Women Presidents' Organization Focuses On Legacy Of Entrepreneurial Excellence At 20th Anniversary Conference

NEW YORK, April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), an international peer advisory group and business growth catalyst, celebrates achievements by members representing million dollar-plus women-led and owned companies, at its 20th anniversary annual conference.  The conference, which focuses on Entrepreneurial Excellence: The Next 20 Years, will be held in Orlando May 4 – 6 at the Ritz Carlton Grande-Lakes.

WPO was started in 1997 by Dr. Marsha Firestone, after she noticed a lack of business education for women who had achieved some entrepreneurial success. Faced with the everyday challenges of running a business, these CEOs can't talk to or confide in their employees, or share experiences which can be isolating. WPO's mission is today, as it was then, to accelerate business growth, enhance competitiveness and promote economic security for multi-million dollar women-led companies through confidential and collaborative peer-learning groups. Starting with 20 members who attended the first meeting there are now 2000 members, in 137 chapters, located in 12 countries, across 6 continents.

WPO's 20^th anniversary comes at a historical tipping point for women entrepreneurs all over the world. They are seizing opportunities as never seen before, and increasingly recognized for their innovation, passion and perseverance. WPO members' collective revenues top $24 billion and account for more than 153,000 jobs.

20 Years of Quantum Leaps in Growing the Economy
It is estimated that by 2018, one third of all U.S. jobs will be generated by women-led businesses¹. The collective economic impact of WPO's members is staggering, as is the broad spectrum of industries in which members are excelling today -- from IT solutions to facility operations management, shipping, construction, financial services, consumer products and beyond.

"Women business leaders encounter unique challenges and deserve a supportive resource that provides the knowledge and skills to thrive," says Firestone. "Being an entrepreneur is the great equalizer. By owning their own companies, women have more power, more influence and can pay themselves more, as well as control their time," she adds.

"In the two decades since founding WPO, women-led businesses have reached new heights in generating economic impact, creating jobs and shaping the future," Firestone notes. "WPO's 20th anniversary is a defining moment for women entrepreneurs around the world." To prompt sharing of information among its high powered members, WPO employs a proprietary roundtable process, led by a professional facilitator, and requires a commitment to confidentiality.

"For twenty years, WPO's peer advisory model has fostered mutually beneficial relationships that lead to successful business outcomes, inspiring women to excel, take more control of their future and grow their businesses across cultures and industries," says Margery Kraus, Founder and Executive Chairman, APCO Worldwide and WPO Board Chair.

"WPO has empowered a generation of women entrepreneurs to embrace the inherent challenges and constant change of today's business landscape with strength, confidence and ferocity," said Judi Sheppard-Missett, CEO and Founder, Jazzercise and WPO Board Member. "By supporting and motivating each other, WPO helps all of us to persevere and thrive."

Conference Sponsors:  
The 2017 WPO annual conference is supported by the commitment and dedication of WPO Sponsors, including:

Presenting Sponsor:  Microsoft Corporation

VIP Sponsors:                      

• American Express Global Commercial Payments
• Prudential
• Wells Fargo

Major Sponsors:       

• EY
• WIB|Women in Business|Francine Collections
• UPS

Lead Sponsors:         

• The Natori Company
• Lafayette 148 New York

General Sponsors:

• Forbes Books
• American Airlines
• Avis
• Bumble
• BMO Financial Group
• Chubb
• Dell
• Edward Lowe Foundation
• IBM   
• Lexus
• Sisley Paris
• Miraval Resort & Spa
• PNC Wealth Management
• PwC
• KeyBank
• Walmart Sam's Club
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• Work Market

Education Sponsors:

• Capital One
• Johnson & Johnson
• The Coca-Cola Company

Design Sponsor:  Creative Source

Member Sponsors:

• APCO Worldwide
• Assessment Leaders
• BoardBookit
• Cape Cobra
• Charleston Shoe Company
• Mi Jong Lee – Emmelle
• The Event Planning Group 
• ICON Information Consultants
• Jazzercise
• Mariner Wealth Advisors
• Matthildur
• Nina McLemore
• Usability Matters

Media Sponsors:

• Enterprising Women
• WE USA
• MBE Magazine
• Professional Woman's Magazine (Diversity.com)

About the Women Presidents' Organization
The WPO is the premier peer advisory organization connecting women who own multi-million dollar companies.  In monthly meetings across six continents, chapters of 20 women presidents from diverse industries invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting. For more information, call 212-688-4114 or visit www.womenpresidentsorg.com.  Follow us on Twitter @womenpresidents. Like us on Facebook @TheWPO.

¹ The Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute

Contact: Julie Livingston
WantLeverage Communications
[email protected]
(347) 239-0249

Susan Johnson
Women Presidents' Organization
[email protected]
(212) 688-4114 Office
(917) 601-5778 Mobile

SOURCE Women Presidents' Organization

Related Links

http://www.womenpresidentsorg.com