Sue Burns-Co-Owner

A shrunken wool sweater would reduce most of us to tears, but Sue Burns, the “Zuzu” of Baa Baa Zuzu, saw in the wreckage, a new cottage industry.  From her basement beginnings, using recycled woolen garments, Sue has grown to be a local employer of artisans who hand-cut and hand-craft original pieces, based on her designs.  Baa Baa Zuzu is now a full-fledged clothing line. Partnered with her husband, Kevin, Sue's creativity, quality and unqualified perseverance have led Baa Baa Zuzu to be named one of Michigan’s “50 New Companies to Watch.”  Congratulations, Sue!

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Pat DeYoung-Owner

As a working mom in the 1970’s, Pat DeYoung was able to work for fun at the hallmark downtown art supply store, DeYoungs.  But after her husband’s passing, Pat became the sole proprietor of the business, and dealing with the presence of a sixty-year old landmark became a full-time job.  Keeping her niche market was dependent on using the knowledge that the family had accumulated over its many years.  But Pat is more than her business.  While remaining a true advocate of downtown Traverse City, Pat is also a global citizen who volunteers her time as a dental clinician in third world countries.  Congratulation, Pat!

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Trish Gilroy-Owner

A true survivor with an eagle eye on the future, Trish Gilroy has always played on her skills while keeping a keen grasp on which way the wind was blowing.  Never afraid of hard work and always ready for the next challenge, Trish has managed to use her talents to the best of her advantage.  As owner of the French Manor Inn, she combines her past nursing skills with modern business methods to create a caring atmosphere for her clients combined with a thriving business environment that is a win-win situation for all. Congratulations, Trish Gilroy!

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Ricki Blanchard-Owner

It's hard to understand why someone would decide to give up a successful, well-paying career to pursue a path of self-awareness, but for Ricki Blanchard, owner of the Higher Self Bookstore, that choice meant that she could work for herself, set her own hours and make her own rules.  But more importantly, it gave her the opportunity to help other people discover their paths on their own personal journeys.  Congratulations, Ricki!

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Kathleen Weitschat-Owner

After working in the local publishing field, Kathleen Weitschat thought she might have a different take on what the inhabitants of her small town would like to read.  So she set out to create a weekly newspaper that would address the issues and highlight the people of her region. It took courage, foresight and a belief in her fellow townspeople, but with the Elk Rapids News, Kathleen has managed to do what the big boys never thought possible.  Congratulations, Kathleen!

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Leslie Roe-Co-Owner

Every company claims to be all about customer service, but Leslie Roe, co-owner of Precision Plumbing & Heating actually built her business on that very principle; it's the heartbeat that runs through everything they do.  Whether it's taking the time to really listen to the needs of their clients when designing a system or just the simple courtesy of removing their shoes when they enter a home, the team at Precision have one common goal--your satisfaction.  Congratulations, Leslie!

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Rose Scharmen-Owner

Life can really throw us some curveballs, and Rose Scharmen has certainly fielded a few of her own.  After falling in love with the concept, Rose partnered with the founder of the Cloth Envelope and then she and her husband built a facility where they and local craftspeople took the idea to a new level.  Recently designated as a certified Woman Owned Business, the Cloth Envelope Company has flourished, despite the recent loss of Rose’s husband, one of the founding members.  But, as Rose tells herself everyday, there’s no room for failure and no turning back. Congratulations, Rose!

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Trish Wiltse-Co-Owner

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Lisa Wehr-Owner

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Kay Jerome-Owner
Kay's
219 E. Front St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 941-7505

Kay Jerome personifies Traverse City.  She’s a third generation native, a former National Cherry Queen and this spring, her store, Kay’s, will celebrate 25 years as a downtown destination.  Her belief in classic, comfortable clothing for women and her dedication to customer service, paired with her devotion and service to our beautiful city have made Kay Jerome true Traverse City royalty.  Congratulations, Kay!

