My First National Women's Business Council Meeting -- And What A Meeting It Was!

Last week I attended my first meeting as a member of the National Women's Business Council.   WIPP has always held a seat on the Council; initially, Terry Neese, co-founder and past-president held the position, and now, along with me, several WIPP members, including Ann Blackburn, Rebecca Boenigk, Kathy Eshelman, Rebecca Herwick, Beverly Inman-Ebel, Ceil McCloy and Leslie Saunders also hold places on the Council.

The Council is a bi-partisan federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress and the U. S. Small Business Administration on economic issues important to women business owners.   The Council's mission is to promote bold initiatives, policies and programs designed to support women's business enterprises at all states of development in the public and private sector marketplaces - from startup to success to significance.  There is no doubt that there is still much to be accomplished on behalf of women business owners and if this meeting was any indication, there is a team of women that are ready to move forward.   The primary issue discussed at this meeting was the proposed rule, issued by the SBA in response to the 5% set-aside.  Grave concern was expressed, and all felt that nothing less than full withdrawal of the rule would be acceptable.   However, the attendees also expressed a strong commitment to expanding opportunities for outreach and education to ensure that each and every woman business owner that wishes to participate in federal contracting can do so and that she would have the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed.   
      
The meeting, held just outside Columbus, OH, at the home of Longaberger Baskets. Tami Longaberger, President and CEO of Longaberger Baskets, and current chair of the National Women's Business Council hosted the Council for its meeting at Longaberger's corporate headquarters (it looks just like a basket-check out the pictures from the meeting! and later had us all to her home for lunch.  The day prior to the Council Meeting, the Council hosted a Town Hall.   There were more than 150 attendees from greater Columbus for the afternoon event which included several policy sessions facilitated by Council members.   I facilitated a focus group on taxes and other sessions included procurement, access to capital and civil engagement.  Two more Town Halls are scheduled for this year - Houston Texas, April 3 and Boca Raton, Florida, May 14.
      
I am so proud to serve in this capacity together with our other WIPP members and the terrific Council members.  If you would like to work with us and provide us input - please do not hesitate to contact any of us.