Post by Amy Blais, contributing Women On Business writer
As I have written about previously, it is important to support your own network and celebrate the successes and accomplishments of your fellow women owned businesses and be an advocate and supporter of the women’s business network. In supporting clients, colleagues and friends in the women’s business community, you can help to advance yourself, your business, and the overall movement for women to have active and equal participation in the women’s business community. And beyond that, celebrating partners provides friends with support and helps to highlight the innovative and creative women owned businesses that are contributing the economy.
Today, the Women President’s Educational Organization will do just that.
The Women Presidents’ Educational Organization (WPEO) will celebrate Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) and corporate sponsors today, March 6, at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. The event will honor and celebrate the eleven years the WPEO has created access for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) to private-sector contracts and recognize the outstanding achievements of women owned businesses and corporations that are involved with the organization.
The WPEO will present awards to those that have made exceptional contributions to the women’s business community, recognizing both women owned businesses, corporations and individual advocates. The 2009 award winners include:
- Outstanding Corporation: DC Region: Freddie Mac
- Outstanding WBE: DC Region: Jennifer Collins, The Event Planning Group, LLC
- President’s Award: DC Region: Erica Tillman, Capital One
- Outstanding Corporation: NY Region: Ernst & Young
- Outstanding WBE: NY Region: Julie Levi, Progressive Promotions, Inc.
- President’s Award: NY Region: Rosalie Edson, Meadows Office Furniture Co.
- Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate: Lynn A. Boccio, Avis Budget Group, Inc.
These companies and individuals were selected by their peers for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions. It is important that we do not stop celebrating and recognizing the accomplishments of those around us. Women need to support each other and inspire each other to achieve success in their lives and in their businesses. It is important to take hold of opportunities and to seek recognition for one’s accomplishments. I urge everyone to look for organizations and events that are coming up in your area, apply for awards for yourself and celebrate the achievements of those around you.
Information on WPEO:
The WPEO facilitates relationships between WBEs and Fortune 1000 companies by providing the most widely recognized and respected third-party certification for women-owned businesses. As the regional affiliate of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the WPEO has certified more than 800 companies in the New York region alone. Combined with its partner organization in the DC region, the WPEO has certified over 1,100 WBEs in 2008. The WPEO continues to thrive as one of the premier certification organizations, with 90% retention rate. www.wpeo.us