PLEASE NOTE: THE LOCATION HAS CHANGED!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND...THE PRICE HAS BEEN REDUCED BY $5

We're shaking things up a bit in 2010. The Link is expanding our events to lunch! AND our Speaker Series is including amazing, accomplished men who have fantastic stories!  As the saying goes, 'Behind every great man there's a great woman'. Conversely, 'Behind many great women is a great man'. At The Link, we realize that in order for women to flourish, we need the support of great men!

We start with Bill McCormick...a local icon! Many of us know Bill as one of Portland's most successful entrepreneurs, as well as a powerful civic and business leader, We also know he is an active member of the Republican party. But did you know...at one time, he was a democrat?

Visit any of his restaurants and you may share a great joke or a drink with Bill. "I like nothing better than being a good host." A spirited personality and raconteur, Bill has a fascinating story that goes far beyond his public bio.

Bill's wife, Gail, his partner for over 20 years has been a speaker for The Link on 2 occasions to rave reviews. Bill and Gail  have shared a life filled with family and extraordinary experiences around the world!

You do not want to miss this opportunity to get the scoop straight from Bill! We promise you will be intrigued and amused!!

About Bill
William (Bill) P. McCormick was born in Providence, Rhode Island to an Irish Catholic family.  In keeping with all young Irish Catholics in the early 60’s, Bill campaigned for JFK and fell in love with politics.

Bill attended Roger Williams University and Boston University while serving in the United States Army Reserve Military Police until he was honorably discharged in 1963. He then moved to northern California and worked in the brokerage office of Connecticut General Life Insurance Company in San Francisco until 1965. Bill attended the Harvard Business School, Executive Management Program.

Bill entered the restaurant business when he became a partner in the Refectory Steak House Restaurant chain in the mid 1960s. By the early 1970s McCormick had moved to Portland and sold his interest in the Refectory Restaurants.

In 1974 he purchased "Jake's Famous Crawfish" and brought the more than 100-year-old landmark back to life. Within the year Bill partnered with Doug Schmick. Since teaming up, Bill and Doug have established more than 80 restaurants and catering operations throughout the country. The company went public in July 2004. Bill currently serves as Chairman Emeritus.

Throughout his business career Bill’s civic and charitable involvement was far-reaching. He has provided thousands of pounds of food for the Pasadena, California, food bank and 11,000 books for disadvantaged children in Los Angeles County. He began the Shamrock Run 27 years ago for the benefit of many service organizations in Portland. Bill was awarded the Secretary’s Award by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for his contributions to, and recognition of, the nation’s veterans. Each year McCormick & Schmick Seafood Restaurants provides over 17,000 complimentary meals to veterans visiting any McCormick & Schmick Restaurant on Veterans Day.

Bill’s community involvement has included serving on the boards of such organizations as the Oregon Historical Society, The Portland Opera (co-chair), NW Mental Health Services, OMSI, the Portland Police Chief’s Forum (president), St. Vincent’s Hospital Heart Institute, the High Desert Museum, the Citizen’s Crime Commission (vice-chair), Oregon Coast Aquarium, PSU’s Business School Advisory Committee, OHSU, and The Oregon Restaurant Association’s Board. National involvement includes the National Restaurant Association’s Board and Government Affairs (Chairman), Gordon Smith for U.S. Senate (finance chair), Bush for President (finance co-chair) and Republican National Committee Finance Committee (Oregon Chairman).

Under President George W. Bush, Bill’s philanthropy and love of the arts afforded him the opportunity to serve on the President's Committee of the Arts & Humanities. Bill also served as the United States ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa from November 2005 until December 2008.

Event Schedule
11:00 - 11:30  Linking
11:30 -  1:00   Lunch, Presentation and Q & A
Click Here to register for event

Location
HOTEL DELUXE
729 SW 15th Ave,
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 219-2094
www.hoteldeluxeportland.com

Cost 
Pre-Paid             Members $30/ Non-Members $45 By Noon Jan 20
Pay at the Door  Members $35/Non-Members $50
Click Here to become a member

We ask that you register at soon as possible. We do expect to sell out! If you are not ready to commit, feel free to use our 'Pay at Door' option which allows you to pay before noon on the day before the event. Since our pre-registration policy allows you to make your final decision 24 hours before the event, we do not offer credits or reimbursements.

About The Link
The Link For Women knows that no one wants to be alone in transition. We are a community that helps you flourish and reach your full potential by connecting with smart, respected experts and peers from all walks of life as reliable resources. Our events and seminars connect you with other smart, accomplished women, provide knowledge to make informed decisions and inspiration to think beyond in a safe, relaxed environment.