The Women’s Business Council – Southwest exists to help women owned businesses grow and gain corporate and government contracts. That’s our bottom line. The great news is that procurement opportunities are growing at the WBCS, and I want to highlight two programs that exemplify this growth. At the ninth annual Women’s Business Round-Up held this past April, the opportunities for business were, by every measure, better than ever. We had a 23% increase in exhibitors, a 16% increase in attendees, and a 34% increase in Supplier-To-Buyer appointments! These numbers mean that more sustaining members took advantage of the opportunity to identify potential suppliers, and more WBE members were on hand to market their products and services to corporations and government entities who are looking for women-owned suppliers. We were also very pleased to honor 15 corporate CEOs and procurement executives (see picture) who joined us at our Kick-Off reception and had the opportunity to meet the record number of Council members in attendance. It was a very successful event and I want to thank each of you who served on the planning committee, exhibited, attended, or volunteered during the event because you are the reason for our success. The Women’s Business Round-Up is the single largest procurement event of the WBCS each year and I strongly encourage all members to mark your calendars for next year (April 12-13, 2005) because it is an event not to be missed if you’re serious about doing business. And next year is sure to be even bigger and better because it’s the Council’s 10th anniversary!

In addition to the successful longstanding Round-Up event, this year the WBCS launched a new procurement initiative with the establishment of our ACE (Architecture, Construction, & Engineering) Committee. Under the expert leadership of co-chairs Jim Schultz of Fluor and Gail Warrior Lawrence, owner of the Warrior Group, the ACE Committee has been busy identifying opportunities and providing education for our members in the industry. From its kick-off meeting in February to the present, the ACE Committee has provided valuable education and networking opportunities that are bringing prime contractors and WBEs in the industry together to pursue business. They have already produced an ACE directory that lists the capabilities of the WBE members and is being shared with prime contractors, and have provided specific information to the members on current construction projects in the area. In addition, “Quoin – The Basics”, an in-depth course on the issues related to operating a small construction business, is being offered to our members. Fluor and TXU have even provided 4 scholarships on a first-come-first-served basis to eligible members. If you are in architecture, construction, or engineering you can learn more about how to get involved in ACE by contacting Emilia Menthe at the Council office.

Opportunities to make valuable business connections have never been stronger at the Council. Our sustaining membership of 59 corporations and government entities are involved because they are looking for women-owned suppliers. I urge each of you to get involved, attend the events, and see your membership in the WBCS result in significant growth for your business.