Women Today

Gina Nytes, Kaukauna branch manager for Citizens Bank, brings us this week's financial tip:

Wouldn’t it be convenient and comforting to be able to store important items and documents in a secure environment that you knew was protected twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week?

Well, there actually exists such a thing and it’s known and familiar to many as a safe deposit box. A

lthough they are often used to store expensive items, safety deposit boxes are becoming more popular for items such as wills and other important documents.

The flexibility of what you can keep in a safe deposit box, along with the security that comes with it, makes them a popular option for securing valuable and important documents.
How do you know if one is right for you? When making this decision, consider these frequently asked questions:
• What are good things to keep in a safe deposit box? – When deciding what to keep in a safe deposit box, think about personal items that would be difficult or impossible to replace. Many people keep copies of important documents such as birth certificates, car titles or wills in their safe deposit box as well as family photos or videos.
• What shouldn’t be kept in one? – All too often, people choose to keep cash in a safe deposit box. A better way to store your money is in a bank account. Not only will you earn interest on your money, it also has the likelihood of being insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). In addition to cash, anything you may need in an emergency shouldn’t be kept in your safe deposit box. Obviously, you won’t be able to access the contents when the bank is closed so re-think storing items such as originals of “power of attorney,” passports, funeral instructions or medical-care directions should you become severely ill.
• Are safe deposit boxes safe? – Although safe deposit boxes and the vaults that house them are highly “resistant” to fire, flood, heat or explosions, no safe deposit box is one-hundred percent protected. The advantage of having a safe deposit box at a bank is that access to your belongings is very limited. Only you have one of the two keys needed to open the box. The bank has the other key. In addition, banks have very sophisticated locks, alarms, video cameras and other security measures in place to protect your belongings.
Whether you decide a safe deposit box is right for you or not, the next time you visit your bank, take a few minutes to ask about them. Your banker can provide you with information about their specific boxes, if there are any restrictions as to what can be kept in them and how they are secured.

Gina Nytes, Kaukauna branch manager for Citizens Bank, brings us this week's financial tip:

Spring is the time of year when many people open their windows, clean out the closets, and remove the cobwebs.

This year, consider including your finances on your spring cleaning to do list.

It’s a great opportunity to review and make adjustments if necessary to ensure on track to achieve your financial goals. Here are a few items that should be on your financial spring cleaning to-do list:
• Review your finances. Take action by revisiting your finances. Has your income or expenses increased or decreased? If so, re-visit your budget to learn where you can make adjustments to take advantage of the changes. You may even need to examine your lifestyle and determine where you can eliminate money spent on things you want versus things you need.
• Be willing to live below your means. If you want to get your financial situation in order, you must be willing to live below your means. Finding financial security requires you to spend less money than you make. Making the minor scarifies now will benefit you in the future.
• Reduce your debt. There is no better time than the present to develop a plan to eliminate your debt. If you are in debt, address your situation by picking a strategy that will work for your situation. Reducing debt can require a bit of sacrifice and discipline, but getting rid of debt is well worth the effort.
• Determine your priorities and goals. It can be overwhelming when you try to tackle too many things at once. Take a look at where you are and where you want to be a month from now, six months from now and one year from now. By setting short and long term goals you can develop strategies to achieve them.
As you start your spring cleaning, be sure to add your finances to your “to-do” list. Doing so will provide you with a clear path of what you are looking to achieve and how to reach your goals.

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district a distinctive style. Here's what Jennifer Woller of Red Awning had to say:

What made you choose Broadway as the location for your business? I was excited about the changes I was seeing in the district and wanted to be part of the revitalization.

What do you like about being on Broadway? I enjoy the close-knit business community and the cooperative efforts that we have all been a part of to help move the businesses forward.
The growing number of special events, such as Farmer's Markets, have been a wonderful experience.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? Lots of networking and grass-roots marketing.

Who would you love to see walk into your business? Oprah

What is the most interesting aspect of your job? Watching our customers create their own fragrances at the Blending Bar. It's really interesting to see different personalities and people’s creativity show through in their finished products.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? Being my own boss. The freedom to make my own decisions and follow through on them, good or bad.

What advice do you have for women looking into business ownership? Ask lots of questions of other business owners; most are willing to share their experiences.
If the business is really something you want, don't be afraid to take a leap of faith and make it happen.

