, spoke to the Women’s Business Forum about advanced goal setting for serious entrepreneurs who wish to double their business in 2015. Yoon believes you should, “begin with the why”. She states that, “Starting with ‘I want to make this in earnings or this in revenue’ is the wrong approach. You need to know what you are an expert in and have the ability to convey to your potential clients how you can help them.” Yoon feels that no matter what your business type there is a pool of clients dying to find you because you can offer change for them and with that change comes success for both of you. The next step is the what. What will change for you? What is driving you? What is the outcome or goal you are trying to achieve? Yoon gave an example of wishing to spend more time as a working mother with her children when they were younger. For her to gain more freedom and fulfillment in both areas of her life she realized she needed to scale back her work to part time in order to create the work/life balance she desired. Defining who is your type A client is a process best defined by three tier levels. Again Yoon used an anecdote to delineate this procedure. She says, “When I was looking into getting a pet I began the search with puppies. I further refined the search by those that didsn’t shed. This led to several breeds from which I chose Golden Doodles.” The same method can be used to define and refine your customer base narrowing down the client pool until you have the exact demographic that will support your business. Finally Yoon spoke about the how as in how people can work with you. She used a graphic of an inverted cone on point with the largest category being offering something free and working down the choices to the maximum payoff. She explained how the free offering engages the client and makes them receptive to the subsequent levels of service/product. And she showed us that you can double your business by doubling the people who take you up on the free offer. She suggested we develop a capture strategy as a tool to feed the top of the funnel with people we find through our content, cash and our community. Yoon feels a goal without a plan is a wish. She thinks that we should learn to differentiate between goals and tactics, systems and goals. She encourages having one big push for the year and remembering that most achievers don’t achieve every goal. Yoon says, “If you want your life/business to change your mind must change.”

At the Doylestown Bookstore on Main Street, January Women's Business Book Club will be facilitated by Maria Evans of Martino Evans Communication. The book is Decisive, by Chip & Dan Heath. It's a really great book and I look forward to seeing all of you on January 22, at 5:30 pm at the bookshop. According to Glenda Crooks, proprietor: The core group are great conversationalists, great at sharing stories. So there's is much learning from each other. I'd say it's up to you how you want to lead the discussion. You can use visuals if you want, but you can also just share your own experiences based on the book. I always tell the women if they do not read the book, they should attend anyway, because the discussion is always so good, there's always much to learn. The group arrives around 5:30, and enjoys some wine and snacks. Then at 6:00 we get started. We sit in a circle of chairs at the magazine section of the store. I will welcome the group and introduce you. By 7:00 we try to end the discussion. Some women hang around after to talk. All are welcome!

YOUR ANNUAL FINANCIAL TO-DO LIST The end of the year is a good time to review your personal finances. What are your financial, business or life priorities for 2015? Try to specify the goals you want to accomplish. Think about the consistent investing, saving or budgeting methods you could use to realize them. Also, consider these year-end moves. Ask us about our BUDGET program... this will help you gt restarted from a great base mark. Think about adjusting or timing your income and tax deductions. If you earn a lot of money and have the option of postponing a portion of the taxable income you will make in 2014 until 2015, this decision can bring you some tax savings. You might also consider accelerating payment of deductible expenses if you are close to the line on itemized deductions – another way to potentially save some bucks. RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS FOR THE FUTURE Think about putting more in your 401(k) or 403(b) if you are up to 60? The IRS has announced the contribution limit for 2015. Given the moderate inflation of late.... if you can , know that the annual limit rise will be $18,000 with a $6000 catch-up contribution also allowed if you are age 50 or older. Has your 2014 contribution reached the annual limit? Would you like it to be. There is still time to put more into your employer-sponsored retirement plan. If not many can set up contributions in IRAS and ROTHs here. Can you max out your IRA contribution at the start of 2015? If you can do it, do it early - the sooner you make your contribution, the more interest those assets will earn. (If you haven’t yet made your 2014 IRA contribution, you can still do so through April 17, 2015. Can you have a ROTH ? Roth IRA Income Limits for Married Filers (Joint) If you file as married filing joint or as a qualifying widow(er) your income must be less than $181,000 to contribute up to the limit. If your income falls between $181,000 and $191,000 you cannot contribute up to the limit. Your contribution is reduced. Should you go Roth between now and the end of 2014 and 2015 ? While you can no longer divide the income from a Roth IRA conversion across two years of federal tax returns, converting a traditional IRA into your ROTH , may make sense for another reason: federal taxes might be higher in 2015. Consult us before you make any 401k or IRA moves. You will want see how it may affect your overall financial picture. The tax consequences of a Roth conversion can get sticky if you own multiple traditional IRAs. Consider the tax impact of any 2014 transactions. Did you sell any real property this year – or do you plan to before the year ends? Did you start a business? Are you thinking about exercising a stock option? Could any large commissions or bonuses come your way before the end of the year? Did you sell an investment that was held outside of a tax-deferred account? Any of these moves might have a big impact on your taxes. You may wish to make a charitable gift before New Year’s Day. Make a charitable contribution this year and you can claim the deduction on your 2014 return. You could make December the “13th month”. Can you make a January mortgage payment in December, or make a lump sum payment on your mortgage balance? If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, a lump sum payment can reduce the home loan amount and the total interest paid on the loan by that much more. In a sense, paying down a debt is almost like getting a risk-free return. Are you marrying next year, or do you know someone who is? The top of 2015 is a good time to review (and possibly change) beneficiaries to your 401(k) or 403(b) account, your IRA, your insurance policy and other assets. You may want to change beneficiaries in your will. It is also wise to take a look at your insurance coverage. If your last name is changing, you will need a new Social Security card. Lastly, assess your debts and the merits of your existing financial plans. Are you returning from active duty? If so, go ahead and check the status of your credit, and the state of any tax and legal proceedings that might have been preempted by your orders. Review the status of your employee health insurance, and revoke any power of attorney you may have granted to another person. Don’t delay – get it done. Talk with us anytime and coordinate a tax professional financial meeting as well, so you can focus on being healthier ,wealthier and happier in the New Year.!!