Angela Macke-Owner
Light of Day Organics-Teas & Tisanes
PO Box 4022
Traverse City, MI 49685
(231) 228-7234

Angela Macke’s background as a Nurse and Master Gardener, coupled with her extensive travel experience where she learned the value of holistic and alternative medicine, fueled her inspiration to create a business, Light of Day Organics, whose purpose is to introduce people to the healing properties of organic teas and to educate them on the benefits of eating and cooking organically.  Congratulations, Angela! 

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Cindy Ruzak-Owner
Grey Hare Inn Vineyard Bed & Breakfast
1994 Carroll Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 947-5811

Cindy Ruzak, owner of the Grey Hare Inn on Old Mission Peninsula, has one of the most varied career histories we’ve ever heard!  From a ground-breaking job in the steel industry, to airline reservations, to catering and event planning, Cindy has used all of her experiences to create a place, here in Traverse City, that will impart to her guests a sense of the great Inns of Provence.  With a new boutique hotel project starting in Menomonee, MI, Cindy is truly re-defining what a career woman can be.  Congratulations, Cindy!

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Char Kirchner-Owner

Char Kirchner is one driven lady.  After attending two colleges at the same time, she opened her own CPA firm, with just one client.  Now, almost 20-years later, she has managed to succeed in a very regulated field, while still running her business her way…with hard work, respect, honesty and integrity.
Congratulations, Char! 

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Geri Johnson-Owner
Johnson & Associates
3819 N. Four Mile Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 938-8940

Geri has a job that she loves.  Her husband even jokes that it’s perfect that she gets paid to do her favorite thing…talk!  Salesmanship is essential to selling insurance, and, as the owner of an independent insurance company, Geri excels at what she does, tailoring her business to suit the needs and expectations of her clients.  Congratulations, Geri!   

Liz Sayre-King-Owner
Professional Solutions Plus
10850 Traverse Highway
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 936-8108

Liz Sayre-King, owner of Professional Solutions Plus, strives to simplify the lives of business owners on many different levels.  Whether it’s employee recruitment, interviews and background checks or conflict resolution with an eye on current employment laws, Liz Sayre-King can tailor a program that’s perfect for your needs.  Congratulations, Liz!

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Kathie Fralick-Owner
Just A Whisper
PO Box 336
Lake Leelanau, MI 49686
(231) 259-9007

Most of us try to plan for our retirement, but Kathie Fralick actually picked a career that would end up not only as her retirement, but also her retirement home!  Just A Whisper is a continuous elder care facility, on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, that provides a gentle and compassionate home to those on their final journey.  Congratulations, Kathie!

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Gail Zuelch-Co-Owner
Converged Solutions
2682 Garfield Rd. N. Ste. 21
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 932-1000

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Sharon Wise, co-owner of The Sassy Sandwich with her daughter, Emily, loves the fact, that as a business owner, she's able to create a workplace where her young employees can have a positive first impression of the working world and then take what they've learned, apply it and share it as they move forward. Sharon and Emily teach by example and their successful partnership is reaping rewards far beyond the bottom line.  Congratulations, Sharon!

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Sandy Henschell-Owner
Johnson-Clark Printers
1224 Centre St.
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 947-6898

Sandy Henschell started her career at Johnson-Clark Printers in 1991 as an administrator and customer service representative.  And after 13-years, Sandy did something that most of us only dream about—she walked into her boss’s office and told him she wanted to buy the business!  Three years later, Johnson-Clark is more successful than ever and Sandy has earned the right to say that she did it her way.  Congratulations, Sandy!

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Deb Fellows may have come from the big city, but it’s the childhood summer escapes to small-town, northern Michigan that have defined her life.  For the past twenty-seven years, Deb has been the founder and editor of Traverse-Northern Michigan’s Magazine.  It’s a monthly publication devoted to the celebration of our region’s many varied cities and towns and to the preservation of all that makes us unique.  Deb and her talented staff are committed to the belief that community, with its many exceptional facets, will always be their primary focus. Based on the success of her magazine, that’s a belief held by many.  Congratulations, Deb!

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Melissa Ewing-Co-Owner
Undercover Vegetable Co.