Jennifer Woller
Red Awning

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street create a distinctive vibe for the business district. Here's what Naletta Burr of Dimension IV had to say:

What made you choose Broadway as the location for your business? Dimension IV is an architectural and planning firm whose design philosophy is based on sustainable design and creative spaces.
Active downtowns inherently combine both of these elements. As such we have both our offices (Green Bay and Oshkosh) located downtown.

What do you like about being on Broadway? Broadway has a great sense of energy.
From the wonderful events that happen throughout the year to the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive in all the businesses, there is definitely a sense of place on Broadway. (And on top of that, we have several of the coolest stores and restaurants in Green Bay, all within walking distance!)

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? It's no secret that the design and construction industry has been struggling in this economy.
To make it through, we are focusing on networking, following trends and best practices, not just in the design industry, but also our client's industries, and keeping a positive attitude.
Having a fun while working makes even the most difficult times more manageable.

Naletta Burr
Dimension IV

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business district has a distinct style and the business owners and employees on this street create its appealing vibe. Here's what Michelle Johnson of NorthCoast Productions had to say:

What do you like about being on Broadway? By being on Broadway, NorthCoast Productions is part of the bigger picture, the revitalization of a fantastic area in Green Bay.
Broadway is centrally located, which makes it easy for our clients. It’s great to be able to walk out the front door for great entertainment and shopping options.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? We have been fortunate to work with great clients.
NorthCoast’s success in today’s economy is due to the relationships we have built over the years. We work hard to make sure our clients know and trust us.
NorthCoast is also very fortunate to be working in an industry that is quickly growing and changing the way we business gets done.
The camera has been called the most powerful weapon in the world and today’s businesses are using video to stay competitive. Also, owner Jay Schillinger and I have been asked to speak at different events about using video in today’s world, which has not only been an incredible experience, but a great way to promote ourselves while helping others learn how to use video to make their business stand out in a crowd.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be? Honestly, I don’t think there is anything I would change about my job.
I am very lucky to work with an extremely talented (and very creative) group of videographers, editors, producers, animators and artists, who are not only the best at what they do, but make me laugh every day.

Who would you love to see walk into your business? There are so many exciting uses for video in today’s world.
Whether it’s for internal communications, training, a sales piece or content for social media, video can build a trust level that just words cannot accomplish. I love working with my clients to ensure they are strategically leveraging their videos.

Our friends at Unity Hospice offer this information on health reform:

Late in 2009 as Congress drafted its health care reform bills, hospice agencies were taking particular note.

The House passed $10 billion in proposed cuts to the Medicare hospice benefit as part of health care reform and the Senate passed nearly $8 billion in similar cuts. Both were tied to a “productivity adjustment” designed for all health care providers. The concept assumes that providers increase their productivity over time through the use of fewer or less expensive products or increased efficiency through the adoption of new technology. Hospice, however, is a highly labor-intensive model of care where such productivity gains are not as achievable relative to other areas of our health care system.

The proposed cuts came on top of regulatory cuts already being implemented to hospice reimbursement. While the Medicare hospice benefit rates have increased annually, the regulatory cuts create smaller margins of increase. The advent of costly new drugs and treatments mean the average cost to hospices has risen much faster than the hospice benefit reimbursement rates, even before the cuts went into effect. Furthermore, hospices that are Medicare-certified must offer all services required to palliate the terminal illness, even if the patient is not covered by Medicare and does not have the ability to pay.

Hospice agencies throughout the nation have been working hard to educate the community and their legislative representatives about the threat of the cuts to hospice under health care reform. Hospice provides quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury and involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient's loved ones as well. If the proposed productivity cuts were to be implemented through the health care reform, hospices would face a 14.3 percent reduction in hospice reimbursement over the next decade, when combined with the regulatory cuts already being implemented. According to an independent-published study from Duke University, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, hospice care saves Medicare, on average, more than $2,300 per patient. Not only will the Medicare system be negatively impacted if the cuts are implemented, but so too will the patients and families, particularly those in rural areas served by small, non-profit hospice agencies. On behalf of them, please share your concerns about the proposed cuts with your members of Congress.

Unity, leaders in hospice and palliative care, provides comfort care to people of all ages throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Whether at a private home, nursing home or assisted living facility, Unity’s skilled team of nurses, physicians, social workers, nursing assistants, chaplains, volunteers and grief counselors ensure the best quality of life for both the patient and family, based on the individual’s needs and wishes. A not-for-profit health care provider, Unity is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals and the communities in which they reside have access to education, support and quality holistic care.