By: Deb Oliver Dr. Beth Weinstock, a clinical psychologist an executive coach and organizational consultant, spoke to the Women’s Business Forum on Wednesday about our Inner Critic/Inner Worrier and how to develop and strengthen the voice of our Inner Coach. Beth, who writes for the Huffington Post, began the process of teaching the assembled members how to empower themselves in the workplace and in their personal lives. She began by telling us the ways we are negative with ourselves and defining the Inner Voice that highjacks our confidence and makes us doubt ourselves by delineating the three areas where this doubt arises. Firstly, she said it is evolutionary. The “negativity bias” evolved with man’s brain being “vigilant toward potential danger and the need to survive”. Once we recognize our predilection towards this behavior we need to manage it. Secondly, our family origins (childhood issues) have a defining influence upon our Inner Critic. If/when our needs as children were not met we decide it was our fault. Beth says, “And if it is our fault, we think we can fix it” and developing that Inner Critic is a protective function to micromanage behavior to meet what we assume are the wants of others. Thirdly, Beth attributes it to growing up female. She states, “by fifth grade girls have become negatively self-referential (I’m not that fat; I’m not that ugly)”. If we are to counteract this thinking we must know what we are saying that is damaging. Thus the development of an Inner Coach needs to be created to thwart the negative message. The Inner Coach is built to take the criticisms and question them. It says stop and allows you to analyze what is happening, investigate what stories you are making up, and stops the “black and white thinking”. It permits you to examine what “beliefs you are making up that are not accurate”. Beth also stated that “women are not as good at failure as men”. She says that possibly because men engage in sports to a greater extent they have a capacity to see loss in a less personalized context, as external. Women, “get devastated” and internalize/personalize it. She feels women need to build up a resilience to combat this Finally, Beth indicated that women need to get better at; negotiating (salary); not being nice; out-besting our friends and conquering the need for perfection. After all, in a study on qualities needed for leadership 70% were what are characteristically associated with women.

Harmony Clean, Inc., a Doylestown house cleaning company serving Central Bucks County and the surrounding area, updated their staff uniforms to pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month and their year-round support of CleaningForAReason.org.

As part of their commitment to the Bucks County, PA community, Harmony Clean, Inc. has partnered with this non-profit since 2007 and has donated over $30,000 and 250 free home cleanings to local women with cancer. “We provide a practical service to women battling cancer that benefits not only patients, but also their families who often become the main caregiver,” said co-owner, Vicki Brown.

There are no income restrictions; those in need simply register online and get matched with a local house cleaning company who then provides four hours of cleaning for four months at no cost. “Our message to women is simply to let us focus on your home, so you can focus on your health,” adds Brown. Enrollment links and information can be found at CleaningForAReason.org.

