Welcome - President's Message

June 12, 2008

Welcome - President's Message

As women of NAWBO we are accustomed to meeting challenges regularly, some met with eagerness as we grow our businesses gaining confidence with each new success achieved. Other challenges bring hurdles that at times seem insurmountable. The support received through our NAWBO Sisters is often the nudge that makes the difference. Through meetings, mentoring groups, informal lunches and the occasional thoughtful note received we are provided with the positive influence to move forward and make a difference in our work place, community and families today. NAWBO truly does propel the woman entrepreneur into social and political spheres worldwide. I had the pleasure of going to NAWBO National in Atlanta the first week in June and met a couple of women from Nairobi, Kenya. I loved that they wore their traditional attire and had come from so far to meet with alike women who are doing whatever it takes to make their business a success.

They were excited about their newly founded chapter and clearly energized in meeting and collaborating with other seasoned chapters in regards to best practices. I learned that regardless of our separation geographically we entrepreneurs share a distinct drive to achieve and go after our dreams. I think they were as influential to us as we may have been to them.

Our Inland Northwest Chapter has several goals for this 2007-2008 year. We are looking to develop an in-depth mentoring program, to foster the newly developed entrepreneur as well as utilize the more seasoned member. Both I believe will gain a great deal by participating in this program.

On October 11, 2007 we celebrated Business Women Giving Back at our Annual Banquet and Community Star Awards. Proceeds from our funds contributed to the Jennifer McLaughlin Scholarship which provides assistance to at risk young women by funding college classes.

In addition, three community star awards were presented to deserving women who have made it their focus to provide for and build up other women in business. The awards went to Coralie Meyers from Wheatland Bank who received the Unsung Hero award, Shelley Runolfson from Fashion Carpets who received the Team Builder award and Amanda Stirn from Stirn and Associates who received the Bridge Builder award.

We congratulate each on her generous contributions. Our Inland Northwest Chapter continues to impact this community by empowering business women to reach beyond their own expectations as well as support less fortunate women through opportunities such as the Jennifer McLaughlin Scholarship Fund.

If you are interested in learning more about our Inland Northwest Chapter of NAWBO please contact the Hospitality (299-6999) or the Membership Committee (327-7331) where your questions will be welcomed.

Mary Runcorn, Inland Northwest President

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