Local Company Develops a “Link” for Women Owned Businesses

PORTLAND, Ore. - March 15, 2013 - PRLog -- a Northwest-based, affiliate organization that consults and connects businesswomen from many walks of life, “The  Link For Women”, has developed a unique business mentorship and consulting concept that is helping local businesses like local women’s specialty athletic apparel, gear and accessory retailer, Aries Apparel thrive.

“The Link For Women” was founded by Cindy Tortorici.  Tortorici originally came to Portland in 1990 to open the new Saks 5th Avenue store at Pioneer Place as the General Manager.  She has had a tremendously successful career in retail strategy and management that also included 11 years at Nike.  During her career she often noticed there was certainly an “Old Boys Network” in place, but no support system for women in business, thus a business was born.

The company’s mission is to provide consulting, coaching, programs and events that help women reach their full potential by connecting with accomplished women who wish to continue to learn and be inspired.  Aries is one local company that participates in “The Link” a mentorship, strategic consulting and open forum for sharing ideas.

Tortorici and her team have worked with Aries owner Diana Marsden to grow her business.  A typical road map of services include an initial step of strategic planning to develop where the owner wants to go with their business and what they are trying to accomplish.  Next a plan is devised to reach those goals.  For Marsden and many other retailers’ key strategic issues such as inventory management and product mix are explored in fine detail.  “We really focus with our clients on maximizing retail space for products that turn over and generate cash flow,” said Tortorici.

“Cindy has really provided a light to Aries Apparel.  I think we have moved to a culture of thinking very strategically.  It has helped us make better buying and inventory decisions,” said Marsden.  Tortorici consulted with Marsden last year as Aries prepared to open their new location at Clackamas Town Center.  The new location contains Aries signature look, but with a slightly smaller square footage.  Some items at the new store received more floor or display space and some items were reduced.  These strategic decisions were made possible by having a system to thoroughly examine sales data.

The Link For Women also consults with major corporate clients such as Russell Investment Corporation, Perkins Coie, KPMG and Wells Fargo.  

Professional Development Program Also Offered

The company also offers a program for women executives called “A Seat at the Table”.  This program allows female leaders who either have a “seat at the table” or who are aspiring to get one to lead themselves 1st in order to lead others with confidence.  It is a program designed to give individuals the tools needed to succeed and lead in today’s business world.  

The program offers a board of mentors who are notable female business executives such as D.J. Wilson, General Manager of KGW-TV, Sarah Mensah, former COO of the Portland Trail Blazers and others have served as mentors in this female executive support network.

Two programs are available with the “A Seat at the Table” program; “A Seat at the Table- And Using It” a 9 month leadership development program for experienced senior level women leaders who wish to be more influential with their seat at the table, USING their seat in the most effective way to the contribute to the strategic agenda.  The other program is called “A Seat at the Table- and Getting It”.  It is a five-session leadership development program for women who are high potential middle managers or who have owned their own business for at least five years and wish to GET a seat at the table. www.thelinkllc.com/for-you/a-seat-at-the-table/



About “A Link”
The Link offers business consulting executive coaching and leadership development programs for women in business.  It also offers a peer fellowship that helps women reach their full potential by connecting with other accomplished women who want to continue to learn and be inspired.  The Link for Women events includes the highly popular Speaker Series, Book Club and Member Dinners, and many other ways to make the most of your membership in The Link For Women. www.thelinkllc.com

About Aries Apparel
Founded in 2008, Aries Apparel offers sport-specific athletic apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories for passionate, confident, and dynamic female athletes of all ages and skill levels. Aries Apparel is committed to serving female athletes and providing a premium consumer experience. A strong partner in the community, Aries sponsors many local female athletic clubs, leagues, school organizations and women's organizations. Visit Aries Apparel online at www.ariesapparel.com.