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About ANSB

The Advisory Network for Small Business was established in June, 2021 to help small businesses grow and thrive. Our dedicated advisory teams partner with local business owners and entrepreneurs to help them unlock their full potential as they seek to take the next big leap with their business, enter a new market or re-focus on core capabilities. Our volunteers each specialize in a critical business discipline and have years of proven experience helping businesses overcome common and complex challenges.

Improve Your Business Today

Here’s how The Advisory Network for Small Business will help your business over the course of a year.

  • An improved business poised for greater growth potential and profits.
  • A roadmap to help chart the course of your continued improvement.
  • Executive contacts that you can call on beyond the one-year mark.
  • A deeper understanding of your business, complete with processes, budgets and strategies that will drive continued success well into the future.

Building the Roadmap

Comprised of successful business owners, entrepreneurs and corporate executives in fields such as consultancy, banking, wealth management, law and accounting, our advisory boards harness the power of experience and provide your business with subject-matter experts. These experts will identify areas for growth and will aid you in implementing a plan for continued and lasting success. By providing critical support in necessary disciplines such as marketing, human resources, finance, strategic planning and more, our advisory boards help tailor customized plans so that your small business will make a leap in growth and revenue.

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Working with ANSB

Below is an outline of how the ANSB will partner with your business.
  • Consult with an ANSB board member to outline and discuss your specific business needs and goals.
  • A dedicated advisory team with four or more subject-matter experts will be selected based on your needs.
  • Over the course of a year, your board will meet with you seven times in person or video conference to discuss your plan and track progress.
  • Once a quarter, you will meet with your advisory board and mentor, preferably in person or video conference, for deeper analysis.
  • In between those quarterly meetings, you will meet with your advisory board by video conference to discuss your progress and answer questions.
  • One-on-one meetings with a member of your advisory board to discuss specific initiatives related to their area of expertise.
  • Expand your professional network through your advisory board for continued development.

Meet Our Advisors

Click on an image to view the complete board member bio.

Chris Bailey

President & CEO
Bailey Brand Consulting
Branding, Marketing

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Franne McNeal

President
Significant Business Results, LLC
Strategy, Operations

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Maria Baseggio

Owner
EOS Implementer
Operations

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Diane Connor

Owner/Partner
Modern Strategic Branding and Communications
Branding, Communications

Dr. Erica Patterson, DM

Director, Contracts Management and Supplier Diversity
Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)
Strategic Planning. Organizational Leadership

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Dahlia Malesevic

Vice President—Senior Branch Manager
M&T Bank
Financial Services

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Neil Perry

Principal
Neil Perry Associates LLC
Marketing, Video

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Earl Boyd

President

Business Planning, Strategy

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Betsy McLarney​

CEO
EMC Outdoor
Marketing

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Frank Cymbala​

President and CEO
Communications Services & Support
Marketing, Print Services

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M. Therese Flaherty

Independent Consultant & Former Director
Wharton Small Business Development Center
Strategy

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Staci Bender Epstein

Founder & CEO
Be Group, LLC
Talent Placement

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Jim McGettigan

Managing Director
CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann
Accounting, Finance

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Chris Bailey

President & CEO
Bailey Brand Consulting

Chris founded Bailey Brand Consulting in 1985. As president, Chris is responsible for the overall management and direction of the firm including shaping and implementing vision and mission. Throughout his career, Chris has led a variety of branding initiatives for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to promising start-up ventures.

Chris and his firm serve clients representing a wide range of business categories such as electronics, consumer packaged goods, financial services, foodservice, hardware, lodging, pharmaceuticals and transportation. His clients have included Wegmans, Aetna, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Boehringer Ingelheim, Coca-Cola Company, Cornerstone Brands, Endurance Specialty Holdings, Genentech, GS1 US and GS1 Global, Johnson & Johnson, Marriott Corporation, Martin Guitar, PET IQ, PMA Companies, Sam’s Club, Twinings, Suncast, Pfizer Inc., University of Pennsylvania, and Wills Eye Hospital. The firm has been recognized for its branding expertise through awards and recognition from organizations such as AIGA, American Corporate Identity and the London International Advertising Awards.

