Transforming Disruptive Innovation into A Competitive Advantage

More than a business buzzword, disruption at its best can mean innovation that sets a new bar for competition and success. Michael K. Robinson heads up the worldwide supplier diversity program at IBM and will discuss the company’s pioneering commitment to women-owned and minority-owned suppliers when he keynotes “Transforming Disruptive Innovation Into a Competitive Advantage," taking place Aug. 7 at FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek.

Organized by Great Lakes Women's Business Council (Great Lakes WBC), the half-day event also features an opening session with Anne Martinelli of Aristeo Construction and a panel discussion with "Women Who Broke the Mold," including Denise Booms-Pepin of CBI Telecommunications Consultants, Emily Likens of Knappen Milling Co., Bridget Lorenz Lemberg of Forensic Fluids Laboratories and Jaime McAlear of Bluewater Technologies.

Communications strategist and media personality Karen Dumas is mistress of ceremonies.

The event is a program of Great Lakes WBC's new executive leadership initiative, execWE. The first event took place in May of this year at the Detroit headquarters of Quicken Loans. Program sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE Energy, FCA, Ford, Toyota and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"It's a power-packed leadership session for women to learn, engage, network and share strategies for success," says Michelle Richards, Great Lakes WBC executive director.

"Transforming Disruptive Innovation Into a Competitive Advantage" takes place from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at FireKeepers Casino Hotel, located at 11177 E. Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek.
The $65 cost includes breakfast and refreshments. Register by Aug. 2 at greatlakeswbc.org/execwe.

About Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (Great Lakes WBC)
Founded in 1984, the nonprofit Great Lakes WBC is a champion for women, minority and small business owners and provides access to capital and corporate procurement opportunities, WBE certification and small business educational support. Great Lakes WBC represents more than 1300 WBEs, generating approximately $25.8 billion in annual revenue and employing 58,500 U.S. workers, as well as 95 corporate partners in a range of industry sectors. In addition, Great Lakes WBC has supported more than 10,000 small businesses with training and counseling, created 1800 jobs and provided $7 million in microloans. For more information, visit greatlakeswbc.org.