(Buffalo, New York) Buffalo is yet again emerging as a winner. This time, it is the local chapter of the National Association of the Women Business Owners, NAWBO Buffalo-Niagara, which has become the fastest growing NAWBO chapter in the United States out of 54 national chapters. In the 2015-2016 year, the local organization’s membership base grew 80% from a small to a medium sized chapter, and is now on the course of becoming a 100-member chapter.Sabina Ramsey, the outgoing President of NAWBO Buffalo Niagara, says, “One thing that mattered to us this past year was is that we wanted to embrace diversity and welcome women business owners from all industries into our chapter. We succeeded with our goal by establishing closer relationships with organizations such as The Black Capital Network, 43North, Amherst Chamber of Commerce, and Women’s Council of Realtors. Our efforts resulted in larger event sponsorships with, for example, General Motors which is a company who shares our values.” She continues: “We are also very pleased with being able to claim “Women Doing Business Day” and welcoming NAWBO National’s CEO, Jen Earle, to the region for our annual Each One Reach One event which attracted almost 400 attendees.”

Ramsey concludes, “We are proud of what we have accomplished, but we are even more excited about next year. The foundation for growth has been created and with the new leadership team in place, the organization will soar.”

As the chapter prepares for its annual change in leadership, Wednesday, June 8, the chapter is proud to install next year’s board of officers. Incoming President Lisa A. Coppola, Esq. remarked “I’m delighted with the growth of our chapter. It means that Western New York women who own businesses are eager to both provide and receive support, education, mentoring, and camaraderie from like-minded colleagues across all professions and industries.”

She continues, “Working with our President-Elect Marcia C. Brogan, we anticipate reaching hundreds of regional women entrepreneurs by 2017. We’re excited to be of service and to contribute to the economic development of Western New York.”

The new NAWBO Buffalo Niagara board will be installed at The Colored Musicians Club on Wednesday June 8th at 5:30-8:00 pm. The organization is planning an evening of business and culture, which will feature music from the Colored Musicians Jazz Trio and a southern-inspired menu. To continue the diverse growth of the membership, the chapter has announced that their second-Wednesday-of-the-month dinner events will now be hosted at The Foundry in the City of Buffalo.

About NAWBO: The Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of NAWBO has been helping women entrepreneurs thrive since 1994. It is the premier organization for Buffalo-Niagara’s diverse range of women-owned businesses, fostering a network of women entrepreneurs, articulating its strong voice on important advocacy issues, and providing high-quality educational programs for a dynamic and diverse group of women business owners and chapter partners. NAWBO Buffalo-Niagara is a leading advocate for emerging and established women business owners who aspire to higher levels of opportunity, challenge and success.

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide by strengthening the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community; creating innovative and effective change in the business culture; building strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations; and transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers.

CONTACTS:   

Sabina Ramsey, NAWBO Buffalo Niagara – President

Mobile:  716-308-6208   Email: sabina@insightinternationalusa.com

Lisa Coppola, Esq., NAWBO Buffalo Niagara – President Elect

Mobile: 716-536-4442   Email: lcoppola@lisa-coppola.com

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