Women-owned businesses are the fastest- growing firms in America, and companies that promote women and people of color enhance their bottom line. Event highlights include keynote speaker: Marilyn Johnson, Vice President of Market Development at IBM Marilyn Johnson is Vice President, Market Development for the IBM Corporation. In this capacity, she leads an organization responsible for developing IBM’s strategy for and marketing to businesses owned or operated by Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and Women in the Americas. Her mission includes women owned and women led businesses in selected markets around the globe. She is an executive with extensive management experience in sales and marketing in the information technology industry. She has held leadership positions in and continues to be a member of many business and professional organizations. She has held positions on the Executive Boards of the Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Foundation, the National Council of Negro Women, American Airlines Marketing Advisory Council and Advisory Board for One World Theater in Austin, Texas. Marilyn has been applauded for her active commitment to mentoring and coaching activities. She currently has 16 mentees. Marilyn says, "Where I was born and where I have lived is unimportant. It is what I am doing now, to help businesses grow, that I hope is of value. " Thursday, July 22, 2010 11:30am-1:30pm Petterino's 150 North Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60601-3205 Member Registration-$35.00 Non-Member Registration-$45.00 Bundle of 5 Tickets-$175.00 Bundle of 10 Tickets-$300.00 (Please indicate the name and company of all attendees in the comments section, also indicate a vegetarian meal if applicable)