Special Events

ATHENA Young Professional Award Program

The ATHENA Young Professional Award program was launched by ATHENA International in 2007. It honors emerging community leaders whose professional and personal achievements make them ideal role models for young women.

The Business Forum uses the nomination and selection criteria set by ATHENA International, which administers the ATHENA Award® Program worldwide. Both men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 are eligible for the award. The criteria are:

  • The individual is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in his or her business or profession.
  • The individual clearly serves as a role model for young women, personally and professionally.
  • The individual provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

The call for nominees begins in September/October, and the ATHENA Young Professional Award is traditionally given during an evening networking reception and ceremony in November. The reception is also a fundraising opportunity for The Business Forum, with all proceeds going to fund our scholarship program.

The Good, Bad & Ugly Annual Golf Outing

This annual golf event has become the highlight of The Business Forum's event schedule. Working in partnership with the Executive Women Golf Association (EWGA), the golf outing is open to anyone, no matter how "good, bad or ugly" they golf! The only experience required is the ability to relax, have fun, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow TBF members.

In addition to the opportunity to spend the day with good friends, there is a full dinner, a plethora of prizes, and many opportunities for member businesses to sponsor holes, set up "games" for participants, and engage one-on-one with current and potential new customers.

The annual Golf Outing is an important fundraiser for The Business Forum, with all proceeds going to fund our scholarship program. To date TBF has given tens of thousands of dollars to women working toward higher education and is the cornerstone of the TBF mission.

Wake Up Coffee

TBF hosts several coffee networking events throughout the year in the Madison area. These provide TBF members the opportunity to network and mentor on a bi-monthly basis.  We will continue these coffees on the third Wednesday of the following months from 7:30 A.M.-9:00 A.M, August (at Cool Beans); October (at LaBrioche); February 2012 (at LaBrioche).