Crisis Manager Judy Smith to Deliver Keynote Address at Women's Business Development Center's Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference September 17

CHICAGO, July 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Judy Smith, the crisis management expert portrayed by actress Kerry Washington on ABC's hit series "Scandal," will deliver the keynote address at the Women's Empowerment Luncheon during the 28^th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference, presented by the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), on Wednesday, September 17, 2014, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Chicago's McCormick Place-West, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive.

Smith is the founder and president of Smith & Company, a leading strategic and crisis communications firm with offices in Washington, D. C. and Los Angeles. She honed her skills through experiences with some of the most historic and sensational events of our time, including the Iran Contra investigation, the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Justice Clarence Thomas; the President Clinton scandal involving Monica Lewinsky, and the General Petraeus CIA scandal. She has also provided counsel to several heads of state and numerous Fortune 500 corporations.

Before starting her company, she was the senior vice president of corporate communications at NBC and was a special assistant deputy press secretary to President George H. W. Bush and his Cabinet. She appears frequently on major television networks to offer commentary on topical issues of the day. She also lectures on crisis management before corporate boards and other professional institutions. As a result of her groundbreaking career, Smith became the subject of ABC's hit TV series "Scandal," which resolves around the life and work of a professional fixer. She serves as co-executive producer of the project and provides insight and technical expertise on its crisis management issues.

In addition to the luncheon, the Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference – themed "Your Growth Is Our Business" – will feature an opening night Awards Reception honoring successful female entrepreneurs and supporters of women's economic development; the Women's Business Fair Midwest; Contract Connections, the WBDC matchmaker, and four breakout sessions featuring expert panels speaking on topics ranging from online branding to mergers and acquisitions. Marquee sponsors for the event include BMO Harris Bank, BP America, Inc., The Deluxe Corporation Foundation and US Bank.

*The Deluxe Corporation Foundation is serving in an honorary sponsorship capacity.

For more information, visit www.WBDC.org/EWC.

CONTACT: Chris Ruys (312) 337-7746; e-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Women's Business Development Center