The Greenbrier Resort and Cathie Black to Host BusinessWise 2012 Women in Leadership Conference April 29-May 2

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.V., April 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cathie Black, former president and chair of Hearst Magazines (NYC) was for over a decade deemed one of the 50 most powerful women in business. Now Black is helping other women find the tools and contacts to also become more influential and successful in the corporate world.

A well known media figure, Black has created the Women in Leadership BusinessWise conference convening April 29-May 2 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, one of America's premier resort properties. Expected overall attendance will be 175-200 women.

Keynote luncheon speakers on Monday and Tuesday include Martha Stewart and Cathy Lanier, DC Police Chief.

"I want this entire event to address the specific needs of women leaders and aspiring leaders in all aspects of their lives," says Black, who has always supported women on their way to the top. "With an emphasis on gaining practical knowledge, all of the sessions are geared to subjects such as how to better manage your business approach, become a successful entrepreneur, learn more effective marketing and communications strategies, embrace innovation and change, improve your people skills, and master social media."

The two and a half day event, beginning on Sunday afternoon, April 29 with a special session on Entrepreneurship, offers networking opportunities with some of this country's most talented and creative executives. Black says it is invaluable for women in business to learn from and be inspired by others who will share their own personal career stories about starting a business, taking chances, building confidence and growing professionally as well as personally.

A high-profile leader in both the media and corporate world, Black has assembled a stellar list of speakers, moderators, panelists and other participants. A sampling of the impressive talent who will be appearing at the conference includes:

• Jean Chatzky, Financial Correspondent, NBC
• Ann Compton, White House Correspondent, ABC News
• Beth Comstock, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, GE
• Julie Daum, Co-Leader North American Board and CEO practice, Spencer Stuart
• Musimbi Kanyoro, President, Global Fund for Women
• Cathy Lanier, Police Chief, DC
• Wenda Millard, President and COO, MediaLink
• Kyra Phillips, Newsroom Anchor, CNN
• Martha Stewart, Founder, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
• Mikki Taylor, Editor at Large, Essence & Stylist for First Lady Michelle Obama
• Natalie Tennant, Secretary of State, West Virginia

For a complete list of speakers and topics, please visit the conference website, www.greenbrier.com/wil.

Conference registration is $595 inclusive of all meals and all sessions. For conference room rates and reservations, please visit www.greenbrier.com or call 888-416-0613.

ABOUT THE GREENBRIER

The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The Greenbrier represents 230 years of history with its classic architecture, exquisite interior design, carefully sculpted landscape and impeccable service and outstanding amenities. Guests enjoy over 50 recreational activities including three championship golf courses and the only 5 star 40,000 square foot mineral spa in the world. The Greenbrier is also home to The Greenbrier Sporting Club, the resort's luxury residential community offering private homes, as well as an array of exclusive amenities.