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WBDC 2008 In Review: A Recap of Our Successes! This year was a huge success for our "Building a Better Network" goals. We were able to introduce new networking events and increase access to contract opportunities for our WBEs. If you missed out on these events or services, you have not taken full advantage of the benefits of certification at the WBDC. Consider participating next year, it is your participation that transforms these opportunities into real gains for your business. This year's successful events and services included: The WBDC organized two local book clubs in Miami, Florida and Tampa, Florida. A book was selected and reviewed at every meeting. Wine and cheese was provided. These social events provided networking opportunities to our WBEs in a social and relaxing setting.
Educational Workshops & Live Meetings Our monthly Live Meeting workshops provided key information about WBE membership, WBENC and the WBDC. These Live Meeting sessions provided a forum for our Corporate Sponsors to communicate important vendor-related information to our WBEs. They also allowed our WBEs to share information, participate in important discussions about their certification, and establish a platform for both WBEs and Corporations to exchange information and insight. Topics included:
Corporate Close-Ups & Matchmaker Events These were among the most valuable services we provided our WBEs and Corporate Sponsors. At Corporate Close-Up events WBEs are given specific instructions for working with the buyers and introduced to the key contacts for your industry. At Matchmaker Events WBEs are given the opportunity to meet one-on-one with corporate buyers and representatives in order to pitch their products/services. We had several Corporate Close-Up and Matchmaker events in 2008. The WBDC has collaborated with Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) to advocate for women business owners at our local and federal government agencies. A Miami and Tampa team was organized and has made much progress in promoting issues that are important to women businesses. Women's Business Mentoring Circle The WBDC has collaborated with several business organizations in Florida in order to create the Women's Business Mentoring Circle which provides mentoring and networking formats for women business owners. As part of our collaboration, the WBDC has provided consulting and mentoring at their monthly meetings. The 2008 Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises: The Power of Progress was held on March 20 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. WBENC’s annual black-tie event celebrated the contributions of WBEs in the United States economy and spotlighted the corporations and government agencies that provide WBEs with growth opportunities. WBENC President and CEO Linda J. Denny also honored America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises for 2007. Also honored and brought on stage where the 14 WBENC Stars. Our own Margarita Gonzalez, president of AccuBANKER, received the WBENC Star for 2008. The WBENC National Conference was held June 23 - 23, 2008 in Atlanta, GA. with more than 2,500 attendees and 400 exhibitors this event was the largest event of its kind in the nation for women’s business enterprises (WBEs). During the event, WBEs, senior corporate executives, supplier diversity and procurement professionals, and government representatives fostered many business opportunities by participating in an ambitious agenda including networking activities, workshops, general sessions and special events. Designed to benefit both corporations and women-owned businesses, WBENC’s national conference and business fair was indeed a huge success and one to add to your calendar for 2009. WBDC Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon Thanks to our partner organization FMSDC and especially to our attending WBEs and Office Depot, this year's Annual Meeting was a great success. The schedule included: Matchmaker Events, Awards Luncheon, Overview of WBDC Products & Services, Office Depot Guest Speaker Robert McCormus-Ballou, and a Branding & Imaging Workshop by our own WBE Terri Hall. Sponsors of this event included: Office Depot, Broward Health, AccuBANKER and Doubletake Studios. WBDC's First Annual Conference & Business Expo Our first annual conference and business expo was a success! The event was hosted by Office Depot and brought together WBEs, corporate representatives and exhibitors. Our luncheon speaker, Julia Rhodes of KleenSlate was dynamic and inspirational. The exhibit hall included 30 exhibitors, a bookstore, a health expo for health and wellness counseling, as well as a silent auction. We had seven workshops for both corporate representatives and WBEs that were interactive and informational. Collaborative Events The WBDC has formed working relationships with affiliate organizations that has allowed us to bring additional networking opportunities to our WBEs. This year we were able to collaborate with:
This year's WBDC Holiday Party is being hosted by our WBE Zoya Hajianpour. Our theme is "Savor The Flavors of Diversity" which will invite you to enjoy cuisine from around the world. Please join us as we close the year and celebrate our successes.
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