What do you do when faced with a very stubborn child who refuses to eat his vegetables?  In the case of Melissa Ewing, co-owner and developer of The Yotta Bar, you create a business.  The “root” of the Maple City based Undercover Vegetable Company, owned and operated by Melissa and her husband Tim, is to help people eat more vegetables.  By creating healthy products, with hidden vegetables, that people will love, they hope to promote better nutrition in an easy and tasty way.  With national exposure on QVC and a partnership with the Whole Food Markets chain, this is an idea that has far outpaced even their picky eater.  Congratulations, Melissa!

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Carol Vernam
Arbonne International
4590 Weathering Heights
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 938-1324

The first thing you have to know about Carol Vernam is that she is one of the happiest, most positive and most grateful people you will ever meet.  It’s the central theme of who she is, both personally and professionally.  As an Arbonne International representative, she embodies their commitment to making people’s lives better and a credo that encourages their members to always work toward bettering themselves. Carol credits her dedication to continuous education, her life-coaching techniques and her networking skills as the keys to her success.  That, and always giving back, in whatever way she can, is Carol’s hallmark.  That glow on her face is definitely owing to her Arbonne products, but it’s her inner glow that really sets her apart.  Congratulations, Carol!

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Carol Murray-Owner
Lakeview Counseling
1844 Oak Hollow Drive
Traverse City, MI  49686
(231) 929-0300    

Carol Murray is the owner, director and lead therapist of Lakeview Counseling, a facility that houses four additional therapists who specialize in all facets of personal counseling, from toddler to elder.  Carol created her business model out of a desire to have a truly democratic workplace.  The five full-time therapists all have a voice in the decision-making process and conflicts are rare.  Carol credits the easy camaraderie of her workforce to the fact that they all share the same commitment to strong ethics, confidentiality and compassionate care.  Congratulations Carol!

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Beth Guntzviller-Owner
Miner’s North Jewelers
222 Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-946-8528

Beth Guntzviller is a smart retailer, with a keen eye on marketing opportunities for her Front Street jewelry store, Miners North. Behind the scenes, she understands the importance of helping all downtown businesses to grow and succeed. The Downtown Traverse City Association counts Beth among their true champions in supporting collaborative efforts to bring families and shoppers to the downtown. Always available to help local charities and organizations, Beth is a role model to other business owners.  Congratulations, Beth!

Sandra Dunn-Owner
impres Salon Spa
901 West Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
231 941-9094

Sandra Dunn, owner of impres Salon Spa, is being saluted for her ability to use both strategic and creative powers in operating her successful Front Street business. The salon has continued to succeed and grow, under her direction, due in large measure to Sandra’s dedication to continued professional development of her dynamic staff. She has surrounded herself with a team of employees and professional business advisors who help to make her vision a reality. Always on the cutting edge of beauty and wellness, impres Salon Spa is also a major contributor to many local charities.  Congratulations, Sandra!

Kathy McFarren-Smith-Owner
Alpha-Mail & Great Deals of Grand Traverse County
5968 Voice Road
Kingsley, MI 49649
231-263-4620

Kathy McFarren-Smith operates not one, but two, flourishing businesses with a dedication towards her client's success. Kathy’s businesses, Alpha Mail and Great Deals of Grand Traverse County, offer affordable and smart marketing tools to small businesses in this region. A small business owner, herself, she understands the tight marketing budgets of small businesses, and works with many local entrepreneurs to help them realize their dreams.  Somehow, she finds time to serve on the board of directors of the March of Dimes. This year Kathy was the top pledge earner in their WalkAmerica Fundraiser, showing she walks the walk when it comes to community support.  Congratulations, Kathy!

Leslye Wuerfel-General Manager & CFO
Traverse City Beach Bums
333 Stadium Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684
231 943-0100

Leslye Wuerfel serves as the General Manager and CFO of the Traverse City Beach Bums. She is the dynamic and creative visionary that brought Traverse City our very own minor league baseball team. She instills a deep sense of family commitment and community loyalty to the organization. Leslye and her team are devoted to using local businesses as vendors and involving local organizations and schools in the process. This region owes many thanks to Leslye and her family for bringing her vision  home.  Congratulations, Leslye!

