Local
businesswoman Ellen Deslam believes everything happens for a
reason. It's that belief and a strong faith in God that
helped her battle colon cancer five years ago and gave her
the desire to establish the Education Tent at the Relay for
Life at Latrobe.
It's also the thing that led her to start her own business,
Ellen Deslam Enterprises, a Trade Show & Event Marketing
Company and Contract Advertising Company. Ellen established
the Women's Expo in 2008 to be an annual celebration of
women featuring a day of entertainment, education, and
exhibits to enhance the lives of women in our area.
This year's expo is planned for Saturday, April 18th from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in
Greensburg and will host more than 100 exhibitors,
giveaways, and door prizes.
Last April the first expo was a resounding success and it
looks like 2009 will be no exception with the show being
sold out to vendors since December ' more than four months
in advance of the event.
Although obviously pleased that the show is being received
so well in the business community, Ellen explained that
money wasn't the motivation for establishing the expo.
'I didn't do the women's show to make money, honestly,' said
Ellen. Instead, her motivation was to give women business
owners ' along with women and families ' something that was
sorely needed in this area. This is a show for all ages' and
men are invited also.
A salesperson and event coordinator in the past, Ellen said
one of her main reasons for developing the show was to give
her colleagues in the Women's Business Network (WBN) an
opportunity to promote their businesses.
'I'm devoted to support women in business,' said Ellen.
'It's really important to me. I had many mentors and it is
my time to give back.'
Expos and trade shows are an excellent opportunity for
businesses big and small to network, meet people, and
promote their products and services. Ellen has heard a lot
of positive feedback from, not only attendees, but vendors
from last year's show.
'The Woman's Expo from 2008 brought literally hundreds
of new customers to my business. In addition, we had so many
requests for Never Enough! Boutique to do fundraisers we had
to turn a lot of them down. I highly recommend all women of
Westmoreland County and the surrounding area to either
exhibit at this expo or attend. It will be well worth your
time and effort.'
' Rosine Dull, Owner of Never Enough! Boutique
'Being a sales professional, I realize the importance of
networking. The one on one contact with customers is
essential for any business person to succeed. I look forward
to this event and the unlimited potential it provides.'
- Linda O'Bryan, Statler Billboards
'I found the 2008 Women's Expo to be well organized and
well attended. It brought me many new customers, who were
all pleased to find I have swimwear for even the hardest to
fit.'
' Chris Zumbro, The Sun Parlor
Women-owned businesses aren't the only businesses
represented at the upcoming expo. There are many others
offering products and services that can help enhance the
lives of women and their families. The Women's Expo has
something for everyone. Food, fun, fashion, investment
advice, banking, job opportunities, spas, shopping, health
and wellness, business opportunities ' whatever you are
looking for, you can find it at the 2009 Women's Expo.
'Westmoreland County women and families have been waiting
for something like this,' said Ellen. In addition, a portion
of proceeds from the Women's Expo will benefit two causes
that are near and dear to Ellen's heart. The first is the
Education Tent at the Relay for Life at Latrobe, which Ellen
founded five years ago.
Thinking back five years ago to when she learned she had
cancer, Ellen didn't realize what a journey it would turn
out to be. At the time, she just wanted to keep busy and
positive. 'If you don't keep busy, it's a death sentence.
You just have to think 'You will make it through this,''
said Ellen. 'I know it has been a gift of God.'
The other cause is Angela's Angels, a non-profit
organization launched by the Laurel Highlands chapter of
WBN, of which Ellen is a member. This special group of
ladies collect prom gowns, along with jewelry, purses, and
other accessories, and gives them to
economically-disadvantaged junior and senior high school
girls who otherwise would be unable to attend their proms.
With her second Women's Expo coming up in April, Ellen is
also turning her attention to some upcoming projects for
Westmoreland County, including a Healthy Wealthy and Green
Expo to be held at the Four Points by Sheraton September 19,
2009. In this day and age, there is nothing more important
than maintaining your health, protecting your wealth, and
helping save our environment. Any company that thinks Green,
Healthy, or Wealthy should contact Ellen Deslam Enterprises,
724-837-3713 or edeslam@comcast.net about this unique
opportunity. Ellen is also planning a second Women's Show at
Chestnut Ridge to give women business owners from the
Indiana area the same kind of opportunity that the one in
Greensburg has.
Tickets to the expo are available from any exhibitor or can
be purchased at the door on the day of the event. The cost
is just $5. For more information please contact Ellen Deslam
Enterprises at edeslam@comcast.net or call 724-837-3713.
Sponsors for 2009 Women's Expo
A-1 Writing Solutions
AFLAC - Rita Bergstein
Agora Cyber CharterSchool
BeautiControl
Carlow University Gbg.
Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort & Conference Center
Enterprise Specialties, Inc.
Excela Health
Fox Rehabilitation - Geriatric Therapy at Home
Inspiring Times in Westmoreland
Miche Bags
Minuteman Press
Never Enough! Boutique
Platinum Salon & Spa
PNC
StatlerBillboardsValley
School of Ligonier
Your Neighborhood Values Magazine