Harmony Clean, Inc. provides house cleaning services within a 12-mile radius of Doylestown, Pa. They have been certified through GreenAmerica.org, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. They are also members of the professional organization, Association of Residential Cleaning Services International, where they have earned the Seal of Excellence designation and have won the Best of Bucks Award 9 years. To contact Harmony Clean, Inc. to discuss your house cleaning needs or to learn more about free cleaning services for women battling caner, visit harmonyclean.com or call 215-230-7700.

Author, speaker and motivator, Esther Hughes was the featured speaker at the WBF’s September meeting. A teacher and mentor, Esther develops programs to motivate and equip individuals and organizations with strategies that promote personal and professional growth. Using the acronym BURST Esther hopes to Build Uplift Radiant Speakers and Thinkers. Esther feels this time of year, after a summer of relaxation, traveling and family priorities is a time for new beginnings for business owners. And just like children returning to their studies she feels education for adults is transformational and unlocks everyone’s potential. She noted that, “What’s most important in business is goals” because, “goal setting is important to success.” With that in mind Esther has developed the A B C’s of Getting Back To Business. “A” is for additional offerings in your business. Start a newsletter, blog or just offer some freebies to your customers. “B” stands for building confidence. This can be achieved through a new marketing plan, attention to your SEO, public speaking engagements and networking. “C” represents certification and training. She recommends getting additional certifications in your field to enhance your already attained credentials and expand the services you already offer. “D” signifies desire and outcome. Esther says working backward from what your goal is to the steps that will take you there is an effective tool. Finally “E” is about enriching communications. She suggests thinking about who yoru connections are and determining how they will enrich you and your business. Esther also provided us with the Top 10 Ways to Get Back to Business This Fall. Simply put: Through Education! She suggests college programs, adult learning classes, webinars, seminars, networking groups, field trips, social media, Mastermind groups, books and most importantly, WBF colleagues. Inexpensive community college courses and knowledge based adult classes and seminars, the shared experiences at networking events and traveling to get out of the everyday routine of life and business all can enhance you and by extension your business. Additionally, Esther says, “63% of companies say Social Media have increased business traffic and marketing effectiveness.” An avid reader Esther ended by saying, “where you are now and where you will be in five years is from reading.” Knowledge in, successful outcomes out.

Going the "extra mile" for you on your financial journey, is simply how important you are to us. Navigating through all of the financial planning decisions of life is complex, no matter how smart you are, or who you rely on. Teaming up with honest, and experienced financial advisors can help make the road smoother and more rewarding, and aren’t you worth that! Statistics suggest that sound financial advice and service does matter. Based on behavioral studies, financial decisions are being made reactively as needs occurs. Being busy and productive often translates into a lack of time for most people, which may be detrimental to creating sound financial planning decisions. The financial industry is often guilty of reacting and marketing to its audience, thereby creating a new “cultural norm”, one which becomes the new accepted way of behavior. In our industry, transactions begin to replace consultative thinking; product commoditization begins to replace relationships and customization, which may all lead to financial outcomes that eventually fall short in helping individuals reach their financial goals. We refuse to accept the “herd mentality” as a viable financial solution, but rather rely on personalized financial planning and practices in our approach. At Asset Financial Service we are determined to develop a comprehensive plan and winning strategy that will translate into financial success for our clients! I began my career in the financial service industry at age 31 with two preschoolers, and little did I realize that the career path I chose would include a long and hard road of cold calling, prospecting and knocking on doors. My experiences involved client investment-servicing at well-known brokerage firms, marketing and sales of investment and insurance related products, as well as 401(k) plan administration; all of which became integral in my 27 year journey in helping others! I feel fortunate to have the opportunity and privilege to share these many valuable experiences with my clients, with the hopes that they may too benefit. Life is a journey with many roads to travel. At Asset Financial Services we are here to guide and direct you, to reach your financial goals and destination using accountability, attention to detail and active management. Its all about helping you create a better financial life !

