WIN Marks 10th Anniversary Year with Gala Event
Oxygen Media Chairman and CEO Geraldine Laybourne to Deliver Keynote Address

Philadelphia -- October 17, 2005 -- News Release

Women's Investment Network (WIN), the Greater Philadelphia region's premier organization for women who are leaders and supporters of high-growth entrepreneurial businesses, will commence its tenth anniversary year with a gala celebration on Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 6 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia.

Geraldine Laybourne, Chairman and CEO of Oxygen Media, will serve as the keynote speaker at the event. Ms. Laybourne founded Oxygen Media in 1998 as a 24-hour cable television network dedicated to bringing women the edgiest, most innovative entertainment on television. As the only women-owned and operated cable network, Oxygen airs more original series and specials than any other women's network and is currently available in more than 53 million cable households.

As part of the gala celebration, WIN will present this year's Iris Newman Award, sponsored by Citizens Bank and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), to Dr. Brenda D. Gavin. Widely recognized as one of the region's most influential venture capital investors, Dr. Gavin is a founding partner of Quaker BioVentures, Inc., the largest biotech-focused venture capital firm in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Established in honor of Iris Newman, a founding member of WIN and a successful entrepreneur who had a life-long goal to support her fellow women entrepreneurs, the Iris Newman Award is presented annually to a woman business leader in the Greater Philadelphia area who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to advancing women entrepreneurs.

"This anniversary is a significant milestone for the WIN organization," said Dr. Meryle J. Melnicoff, president of WIN. "Over the past ten years WIN has developed into an outstanding resource for entrepreneurial women in our region. At the gala, we will celebrate the contributions of Ms. Laybourne and Dr. Gavin to advancing women entrepreneurs, WIN's achievements over the past ten years, and the growing impact of women on the business community in our region. The tenth anniversary is also a great time to share our vision for women's leadership and development of high growth businesses for the next decade."

Women-owned businesses in the Philadelphia metro area employ more than 170,000 people and generate more than $17.9 billion in sales. Additionally, this region is recognized as a leader in providing an environment conducive to the growth of entrepreneurial businesses across many industries, including biotechnology, information technology and manufacturing. WIN plays a unique role in this environment by providing the tools needed by entrepreneurial leaders to grow and expand their organization, including educational events, networking opportunities and mentoring resources for women-led businesses and women CEOs, and provides a forum whereby the impact of their accomplishments are communicated to the Philadelphia business community.

About WIN: The Women's Investment Network (WIN) is an organization that connects women business leaders and inspires entrepreneurs throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. WIN consists of dynamic women committed to providing education, networking and mentoring opportunities to the leaders and supporters of high-growth businesses. The depth of the WIN network comes from the success of its members and their collective commitment to building an organization that attracts women-led businesses and enhances their opportunities for growth.

WIN thanks the sponsors who make its mission possible. WIN Gold sponsors are Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; and Wachovia. WIN Silver sponsors include: Alta Communications; Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA; Citizens Bank; Duane Morris LLP; Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; Pepper Hamilton LLP; Quaker BioVentures; The Higgins Group Inc.; and Tower Associates.

For more information about the Iris Newman Award, WIN's 10th Anniversary Gala, and WIN membership please visit www.winwomen.org.

Contact: Women's Investment Network (WIN)
Media Contact:
Cheri La Spada, 215-790-7825
Cell: 215-850-4647
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