The first place recipient will receive a cash prize of $2,000, sponsored by Applied Creative Technologies, and a business prize package provided by Staples. The second place contestant will receive $1,000, sponsored by John Gage Tyner II, President of Taliesan Associates, a business management firm for small companies. The two remaining participants will each receive a cash prize of $500, sponsored by law firm Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A.

T he competition was open to businesses that are at least 51% women-owned, active and in business for two years or less, and qualified to do business in Maryland, the District of Columbia or Virginia.

The business plan competition is designed to accelerate the start-up process for women-owned businesses in the region and is a new feature to the Women in Business Conference, sponsored by the Rockville Chamber of Commerce.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pooks Hill Marriott in Bethesda, Maryland and will feature business seminars, more than 60 exhibitors, a keynote luncheon, and networking sessions. The conference draws women business owners and professionals from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The event is designed to provide women professionals and entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and strategies for developing a successful business, while providing business women with an opportunity to interact with decision makers.

All-day admission to the conference is $149. Admission to the tradeshow is free with a business card. This years Keynote Luncheon Program will feature Melanie Sabelhaus, Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Tickets to the luncheon only are $55 per person.

Women in Business Conference and Tradeshow

Rockville Chamber of Commerce presents the fifth annual Women in Business Conference and Tradeshow, April 1, 2004, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pooks Hill Marriott, 5151 Pooks Hill Road, Besthesda, MD. All-day admission to the conference is $149; the Tradeshow is free with a business card; the Keynote Luncheon only is $55. For further information call (301) 424-9300, email at Rockville@rockvillechamber.org, or visit www.women-in-business.org.

About the Business Plan Competition Finalists

Lifesteps Learning Center and Network is a women-oriented financial services company providing financial education and coordinated financial, legal and related services throughout a womans life span.

MasterClasses provides movement education workshops and information to individuals and organizations interested in redefining their movement potential using multiple training methods including Pilates and the Feldenkrais Method.

Siren Digital Communications crafts digital narratives of a clients message through new media including web sites, PowerPoint, digital video, DVDs, and animations.

Ibhana Creations, LLC retails exquisite unique accessories for the quality conscious woman including shawls, stoles, scarves, jackets and jewelry.

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The 2004 Women in Business Conference and Tradeshow is sponsored by Rockville Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, Greater Rockville Partnership, 2004 Women in Business Conference and Tradeshow in partnership with D.C. Womens Business Center, and Montgomery County Commission for Women. Cash prize provided by Applied Creative Technologies, Inc.