The Results are In!

    Each year WIPP polls its members to get confirmation and reaffirm the issues that are most important to them, and to gain a sense of the priority of those issues.   For the first time, health care was out-ranked as the most pressing issue, by concern for the economy.

   Despite ranking the U.S. econonomy as the #1 issue, WIPP members are optimistic about their business prospects in 2008.   Over 82% do not expect to downsize their business, and 49% expect to add up to 5 new employees this year.

   The response from women entrepreneurs clearly reflects the growing concern with the U.S. economic outlook.   Given the key role that small business plays in our overall economy, the results of the survey helps shape federal and state policy that supports the continued health of WIPP's 500,000 members, and the millions of small business owners in the United States.

   Right behind the U.S. economy, as in past years, members ranked health care as their leading issue.   65% of the surveyed women business owners offer health insurance coverage to their employees.   While the majority oppose the federal government acting as the sole provider of healthcare coverage, our members were split on whether or not employers or individuals should be responsible for obtaining insurance for health care.   In 2007, 33% said individuals rather than employers should assume that responsibility.   This number has increased to 46% in 2008.

   When asked about possible solutions to address health care costs, 89% were supportive of proposals which would give small employers access to the same insurance offered to government employees.   Additionally, 62% of survey respondents supported lifting restrictions which prohibit business owners and employees to shop across state lines.

   Other issues that ranked as important or very important in the survey, included energy and the environment, access to capital, federal procurement programs and telecommunications issues.

   One of the items that surprised me - and pleased me so much - was the growth of the number of minority members in our organization.   According to the survey, 36% of our members responded as a member of a minority community:   African American, Hispanic, Asian, etc.    Diversity has been a top priority for WIPP.   We've been working hard to increase minority participation, and are making steady progress.   Thank you all for your confidence and faith in us.

   For more information on the survey, a detailed Executive Summary of the survey results, and our Top Ten WBO Facts, check out our website!