Delaware News

Q&A 4Her – Shannon McLinden, Founder of FarmHouse Fresh

Entrepreneur and woman business owner Shannon McLinden has traded in vacations and quiet weekends with friends and family for busy days where every minute is practically accounted for. But she doesn’t seem to mind. As president of FarmHouse Fresh, Shannon is involved in every aspect of the hugely successful company. From thinking up new product ideas to designing them and making them a reality, she’s there for it all. Although she’s busy promoting her company’s new products which include Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter Body Cream, Honey Magnolia Sparkling Soak, Front Porch Punch Shea Butter Soap and her sister company, Summer Soles, line of peel-and-stick shoe liners of the same name, Shannon found time to chat with MyCity4Her. She shared invaluable insight about starting your own business and more in her Q&A 4Her interview. Did you ever imagine yourself achieving what you have? I’ve been entrepreneurial for as long as I can remember, even crocheting towels and selling them around my neighborhood when I was in grade school. When I was in middle school I began writing stories and drawing pictures about creating perfumes and body creams and designing a retail space. So, yes, the foundation I envisioned has certainly come to life. But there is so much more. Every year we imagine greater evolutions for our company, and begin to apply ourselves to bringing them to fruition. What in hindsight would you say you underestimated about your industry or business [...]

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Antitrust Concerns For The Mid-Market Company

By Enterprise Legal Expert  Colleen Pleasant Kline, Esq., Partner at Miles & Stockbridge P. C. Most privately held businesses think very little of antitrust and pre-merger notification rules governing mergers or acquisitions. However, as it may be economical to grow your business by acquiring or merging with other similar businesses, it is important to know that even small to mid-market businesses may find such transactions subject to various antitrust rules. Whether your a female business owner of an increasingly growing enterprise, or a woman entrepreneur considering the future of her start up, it pays to be aware of legal implications and their role on the overall business – whatever the size of your company. Many larger companies are more familiar with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (“HSR Act”) which requires any transaction with a value in excess of $50 million as adjusted each year (currently $68.2 million) to complete a form and submit it to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) or the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) (collectively, the “Agencies”) for their approval of the transaction at least thirty (30) days prior to consummating the transaction. The HSR Act is intended to review such transactions to make certain that the acquisition or merger of the target company and the buyer does not create an anti-competitive effect in the marketplace. The failure to report can result in significant fines and penalties to the parties, and the government can require the transaction be unwound or [...]

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Three Killer Mistakes in Government Contracting – Part 2

By Gloria Berthold Larkin, Expert Guest Editor – Government Contracting and owner of TargetGov This is the second installment of a three part series detailing the mistakes companies can make when entering into the government contracting market. Even successful contractors will tell you that they have made many mistakes learning the ropes in this market. After all, it is a tough, complicated and rigorous market that demands expertise, dedication and perseverance before success is achieved. While all contractors have made mistakes when trying to enter or become more successful in the government market, successful business owners have learned from their mistakes, make the necessary changes and move forward to greater business opportunities and larger contracts. As you read through the top three killer mistakes listed here, note those that you recognize and make the changes now. You will start to see benefits and the doors that were slammed tight will start to open for your business. Killer Mistake #2 You Do Not Understand the Language: Whether you are starting at the local city level, the state level or even the federal government level, every segment has its own language, processes and procedures. If you do not understand the conversations, the acronyms or procedures, you make it much more difficult on yourself. Learn the Lingo: You will hear new terms and acronyms at every meeting, outreach session and conference. If you are unsure of what they mean, it is appropriate to ask. People [...]

