A new year is the chance to start a fresh page and embrace the possibility of new things. We hope you’ll look at NAWBO in much the same way in 2013. It’s a year where we have moved beyond the fiscal cliff for now, but still face slow economic recovery and uncertainty regarding key issues like spending, taxes and health care. The voice—and success—of women business owners is more important than ever. There are so many ways to engage with us—nationally, locally and as an advocate for your business and other women business owners. How far you go is really up to you. At NAWBO National, we offer partnerships and resources that benefit you all year long. We have the first of two NAWBO Chapter Leadership Bootcamps planned for February to support chapter leadership. We are preparing to launch the new NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development’s e-learning webinar series to address and support the unique needs and challenges of women-owned businesses. The first installment of this exciting series will be sponsored by the Sara Blakely Foundation. As you may know, Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx. More details will be coming soon. We are also partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Latino Coalition again to bring you America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, DC, this spring. Additionally, we are on the cusp of some exciting announcements regarding NAWBO’s Women’s Business Conference later this year. You’ll want to stay tuned! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to be among the first to know. Also, check out www.nawbo.org for news and partner discounts to take advantage of this year. These include savings on UPS shipping and freight, a free 12-month PR Newswire membership and discounted disability income insurance from Guardian. NAWBO also gets a rebate every time a member is approved for an American Express OPEN card. In your NAWBO Chapter, you’ll find tremednous value as well. It’s where you’ll connect with local resources and women business owners with shared experiences, including challenges and successes, and the desire to further themselves and one another. Make it a point to attend your Chapter’s first networking event to rediscover what your local NAWBO Chapter is all about! Also, look to your Chapter for other partner offers exclusively for NAWBO members. Advocacy is another important area to engage in this year, and NAWBO National continues to be involved in the issues that impact us and communicate key developments to our community. You can play a part in these advocacy efforts as well. Ask your Chapter leader about NAWBO’s Monthly Public Policy Primer Calls, for which each Chapter is appointing one delegate to be involved in the conversation about legislation and regulations. Calls take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month at noon EST, with the first on January 22nd. Another opportunity is the House Small Business Committee has a site called Small Business Open Mic for small business owners to suggest Congressional hearing topics. Whatever ways you choose to engage with us and advocate in 2013, we know it’s going to be a great year! Nearly 104 million businesses are now majority owned by women. And these women business owners provide 12 million jobs and generate more than a trillion dollars in sales. With all of our focus and support, this impact will only grow stronger. —Diane Tomb, NAWBO National President & CEO
