\n \;Please note that registration will close at 5 pm on \;Dec. 4. \;
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\n Registration \;Policy:
\n Reservations with payment are required. Without \;payment\, \;it will not be considered a reservation. \;Due to facility requirements we must charge for reservations not cancelled three days prior to the event. \;Unclaimed reservations during the event will be relinquished at noon. Walk-in customers will be seated based on space availability.

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\n "\;Engaging with the next generation of young entrepreneurs"\;

\n Young entrepreneurs under 40 now represent almost 20 percent of the small business universe. This younger set works differently with new tools and methods\, moderated by a higher set of expectations. What can more experienced businesses learn from them? How can established businesses develop or modify product offerings and remain relevant to them?
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\n The Business Journals conducted research this year to look at who these young entrepreneurs are\, how they do business\, and what their brandscape is. Learn what the Dallas Business Journal found out about the methods this group uses to succeed. Publisher Traci Merzi will also discuss how the DBJ is introducing new products targeted to this audience?s needs and creating a new generation of loyal readers.
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\n Tracy Merzi \;joined American City Business Journals in August of 1992 working at the Pittsburgh Business Times after a short 2 year stint as Regional Manager at Lender?s Service\, Inc.\, a national vendor management company that works with financial institutions doing contracting for appraisals and titles. \;
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\n Over 15 years she held various sales positions culminating as the Advertising Director for her last 10 years in Pittsburgh. \; As the Advertising Director\, she was in charge of the advertising sales department and worked with clients as part of their marketing team to generate sales and awareness for their companies. \; She received an Eagle award in 2006 and was the #1 Advertising Director in the company that year. \; She joined the Washington Business Journal in October of 2007 as the Advertising Director and also functioned as the Event and Marketing Director. \;
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\n She has served on the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project\, CREW\, and the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce as well as serving as Co-Chair of the NAIOP Pittsburgh Annual Banquet and many other committee positions with various organizations and charitable organizations. She currently serves on the board of Junior Achievement\, the Irving Chamber of Commerce and the North Dallas Chamber. \; \;She graduated from Villanova University and has an MBA degree from Duquesne University. \; She currently resides with her husband\, Alan and two girls\, Sophia and Haley in Allen\, Tx.
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\n In the spirit of the holiday\, WIL is hosting a drive for Genesis Women'\;s Shelter\, helping victims of domestic violence. Please bring Target/Walmart $5 - $10 gift cards\, or new socks or underwear for kids and adults to the lunch.