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Q&A 4Her – Anna Jerstrom, Founder and Designer of Calavera, Inc

Anna Jerstrom spent nearly a decade of her life immersed in the demanding field of international investment banking but she longed for something different. Very different! She had dreams of attending a surfing camp in Costa Rica and once she finally did it, surfing became her life. She quit her job and moved to Costa Rica so she could focus her energies on becoming a surfing pro. While mastering the art of surfing, Jerstrom was faced with swimwear issues most woman deal with: tops and bottoms that won’t stay put, made worst by the demands of surfing. Because of this, Anna set out to make a better bikini and Calavera was born. Anna took time out of her busy day to talk to MyCity4Her and shared stories about her incredible journey including the best advice she’s received, the mistakes she’s made along the way and more in her Q&A 4Her interview. Did you ever imagine yourself achieving what you have? At the risk of sounding arrogant – Yes. You have to believe that it is all going to work out in order to “survive” entrepreneurship. It is such a tough and uncertain road and faith is a big part of what carries you forward. That being said, it is still an awesome and mind-boggling feeling to see something you care so deeply about resonate with other people. What in hindsight would you say you underestimated about your industry or business [...]

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Donna Glehello’s Goulibeur Shortbread – makes it’s debut on The Martha Stewart Show Tomorrow!

TV alert! Donna Glehello, owner of Breton Gourmet, is looking forward to her darling French shortbread to make a cameo on tomorrow’s (Friday, May 11) episode of The Martha Stewart Show! For a particular segment, Brenton Gourmet’s new line of delectable, all natural Goulibeur Shortbread will make its debut. The Martha Stewart Show airs on The Hallmark Channel at 10am EST. Please check your local listings for exact channel information. Before you take a look at Donna and her French gourmet treats on The Martha Stewart Show tomorrow, read a little more about her, her business and why Martha Stewart considers her cookies a “good thing” in MyCity4Her‘s interview: What made you decide to go into the cookie business? It was love at first bite the minute I saw the product in France.  I loved the history – 100 year grandmother’s recipe – 4 ingredients and the tradition of breaking & sharing a galette with friends and family. Oh and the best kept secret is it’s dessert applications. What do you think is the hardest aspect of bringing a product into the market when it comes to the gourmet or specialty food business? As in any market, it’s knowing your customer and understanding their needs and in the case of gourmet and specialty, they want exactly that–something gourmet and special!  I learned that in my very first meeting with Dean & Deluca. How will they react to another “cookie?” One look at the [...]

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Insurance Tips From MyCity4Her Affiliate Stacia Cook Cuthie Of Insurance Inc.

Getting insurance for a business can be a daunting process and sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start.  MyCity4Her affiliate and woman business owner Stacia Cook Cuthie of Insurance Inc. sent over seven valuable tips about insurance that any business or individual can use to help make the process a little easier. Insurance tips: 1. Shop both your Commercial insurance and personal insurance every three years to ensure you are receiving competitive pricing. 2. When selecting an insurance agent, know the difference between a direct underwriter and a broker. Direct underwriter: An agent that represents and works for one insurance carrier. Example: Allstate, State Farm etc. Broker: An agent that works for their client and represents several carriers 3. When purchasing commercial insurance, know the difference between General Liability and Professional Liability. General Liability Insurance protects your company from claims if your clients holds you and or your employees responsible for bodily injury or property damage, medical expenses, libel and slander caused by your company by accident or out of negligence. Professional Liability-Errors and Omissions Insurance protects your company from claims if your client holds you responsible for errors or the failure of your work to perform as promised in your contract. 4. When purchasing property insurance, know the difference between actual cash value and replacement value. Replacement Value means the cost to replace the property of comparable material and quality used .Replacing Old for new. Actual Cash Value means “fair market value,” the [...]

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Q&A 4Her – Andrea Eldridge

As CEO of Nerds On Call, entrepreneur and woman business owner Andrea Eldridge is involved in the ever-changing world of technology. Because of this, she’s had to learn to adapt her business model to accommodate. This has led to the expansion of her business that initially started as an onsite computer repair service to a company providing a full range of tech repairs with locations in California, Oregon and Washington. MyCity4Her.com caught up with Adrea and she told us what she underestimated about her industry, what she loves best about what she does and more. She also shares the best advice she’s ever received–and it involves monkeys. Intrigued? Read on for Andrea’s full Q&A 4Her interview. Did you ever imagine yourself achieving what you have? I never envisioned myself owning my own company, let alone being an entrepreneur in the technology sector. When I started my first company in 2002, my husband pointed out that when you work for yourself you have more control over your employment fate than you do working for a company–when someone else’s bad business decision can lead to your layoff. This lead to a fundamental shift in my thinking and allowed me to take the leap to starting out on my own. I’ve been lucky enough to partner with a great creative balance to my more structured way of thinking. As a team, he pushes me to try new directions while I figure out how to make it happen logistically. [...]