A recognized branding expert, Chris has authored articles for periodicals, such as World Trademark Review and The Journal of Brand Strategy; he has contributed to books on food and pharmaceutical marketing; and he has spoken on branding, environmental branding and brand package design. He is a member of the Fox Management Consulting Advisory Group at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Chris is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and is a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Design.

Franne McNeal

President
Significant Business Results, LLC

Franne “FranneTastic” McNeal is President, Significant Business Results, LLC. Franne McNeal specializes in working with businesses in the $1M to $10 range to increase the value of their company. She uses a statistically proven, structured methodology to help business owners effectively plan a strong exit strategy, so they get the money they deserve when their business is sold.

As the former Executive Director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (at the Community College of Philadelphia), she worked with 886 small business owners who generated 15,000 jobs and nearly $1 billion in revenue. Franne earned her BA from Princeton University, MBA from Eastern University and a MSBR, Master of Science, Business Research from Temple University.

As both a breast cancer and stroke survivor, her keynotes motivate entrepreneurs worldwide. Her published book, “Significant! From Frustrated to FranneTastic: Inspirational Stories for the Entrepreneurial Woman” has been translated into multiple languages. Franne is a sought after speaker. Her two keynotes are: “Poison, Paralysis, Persistence, Profitability and Possibilities”. Another highly request topic is “Focus Your Energy For Action so You Achieve Significant Business Results”. Franne is an expert in entrepreneurship (business growth, scale and sale).

Maria Baseggio

Owner
EOS Implementer

Maria Baseggio entered the entrepreneurial world in 2010 after leaving a successful career at a Fortune 500 technology company.  She wanted to leverage that experience to help small and midsize organizations build and execute their growth strategies.

As a Certified EOS® Implementer Maria helps owners and leadership teams get what they want from their business.  She does this by helping them implement EOS® (the Entrepreneurial Operating System®), which is a business operating system that enables them to get aligned on their vision, drive the discipline and accountability throughout the organization to execute that vision and become a healthier, more cohesive team.  

With her “help first” spirit, Maria is an active member of the business community.  She finds it rewarding to serve as Chair of ANSB.  Maria also enjoys serving on the Board of Directors of MEA (MidAtlantic Employers’ Association). Previously, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia 100 Forum, the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and the Governing Body of the AthenaPowerLink® NAWBO Delaware Valley.

Diane Connor

Owner/Partner
Modern Strategic Branding and Communications

Diane owns Modern along with her brother/partner Kevin Connor. Modern SBC is a branding and communications organization helping companies tell their corporate story – who, they are, what they do and why they do it – and broadcast their brands in digital and traditional media to increase sales, visibility and establish difference.

Diane is a member of the Forum of Executive Women and currently serves on the mentoring and communications committees, a member of The Union League of Philadelphia where she is currently President- Elect for a group organized for business woman at The UL called TABLE 1986, she also serves on The Good Citizen Day Committee and as a docent, giving tours of The League house. Diane also serves on the board of Advisory Network for Small Business.

Modern actively supports For Pete’s Sake, an organization providing vacations for cancer patients, PFEW (PA Free Enterprise Week) providing mentoring and education for Pennsylvania high school juniors and seniors preparing for college and the road ahead. Diane is an avid runner, loves the beach and is a certified aromatherapist. She lives in North Wales with her husband Bill Yost.

Dr. Erica Patterson, DM

Director, Contracts Management and Supplier Diversity

Dahlia Malesevic

Vice President—Senior Branch Manager
M&T Bank

Dahlia Malesevic is currently a manager at M&T Bank specializing in small business lending and financing. Her background in the financial services industry spans over 12 years and includes experience in investment management for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Dahlia is passionate about helping individuals achieve their short- and long-term financial goals; whether it’s saving for college, funding an expansion, or acquiring a new business.

Dahlia also volunteers her time to help students and those reentering the job force with financial literacy, focusing on the importance of credit management and growth.

In her free time, she enjoys cruising with her husband, Ed, and spending time at the beach with their three dogs.

