DO YOU KNOW ANY OF THESE LADIES ON THE LIST!

Hard work, discipline and diligence are just a few qualities of the Top 25 Women of Houston. These women have broken barriers in their respective fields and left an indelible mark on the face of Houston. This impressive group of honorees consists of civic and cultural icons, entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Friends, family and colleagues will laud the accomplishments of these outstanding leaders during an awards ceremony atThe Downtown Aquarium on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

“The Female Success Factor’s Top 25 Women illustrate the best examples of visionaries and business titans who have found their passion and become dedicated examples of success in action in Houston,” said Munson Steed, publisher of rolling out.

The 2009 Honorees: Carol Mims Galloway – Board Secretary, Houston Independent School District; Judy Foston – CEO and Founder, Foston International Inc.; Dr. Letitia Plummer –Owner and Dentist, Maxwello Dental Spa and Wellness; Judge Hilary Green – Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7 Place 1; Margo Williams Handy – Principal, MWH Public Relations; Deidre Boone – Vice-President, Ready Women and Co-Owner, The Root of You Salon and Day Spa; ReShonda Tate Billingsley – National Best-Selling Author and Motivational Speaker; Lora L. Mayes, R.N. – CEO, Beacon Home Health Agency, LLC.; Wanda Adams – Houston City Councilmember, District D;Denise Bentham – Owner Operator, McDonald’s; Donna Mittendorf – Senior Vice President, Comerica Bank.; Roslyn “Rozzy” Shorter – Co-Chair, Houston CARES Mentoring Movement; Helen Stagg – Senior Director, Families Under Urban and Social Attack (FUUSA); Merele Yarborough – Community Advocate and Philanthropist;Damali A. Keith – Anchor/Reporter, Fox 26; Debra Johnson- Director, Office of Procurement, Johnson Space Center; Barbara Joseph– Founder and Executive Director, Positive Efforts, Inc.; Dr. Reagan Flowers – Founder and CEO, C STEM; Irma Diaz-Gonzalez – President, Employment and Training Centers and Chair-Elect, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Sharwin Wiltz Boney – Vice-President/CFO, BoneFide Development and Investment Group; Sheretta West – First Lady, Church Without Walls; Thomasine Johnson – CEO, En’Terior Designs; Jacquelyn Hoyer– Sr. Community Affairs Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch; Nina Wilson Jones– Vice-President/Chief Programs Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters; Phyllis J. Bailey – President, 3B Resources Group Public Relations & Associate Publisher, Who’s Who In Black Houston; and Spirit of Business Award Winner, Kim Roxie – Creative Director, LAMIK Beauty

Sponsors of the 2009 Top 25 Women of Houston include Comerica Bank, McDonald's, Lane Staffing, Tanqueray and Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation.

  So long as anyone resembling the men pictured above are nowhere near the Montreal Canadiens for the next three days, they should be fine for October 1.

Well it can’t be worse than a team bowling outing, right?

The Montreal Canadiens arrived Sunday evening at Teen Ranch in Caledon, ON. After a snack, had some time together and watched some football then headed to their rooms for the night.

With players four to six to a room, the next little while will be a little more close quarters than the players are now accustomed too.

The next three days will be composed of team practices in the morning along with professional speakers and therapists as well as some on-site free time for the players to get to know each other better.

Now as long as the motivational speaker’s name is not Matt Foley and Dr. Knobb (“The Natural”) isn’t there telling them that losing is a disease and that they should imagine that they are on a ship at sea, it should be a productive outing.

HabsInsideOut has day one audio from coach Jacques Martin as well as Matt D’Agostini, Max Pacioretty, Ryan O’Byrne and Georges Laraque.

One player on the Canadiens who did not make the trip was winger Sergei Kostitsyn who got a connecting bus, after being dropped off near Highways 410 and 401, to Hamilton.

The Belarusian was in coach Jacques Martin’s doghouse earlier last week and despite improved play in his last pre-season game, it was decided to send him down to the AHL.

“We have expectations and objectives that were laid out,” Martin said Monday.

“He (Kostitsyn) needs to understand what’s expected of a professional and we feel by being assigned to Hamilton that he can show he can play at this level. I think you have to reach a point sometime where it's not words, it's action (that's needed) to deliver a message.”

Rumors are already circulating, though denied by agent Don Meehan, that Kostitsyn is already talking to the KHL.

Hmmm anyone remember Pavel Valentenko???

It is not difficult to start a career in event planning. In short, an event planner is responsible for the logistical details of planning parties, luncheons, and other organized events for both individuals and businesses. A professional image, both personally and as a company, is far more important than a college degree or formal training in event planning. There are a number of steps to help you get started with your new career as an event planner right away. The good news is it does not take a lot of startup cash to open your new business.

1) Decide on a business name and get a domain name. Image is everything in the world of event planning. Pick a catchy name and buy a domain for a web site. Your design can be simple and done using a Web template, or you could pay a few hundred dollars for the services of a web designer to create a really snazzy page.

