Lorraine Reafsnyder
HR Advisors

Lorraine Reafsnyder is President of HR Advisors, Inc. Since founding the company in 1986, Ms Reafsnyder has provided consulting services covering the entire spectrum of Human Resources with a specialty in organizing and staffing HR departments.

Ms Reafsnyder and HR Advisors are featured in the book entitled Seed-Stage Venture Investing: The Ins and Outs for Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, and Investors on Successfully Starting a Business.

HR Advisors has over 26 years of experience in providing companies of all sizes, from large public companies to small private companies with a complete suite of Human Resources solutions and services for a fraction of the cost of even the smallest HR departments.

"It is our objective to provide the best solution for you and your company depending on the size of your business". From as little as $20.00 per day, we can provide you with all of the legal and regulatory requirements plus all of the HR support you may need for today's business environment. As an example: HR Advisors will offer you an independent assessment of your HR practices to help identify if you are in compliance or not with an action plan for you to mitigate your risk.

"Whether you need an employee handbook, or a highly skilled HR consultant to work on-site with you in developing and implementing your Human Resource Programs, we can be there to help you create a positive work environment for your employees and reduce the risk of your company's exposure"

HR Advisors also provides innovative and scalable staffing solutions to companies of any size. "We provide our clients with an alternative to standard contingency and retained agency fees by utilizing one of more of our recruiters on an hourly basis and we offer the flexibility of either long or short-term assignments"

Check out our new website at: www.hradvisors.com!

Aly McFarlane
Benchmark Information Technology

Benchmark Information Technology (BIT) specializes in working with small and medium-sized businesses to keep their computer systems operating efficiently, securely and without costly interruptions. We also keep them abreast of the ever-evolving technological landscape. Given the current economic situation, it's only natural that businesses are more closely focused on the bottom line when it comes to their computer network needs. Yet this focus can also result in compromised service if they select an IT company that places more emphasis on numbers than performance. This is where Benchmark differs from our competitors.

While I wear several hats at BIT -including overseeing the company's daily operations and overall business development -I've always considered client relations the most important aspect of my job. At Benchmark, we don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach to IT service. We do believe in working closely with each client to provide computer network solutions that are custom-tailored to their individual needs. We believe in providing immediate technical assistance with any computer systems issues. And we believe in giving clients peace of mind when it comes to the technology they rely upon to maintain and grow their businesses.

Sure, we can crunch the numbers with the best of them, and my extensive background in the financial services industry enables me to find the most cost-effective solutions for each of the businesses we work with. But I'm convinced that what puts Benchmark Information Technology on the leading edge of the IT service industry is our dedication to treating each of our clients, regardless of size, like a Fortune 500 company when it comes to respect, service and performance. And that, to me, is the most important bottom line of all.

For more information, visit us online at: www.benchinfotech.com or call: 562-508-4182.

Judy Rose
JLR Communications

When you need great copy, I want to be the person you call. I write original text for brochures, websites, advertisements, newsletters, blogs, press releases, and other marketing materials. Or, if you already have text that's not quite good enough, I'll transform it into something that works.

I have a knack for picking up on your ideas and conveying your information in a way that everybody can understand, and in a style that makes them want to keep reading. I'll find the approach that captures the essence of your products and services and suits your company perfectly. I'm your"Yes! That's exactly what I want to say" person.

Good copy is the cornerstone of good marketing. Graphics and design are important, of course. They attract attention, but they don't convince the customer to buy. Your copy has to do that. With so many competitors vying for every purchasing dollar, this is no time for "do-it-yourself." Think about how important good writing is to the success of your business. I've been writing and helping perfect other people's writing all my life. Call me, and let's discuss your project.

One last thought: if you have employees whose writing doesn't meet your company's high standards, ask me about my Writing Repair services. I can make the problem go away instantly!

Janice Briggs
President, La Dolce Vita Retreats

Janice Briggs is a professional Life Coach and the President of La Dolce Vita Retreats. La Dolce Vita Retreats offers women international vacations that combine experiential learning and creative self-expression to enhance one's mind, body and spirit. These journeys of enrichment take place in exquisite European locales and provide nurturing and supportive environments. We celebrate the camaraderie of women as we address life transitions. We share our stories and re-discover our essential selves. We inspire each other. We play. We laugh. We reflect. We replenish our whole beings.

"The concept for La Dolce Vita Retreats evolved about a decade ago, at a time of reflection and transition in my life. I embarked on a self-exploratory journey in which I determined what most fulfilled me. I noted those values I most cherished and was not willing to abandon. I also documented all of life's enriching opportunities to which I had aspired but, for various reasons, had not accomplished.

I realized that I had the capacity within me to create the life I wanted to live, one that embraced my passions and my values. I envisioned a place where the camaraderie of women could be celebrated and nourished. Hence, La Dolce Vita Retreats was born."

Shaila Mistry
President, Jayco MMI, Inc.
Vice President , Jayco Interface Technology, Inc.
South Asian Best Woman Entrepreneur 2008

Shaila Rao Mistry President of Jayco MMI was Awarded South Asian Best Woman Entrepreneur for 2008 by SABAN ,South Asian Business Association Network in recognition of her accomplishment. SABAN consists of South Asians in America, an emerging highly skilled and professional market, playing a vital role in the US economy.

