Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify® women’s business center invites entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level of success at the tenth annual “Building a World-Class Business” Conference. Slated for March 20, 2007 at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., the all-day, women-focused event features keynote luncheon speaker Geraldine Laybourne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Oxygen Media, the only woman-owned and operated cable network.

Regarded as one of the most powerful women in the television business, Layboune will share how she raised $600 million to launch Oxygen in 2000 (one of the highest amounts for any woman-owned venture), and turned a profit in 2004. She will also share what it is like to be a mom—and an entrepreneur, and how partnering with Oprah Winfrey, Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, and Caryn Mandabach has brought value to her business.

In addition to Laybourne’s address, the “Building a World-Class Business” conference features a breakfast keynote address by nationally-recognized author, speaker and columnist, Mary Cantando. In her book, The Woman’s Advantage: 20 Women Entrepreneurs Show You What It Takes to Grow Your Business, Cantando examines these questions and the broader subject of business growth. “As I travel around the world, I meet women who have big dreams in their hearts,” states Cantando, “but these women struggle to convert their dreams to reality. They can’t cross the bridge from ‘a nice little business’ to the flourishing world of multimillion-dollar entrepreneur.”

“Women entrepreneurs have some strides to make when it comes to breaking through the $1 million dollar glass ceiling,” said Jayne H. Huston, director of E-Magnify. “Fortunately we’re beginning to see signs of a shift. With women-owned firms starting at two times the rate of all firms, we’re seeing more and more women who are embracing a vision of growing their business by actively seeking resources and mentoring outlets to help them succeed. Our annual conference gives entrepreneurs the tools that will help position their business for success.”

Cantando will also moderate “Secrets to Breaking the Million-Dollar Ceiling”, a special panel discussion with members from the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO). Panelists including, Sherri Hewitt-Laird of The Caring Mission, Mercedes LaPorta from Mercedes Electric, Zhena Muzyka of Gypsy Tea Company, and Kathleen Sarniak from Jeanette Specialty Glass, will share their real-world experiences and secrets to success. Two sets of concurrent sessions covering the many aspects of running a successful business will round out the day’s educational program. Attendees will also benefit from a vendor area and scheduled networking opportunities.

E-Magnify welcomes Comcast and Comcast Spotlight as this year’s premier sponsor of “Building a World-Class Business”. This prestigious business conference is also sponsored by PINK, The Sewickley Spa, Smart Business, Pittsburgh Business Times, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Duquesne Light, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Pittsburgh Technology Council, UPMC Health Plan, All Facilities, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, Dominion Foundation, Kennametal, Inc., New Pittsburgh Courier, Onyx Woman Magazine, PNC Bank, SMC Business Councils and Women’s Independent Press.

Registration information for the “Building a World-Class Business” Conference, featuring Geraldine Laybourne and Mary Cantando, is available online at www.e-magnify.com/bwcb07, or by calling 724-830-4625. Members of www.e-magnify.com, the center’s free web resource, are eligible for an all-day “early bird” rate of $175 until February 27, 2007. The regular, non-member rate for full day attendees is $195. Participants may also register only for Laybourne’s luncheon keynote address for $50, with special rates available for corporate tables. The deadline for all registrations is March 13, 2007. For information on purchasing a vendor booth, please contact Marlene O’Brien at 724-830-4614 or obrien@setonhill.edu.

Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify women’s business center offers resources, educational programs, advocacy initiatives and networking opportunities to advance women entrepreneurs and professionals. Since its inception in 1991, the E-Magnify center has reached thousands of women through its initiatives and has distinguished itself as a leading resource for women in business. Recently distinguished as a Women’s Business Center by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2006, E-Magnify provides training, counseling and other technical assistance services, with special emphasis on women that are socially and economically disadvantaged. E-Magnify encourages entrepreneurial skills for women, beginning with undergraduate students and extending through the graduate and professional life stages. For more information, please visit www.e-magnify.com.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.