2) Once you get a business name, be sure to have a business phone number for event planning. Place an ad in the Yellow Pages. If you can include your new web site, that makes your ad even more attractive to potential customers. Remember that individuals and companies are pressed for time, and are looking for quick and professional event planning. Your high-quality telephone book ad could be the best business investment you ever make.

3) Make business cards and distribute them to everyone you know, telling them you are now working in event planning. Many churches, grocery stores, and other community organizations will also post your cards free of charge.

4) Consider placing a local newspaper ad to lure more people to you who need event planning.

5) Before actually working with customers, make sure you have a business license and liability insurance that covers all aspects of your event planning.

There are ways to gain experience while you are waiting for new customers. You could get work assisting in catering or business meeting planning companies. This teaches you valuable event skills and provides networking opportunities with those who regularly work in some facet of event planning. Also, you can read many books about being an event planner, and even volunteer to provide your services to a local non-profit. Social sites such as Meetup also provide chances for you to organize small events even though it is not paid event planning. Any education and experience is valuable and does not have to cost a lot of money.

Your heart is set, your mind is focused and now you're ready to find some opportunities as a professional speaker. You just have absolutely no idea where to start!

The only way to realistically make this a career is to hone your craft. Taking a few non-paid jobs is an easy way to polish up your skills. This is a good way to build connections, and gain valuable performance experience. This will help build your resume, and respect as a speaker, and put you in position to reach a wider audience.

- Jobs can be found literally down the street. There are associations in your own community looking for public speakers. Grade schools, colleges, lodges, non-profit organizations, and museums are a number of good options when searching for professional speaking opportunities. Make a good impression with these establishments and they will remember and, more importantly, recommend you.

- Searching Google or Yahoo for terms such as “public speaker needed” or “professional speaker wanted” is an easy way to stumble upon a lead. You can find directories of associations and events that need a professional speaker.

- Certain forums specialize in providing professional speaking opportunities. You may not get paid for most of these gigs, but you may find one that fits you perfectly.

- Stay informed on the different conferences and groups that share your topic. A good number of associations have yearly conferences or quarterly events where speakers are needed. These jobs will be filled six to eight months in advance, so keep your eyes and ears open.

- Teach a class or become a trainer. There are businesses that hire contract speakers for various engagements. This may include an intense travel schedule, but you can make a very nice living spreading your message.

- For a nominal fee there are trade association directories you can purchase each year. These are usually annual and contain everything you need to start making contacts in the association field.

- There are also meeting planner directories. These directories will not be free, and will be available every year for a considerable fee. These may be a smart investment for the serious professional speaker, and can be the boost you need to launch your speaking career.

- Build relationships with others in your field, as recommendation is the most effective form of advertisement. The power of referral can be evidenced at majority of the major meetings as planners are more likely to go with a name they trust.

While this may be an easy place to pick up a few extra engagements, you need to have a promotional, or press, kit. You'll start at the bottom, but gradually build your promotional kit. You have to keep in contact with past clients, and develop a bushiness plan to develop new contacts. Once you build a strong list of contacts, you can use it to advertise your speaking talents. I've given you the places to look; it's your job to find a niche!

Most businesses and organizations hire a motivational speaker to deliver a fresh view point. You can find a keynote speaker for just about every type of field such as sales, health, business management, information technology, and so much more.

A keynote speaker tends to be an expert in the area that he or she is giving a presentation.They reveal different methods of increasing profitability. The goal of a presentation is to stimulate new thought and creativity.

Before enlisting the services of a motivational speaker, you have to make sure that the session will coincide with a company's needs and values. The following list outlines a number of considerations to be aware of before hiring a keynote speaker.

1) Consider why you are hiring a speaker. Some reasons why companies and organisations arrange for speaking events include: motivate, educate, entertain, promote an organization, change unwanted behavior, and much more.

2) Consider what type of presentation you want delivered. A good speaker will encourage questions and ideas as well ask for feedback.

3) Ask if any tools such as overhead projectors or power point presentation will be used. A balance between using presentation devices and speaking directly to the audience is more beneficial.

4) Prior to the event, talk to the speaker about your company and audience. Explain what you are hoping to achieve from the presentation.

5) Make sure the information that is going to be presented is current. Old or out dated information is useless for a business. Quality speakers will have proof of their expertise. This can be in the form of books, audiotapes or CDs, articles or stories in newspaper columns, magazines, business journals, and appearances on the radio or television.

6) If you have hired previous speakers, consider which ones were successful. Think about what your viewers liked about the presentation. You can even ask viewers what they liked best about a particular speaker.

7) Asking for references is a great way to find out if a speaker is good.

Think about your viewers' needs. Make sure the speaker will appeal to the audience. For instance, consider such aspects as age and gender.

9) After the event, ask viewers for feedback so you can determine if it was a productive session. You should also discuss the event with the speaker to see if any improvements are needed.

Keynote speakers can be an asset to any company and organisation. Asking the right questions and imparting your vision will result in an educational, entertaining, and memorable event.