Tracy Kiersey-Owner
A1 Coverage & Consulting
3030 Pineview Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684
231 941-0844

Tracy Kiersey, owner of A1 Coverage & Consulting, has earned a well-deserved reputation for outstanding community service. She currently serves as chairwoman of the Chamber’s health care committee, a member of the ATHENA Awards committee and she continues as a board member and Past President of the Crooked Tree Girl Scout Council. This past year was exceptionally challenging as Tracy cared for her seriously ill father, who passed away this winter. A devoted daughter, she balanced the needs of her family with her career and remarkably maintained her community service commitments.  Congratulations, Tracy!

Vicki Beam, Co-Owner
Fortitude Wealth Planners
4020 Copper View Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49684
231 947-2920

When Vicki Beam got the entrepreneurial itch, she scratched! Leaving the security of a large national financial services firm, Vicki established Fortitude Wealth Planners and set off on a mission to educate people about their money. Vicki believes in helping investors to establish financial goals and to understand the process of realizing them. Education is the cornerstone of her firm, making the complexities of the investment world manageable and understandable.  Congratulations, Vicki!

Julie Courville-Owner
Courville Financial Services
4305 East Shore Drive
Grawn, MI 49637
231-276-6400

Julie Courville, owner of Courville Financial Services, has helped numerous small businesses, in our region, expand far beyond their owner’s dreams by providing more than they’d expect, in terms of accounting and financial services. Julie becomes a virtual partner in their business, offering strategic planning and financial counseling. She measures her success by the success of her clients. Working with both businesses and individuals for 17 years, Julie becomes a part of your team; not just a tax preparer that you call once a year.  Congratulations, Julie!

Jacqueline D. Wilson-Owner
The Chocolate Buzz / Jacquie Caters
834 Indian Trail Blvd
Traverse City, MI 49686
231 883-4757
Jacquie@JacquieCaters.com

While pursuing her passion for cooking professionally, Jacquie Wilson, owner of Jacquie Caters and The Chocolate Buzz,  enjoys serving normally, conservative adults, who are reduced to giggles at the mere thought of plunging that "All American Favorite" Rice Krispie Treat into a curtain of warm, European chocolate. Jacquie’s encouragement, and her support of the sisterhood of women, is greatly appreciated by those who've been touched by her spirit.  Her fountains of chocolate are the centerpiece of many events, and as Jacquie’s been heard to say:  ”Do you know that Chocolate is cheaper than therapy?”  Congratulations, Jacquie!

Carolyn Nuemann-Owner
A1 Stamps
1214 South Garfield Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49696-7064
Phone: 231-946-1530

Carolyn Nuemann proudly advertises her business as “woman owned and operated,” and she has much to be proud of.  In and era of high-technology gadgetry, she continues to grow her rather low-tech rubber stamp business, A1 Stamps. In business for over 30 years, Carolyn is a one-woman powerhouse, running all aspects of the company, herself.  Her clients remain loyal to her, due to her exceptional customer service and high quality products.  Congratulations, Carolyn!

Gail Leino-Owner
Pointes North
2211 US 31 North
Traverse City, MI 49686
231 938-9191

Gail Leino is an enthusiastic supporter of all local businesses, especially women owned businesses. A recent transplant to Traverse City, she’s been most impressed by the unity of, and activities sponsored by, our area women in business.  Gail will always take time from her busy day as owner of Pointes North, a condo resort on East Grand Traverse Bay, to meet with a fellow business woman, even if it's purely a courtesy appointment.  Gail works to create a “good ‘ole girls” network.  She champions that cause and encourages other women to do so, as well.  Congratulations, Gail!

Sarah Jane Bye, Owner
By Candlelight Amish Furnishings
336 W Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-947-1000

Sarah Jane Bye started her own business, By Candlelight Amish Furniture, at the age of 25. She has grown and expanded that business to include two locations; one in Traverse City and the other in Rosebush, Michigan. As busy as she is, Sarah Jane still finds time to support local organizations, and was recently elected to the Downtown Traverse City Association board. Previously a member of the Amish community, Sarah Jane likens herself to a pioneer woman with no fear of the unknown; she just forges ahead.  Congratulations, Sarah Jane!