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Texas Named Best State To Do Business By Chief Executive Magazine

Looking to start a new woman-owned business, open a new office to expand an existing business or thinking about doing some business traveling? Then you may want to pay close attention to this article. CEOs from around the country were polled for Chief Executive magazine’s annual “Best & Worst States Survey” and the lone star state of Texas came out on top as the best place to do business. Not surprising since the state managed to do so for seven years prior, making this the eighth consecutive year the state has held the title. Coming in at No. 2 is Florida. The state, which appeared at No. 3 on the list in 2011, rose one spot and knocked North Carolina to No. 3. Rounding out the top five are Tennessee and Indiana. On the lower end of the survey are the states voted the worst places to do business. Those states include Michigan at No. 46, Massachusetts at No. 47, Illinois at No. 48, New York at No. 49 and California closing out the survey at No. 50. Unfortunately, California has consistently ranked in the bottom. It appeared at No. 50 on last year’s list. “CEOs tell us that California seems to be doing everything possible to drive business from the state,” J.P. Donlon, Editor-in-Chief of Chief Executive magazine and ChiefExecutive.net said in a statement. “Texas, by contrast, has been welcoming companies and entrepreneurs, particularly in the high-tech arena.” “Local economic development corporations, as well as the state Texas Enterprise Fund, are [...]

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MyCity4Her Founder & CCO Named a YWCA Distinguished Leader

Today our CCO & Founder Monyka Berrocosa is winning a prestigious YWCA Leader award for her efforts and contribution to the Greater Baltimore Community. The event will take place at the Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards and is the 9th Annual event honoring outstanding women in the region. “M” adds this award to the increasing list of accomplishments which count the United Way Shero Award (2007), The Red Cross Woman of Spirit (2007), The SmartCEO Brava (2008), The Red Cross Home Town Hero (2009), The NAWBO Woman of the Year (2010), The Top100MBE (2010) and the Greater Baltimore Committee Bridging the Gap (2011) among others. When asked about the recognition she candidly replied the following “Awards are great…but it’s more about what you do with the platform to help others lift and climb that really is the rewarding part.  Getting this award from the YWCA is a tremendous honor – mostly because of the company I’m in if I look at my fellow recipients this year and years past. Its nice to know your efforts to help the community, be good at what you do are recognized and I am very grateful to the YWCA.” Leader Lunch is an exceptional opportunity to honor female leaders throughout the Baltimore Metro area for their outstanding work, leadership, service, and engagement in the community. Each year, honorees are nominated and hand-picked based on a series of stringent criteria including, but not limited to: professional accomplishments, commitment to the well-being [...]

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5 Health Apps Your Mom Won’t Mind Being Downloaded to Her “Contraption”

By: Joy Twesigye, MS, NP Women’s Health Editor If it takes a village to raise a child then it must take a universe to replace a mother. So let’s keep them around as long as possible! We know many women in business are working Mom’s and we’re committed to their health and wellness. This month we’re focusing on the tech tools that can help you stay healthier. While the rest of the family is eating mad amounts of Belgian waffles, sneak into her purse (like you used to do) and download these apps on her Android, iPhone/Pad*. One app was inspired by a mom! ZocDoc: I came across this app when working on a national project that focused on the reinvention of primary care. I am now one of their many very happy customers. ZocDoc is a free service that allows people to book Doctor appointments online. You can sort by location, type of provider and insurance plan. Once sorted, a list of providers and available appointment times appear on your screen as well as reviews from other ZocDoc users. You can then make an appointment by clicking on the open time slots. This is incredibly helpful when starting a new job or when an acute issue springs up and you don’t have a primary care provider (aka PCP). Available for both Android and iPhone. P.S. Get a PCP. If you don’t know your numbers, take this sheet with you [...]

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