I try to pay attention to people who know more than I do about important topics. That is why, when I read a recent article by Warren Buffett, it made me pause and consider how timely his thoughts were.

He said "[America's] secret sauce has been a political and economic system that unleashes human potential to an extraordinary degree. As a result Americans today enjoy an abundance of goods and services that no one could have dreamed of just a few centuries ago. But that's not the half of it -- or, rather, it's just about the half of it. America has forged this success while utilizing, in large part, only half of the country's talent...".

He says "..So, my fellow males, what's in this for us? Why should we care whether the remaining barriers facing women are dismantled..."

His article continues with "..Fellow males, get onboard. The closer that America comes to fully employing the talents of all its citizens, the greater its output of goods and services will be. We've seen what can be accomplished when we use 50% of our human capacity. If you visualize what 100% can do, you'll join me as an unbridled optimist about America's future.."

Mr. Buffett's perspective is enlightening and energizing. I believe that working together, men and women, we can create so much more than working separately, or even competing unnecessarily.

My Oxford trip was truly amazing, an opportunity to participate with other thought leaders to discuss how to build the world's economy, with Buffett's noted "other half", one business woman at a time. The Oxford Forum for Women in the World Economy was the first of an annual series, with a select audience assembled to discuss how best to support women as entrepreneurs throughout the developed and developing worlds.

I had the honor of talking about the WIPP Economic Blueprint and how WIPP has positive measurable results for business women in the U.S. by incorporating the process and programs noted in the Blueprint. Leaders from countries throughout the world found the Blueprint to be a great resource. I'd like to thank WIPP's president, Barbara Kasoff, for her leadership and vision of building this economic powerhouse of U.S. business women. Together we can now help build "the other half" to continue to strengthen more families, communities, regions and even countries.

 

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you at one of the fabulous upcoming events noted below. If you are in Reno, Baltimore or DC in the next few weeks, look me up, I'd love to talk with you.

 

And if you want to know what changes have affected federal government contract accounting and what you need to do to remain profitable, our class on June 4 is THE place to be.

 

Here's to your continued success!

 

 

Gloria Berthold Larkin
President, TargetGov
443-543-5067 or 1-866-579-1346

   

   

The Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium (VETS), June 10-13, 2013, is a Business Development Conference created by Veterans for Veterans.

 

The Goal: Provide the knowledge and relationships needed for Veterans to transition into Business Owners to service the Federal Government.

 

The Difference: The VETS agenda is crafted by Veterans already doing business with the Federal government-Veteran Entrepreneurs who have walked in your shoes.

 

VETS2013 will bring together Federal agencies, Prime contractors, and Veterans to discuss how to take full advantage of the Federally mandated contracting opportunities set aside specifically for Veteran-owned small businesses.

Sign up for a timely breakfast discussion with expert federal contracting legal and accounting insiders including a successful contractor living through the real challenge of keeping profits secure in the era of  budget cuts and sequestration complicated with the aggressive trend of Lowest Price Technical Acceptable (LPTA) contracts. Discussions include  the uncharted territory of indirect costs affected by budget slowdowns, impact to operations, contract pricing and legal ramifications. This is a powerful discussion is designed to give attendees a solid base of knowledge to protect profits. 

Following last week's release of the SBA Interim Rule to implement the removal of dollar limits on WOSB set-asides, The Department of Defense has issued a class deviation to immediately remove WOSB statutory dollar limitations on all DoD contracts prior to the changes being made to the FAR.  Please see the message below for more details.

Read more about this announcement and others affecting WOSB on WIPP's website.

Class Details:

When: June 4, 2013 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: bwtech@UMBC 5520 Research Park Dr, Baltimore, MD 21228 (Note: Just minutes from BWI Airport for all who want to fly in for this class)
Cost: $995 --receive the preferred rate of $745 if you register on or before May 31st. Use code SD2013 at check out