WIPP National Partner Laurie Simon Meets with Senator Feinstein - Guest Blog by Laurie Simon

As the Founder/CEO Ombrella, Inc., I found the process of searching for a women's organization that could assist me with successfully growing my business quite arduous. Very often I saw women's organizations boasting of the benefits they provide to their members, guaranteeing advantages for business growth. However, time and time again, in all business ventures, it is about whether you can DELIVER on the promises you provide to your clients (or members in this case).

While wading through the masses of women's organizations out there, I luckily found Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). WIPP is THE VOICE for women in business in our nation's capitol, advocating for and on behalf of women in business in the legislative process. WIPP sets the bar high, by not only providing the latest policy information on issues that affect YOU as a woman business owner (WBO) but directly connecting their members to key decision makers on Capitol Hill.

Case in point, I personally met with Senator Feinstein last week to discuss healthcare issues. Not only did WIPP connect me with my Congressional Delegate, but assisted me in preparing for the meeting.

I was able to discuss my personal experience as a WBO dealing with insurance premiums, rates, penalizations, benefits, costs, etc. Additionally, I was able to relay how due to rising employee costs and business tax in California, I was forced to close my La Jolla office. If there were small business incentives in California, I would be able to re-open immediately. For now, it is cost prohibitive. Overall, the meeting was informative, mutually collaborative, and resulted in vital connections made.

It is examples like this that I continue to be so involved with WIPP. I can say with complete validity that WIPP keeps promises made regarding what benefits they offer to their members. If you are not a member yet - what are you waiting for? Check them out at www.wipp.org.