Dahlia is a graduate of Temple University (Go Owls!) and currently an MBA candidate at Widener University.

Neil Perry

Principal
Neil Perry Associates LLC

Neil Perry is an entrepreneur; a founder of a video production company; a long-time brand marketer for Fortune 100 companies; and an accomplished marketing consultant.

Neil’s areas of focus includes brand marketing, product positioning, digital marketing and video strategy and development. He is a member of Beacon, the executive networking organization where he serves on the Marketing & Public Relations Committee.

Currently, Neil is a President of Neil Perry Associates, a video production company that specializes in Explainer Videos for websites. Neil was previously co-founder and President of Poptent, a start-up company that became the leader in the crowd source video production world. Poptent was successfully spun off to an investment group in 2013.

Neil’s marketing career began with a 23+ year stint at McDonald’s Corporation as a part of their senior leadership team. At McDonald’s, Neil oversaw digital marketing, sports marketing, merchandising, and the managing the network of local ad agencies serving McDonald’s.

In 2005, Neil joined Monster.com where he was Vice President of Marketing.

Earl Boyd

President

Earl Boyd is a business coach and mentor  MentorMyBizness)who has assisted hundreds of business owners to start or grow their businesses.  His approach to coaching? Build a solid foundation for a business built to last; implement a growth plan that maximizes your best opportunities; learn to lead your team; learn to make impactful business decisions; become a trusted advisor to his clients.  He is also Director of Entrepreneur Services & Strategic Initiatives at Entrepreneur Works, a Community Development Financial Institution.

After a brief career as an IBM marketing representative, in 1980 he founded a successful marketing firm that specialized in marketing health and beauty aid products.  Earl is the creator of the 5 Step Business Start, a digital system for starting a business; facilitator for the True Access Growth Strategies Series; Entrepreneur in Residence at the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s; consultant to NextFab Business Accelerator for Lifestyle Businesses; consultant for Entrepreneurship Institute (X-Ncubator) at Xavier Univ. New Orleans; pitch coach for Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses, business coach Advisory Network for Small Business; board member at Scotch Porter (Quallis Brands), Mercy Douglass Corp., Ralston/Mercy Douglass House, Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s; advisory committee member True Access Capital.

His endeavors also include founding board chair of the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution (now VestedIn) where he led the organization in the development of a $50 million, 325,000 sq. ft. shopping center anchored by Lowes and Shop Rite.  He is a former member of the Board of Governors at St. Joseph University’s Haub School of Business.

He is a native of Macon, GA and a graduate (B.A. Degree) of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Betsy McLarney

CEO
EMC Outdoor

Betsy McLarney, CEO of EMC Outdoor, leads a nationally recognized boutique marketing agency. For 29 years, EMC Outdoor, an independent and woman-owned agency, has been committed to providing location-based advertising programs to connect brands with audiences.

As the driving force behind an agency in a rapidly changing media landscape, and with an eye on the future, Betsy has developed a team of knowledgeable, dedicated strategists with expertise in out-of-home, tradeshow marketing, experiential activations and integrated digital offerings. Through creative ideation, strategy and a tactical approach, she and her team deliver concierge level service with efficient, impactful results for national and international brands and agencies.

Betsy is passionate about maximizing clients’ opportunities to intersect, connect with, and drive consumer behavior in today’s media landscape. People spend most of their time away from their home: working, commuting, shopping and living life. Integrated location-based marketing is key for advertisers to connect with their audience through multiple touchpoints, gaining market share as a result. Finding the most innovative and cost-effective methods that drive results is what our team at EMC Outdoor do every day.

Betsy is on the Board of Directors for Geopath and ANSB (Advisory Network for Small Business).  She is also a member of several agency and industry associations, such as AMI (Agency Management Institute), MCAN, Marcom Alliance and Outdoor Advertising Association of America.

Frank Cymbala

President and CEO
Communications Services & Support

Frank Cymbala is the Founder, President, and CEO of Communications Services & Support (CSS), a comprehensive marketing service provider and strategic printing, mailing and logistics resource. Frank’s areas of expertise include advertising direction, fundraising and development, tactical deployment, event planning, and networking.

