SPEAKER: Katie Beard
TOPIC:  Helping Small Businesses Understand Their Tax Responsibilities

KATIE'S BIO: Katie Beard has been employed with the Federal Government for over 30 years, of which 19 years can be credited to work as a Revenue Agent in the Internal Revenue Service, Small Business/Self-Employed Examination division. She currently works as a Senior Stakeholder Liaison in the Internal Revenue Service, Small Business/Self-Employed-Communications, Liaison and Disclosure division. The mission of the Communications, Liaison and Disclosure division is to align our activities with IRS goals to “…improve taxpayer service, enhance enforcement of tax law and modernize the IRS through its people, processes and Technology.”

SPEAKER: Wendi Ramsay
TOPIC: “Do you know where your dollars are going? QuickBooks – a Solution”

• Do you find yourself wondering why you have money coming in but it is still hard to pay the bills each month? 
• Do you wonder why you have money coming in but take very little or none home for yourself?
• Do you wonder if you are making any money at all?
  Learn to use QuickBooks to help you answer these questions and better manage your business financially.

WENDI'S BIO:Over 25 years experience as a CPA specializing in accounting and financial statement preparation; payroll processing and taxes; corporate and individual tax planning and preparation; financial analysis and consulting; and software selection and implementation. Prior to founding Ramsay & Associates, Wendi worked for small and large companies as Accounting Manager, Director of Financial Reporting and Planning and most recently Chief Financial Officer.  Wendi’s industry experience includes professional services, biotech, technology, healthcare and manufacturing.  She has worked with both mature and start-up firms.As a corporate executive and entrepreneur, Wendi knows what it takes to build a business, manage cash flow and create profitable and sustainable growth.

SPEAKER: Cindy Byrd
TOPIC: “The Value of Branding Your Business”

Imagine your business having a personality so magnetic that customers and employees clearly understand what your business stands for and what it delivers, view your business as distinctively different, and develop passionate loyalty and pride in being associated with your products and services – what would that do to the success of your business? 

This interactive session will define branding and help participants become more aware of their business brand and the message it conveys to others.  Learning and discussion topics include:

• Developing Brand Identity and Brand Personality
• The Power of Brand Impressions
• How Branding Builds Familiarity and Favorability
• The 10 Cs of Branding
• Building Brand Credits and Minimizing Brand Debits

CINDY'S BIO:Cindy Byrd has over 25 years combined experience in retail and higher education settings as a manager, business owner, professional trainer, and faculty member.  As president and CEO of Image Potential, she designs and conducts customized training programs and consulting services focused on helping businesses and organizations create positive and distinctive experiences for their customers and employees.  Her areas of expertise include internal branding and communication, business etiquette, image management, leadership development, and public speaking.
Cindy is also a member of the full-time business administration faculty at Robert Morris College, teaching courses in marketing and management.  She holds a B.A. in management and M.A. in marketing and management, both from the University of Illinois at Springfield.  She is also a certified leadership development studies instructor and is a frequent speaker for professional organizations at the local, state, and national levels.  Cindy was a recipient of the 25 Women in Leadership Award for 2004.