At State Conference we extended NYS Women in Business Week to Women in Business Month. This may seem like a small change but given the importance of women in business, why limit ourselves to one week of recognition. For those who are new to our organization, Women in Business Month is held in the month of October annually.

Local chapters hold many different types of events, dependent on the needs of their community or interest of their members. Some locals highlight the NYS Women in Business Month with a press release to the local newspapers, often highlighting a local business woman or women. Others have held a legislative awareness event which includes round table discussions on issues facing women in business and invite local and/or state politicians to hear from their constituents.

New ideas keep things fresh, so why not hold a “Celebration of Women in Business” event such as a breakfast or brunch, where you honor local business women (including those in your chapter) and/or local leaders who have supported the legislative needs of women. It could be similar to a “Woman of the Year” event, but extend it to several honorees. Look for funding from businesses that could benefit from exposure at the event such as law firms, printers, business centers, etc.

Perhaps you could run a half-day educational event at a local library, school, or hotel about how women can start a business in a difficult economy and invite the Small Business Administration (and similar organizations) to provide information to educate local women. In the age of social networking, consider holding an educational forum on how to harness the power of social networking for business. Consider a panel discussion to network with women of other organizations, including the local Chamber of Commerce to share their experiences.

With whatever you chose to do, the keys to success are:

1. Get the word out with press releases and announcement; secure outside funding if possible. Remember visibility—logo, logo, logo.
2. Focus on meeting one or all of our mission points ( to build powerful women personally, professionally, and politically.)
3. Make sure it’s an event which exposes your chapter to potential new members, particularly in-person but local press exposure may lead to future interest if not for this event. Have recruiters and materials ready for membership growth.
4. Involve as many of your members as possible, involved members stay active and maintain their membership.
5. Submit your event for recognition (or 1st, 2nd, 3rd place!) at next year’s Annual Conference. The above four points will be used in making the determination. Deadline for submission is May 1st.

Submissions can be made to me at [email protected] in PDF or Word formats. I am also available by phone at 631-774-7576 if you have any questions or need assistance in anyway. I am the chair of NYS Women in Business Month for the year, so please keep me busy and use me as a resource.