Jayco develops, designs, engineers and manufactures cutting-edge interface products designed to improve human machine interaction - Jayco makes complex technology easy to use. The expertise includes design and development of control panels, membrane switches, and touch screens, to name a few. Manufacturing is done in California and the Far East. Examples include control panels for laser eye surgery, land-surveying devices using GPS technology, and an interface system used in aircraft carriers. In 2008, the company plans further global ventures to showcase the product in growing markets worldwide. With this in mind Ms. Mistry lead an all woman trade delegation to Belgium and Netherlands.

Ms. Mistry is a superb example of a woman who successfully balances the multiple passions of family, life and career - but who also is determined to make a significant impact in the world.

She has served locally as City Commissioner. Nationally she sits on several boards and is active in public policy on issues relating to both business environment and health care matters. Commendably she was instrumental in passing the Bill on Human Trafficking signed into Law in California. Mistry serves on the Board of NAWBO's OC and is active at NAWBO's State and national level.

Internationally she has served as delegate to several United Nations Summits in Geneva, New York and Tunisia, and serves on the Status of Women Commission and on WSIS for the past 5 years and her efforts continues to gather steam. Her next effort is in the area of Micro Credit for women in developing countries.

In her own words, "Accomplishments are a credit not only to the individual but are a showcase of honor to the family, community and the culture that they are a part of. A contribution has greater value when shared. I like others to share my path and join me so that our combined strength has greater impact."

She holds four Masters Degrees and is a Fellow . Born in India, educated in England; she has lived in several countries and has learned 11 languages. She has received numerous awards and recognitions including Top 20 Women in Orange County.

Sunny Rajab
Chief Executive, Business Communications Solutions

When the 2001 economic downturn left Sunny Rajab unemployed, she decided to become her own boss. Rajab, who was 20 at the time, used some of the money she saved while working for another telecommunications company to start Business Communications Solutions.

The Irvine-based company generates about $4 million in yearly sales installing cabling, phones, computers and other communications gear at businesses. Rajab, now 27, runs the company as chief executive.

BCS installs cabling and sets up phones, computers and other communication equipment from companies like Cisco and Toshiba. BCS also sells services from AT&T, Cox, etc..

Rajab's business targets small to midsize companies that don't want to tap several contractors and vendors to set up their communications systems, she said.

"A lot of startup companies are so busy getting their businesses off the ground that they don't have time to think about how they're going to set up their communications (gear)," she said. Getting BCS off the ground wasn't easy. Like the startup businesses Rajab often works with, BCS dealt with limited money, long hours, managing costs, hiring and building customers. New and changing technology keeps BCS on its toes when it comes to learning how to install and use products, she said. "We invest a lot of money in training our workers so that they have a lot of knowledge about new products and technologies out on the market," Rajab said. BCS, like other businesses in OC, is bracing for a slower economy. The company lost a few customers in the mortgage and finance sectors due to last year's subprime mortgage meltdown and subsequent credit crunch, Rajab said. This year, BCS plans to become more aggressive about attracting business. The company also plans to introduce products and services so that it can offer more to customers.

Sherri Jones
Occasion & Event Designer, Hidden Secret Events

FROM RECEPTIONS TO BAR/BAT MITZVAH'S, QUINCEANERA'S TO SUMMER CELEBRATIONS AND CORPORATE EVENTS. . . WE BELIEVE THAT THE DECOR, WHICH SETS THE TONE FOR YOUR DESIRED AMBIANCE, IS IMPERATIVE. OUR SERVICE FOR YOU IS ASSISTANCE IN MAKING YOUR EVENT A REFERSHING SOURCE OF COMFORT, VISUAL PLEASURE AND AMUSEMENT. LET US HELP YOU SPICE UP YOUR CELEBRATION OR EVENT RESULTING IN A DELIGHTFUL EVENT EXPERIENCE FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS. www.hiddensecretevents.com, 949.275.0355, 949.360.6244

Janet O’Connor
O’Connor Creative

How many times have you heard, “You only have one chance to make a good first impression?” Whether you’re a business owner handing out cards or sending out direct mail on company letterhead, these elements have a lot to say about how professional you appear to clients and prospective customers. At O’Connor Creative, we provide business owners with a customized program of marketing services tailored to any size budget and any size project, while still offering individual attention and exceptional customer service. Whether you need a corporate brochure, new business card, logo design or a customized database for a mailer, we offer “one-stop shopping,” ultimately saving you time and money. Some of our services include:

Graphic design
Printing services
Database lists and mailing services
Seminar coordination and special events
Promotional items

If you’re just starting out in business or need an updated look for 2008, take advantage of the special Business Builder package offered exclusively for NAWBO members. Our special includes a customized logo, business card and letterhead stationary design--all for one inclusive price! With O’Connor Creative, our goal is to help you to make a lasting impression and get the business you deserve! For a complimentary consultation call Janet O’Connor at 888-262-8988.

“How marketing and events are done with innovation, integrity and fun!”