By Deb Oliver: The Women’s Business Forum was treated to an energetic and insightful presentation by Francine Graglia, a small business advisor and advocate against “slimy” selling. She has trained intensively with New York Times bestselling author Michael Port and has mastered the proven Book Yourself Solid marketing system. She has earned the status of Elite level and presently helps train Michael’s mentees. Francine doesn’t believe that mere marketing will get your business; it just gets you awareness. She thinks the right kind of marketing in the right place at the right time is the answer. In a target market, “people take notice and want to check you out, see what you stand for, why you do what you do and if your foundation is good.” She says if your price and circumstances suit them you have an opportunity to earn their trust and book the business. Francine thinks there are two self-promotion strategies: Networking and Direct Outreach. In Networking she recommends creating a network of 90 and taking 15 minutes a morning to share everyday what and who we know and how we feel. She further suggests: introducing two people in your network every day; sharing knowledge to three people via articles that pertain to their interests; and sharing compassion to one by reaching out in a personal manner. These are the ways to build relationships that will give back to you in perpetuity and form a foundation for continued success. Through Direct Outreach Francine recommends making a list of 20 people you need to know in related professions that will help you in your business. Look for the synergy to your business i.e. caterers might need to know meeting planners. She says, “Go to the first person on the list and reach out whether through an exchange of ideas” or recommending to them opportunities you feel might work with their business. She gave an example of an author who read books relevant to his market and after making these acquaintanceships would personally send copies to them thus establishing a personal relationship that engendered loyalty. Once that relationship is established Francine suggests moving that person to your list of 90 and continuing through the list of 20 in the same manner. Through this process you have introduced yourself to 20 unknown people, have established relationships that are now part of your 90 and expanded your network of personal connections in a manner that is both professional and personal, genuine and has the potential to reap the financial rewards you wish for you business.

Seven wheelchair-bound seniors from Neshaminy Manor in Warrington were treated to a great day of Phillies baseball at Citizens Bank Park, complete with hot dogs and cheese steaks, thanks to local charity Twilight Wish Foundation and the Phillies organization. The seven residents, along with their Neshaminy Manor caretakers and staff from Twilight Wish, enjoyed a great game Thursday, June 12, 2014 as the Phillies swept the Padres in the series. According to Kathy Bates, Director of Recreation at Neshaminy Manor, all seven seniors are huge Phillies fans and watch every game faithfully. Because they are wheelchair-bound and have limited spending money, being able to leave the facility and attend a Phillies game is a huge treat for them. None of the seniors had ever been to Citizens Bank Park before and thoroughly enjoyed their day at the ballpark! Twilight Wish Foundation is a national nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving elders through wish granting celebrations that connect generations. Since its founding in 2003, Twilight Wish has granted over 2,150 individual wishes to seniors throughout the U.S. Twilight Wish grants wishes to seniors who are 68 and older or a permanent resident of a nursing home and earn less than 200% of poverty level. If you would like to nominate a deserving senior or get involved with Twilight Wish, please visit the website at www.twilightwish.org or call 215-230-8777 ext. 104.

We have just introduced a new program for small business owners whose websites just aren't working for them. You can get a mobile-friendly, search-engine-optimized website starting at only $495! Learn more at http://mikulaweb.com/low_cost_websites.cfm or call us at 215-340-7692.

Christine Gallagher, founder of She’s Got Clients.com, spoke to the Women’s Business Forum™ (WBF™) earlier this month on how women make more money, get more freedom and stand out in their business dealings. With two master’s degrees in the IT field, Gallagher combined her tech background, passion for marketing and social media savvy to transition into entrepreneurship when she lost her job during the recession. She had already started a blog and newsletter in 2004 and expanded on these skills to create and grow her new business and educate others about social media. She said 90 percent of adults use social media, the web influences 50 percent of all sales and blogs influence 65 percent of purchases. She knew social media was insufficiently being used, so she began to combat the myths about social media with practical strategies: 1. To combat the myth that you have to be a master of social media, she said building a community online, having conversations about what you are expert in, and turning friends into followers will get you to the goal. 2. The myth that good ideas and passion are enough to succeed need to be supplemented by knowing how businesses make money, what your model is, what motivates your clients, what is your message and who is your customer. 3. The myth that giving away too much free information is countered by her belief that information given away in your blog, newsletters, etc., is instead will be reciprocated. 4. The myth that you have to be a big player at social media is supplanted with the practical advice to form a joint venture with others who can benefit from working with you. Gallagher advised business owners to get clarity, build your tribe, follow up online/social media, grow a joint venture, make an impact and earn money. And all along the way, she said, “Why go it alone? Get help.” By: Deborah Oliver

