Mentoring program contributes to The TransSynergy Groups success

Woman-owned business discovers business value of mentoring program

DALLAS ---- Feb. 3, 2003 ---- The TransSynergy Group, a woman-owned Dallas marketing and public relations firm was recognized Jan. 30 by the North Texas Commission (NTC) and the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Business Development Council (D/FW MBDC) as a 2002 Outstanding Match" in the NTC-D/FW MBDC Mentor-Entrepreneur program.

The award spotlights outstanding partnerships in the program, which offers small companies one-on-one mentoring to help them achieve success in an ever-changing and highly competitive business environment. TransSynergy was matched with the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

"Entrepreneurs and woman-owned businesses can thrive, even in times of hardship and uncertainty, but only if they can recognize their own needs, admit their weaknesses and learn to learn," said Donna Hegdahl, founder and chief executive officer at TransSynergy.

This award reflects the hard work and commitment I shared with my corporate mentor, John Wesley White, at the Dallas/Fort International Airport. During this past year, John and his team have challenged, counseled and advised me, and truly served as wise, valuable mentors. They helped me transform TransSynergy from a 'one-man show to a 20-employee company that doubled our 2002 revenue. Im so grateful to John and his team as well as the NTC and the D/FW MBDC."

The NTC-D/FW MBDC Mentor-Entrepreneur Program has become a recognized resource for small minority and women-owned businesses in the Metroplex. The program was founded by the NTC and the D/FW MBDC in 1993. Each year, about 40 area entrepreneur companies are paired with larger, more experienced corporations that offer expertise in areas such as marketing, human resources, business plan development and accounting. The companies are matched for one year and are recognized based on the overall development and productivity of the Mentor-Entrepreneur relationship.

Entrepreneur applicants are required to have been in business for at least two years and have a principal office in Dallas-Fort Worth. Since 1993, 330 small businesses and 75 mentors have participated in the program. For more information about the Mentor-Entrepreneur Program, please contact Shenia Brass, director of the Mentor-Entrepreneur Program, North Texas Commission, at 972-621-0400.

The TransSynergy Group, based in Dallas, is a marketing services and public relations firm that helps small- and mid-sized companies realize their growth potential by strategically reaching out to their customers and prospects. TransSynergy, a certified woman-owned business founded in 1995, provides entrepreneurial programs and workshops, consulting services and public relations.

For more information, contact Roy Miller at 972-716-4070 x235, or via e-mail at rmiller@transsynergy.com.

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EDITORS NOTE: High-resolutions images of Donna Hegdahl are available by contacting Roy Miller at 972-716-4070 x235, or via e-mail at rmiller@transsynergy.com.