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NAWBO-LA Membership Rises to New Heights

Chapter wins NAWBO National Membership Drive Award, as more women business owners become part of, benefit from and contribute to the NAWBO-LA community

NAWBO-LA continues to showcase the power of strength in numbers, with its success demonstrated by winning the “Large Chapter Category” in this year’s NAWBO National Membership Drive. For the month of March, NAWBO-LA increased membership by 14.6%, more than any other chapter in National’s largest category – those with more than 150 members.

This year’s National membership campaign focused on “Influence: Rising,” recognizing the triumphs of women entrepreneurs in the past and the great possibilities for the future. NAWBO-LA Vice President of Membership Madelyn Alfano, president of Maria’s Italian Kitchen, credits the passion of the NAWBO-LA Board of Directors and the outstanding staff – including Membership Manager Joyce Lee – for attracting new members and giving them opportunities to learn and grow.

“We’re not stale, and there’s no status quo,” Alfano said. “We’re always looking for new ways to do things. We have so much to offer.”

members at various NAWBO-LA events (click image to enlarge)

NAWBO-LA on the Move

One way members can develop valuable business connections, expand their circles of success and build lifelong relationships is by attending NAWBO-LA on the Move – monthly networking breakfast meetings held in small settings conducive to connecting, learning and growing.

Member Cory Chew, owner of Bast Insurance Services, says the meetings help her learn what challenges other businesses are facing and discuss various approaches to resolving them.

“We troubleshoot, we offer suggestions, and always, in there somewhere, is a solution that I can put to use,” Chew noted. “I recommend that others attend because you never can predict what will be the best thing for your business. When I first started attending the meetings, I thought that I would, at best, find a couple of clients for my business. I had no idea how many other ways the meetings would benefit me.”

One NAWBO-LA on the Move benefit involves the referral program. Members can bring a prospective member to up to two meetings as an introduction. For every referral who joins, the member receives $25 off her next membership renewal.

members at various NAWBO-LA events (click image to enlarge)

My NAWBO-LA

Chew also noted she appreciates that NAWBO-LA offers a wide range of events and programs, so members can choose what works best for them. That’s the foundation of “My NAWBO-LA,” which allows women to own their membership experience and create their own value – while also owning a future that includes responsibility as stewards above and beyond themselves.

New members – whether they’ve owned their businesses for months or years – point out the various ways they already are benefiting from NAWBO-LA, plus hope to benefit and contribute in the future.

Judy Gatena, president of Abacus One Computer Supplies, Inc., has run her business successfully for 17 years, but feels she can learn from others who have traveled down the business path before her. She already has joined the current PEAK Leadership Academy^SM capacity-building program as part of her NAWBO-LA experience.

“I’m excited about meeting more like-minded women entrepreneurs and connecting on a personal and professional level. All of the women I’ve met have that energy about them. They’re so happy to talk to you and give you information,” she said, adding, “I’m looking forward to giving back too, and maybe helping women who have newer businesses that I can guide.”

For Loren Bennitt, who started her business YogiMind last year, it’s important to make business connections through NAWBO-LA, but to give back also.

“It’s been a great opportunity to get out and talk with people and develop my 30-second ‘elevator speech,’” she said. “Initially you come to promote your own business, and then you start meeting other people and find out ways you can be of support.”

Another new member, LaTonya Pegues, owner of BOAZ Enterprises, appreciates NAWBO-LA’s commitment to continuing cultivating its members. Besides looking to establish business partnerships, her exposure to the organization has made her more interested in public policy advocacy.

“I’m looking forward to the NAWBO-LA connection,” she said. “I’ve heard so many great things, and I’m looking forward to experiencing great things myself.”

NAWBO-LA Immediate Past President Bonnie Nijst, president and CEO of Zeesman Communications, Inc., says this type of active participation in the chapter does more than help members on an individual level: “Everyone benefits when we’re champions for each others’ successes.”

To learn more about what NAWBO-LA can offer, visit www.nawbola.org.

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