Frank also has a zest for working with non-profit organizations and currently serves on the RDC Board for Manna on Main Street, the Board of Directors for the American Friends of Italy, and the Board of Governors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.  Frank also helped establish one of the first Boys & Girls Club’s Literacy Centers, which helps to bridge the educational gap in Philadelphia’s most impoverished neighborhoods. 

Frank is a graduate of Drexel University, where he received a BS in Accounting and an appreciation for the spirit of entrepreneurship. Frank has maintained an active involvement with the institution throughout his career and recently ended a decade-long tenure on the University’s Alumni Board of Governors. Frank has also served as Co-Chair of both the Drexel University Community Service and the Drexel University Alumni Club of Montgomery County and has been a recurring supporter of the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship’s Annual Business Plan Competition.

Frank resides in the Philadelphia suburbs with his wife and is an avid golfer and nature enthusiast. Frank promotes a spirit of community involvement and commitment and believes that you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.

M. Therese Flaherty

Independent Consultant & Former Director
Wharton Small Business Development Center

During Therese’s 10 years of leadership, the SBDC served over 5,000 entrepreneurs in the Greater Philadelphia region. She currently advises entrepreneurs growing their businesses through the Advisory Network for Small Businesses, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Semi-Circle Program, and Clarifi. She has taught economics, global marketing and operations management at the Wharton School, Harvard Business School and Stanford University. She earned her Ph.D. from Carnegie-Mellon University and her BS from Tufts University. She is the author of Global Operations Management (McGraw-Hill).

Staci Bender Epstein

Founder and CEO

Staci is a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep belief in the power of networking and building relationships. Her passion for connecting people inspired her to establish Be Group, her second company, after founding Slice Communications, a successful Public Relations and Social Media agency in 2007. With over 20 years of experience, Staci has developed a robust network of top regional leaders and honed her skills in sales, marketing, and strategic problem-solving.

Staci’s career began after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, where she launched into roles in account management and business development. She gained experience at Markitects, a strategic marketing agency, served as a marketing manager for Innovation Philadelphia, and worked as a business development manager at MISI Company (now NTT Data), a leading IT staffing and consulting firm.

Her work has been recognized with honors like the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, highlighting her as a young leader in the community. Staci is dedicated to supporting and empowering others, which is evident in her active involvement with various organizations. She contributes her expertise to The Neurodiversity Employment Network, Life Sciences PA, and the Philadelphia Society of People & Strategy, focusing on helping professionals grow and connect.

Beyond business, Staci has a long history of volunteering. She has played key roles with Summer Search, PACT, and other community and professional groups dedicated to fostering leadership and development. Her commitment to community has extended to organizations like JEVS Human Services, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, and The Advisory Network for Small Business. Staci has also shared her insights as a guest speaker on platforms including Executive Leaders Radio and at universities like Villanova and Temple, offering expertise on leadership, entrepreneurship, and networking.

Jim McGettigan

Managing Director
CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.

James E. McGettigan is a licensed CPA who practices public accounting through Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. (MHM), an independent CPA firm. He is a Shareholder in the Accounting and Auditing practice of MHM and has over thirty years of experience providing financial management and accounting services to his clients who are primarily in the construction and real estate industries. Jim is also a Managing Director in the Accounting practice of CBIZ MHM, LLC.

Jim’s responsibilities include planning and managing accounting and audit engagements, as well as a range of other services, including working with bonding agents, underwriters and financial institutions; selecting and implementing information systems; assisting in cash flow management; and filing pre-qualifications for state-funded projects.

Among his clients are general building contractors, numerous subcontractor and specialty trade contractors, real estate developers, construction trade associations, architects and engineers. In addition, Jim is responsible for audits of employee benefit plans including 401(k) and defined benefit pension plans. In August 2005, Jim earned the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation awarded by the Institute of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (ICCIFP).

Jim currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia chapter of Construction Financial Management Association as Immediate Past President. In 2016 Jim was honored as Associate Member of the Year by the CFMA Philadelphia Chapter.

A graduate of LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.