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business district has a distinct style and the business owners and employees on this street create its popular appeal. Here's what Mary White of Vita Rawstaurant and Body 360 had to say:

Why did you choose Broadway? First and foremost, for me, the reason for undertaking the opening of a business was divine inspiration. I credit God with everything Body 360 and Vita have accomplished. I am only the messenger.
I chose Broadway more than 10 years ago for Body 360 because there were only two other businesses here at the time and On Broadway was in its infancy.
I lived down here before any of the current businesses were here and saw the potential this area had.
It was not the safest place at the time, but I am a huge risk taker. I knew in time that this was going to be the place I wanted to be, and that Green Bay was going to find this the place to come to for one-of-a-kind services and retail.
I opened Body 360 10 years ago and watched this area grow for the better. When Vita was envisioned this was a perfect union.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? I enjoy being a business owner because I do not have to answer to anyone but myself. I can be as creative as I want and dictate my own schedule.
It allows me the time to treat each of my clients according to their specific needs. I love the privacy Body 360 offers to my clients. It is very private and personal.
Vita also is a very welcoming place. It is small and intimate.
I wanted people to feel welcome and at home in both places, and I feel I have accomplished that from all of the feedback over time and from my longstanding clientele.

What advice do you have for women interested in business ownership? Trust your instincts. Women are gifted with this wonderful trait but often do not listen to it.
If you have a dream that is coming from the heart and is based on truth and honesty and you are doing good for humanity, you will never fail.
Trust in your drive and do not give up the driver’s seat under any circumstances. Take risks and take them often. You will never grow if you don't.
Be grateful for the struggles and hard times because that is when we learn who we really are. Those times make the good times so much sweeter.
If your business does not succeed by others’ standards, do not let anyone tell you that you are a failure. Sometimes what others call failure is just the stepping stone to greater things.
Take a risk, jump the fence and never look back.

Mary White
Vita Rawstaurant and Body 360

Gina Nytes, Kaukauna branch manager for Citizens Bank, brings us this week's financial tip:

Before you tie the knot, it’s important to discuss your finances with your significant other. Here are some tips to help you and your significant other start your new life off on the right foot:
• Determine what your partner’s spending habits and saving philosophies are along with what they want to achieve financially. Make sure that you are both on the same page or at least have similar views. By getting everything out in the open, your communication regarding money will be easier in the future.
• As you venture towards starting your new life together, create a workable budget. This allows for both you and your significant other to know what is coming in, what you need to spend to cover expenses and how much money is left over.
• Cut spending whenever possible. One way to get ahead financially and build wealth is to live below your means. Talk with your significant other to determine how you both will make minor sacrifices to help build a savings that can be used in the future for a down payment or as an emergency fund.
• Set financial goals as a couple. Money saved or spent should be planned as a couple. Any debt held by one partner should be considered the other partners and paid down accordingly. Other goals such as buying a house, car and vacations should be planned together as a team.
• Keep communication open. Talking regularly with your partner about finances is extremely important. Pick a time that is convenient for the both of you to sit down and discuss financial matters, goals, upcoming expenses and saving strategies as well as reviewing what you’ve accomplished.
These are just a few financial tips for those soon to be newlyweds. Following them will help to ensure your marriage gets off on the right path.

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business district has a distinct style because of the business owners and employees on this street who give it creative appeal. Here's what Jan Oettinger of Cup O Joy had to say:

What do you like about being on Broadway? The Cup O Joy has been on Broadway for 20 years now, so we've benefited from the “new life” that has come to the Broadway District.
It's exciting to see the creative business owners who put their ideas into action here.
There is a sense of partnership that is unique to Broadway and we've watched the evolution and the coming of age of this partnership model.
The Cup O Joy hosts concerts every Friday and Saturday night, so it's our hope that the hundreds of people who attend each weekend will find a unique restaurant or shopping opportunity just down the street from us.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? Cup O Joy is a perfect fit for people struggling with the poor economy because we do not charge admission for our shows.
It's a smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can enjoy all styles of music in a family atmosphere.
Artists come from all over the country and folks come from all over the state to see the shows.
Cup O Joy runs on volunteers and donations, so we understand the financial challenges facing people today.

Who would you love to see walk into your business? I'm always surprised by who shows up for the shows.
An interesting trend has developed over the past years, where guys have been bringing their dates out to see their favorite artist and then using the occasion to make a proposal of marriage.

