Small Business in Bahrain

    I've spent the past 3 days in Bahrain - what a tremendous experience this has been.  I must admit, I wasn't too anxious to travel half-way around the world.   However, tonight as I am packing up and ready to return home, I am so glad that I did. 

    The Corporate Ambassadors Program is an innovation in the U.S.-MENA business relations, bringing top U.S. women executives to meet with business professionals in the MENA region for on-the-ground training and business exchange, aimed at business growth, job creation and community involvement.  The program was sponsored by Vital Voices, an NGO that identifies, trains and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe, and the Bahrain Businesswomen's Society, gave me the opportunity to meet some extraordinary business women here - all anxious to learn and to grow their businesses.   I was invited, together with two other colleagues, as a Corporate Ambassador.  Julie Linzer Kirk, President, Path Forward International spoke on effective leadership; Julie Adair Minerva, Senior Public Affairs Advisor, Holland + Knight spoke on the FTA, and I was asked to speak to the women on government set-asides - to describe our governmental programs that provide assistance to SMEs, and WIPP's advocacy efforts.

    We had a wonderful time, the women were so hospitable and gracious, opening up their homes and hearts to us.   Tonight, I ready to leave, but first - one more event at the US Embassy on an "election watch".   By the time I land tomorrow, we will have a new president.