Michigan Business and Professional Association To Honor Top Women Leaders

18^th Annual Women and Leadership in the Workplace Symposium and Awards Event is Feb. 4, 2014

WARREN, Mich., Jan. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Women leaders will be honored by the Michigan Business and Professional Association at its 18^th Annual "Women and Leadership in the Workplace" Symposium and Awards program on February 4, 2014 at The Henry in Dearborn. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. followed by a lunch. The conference runs until 2:00 p.m.

The event is held to promote high professional standards, encourage leadership, provide education and assure equal advantages for women. More than 500 women are expected to attend. WDIV-TV 4 anchor Rhonda Walker will emcee the awards presentation.

This year's honorees represent extraordinary professional women who have excelled in their chosen profession. They include:

• Alyssa Martina, Metro Parent
• Jayne Homco, Kroger-Michigan
• Loretta Davis, Institute for Population Health
• Donna Inch, Ford Land
• Kristina Marshall, Winning Futures
• Ann Thomas, WJR
• Shooting Stars (women under age 40): Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, MEDC; Erin O'Brien
  Central Michigan University Research Corporation and Deidre Greene Groves, Challenge Detroit/The Collaborative Group
  

"Today's women business leaders need to be recognized for their contributions to our economy," said Jennifer Kluge, MBPA president.  "This year our honorees are great examples of how women are making an impact in Michigan and we are pleased to give them the recognition they so richly deserve."

This year's keynote speaker is Sandra Pierce, chairman and CEO of FirstMerit Michigan. The event will also include an interactive session, panelists will discuss "Calculating your ROI." This panel will explore: What are your skills that set you apart from others? How have/can you personally help the company achieve goals? How can you carry your ROI throughout your career?  How do you use your ROI to leverage and market yourself?        

The program concludes with luncheon, a StyleLine Fashion Show and speaker Glenda Lewis from WXYZ TV 7, who will share inspirational examples of women's strength, determination and success.

The symposium is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Corp! Magazine, Comcast Spotlight, Clark Hill, Davenport University, Detroit Free Press, DTE Energy, MGM Grand Detroit, St. John Providence Health System, Staples and StyleLine Magazine, as well as a distinguished advisory committee of leading businesswomen and community leaders.

Association members can purchase tickets for $90 and non-member tickets are available for $100.  Admission includes all workshops and the awards lunch. For more information, to register or learn about sponsorship opportunities, call 586-393-8800 or visit www.michbusiness.org. 

The mission of the Women & Leadership in the Workplace Conference and Awards program is to provide education, encourage leadership, high professional standards, and assure equal opportunities for women to demonstrate these qualities in the workplace.

The Michigan Business and Professional Association boasts a statewide sphere of influence that no other organization of its kind can claim, leveraging a depth of programs and community initiatives that positively impact more than 150,000 businesses. Learn more at www.michbusiness.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact: 
Sue Voyles  (734) 667-2005
-or-          
Jennifer Kluge (586) 393-8800

SOURCE Michigan Business & Professional Association