Highlights In NAWBO S.N. History

On February 26, 1990 the first meeting of the Southern Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners was held. At a standing room only luncheon at the Olympic Gardens Restaurant, 52 charter members were signed up. In March 1990 the following officers were appointed: President, Elizabeth Casey; Vice-President, Punam Mathur; Secretary, Patricia Brown, Esq.; Treasurer, Cindy Kaelin CPA; National Liaison, Valerie Wiener. Elizabeth and Valerie attended the National Conference in Los Angeles in June and accepted the chapter’s Charter. July 9-12, 1992: the NAWBO National Conference was held in Las Vegas. The national organization was stunned by a record attendance, which included almost 200 “walk-ins”. (Everyone wants to come to Vegas.) At that meeting, NAWBO National implemented the first Councils: Financial Services (now Corporate & Economic Development), Member Services, and Public Policy. November 7, 1992: “It’s A Jungle Out There! Shopping Boutique”. Twenty-nine women business owners participated in a fund raising project at RF Wholesale Plants and Flowers. It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work, and we never did it again! March 1995: Three NAWBO Southern Nevada members: Pat Brown, Jaymie McMullin, and Sharon Watkins, were elected to the Nevada delegation to the White House Conference on Small Business. That made a total of four, including appointed delegate Carolyn Stephens. Pat Brown had to drop out due to illness. They were later joined by past NAWBO member Sidra Kain, who had been elected as an alternate. June 1995: NAWBO made a powerful presence at the WHCSB, having more delegates than any other single association, over 200 NAWBO members out of the 2,000 total delegates. February 1999: NAWBO Southern Nevada once again hosted a National Conference.  (There were three national meetings each year, a mid-winter business conference, the annual meeting in June and Public Policy Days.) Over 600 women business owners enjoyed the hospitality of the MGM Grand and the local chapter. Also in March 1999 (NAWBO members don’t know the meaning of the word “can’t”) the chapter partnered with the Small Business Association to host the first Women of Distinction Awards event. This event honored outstanding women who have made significant contributions to our community. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds was donated to a charity chosen by the committee. The second WODA followed in March 2000 and has continued to be an annual event. In 2002, presentation of the Glass Ceiling Award was added to the event. In 2003, WODA was a sold-out event with 530 guests honoring 14 Women of Distinction Award recipients and five Glass Ceiling nominees. In 2004 the Rising Star award was added to honor young women (under 35) on their way up the corporate ladder or rising as entrepreneurs. The 2005 Women of Distinction Awards topped all previous records in attendance and revenue and the chapter was able to make a contribution of $7,000 to its chosen charity. February 2005: NAWBO/Southern Nevada celebrated the 15th anniversary of its inaugural luncheon and marked the milestone by signing up its 200th member. The National Association of Women Business Owners is celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year. NAWBO© is a registered trademark of the National Association of Women Business Owners