Giannoulias hosts Smart Women Smart Money seminar in Bloomington

Honors two local women for financial achievements

Sept. 7 , 2007

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias will honor two local women Monday at his first Smart Women Smart Money conference in Bloomington.

Giannoulias will name Julie Kubsch, owner of Specs Around Town, the 2007 Woman on the Rise for Bloomington. Kubsch is being recognized for her entrepreneurial skills in launching her own mobile eye care clinic and eyewear boutique.

Dixie Mills, former dean of the Illinois State University College of Business, will be named the 2007 Woman of Excellence for Bloomington. Mills is being recognized for helping countless women pursue master’s degrees in business.

“There is a saying – ‘Women and money. They are two of the strongest things in the world,’” Giannoulias said. “Smart Women Smart Money conferences like these are designed to strengthen that relationship and recognize women’s extraordinary achievement. As the financial health of women improves, so too does the financial health of neighborhoods, communities and the state of Illinois.”

The Smart Women Smart Money conference will feature remarks from Giannoulias and several local financial and business experts. The conference is sponsored by Dollars and Sense Inc., a non-profit organization.

The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10 at the Doubletree Hotel, 10 Brickyard Drive. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the program concludes after lunch. The event is free but registration is required.

Smart Women Smart Money conferences, now in their seventh year, present a unique opportunity for women to learn about current financial issues, network with other women, and showcase their businesses and organizations. The Bloomington event is one of six being held across the state this year.

Local entrepreneur Julie Dobski will be the luncheon speaker, sharing her experiences and ideas on how women can start their own businesses. Owner and founder of Little Jewels Learning Center and co-owner of a McDonald’s restaurant, Dobski is a past president of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson of the Economic Development Council.

“In this era of easy credit, home foreclosures, and record bankruptcy filings, we need to give women the tools to make smart financial decisions,” Giannoulias said. “Our goal with the Smart Women Smart Money conference is to help women feel more secure and succeed financially in the future.”

Rebecca Hines, president and CEO of the YWCA of McLean County will moderate a panel entitled, “I’m All Alone, Now What? – How to Prepare for the Unexpected.” Panelists will discuss the importance of estate planning, wills and power of attorney, as well as tax issues and the financial skills one needs to be independent, particularly if they are widowed or divorced.

The panel will consist of four local experts: Patricia Reece, senior vice president at Commerce Trust Co.; Mary Ann Webb, a partner at Sulaski & Webb CPA; Gina Wood, a partner in the Thomson & Weintraub law firm; and Rose Stadel, director of operations for the Central Region of Heritage Enterprises, who was widowed in her 50s.

“As CEO of the YWCA, I appreciate the importance of economically empowering women,” Hines said. “Smart Women Smart Money is an excellent way to provide women with the tools they need to achieve their financial goals.”

Additional conference topics in Bloomington include business startup and growth, debt elimination, investing and asset protection. Information also will be available on the Bright Start College Savings Program and other Treasurer’s Office resources.

For more information or to register for this event, contact Kristen Zueck at (217) 524-8881 or log onto www.treasurer.il.gov and follow the “Financial Education” or “Smart Women Smart Money” links.