Connie Deneweth
Copper Ridge
9590 Edgewood Ave
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-946-1732

Many women in the Grand Traverse region owe their success, at least in part, to Connie Deneweth, Managing Partner of Copper Ridge Development. Connie has shared her understanding of commercial finance with many women who were unaware of the growth potential their companies had, given the proper financing. She now balances two successful careers; her work at Copper Ridge and at Traverse City State Bank.  She is also a SCORE counselor and always makes time to offer any support and wisdom she can. Not only is Connie very involved in volunteer work, she has also welcomed two young Northstar hockey players into her home.  Add to that, two beautiful boys and a successful husband, and Connie truly does have it all!  And, throughout, she is always optimistic and willing to be of service. Congratulations, Connie!

“A successful business relationship is when your customer knows,
by your actions and your words, that their success is as important to you as your own."
-Connie Deneweth

Mary Sue Schade-Owner
Bon Fitte Brassiere Boutique
206 E Front St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-929-8997

Mary Sue Schade, owner of Bon Fitte, has a passion for making women feel good about themselves. Her cheerful greeting to all customers coming through her doors is the hallmark of her business success. She gets no greater pleasure than helping a woman gain confidence, both in herself and in her body image, as a result of the store’s personal fittings and quality products.  Congratulations, Mary Sue!

Colleen Bagley-Owner
Money Mailer of Grand Traverse
1250 Lindale
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-223-4090

Colleen Bagley is an army-of-one in the local sales arena. Her local franchise of Money Mailer was continually recognized as a top producer in the nation. Hers was the smallest market area franchise to earn the designation of Franchisee of the Year. She has also received the Community Service Award based on her many generous contributions to area charities over the years.
Recently, Colleen has decided to do that which successful business people often do; she has completely switched gears, sold her Money Mailer franchise and started up a brand new company!  Her latest business incarnation is, Find a Franchise to Buy. It's motto? Control Your Future-Live Your Dream!  It sounds as if Colleen is her own the living example!  Congratulations, Colleen!

Shari Prevost-Owner
Surfaces Inc.
5901 Shugart Lane
Traverse City, MI 49684
231 929-9292

Shari and her brother, Scott, bought Surfaces Inc., a commercial construction company, from their father. In the few years they've owned the company, they have grown it into a very successful business.  In addition to running Surfaces, Shari is a part time realtor and a single mom.  Shari also sits on the board of the Builders Exchange.  She was the first ever woman president of that organization.  Shari is an amazing example of a woman, "having it all!"  Congratulations, Shari!

Ann Dougherty-Owner
Learn Great Foods
P.O. Box 1515
Bay View, MI 49770
231 758-3407

Ann Dougherty, President of Learn Great Foods established a successful career as a chemical engineer and then just walked away. She followed her passion and is now offering specialty farm tours, cooking classes and food science workshops. Ann’s best day is taking you on a stroll through a farmer’s crop, having a local chef prepare the food you've picked and then dining on china and crystal in the fresh air of Leelanau County. During the off-season, follow Ann to Argentina’s farming community! Congratulations, Ann!

Deb Callison-Owner
Certain Success
7707 Surrey Lane
Traverse City, MI 49684
231 642-7529

Deb Callison, owner of Certain Success, literally changes people’s lives. Her workshops and seminars on goal achieving and personal success have been attended by hundreds of business women in northern Michigan. Deb is known for her positive attitude toward life and has taught women how to use the laws of attraction to effect change in their own lives. Congratulations, Deb!

Judy Prewitt, Co-Owner
FastSigns
841 S. Garfield
Traverse City, MI 49686
231 941-0300

Judy Prewitt, co-owner of Traverse City’s FastSigns, made short work of connecting to the business community after arriving in northern Michigan to open shop. Judy jumped right in, making hundreds of contacts through the Chamber of Commerce and various Marigold events. She credits her success to surrounding herself with smart successful people and always asking for honest advice. Congratulations Judy!