How can you protect your business and yourself? Attorney Katherine E. Missimer, from the Philadelphia law firm Obermayer, Rebmann Maxell & Hippel, took a myriad of questions from members of the Women’s’ Business Forum™ earlier this month in Doylestown, providing advice on “Business Throughout the Corporate Cycle: Answers to Real Questions from Real Business Owners.” Missimer, who represents businesses, nonprofits/for profit corporations and health care entities, defined the corporate life cycle by four categories: Formation; Development; Expansion; and Sales/Transfer. 1. The Formation stage addresses whether to incorporate and the protections it affords your business with regard to taxes, liabilities and ownership. Once the business is formed she suggested performing annual corporate maintenance. She recommended purchasing insurance for general, professional and small business liability plus personal injury. 2. The Development stage encompasses increasing awareness of your business and leaving the home office setting. The unforeseen roadblocks to success can be found in not securing your intellectual property logo, not anticipating customer protections, and not securing leases, subleases and defining shared/common area office space. 3. The Expansion stage involves hiring employees, adding a partner, purchasing or leasing office space or franchising your concept. Missimer said having handbooks and contracts in accord with prevailing labor laws eliminates confusion and allows for an easy transition. Defining a person as an employee or independent/sub-contractor is crucial in establishing whether the work product is yours or the contractor’s. She suggests using a Works for Hire contract. 4. Finally, the Sale/Transfer Termination stage involves dissolving your relationship. Neglecting this can leave you libel even if you have been absent from the business for a discernible period of time, she said.

Graciously filling in for the previously scheduled WBF’s speaker, Catherine Cavella, a trademark law and patent advisor attorney deftly informed the WBF’s assembled members about the three things every business owner can do to make more money and avoid lawsuits. They involve developing a custom patent, copywriting trademark and trade secrets and enforcement issues. Catherine informed us that 95% of startups fail in the first year due to a lack of planning. She personally experienced this growing up with an entrepreneurial father who started many businesses but was never a success. Through this experience she came to see the three things that are essential to strong business development and growth: insurance, contracts and trademarks. Catherine advised that insurance is an inexpensive way to protect a company’s cash flow by covering the cost of litigation, especially advertising injury which fights liability. External contracts need to be adequate containing a Non-Disclosure Agreement. They should be tailored to you and your business situation and not boilerplate. Internal contracts, which are those between partners or friends starting a business together, help protect your relationships and clarify what you expect to get and give in the partnership. Defining each participant’s role leaves no guesswork as to whom will assume various responsibilities and actions. Finally, a trademark, which is her first love in law, protects your investment. Your trademark is not necessarily your name but your brand and needs to be thoroughly and comprehensively researched. Doing this research at the start of your business is essential because Catherine states, “after you are successful changing your name/brand is costly, not only in monetary terms but in trade.” Catherine feels that getting your customers to follow you after a name change is a precarious situation and the potential for lost business is great. When the search is completed and your title is clear she suggests securing the trademark immediately. This puts you on the other side of the lawsuit, the winning side.

Do you have surplus business attire or accessories to share with someone just starting her career, or re-entering the workforce? Well, we may have the answer! On March 5, 2014 The Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County will be hosting a suit and accessory drive to benefit Dress for Success Philadelphia, an international non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing them with professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to thrive in work and in life. Over 10,000 women in the greater Philadelphia area have been referred to Dress for Success Philadelphia since July 1, 2008 to receive clothing, career counseling, confidence and career boosts. All donations are tax-deductible. Items can be dropped off at The James Lorah Auditorium, Doylestown PA on: March 5, 2014 between 7-10 am. We can only accept new, or nearly new, women's suits, skirts, slacks, shoes, scarves, handbags and jewelry. If your donations are appropriate to wear to a job interview, we'll take it! No Items to Donate? Maybe you would like to make a financial donation to complete a woman’s interview or new job wardrobe. Dress for Success Philadelphia receives many appropriate items of suits and clothing, but not always in the very small or plus sizes. In addition, they often have a very limited supply of handbags and shoes to provide to the clients. To supplement the inventory, they have created the Dress for Success Philadelphia Fund. This fund allows suit drive participants to make a monetary donation of $5, $10, $20 or $50 along with or in lieu of a donation of business attire. Financial contributions are 100% tax deductible and will go directly toward the purchase of new clothing and shoes for their participants. Dress for Success Philadelphia understands that if a woman does not have a job, she cannot afford professional clothing. However, without the right clothes, she can't get the job! You will be helping someone less fortunate get on the road to self-sufficiency and success! All checks payable to Dress for Success Philadelphia Re: Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County Suit Drive – Dress for Success Philadelphia Fund. If you would like more information on Dress for Success Philadelphia, please go to their website at www.dressforsuccess.org/philadelphia If you have any questions, please call Kim Carter-Guerin of Catalytics Performance Consulting at 484-357-6959. Thank you for your support!