Jan Oettinger, manager/coordinator
Cup O Joy

Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway this month for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district a distinct appeal. Here's what Jeri Olm of Yikes! Salon had to say:

What made you choose Broadway as the location for your business? I've always been drawn to older sections of cities because of their character and energy. Broadway seemed like a perfect mix of interesting people and businesses.

What do you like about being on Broadway? We all work as a team in order to make our events a success. The friendships and camaraderie are an essential part of everything that we do.
All the business owners meet regularly to ensure that our district stays vital and exciting.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? It is constantly changing and evolving. The challenge of keeping the business current is extremely satisfying.
The ability to do things with my daughter at any time is also very important to me.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? Our business has actually grown in spite of the difficult economy. I believe that hiring a superior team is the key to success.
My staff of stylists and sales people are constantly striving to give the best customer service possible.
Without quality people behind me, my business would never do as well as it has.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be? I wouldn't change a thing, as the opportunity to help people look and feel better about themselves is extremely satisfying.

What made you decide to become a business owner? It seemed like a very natural thing as my family owned and ran many businesses.
We were always taught the true value of not only money, but independence.
When I was unhappy in my job, I decided that the only way to work someplace where I would be satisfied would be to start my own business.

Jeri Olm
Yikes! Salon

Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway this month for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district its distinctive style. Here's what Sandi Walch of M&I Bank downtown had to say:

What do you like about being on Broadway? The economic redevelopment of the downtown area is very exciting. I also like the fact that I am downtown and not in a mall, and the partnership of the business owners working together.
I also enjoy events on Broadway that bring our community together.
My overall experience with the Broadway district is being a part of a group of focused people coming together to provide a creative destination for the community to work and play.
This kind of commitment from our business owners is what has made Broadway a success.

What made you choose Broadway? My banking career started in the ‘70s in downtown Green Bay. I worked at many Green Bay area branch locations and in 2004 took the opportunity to come back downtown.
I love how the Broadway District has been redeveloped and the uniqueness of the business mix. On Broadway Inc., a Wisconsin Main Street program, was very instrumental in developing the Broadway District to what it is today.
With the ideas and enthusiasm of the business owners, the events on Broadway make us a destination.
On Broadway Inc. was awarded the Great American Main Street Award in 2009, and this is an honor that will stay with our district forever.

What advice do you have for women looking into business ownership? You need a passion for what you are doing, but that is not enough to survive.
You need to be present and involved in your business and your community. You need a business plan that you review at least monthly.
You also need to understand and read your financials monthly, if not weekly, and you need enthusiasm and a positive attitude to succeed.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? I have had to cut back on my spending habits just like everyone else.
I'm analyzing which needs are important and no longer purchasing what I think I deserve. This has been a wake-up call to build a better nest egg for the future.

Sandi Walch, vice president/manager
M&I Bank downtown

Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway this month for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district a creative vibe. Here's what Michelle Zjala Winter of The Gift Itself had to say:

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? I love having the chance to invent and reinvent my business, try new ideas, create new jewelry designs and work with amazing people.

What advice do you have for women looking into business ownership? Find people you admire, look for mentors, ask for their advice and really listen.

Who would you love to see walk into your business? Donald and Betina Driver. I really admire them both, and I would love to create some Draw-lery for them.
I take children's drawings and make jewelry from them for the children's family and friends.

Michelle Zjala Winter
The Gift Itself

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street create the business district's distinct style. Here is what Gina Christenson of GreenBayNet has to say:

What made you choose Broadway? To be honest, back in 1998 we initially chose Broadway because the price was right.
Since then, however, we have become very involved with other Broadway businesses and evolved into more or less a family with all of them.
In 2005, we decided to make our location long-term by purchasing and renovating the historic building which was previously Rothe Shoes. The area, as well as the businesses around us, are culturally attractive to our diverse staff.
We have the formula for success that makes Broadway nationally recognized for greatness.

What do you like about being on Broadway? The hidden value is the multitude of like-minded women business owners whom we get to call neighbors and friends.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? The direct reward for hard work and intelligence is a plus.
Having a great name in the community along with having a hand in picking the best team in the world are icing on the cake.

What advice do you have for other women who are looking into business ownership? Now is a great time to be a woman business owner. With all of the funding grants available, it is a great time to be a woman getting into business.
Great organizations such as the Green Bay chapter of Women in Management, Inc., (where I serve on the board) provide support mechanisms to really let women shine and lead.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? Working, working, working.
We have focused on the services we are best able to provide to customers. We are working harder than ever to provide the best value and enhanced high-impact services such as social media consulting.
The reward has been clients from all over the region. News of success travels at the speed of light in 2010.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be? Paperwork, bureaucracy and taxes.

