MYB CEO attends annual leadership meeting

Last week was the WIPP (Women Impacting Public Policy) 2014 Annual Leadership Meeting in Washington D.C., and it was a great event filled with informational sessions, meet-and-greets with legislators, and networking opportunities. Mind Your Business CEO Karen Caruso made a trip to the nation’s capital for the three-day meeting, in order to participate in the WIPP events, learn from the sessions and meet with other leaders, both in private business and in politics. Karen also had the opportunity to attend the Special Procurement Session with Ann Sullivan, in which the discussion topic was legislation that supports leveling the playing field for government contracting by women-owned businesses. “A sole-source designation for woman-owned businesses in federal contracting is critical to their survivability, growth and job creation,” Karen said. “Statistics show that most heads of household are women. These same women own small businesses and create jobs, which directly impacts their community.” Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the Senate and meet with Maria Cantwell — the chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship — and some of the senators that work on behalf of women business owners. The Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship also held a hearing about empowering women entrepreneurs, and more than 250 female business owners attended the hearing. The annual meeting included sessions on challenges in organizational leadership, the importance of building alliances, improving your business’ visibility, and the challenges facing women-owned businesses. In addition to the sessions, the WIPP meeting provided opportunities for attendees to join together for networking dinners at top D.C. restaurants, and participate in an advocacy workshop. The Mind Your Business team was glad to be represented at this event, and Karen looks forward to next year’s meeting. Image: Karen Caruso visits the U.S. Senate]]>