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NAWBO National has created five new Strategic Forums to shape and represent member interests in key areas including diversity, economic development, leadership, public policy and the international market.
These Strategic Forums replace the Corporate and Economic Development Council (CEDC), Member Services Council and Public Policy Council.
Below is a brief description of each Strategic Forum, their goals and the NAWBO-NYC person to contact to become involved.
Diversity and Market Development Forum: Their goals are 1) increase member recruitment and retention, 2) provide educational resources to increase the membership value proposition and 3) make the National Web site more user-friendly. They are developing a diversity training workshop for the 2007 Women's Business Conference and a Best Practices template for chapter use. If interested, contact Jerusha Ramos, Chair, at jramos.principal@earthlink.net or Kristin Linder, Chair-Elect, at kristin@thelindergroup.com.
Economic Development Forum: Their goals are 1) develop initiatives to assist women in growing their businesses, particularly through access to capital and certification and 2) create an Angel Investor Group for NAWBO. They are also developing a member survey on WOB financing needs. If interested, contact Mary Rodriguez, Chair, at mrodriguez@hilrodgroup.com or Dyanne Walker, Chair-Elect, at dyanne@webteks.com.
Education and Leadership Forum: Their goals are 1) enhance the business and professional development skills of NAWBO members through educational opportunities, mentoring and sharing best practices and 2) build organizational leadership opportunities for members within NAWBO. If interested, contact Julie Weeks, Chair, at jweeks@womenable.com or Amy Smith, Chair-Elect, at amysmith@amysmithconsulting.com.
International Forum: Their goals are 1) educate NAWBO members on how to do business in the global marketplace 2) build strategic alliances with foreign women entrepreneurs 3) identify leadership opportunities in the international community and 4) develop mentoring programs for foreign women business owners. If interested, contact Betsy Weber, Chair, at eweber@edgedev.com or Mary Schnack, Chair-Elect, at Mary@communicationbridges.com.
Public Policy Forum: Their goals are 1) teach NAWBO members to be advocates in the political process on the local, state and federal levels and 2) advance women business owners into elected and appointed offices. If interested, contact Kirsten Osolind, Chair, at kirsten@reinventioninc.com or Deborah Wilder, Chair-Elect, at dwa@wilderlawfirm.com.
Presidents Assembly: Comprised of the presidents and presidents-elect of each chartered NAWBO chapter, the Presidents Assembly convenes at two annual meetings and via teleconferences for idea sharing and brainstorming. President Melanie McEvoy and First Vice President Tasha Norman represent the NYC chapter.
Your commitment is just a 1-hour monthly conference call, but you can become further involved as you want. These Strategic Forums are a great way to learn, to network, to meet other women business owners and to make a difference!
To learn more, go to www.nawbo.org.
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