Gina Christenson
GreenBayNet

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street encourage the business district's creativity. Here is what Janna Turner of On Broadway, Inc. has to say:

What do you like about being on Broadway? I enjoy the unique working environment. To contribute to a place where people shop, eat and play is very rewarding.
We get to see businesses work collectively to support the thriving Broadway culture.

What advice do you have for women looking into business ownership? As someone who works closely with entrepreneurs, I realize that it is vital for women to understand that although business is business, women can offer a softer perspective.
That said, as any business owner would attest, consistency and follow-through are vital. Women should have a strong business plan and a passion and conviction for their vision.
Owning a business may not be an easy road to follow, but it can be greatly rewarding.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? As a non-profit, On Broadway has begun to leverage technology and social media to deliver our message more efficiently and effectively. Utilizing technology to do more with less is the mantra of anyone in a tough economy.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be? I would reinforce perceptions of how non-profits contribute to the quality of life and economic success of a community.

Who would you love to see walk into your business? A very happy and appreciative community member. That is the best reward of this work.

Janna Turner, office and property manager
On Broadway, Inc.

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street create the business district's originality. Here is what Jennifer Bukouricz of Monzù Bistro has to say:

What made you choose Broadway as the location for your business? The sense of community among the business, and the ability to help each other.

What do you like about being on Broadway? The events; they bring excitement and new people to the area.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? That I get to decide what I am doing today. Every day can be different.

What have you been doing to make it in this economy? We are involved in several different areas. With cakes, catering and the bistro, so we are not counting on one aspect of the business to help us through.

Jennifer Bukouricz
Monzù Bistro

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district an exciting atmosphere. Here is what Mary Rydell of SCANHOME Furnishings and The Primal Eye has to say:

What made you choose Broadway? Twenty-five years ago Broadway was a very different place, down on its luck. But it was a central location, across the river from an
active Port Plaza Mall and easy for out-of-town traffic to find.
Based on travels to major markets, I had become familiar with business districts that experienced a rebirth, giving way to an interesting mix of owner-operated shops and services.
I felt Broadway had this same potential, so I staked my claim, and opened shop. Fifteen years later I opened my lifestyle store, The Primal Eye, hoping to help expand the retail element on the street and complement the offerings of SCANHOME.

What do you like about being on Broadway? I have always thrived on change and growth. Now I am in the midst of a changing and growing business district that attracts thousands to events, and visitors from everywhere.
It is exciting to be a member of a diverse group of entrepreneurs in a central business district joined in a common cause to offer great customer service.

Do you have advice for women interested in business ownership? For me it boils down to two words: passion and dedication.
If you have the passion for your enterprise and the dedication to follow through in all aspects of the business, you have a great chance of succeeding. It is cliche, but very true in these economic times that "when the going gets tough, the tough get going".
Many new businesses are springing up out of this economy, difficult as it may seem.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? I really enjoy interacting with my customers, sharing a joke, exchanging stories and learning of experiences.
Sometimes it requires comforting words after a personal loss, or words of encouragement in a new endeavor.
Whatever it is, I try to allow time for it because my customer has a need for conversation.
I tell my staff that without our customers, we have no reason for opening our doors every day. Shopping at SCANHOME should be an enjoyable experience.

Mary Rydell
SCANHOME Furnishings and The Primal Eye

Our friends at Unity Hospice share this information on the Medicare Hospice Benefit:

More than 90 percent of hospices in the United States are certified by Medicare. The Medicare Hospice Benefit, initiated in 1983, is covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance).

Medicare pays the Medicare-approved hospice provider for the comfort care provided to terminally-ill patients in the last six months of life. Medicare pays hospice programs a per diem rate that is intended to cover virtually all expenses related to addressing a patient’s terminal illness. While four levels of care have been created to differentiate the varying intensities of care during the course of a disease, 96% of hospice care is provided at the routine home care level which is reimbursed at approximately $135 per day.

The following are features about the hospice benefit:
• Does not require a deductible.
• Covers care provided by physicians, skilled nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains and grief counselors.
• Includes medical equipment (such as wheelchairs or walkers), medical supplies (such as bandages and catheters) and drugs for symptom control or pain relief related to terminal illness.
• Covers short-term inpatient care (for pain and symptom management) at a hospital or hospice residence and short-term respite care at a nursing home or hospital to aid in caregiver relief.
• Allows one hospice consultation with a hospice medical director or hospice doctor to discuss care options and management of pain and symptoms, without even having to elect the hospice benefit.

