The Women's Business Center at Maryland Capital Enterprises is hosting its second annual Women's Business Conference to allow women entrepreneurs the opportunity to network and learn to start and/or grow their businesses

Mitzi Perdue will headline the impressive list of speakers to participate.

The conference will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Salisbury. Registration is available online at www.marylandcapital.org.

"We know women are looking for ways to either start or grow their own business, and we've put together an excellent group of speakers who cover a variety of topics from marketing to legal tips that are practical for any future or current business owner looking to learn," said Jennifer Currie, director of the Women's Business Center located at MCE in Salisbury.

The event will feature a keynote address by Mitzi Perdue, who just released her latest book “Tough Man, Tender Chicken: Business and Life Lessons from Frank Perdue.”

A successful entrepreneur in her own right, Mitzi holds degrees from Harvard University and George Washington University, and is an author, artist, philanthropist and wife of the late poultry magnate Frank Perdue.

Two state officials will also speak – Rachel Howard and LaCheryl Jones.

Howard is state director of the Women’s Business Center Program and public information officer and economic development specialist for the Small Business Administration State Office; she will discuss SBA’s programs.

Jones is the public relations manager for the Office of Minority Business Enterprise in the Maryland Department of Transportation; she will discuss different certifications for which businesses can apply.

There will also be speakers from the Eastern Shore: Vincent Gisriel from Sprout Creatives, a website design and marketing firm, will be discussing internet marketing and responsive web design; Kelly Drexel from M&T Bank will discuss financial decision making; Sumathy Chandrashekar from the Small Business Development Center, will discuss business start-ups and management; and lawyer Ann Shaw will discuss consumer protection law and commercial law.

The conference fee is $40 which includes a networking luncheon, snacks, and attendance for all the sessions. For more information, contact Richele Purnell at the Women's Business Center (410) 546-1900.