Juliette Schultz, Owner
Spark
712 Westminster
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-946-2844

Juliette Schultz, owner of Spark Marketing, has assisted hundreds of business owners through her volunteer work with SCORE, America’s Small Business Counselors. Featured on CBS Sunday Morning, Juliette successfully balances her commitments to helping others, building her own growing business and raising her young son. Juliette is a true source of inspiration to all women business owners.  Congratulations, Juliette!

Heidi Hallett-Treece-Co-Owner
Vicki Biddinger-Co-Owner

Heidi Hallet-Treece and Vicki Biddinger, co-owners of Pure Essence Salon, never really set out to start a business. They just needed a shop to service their many clients. The new business owners were faced with a major challenge, for even a seasoned entrepreneur, when a fire destroyed their newly acquired Front Street storefront. The two women persevered and rebuilt, and now serve as role models, not only for their entrepreneurship, but also because of their extensive volunteer work with the Goodwill Inn. Congratulations Ladies!

Candie Conat-Owner
Baskets Full of Gifts
1266 Industry Drive, Suite C
Traverse City, MI 49686
888-388-9404

Candie Conat is the first, of the Marigold participants, to have her business, Baskets Full of Gifts, certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise! This certification makes her eligible to bid on contracts reserved for vendor diversification programs with major corporations that operate both nationally and internationally. Candie has been a role model to many area women in business, always offering support, advice and encouragement to future women entrepreneurs. Congratulations, Candie!

Mary Vickerman-Co-Owner
Underground Cheesecake Co.
1333 Yellow Dr.
Traverse City, MI 49684
231 929-4418

Twenty years ago, Mary Vickerman, a single mother of two young children, started a new business, sacrificing almost everything for its success. Her venture, The Underground Cheesecake Company, has become a resounding success!  It's even been nationally featured on television's, The Food Network. Her partner, Lori Dawson, says that the business thrives due to Mary’s perseverance, dedication and stubbornness. The company recently relocated to the hottest new area in town, in "The Village," at the Grand Traverse Commons. Congratulations Mary!

Bonnie Alfonso-President
Alfie Embroidery
2425 Switch Drive                        
Traverse City, MI 49684
231 935-1488

Bonnie Alfonso has been an owner and President of Alfie Embroidery for 17 years, providing logo-wear to companies in the Traverse City area and nationwide.  Alfie  Embroidery  has also recently become certified as a Women's Business Enterprise! This certification makes her eligible to bid on contracts reserved for vendor diversification programs with major corporations that operate both nationally and internationally.

A business associate, Onlee Bowden of Traverse City State Bank. tells us, “Bonnie has done so much as a business woman to promote the growth of her employees. She truly walks the walk as a role model and leader.  Her passion for people reaches far beyond her own doors through her unending work in our community.  You can always be sure to find Bonnie at an event with a twinkle in her eye.  I'm also impressed that Bonnie takes the time for her own professional growth, through personal training, while at the same time, growing her business to a national level.  She is simply remarkable.  In my book, she shines!”

Bonnie enjoys both the freedom and responsibility that come with business ownership. Her advice to others: “Surround yourself with successful, positive people”.  Congratulations, Bonnie!

Julie Weeks-Owner
WomenAble
13601 S. Beaver Pond Road
Empire, MI 49630 USA
Phone: +1-703-276-1220

Julie Weeks, President and CEO of WomenAble, has over 25-year's experience in the fields of research design and analysis, public policy, and women's enterprise development, serving most recently as Executive Director of the National Women's Business Council and as Managing Director and Director of Research for the Center for Women's Business Research. Now making her home in Empire, Michigan, Julie has started her own consulting firm, WomenAble, working with clients around the world, including policy makers, multi-lateral organizations and corporate decision-makers, on matters involving women business owners from Tanzania to Saudi Arabia. Julie is truly an inspiration to all women business owners.  Congratulations Julie!