Make Mine a Million $ Business(TM) for Women Entrepreneurs Makes First-Ever Visit to Seattle

The Make Mine a Million $ Business program, a national grassroots movement empowering women to grow their businesses, made its first visit to the Pacific Northwest region on June 11, 2008 at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavillion. A full house of more than 400 women from Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon turned out for the all-day business event where eight women entrepreneurs were chosen to receive growth-focused resources as part of the Make Mine a Million $ Business awards package. Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, a long-time champion of women- and minority-owned business, fired up the crowd of women entrepreneurs with a passionate keynote speech on the advantages of developing business in Washington. For three years running, Washington has had more business startups per capita than any other state and ranks among the top five states for small business growth, according to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. Launched in 2005 by Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources and business education for women entrepreneurs, and founding partner American Express OPENSM, Make Mine a Million $ Business is the only program dedicated to helping post-start-up women-owned businesses reach $1 million in revenues. "Washington State is a hotbed for small business growth, as displayed by the outstanding support of Governor Gregoire and the standing room only turnout to the Seattle event,” said Nell Merlino, founder and president of Count Me In. "We brought the Make Mine a Million $ Business Program to Seattle to not only continue to leverage this entrepreneurial spirit but to inspire women entrepreneurs from bordering states as well.” Seattle Awardees More than 200 applications from Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon were submitted in hopes of becoming one of the 16 finalists in Seattle. Each finalist took the hot seat and delivered their fine-tuned "elevator pitches” in front of a live audience and a panel of judges who later voted to select eight awardees. These eight new entrepreneurs raise the total class of Make Mine a Million $ Business awardees across the U.S. to 140, including 29 who crossed the million Dollar threshold in 2007. The following eight women in Seattle were selected as Make Mine a Million $ Business awardees based on their ability to build a $1 million business within two years. Ann-Marie Archer of Redmond, WA-based Archer & Associates (www.archer-associates.com), a Recruiting Process Outsourcing firm Patti Dobrowolski of Seattle, WA-based Alchemy: The Art of Transforming Business (www.link2alchemy.com), a business strategy consulting firm Kelley Durbin of Missoula, MT-based Mismos Gymnastics Inc. (www.mismogym.com), a state of the art sport training facility specializing in Gymnastics, Cheer, Fitness, Dance, Recreation, and Character Development for children Monique Hayward of Beaverton, OR-based Dessert Noir Cafe (www.dessertnoir.com), restaurant offering a seasonal menu of handcrafted desserts and savory small plates and appetizers Kathryn Merritt of Portland, OR-based Great Kate! Construction Company, a full service general contracting company focused on the mid-to high end remodeling market. Lola Michelin of Fall City, WA-based Northwest School of Animal Massage (www.nwsam.com), which provides vocational training in animal massage and advanced levels of performance/rehabilitation for feline, canine, or equine disciplines Laurie Pfarr of Seattle, WA-based LPD Engineering PLLC (www.lpdengineering.com), provider of civil engineering solutions that are sustainable, economical and functional Nadine Sullivan of Spokane, WA-based Eco Depot, Inc. (www.ecodepotinc.com), the only building supply store in the inland Northwest specializing in environmentally friendly building supplies and renewable energy resources "The Seattle event not only benefitted the elite eight group of awardees, but also provided the event attendees with inspiration and information that will undoubtedly play a role in their own business growth,” Michelle Thompson-Dolberry, Director of Advocacy Marketing at American Express OPEN. "We look forward to seeing the Seattle event attendees apply for future Make Mine a Million $ Business Program events.” The Make Mine a Million $ Business program provides a proven combination of money, mentoring, marketing and technology tools that women entrepreneurs need to help grow their businesses. With a growing community of more than 55,000 women entrepreneurs from across the country, the dynamic movement’s ultimate goal is to inspire one million women entrepreneurs to declare their intent to build million-dollar enterprises. Achieving this goal would provide an enormous stimulus to the U.S. economy and create more than four million new jobs and $700 billion in economic activity. Since its inception, the program has hosted 18 competitions in cities around the country and grown into a nationwide movement. Throughout the events, attendees have access to business brilliance and educational workshops featuring keynote speakers, seasoned entrepreneurs and experts in finance, marketing and technology. Major corporations including American Express OPEN, AIG, Dell, Cisco, FedEx, and JetBlue, are important sponsors of the Make Mine a Million $ Business movement. They contribute to the awards package with products, services and discounts in the areas of financing, technology, shipping, travel/lodging, and insurance to help propel women over the $1 million mark. Awardees receive: Inspiration, community, coaching and mentoring from Count Me In Platinum Business Cash Rebate Credit Card from American Express OPEN®, a financial health analysis, and promotion in OPEN marketing and media campaigns Peace of mind with help from a personal financial coach to secure your future along with a basket of spa goodies from AIG® Technology assessment for all awardees and a Smart Business Communications package valued up to $20,000 for a select awardee from Cisco® Discounts from FedEx® select shipping and office and print services $300 Starbucks® gift card $1000 Shopping Spree from Dell® 4 tickets to The Seattle Storm Women of Inspiration on July 12 Premiere Membership to the Experience Music Project Family Pass to the Woodland Park Zoo 2 VIP passes to the Seattle Art Museum Upcoming Make Mine a Million $ Business Events: -- Albuquerque, New Mexico - September 18, 2008 Open to women business owners in New Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and Utah -- Charlotte, North Carolina - October 7, 2008 Open to women business owners in North Carolina -- Trumbull, Connecticut - October 16, 2008 Open to women business owners in Connecticut -- Columbus, Ohio - November 21, 2008 Open to women business owners in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky -- Hollywood, Florida - December 11, 2008 Open to women business owners Nationwide To apply or join the Make Mine a Million $ Business community, please visit: www.makemineamillion.org. About Count Me In Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence is the leading national not-for-profit provider of business education, resources and community support for women entrepreneurs to grow micro businesses to million dollar enterprises. Count Me In launched the Make Mine a Million $ Business™ and Micro to Millions™ programs to inspire women entrepreneurs to build sustainable enterprises, create jobs and develop innovative products and services. For more information visit www.countmein.org or call 212.245-1245. About American Express OPENSM American Express OPEN is dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners and their companies. OPEN supports business owners with exceptional service. With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their business. Specifically, business owner customers can leverage an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings, including charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital, robust online account management capabilities and savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners. To obtain more information about OPENSM, visit OPEN.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a card or loan. Terms and conditions apply. American Express Company www.americanexpress.com is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.