While Medicare defines a set of hospice core services, many hospice agencies surpass these through voluntary, community-based efforts. For example, some hospice agencies will cover the minimal co-payments for drugs and short-term respite care, thus eliminating patient expense. It is important to note that Medicare will still pay for covered services for any health problems that are not related to one’s terminal illness. Coinsurance and deductibles will apply to these services.

To learn more about the Medicare Hospice Benefit and view the booklet “Medicare Hospice Benefits,” visit www.medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).

Unity, leaders in hospice and palliative care, provides comfort care to people of all ages throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Whether at a private home, nursing home or assisted living facility, Unity’s skilled team of nurses, physicians, social workers, nursing assistants, chaplains, volunteers and grief counselors ensure the best quality of life for both the patient and family, based on the individual’s needs and wishes. A not-for-profit health care provider, Unity is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals and the communities in which they reside have access to education, support and quality holistic care.

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district distinct character. Here is what Nicole Zich of Sassy Girl has to say:

What made you choose Broadway? When I returned home from living in St. Louis, everyone told me if I wanted to open a store I should be on Broadway.
I drove down the street and was amazed by all the changes that had taken place while I was away.
I loved the diversity and the uniqueness of each store and I knew that I would fit in perfectly.

What do you like about being on Broadway? I love the fact that Broadway has so many women owners.
I like the diversity among us but I love that we are a close-knit group, like a family.
I have made some wonderful friends and we all support each other tremendously. There is no competition. We all want each other to succeed.
It's a very positive environment. I think it's important to show strong women who all support each other.

What advice do you have for women looking into business ownership? Choose something you have a passion for. Owning your own business is hard work, but if you have a passion for what you are doing then the work doesn't seem so bad.
The rewards are worth it.

What made you decide to become a business owner? Since childhood I have always dreamed of having my own store. Through the years I have collected things like mannequins and other odds and ends for “someday,” when I would have a store.
When I decided to finally do it, no one was really surprised. They all asked what took me so long.

Nicole Zich
Sassy Girl

This month Women magazine visits Green Bay's Broadway for its Women Who Inspire feature. The business owners and employees on this street give the business district excitement. Here is what Amy DuBois of DuBois Formalwear has to say:

What do you like about being on Broadway? Broadway is a dynamic, growing community with many innovative entrepreneurs who are driven, work hard, care about the neighborhood, and like to have fun.
We have been in the neighborhood for more than 40 years and I must say there’s a bit of a renaissance going on around here.

What do you enjoy about being a business owner? First of all, I must say that I enjoy being with people.
Being a business owner gives you the opportunity to work with many different kinds of people, from those who work in the business to those who we buy from and our customers.
It opens so many opportunities to meet people in the community and travel around the country. It’s been so rewarding to see people succeed and grow.
In addition, every day I learn something new and it’s taught me to have an open mind and to have faith that anything is possible.

What should a business do to make it in this economy? Work harder and smarter!
Cut expenses wherever possible, go through every single invoice and be sure what you are paying for is worth paying for.
Give your people great tools to succeed and measure their progress. Celebrate success and coach setbacks.
Stay positive, optimistic, take good care of yourself and keep a clear mind. Know that “this too shall pass.”

Amy DuBois
DuBois Formalwear

Gina Nytes, Kaukauna branch manager for Citizens Bank, brings us this week's financial tip:

A budget is a basic and important money management tool for getting or staying out of debt.

If you and your family are serious about improving the state of your finances and avoiding future problems, it’s important to establish a workable budget.

Developing a budget and sticking to it is something that you and your family should do together, so be sure to involve your kids in the process, too.

Sit down as a family and talk about why your family needs to live on a budget and what budgeting involves.

Show your kids the income and expense you incur each month. Additionally, share your current income and spending figures with them, let them know how much less your family needs to spend each month to reach your family goals, and ask your kids for budget cutting ideas, including the things they are willing to give up.

Also discuss any budget cuts you plan to make that will directly affect them.

At the end of each month, sit down as a family and compare your budgeted spending to your actual spending.

Celebrate if your family's spending is in line with the budget by doing something inexpensive together.

If your comparison shows that your family spent more than was budgeted, talk about why you went over budget and what all of you can do to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

Getting everyone involved will help you stay on budget and also teach your children valuable money saving lessons.