Speaker Biographies
These were the speakers for the 2011 Women's Business Conference. Check back in early 2012 for the 2012 Conference speakers.
Speakers by last name: A-J | K-P | Q-Z
Laurel Robertson, Dinner's On
About Laurel:
Laurel Robertson is the chef owner of Dinner's On, LLC ~ A Culinary Experience and the creator of Dinner's On at Silver Spring Cooking Classes held at The Huntsinger Red Brick Farmhouse in Eau Claire, WI. Laurel started Dinner's On in December of 2004, and is a Certified Personal Chef through the United States Personal Chef Association. She offers cooking classes, catering, personal chef services, and corporate and personal consulting services. Robertson is incredibly passionate about healthy balance in life. She was raised to know the value of family. As a wife and mother of two, finding quality time is key. Time with family, friends, and even the occasional minute for herself is what makes her world go around. Recognizing how busy we are in this era she, through her unique business, is able to bring more hours to individuals, and families, each day.
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Laurel will be speaking at the following session:
- Business Success Stories (Session 1: 9:00 - 10:00 am)
Kathryn Rulien-Bareis, B Able To, Inc.
About Kathryn:
Kathryn started her first business, Kathy's Rock Shop, in 1969. In 1980, she began her second business, Glass House & Studio. She graduated from UWEC in 1982 with a BA in art education and in 1987 with a BS in elementary education. In 2004, she started her third business, B Able To, Inc., to encourage more accessibility to visual art. She continues to teach at DeLong Middle School in Eau Claire.
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Kathryn will be moderating at the following session:
- Roundtable: Arts & Crafts Industry (Session 1: 9:00 - 10:00 am)
Carlene Schultz, Schultz's Country Barn
About Carlene:
After renovating the family farm barn, Carlene Schultz opened Schultz's Country Barn, a consignment craft shop in Eleva, WI in September 2006. Through the rustic renovation, the interior of the barn still holds its charm with original timbers, some cow stanchions and drinking cups. Above the shop, a large loft is available for rent for weddings, reunions, and parties. The barnyard has a collection of animals, including goats, chickens, llamas and a donkey. In the fall, Schultz's Country Barn, LLC has a host of seasonal activities including a corn maze, wagon rides, and fall produce sales - including hundreds of pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes. Carlene has not only created a successful business, but a highly sought destination drawing tourists from throughout Western Wisconsin to her rural community.
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Carlene will be speaking at the following session:
- Business Success Stories (Session 1: 9:00 - 10:00 am)
Joan Sosalla, Educational Opportunity Centers Program, UW-Eau Claire
About Joan:
Joan Sosalla has a background of working in all forms of education in Wisconsin (instruction as well as administration - from the K-12, technical college and university settings). At the same time, she has developed training for business and industry for over 16 years. Joan continues to consult with businesses and serves as a life coach to a wide range of individuals. She has a PhD in Administration and Learning Disabilities.
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Joan will be speaking at the following session:
- Are Customers & Vendors Driving you Crazy? (Session 1: 9:00 - 10:00 am)
Educational Opportunity Centers Program, UW-Eau Claire also has an exhibitor table at the 2011 WBC.
Christina Thrun, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin
About Christina:
Christina Thrun holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. She spent 4 years working for Western Dairyland's Business Centers where she assisted small business clients in starting and growing their businesses through training and one-on-one counseling. She currently works as the Development and Marketing Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin where she is responsible for all marketing and public relations.
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Christina will be speaking or moderating at the following sessions:
- Marketing Plans: More Than Just Flyers and Facebook (Session 1: 9:00 - 10:00 am)
- Marketing Plans: More Than Just Flyers and Facebook (Session 2: 10:30 - 11:30 am)
Bob Trewartha, Globe University
About Bob:
Bob Trewartha is the Director of Campus and Program Promotions, Globe University, Minnesota School of Business. He holds a Masters Degree in Management and owns his own business as a political consultant. He has 15 years of teaching experience and 25 years of management experience. Bob is a National Speaker on business topics, college admission strategies, community relations and at graduations.
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Bob will be speaking at the following session:
- I Love My Career! (Session 2: 10:30 - 11:30 am)
Colleen Weber, Smiling Moose Deli
About Colleen:
Bio coming soon!
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Colleen will be moderating at the following session:
- Roundtable: Franchising (Session 3: 1:30 - 2:30 pm)
Jim Zons, EZ New Media
About Jim:
Jim Zons owns EZ New Media, a web site development and video production company located in Colfax, WI. He has had over 25 years experience in all aspects of marketing and advertising and has received over two dozen awards for excellence. In addition to working with numerous small and mid-sized businesses here in Western Wisconsin, Jim also works with many large Fortune 500 companies including Walmart, Kellogg's, BP, MillerCoors, Buffalo Wild Wings and more. Learn more about EZ New Media on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or at their web site.
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Jim will be speaking at the following session:
EZ New Media is also a Gold Sponsor and has an exhibitor table at the 2011 WBC.
Speakers by last name: A-J | K-P | Q-Z
