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Another year-end is fast approaching and we're all lamenting, again, "Where did the year go?"
This is the time when we all rush to complete business projects and wrap up fiscal matters while also wanting and trying to focus on family and all that we are thankful for.
It's a busy time! Oh, and one more thing - preparing for 2012!
For busy, successful people it just doesn't stop. And that's why I am privileged to work with busy, successful people here at the Council. You find time to contribute your support and expertise to the success of the WBCS, and you do so because you realize a valuable return on your investment. That's what smart business people do.
Many of you were able to join us at our annual Holiday Volunteer Appreciation Reception sponsored by Brinker International and held at the beautiful Maggiano's in NorthPark. I always look forward to this event because it is simply a time to say thank you and honor you, the volunteers that serve on over 20 committees of the WBCS. The committees are the engine of the Council and you are the engineers. Without your dedication, insights, and time, we would not be as successful as we are. So, I thank each and every one of you.
And successful we were this year! We provided over 50 separate events, large and small, that delivered valuable education, procurement opportunities, recognition, and networking to over 1,000 WBE members and 80+ Sustaining Members throughout our four-state region. Our Done Deals™ program reported $489 Million of business with WBE members of the Council. We opened our first satellite office in Austin, and we began offering Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification as a third-party certifier for the SBA. These are just a sampling of the benefits of membership in the WBCS. It's all about helping our members make business connections.
If you are not already taking advantage of the many opportunities in the Council through attendance at events or serving on one of our committees, I encourage you to do so. It's how you really begin to see dividends from your certification if you are a WBE. If you are a Sustaining (corporate) Member, it connects you to solid suppliers while contributing to the growth and success of WBEs so they can grow with your company.
I wish each of you the happiest of holiday seasons. Let us be thankful for our many blessings and make the most of our challenges together.
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