How Four Chamber Members Came Together for a Win

This story epitomizes how chamber of commerce relationships can benefit many different types of businesses. The tale begins with a non-profit struggling to grow its contributions.

Jen Willard started her non-profit organization, JWILL Pink Village, Inc., in 2017. Taking on her first non-profit venture, Jen needed best practices in place that would grow her organization so it could help as many breast cancer surgery patients as possible. Jen met Barbara Pennell Jaynes of Positively-Funded at a party hosted by Superior chamber member, Elisabeth Nelson, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Residential.

Although Barbara also helps for-profit companies, Barbara’s consulting business focuses on helping not-for-profits establish strategies for being successful. Barbara and Jen began working together to grow JWILL Pink Village. Upon recommendation from Barbara, Jen joined the Superior Chamber. This suggestion resonated with Jen as her goal for the year was to invest, personally and professionally in the Superior community.

Barbara recognized that Jen needed to establish and protect JWILL’s brand and idea assets. Barbara suggested that Jen contact Tricia Brzostowicz, chamber member and owner of Superior Patent Group, to investigate how she could protect her organization’s brand and design for the pillow the organization gifts to surgery patients. Tricia filed trademark applications on her organization name and logo and a design patent application on the pillow.

A year and a half later, Jen and JWILL Pink Village, Inc. hold two trademark registrations and a granted patent. These will ensure her organization’s branding and product can’t be used by others, actions which would dilute their message and goals in helping breast cancer surgery patients. Through their chamber memberships, these three businesses embarked on a project that has helped more than 4,000 breast cancer patients across the country. JWILL Pink Village will be able to continue its work and legacy for many years.

As a five-year breast cancer survivor, Jen Willard is passionate about helping breast cancer surgery patients live more comfortably. Money donated to JWILL Pink Village, Inc. helps buy fabric and supplies for making pillows for patients. All pillows are made by volunteers who are given the pattern and all components to finish the pillows. These pillows protect the sensitive surgical area when patients are riding in and/or driving their cars.

Elisabeth Nelson has been a resident of Superior for more than 20 years, and she serves both buyers and sellers in Boulder and the surrounding areas. She is an active volunteer with the Chamber serving as the facilitator for the Thursday Leads Group. (We hear she throws great parties, too!)

Barbara Pennell Jaynes is committed to helping organizations be successful. She formed Positively-Funded in 2013, creating strategic business development plans and strategies for not-for-profits and for-profit companies of all sizes.  She helps her clients reach beyond their goals and thrive for the long haul.  Barbara currently serves on the Chamber’s board of directors.

Tricia Brzostowicz aims to help businesses and inventors protect their brand, products, and idea assets. She started her intellectual property consulting firm in 2012. Working with inventors, tech companies, and not-for-profits, she helps them attain protection for the idea and brand assets through patent, trademark, and copyrighting. She provides IP strategy consultation, patent searches, patent application drafting, filing, and prosecution, as well as trademark and copyright application filing.

Barbara Pennell Jaynes and Jen Willard.