About the Women’s Business Network

In the Beginning
by Tammy Everall, 2002 WBN President

It was 1992, on that early weekday morning when two excited local businesswomen found themselves heading north up the 1-5 Interstate. Eagerly anticipating their participation in a Portland women's business group, their expectations soon turned to the satisfaction that what they had experienced, was indeed what they had been looking for: A group of business women who gathered to support one another through sharing experiences, education and networking. A group that geared business women toward success. Their ride home flew by, as they reviewed their experience with the group, knowing that they wanted to come back... Then, the Eureka! moment -- "Why couldn't we do the same in our area?" they reasoned.

Truly, why not?

And so began the saga of the Women's Business Network. It took a lot of work, though. Lots of meetings in smoky restaurants hammering out all the details (this is true -- adds a bit of color, no?!) They knew they wanted it to be different. NOT a leads group. Definitely. There were already plenty of them around. It needed to support women from the inside out. Out of all the meetings and hard work emerged Women's Business Network, and the mission statement that you hear at the beginning of each of our monthly meetings: Women's Business Network is an alliance of local business and professional women who foster mutual success in the areas of profitability, leadership and personal and professional growth through investment in networking, education and mutual support. Sort of puts a new twist on it.

Who amongst you knows this story? Most of us old timers knew just a part of it. I was pleased to hear the whole true story recently along with other board members, straight from one of those two womens’ mouths! Can you guess who that is? She still attends our monthly meetings and is actively involved in furthering women in business. The other one now lives on the East coast of our nation but regularly keeps in contact. No doubt she continues her commitment. The best part is that I am proud to announce that we are now 10 YEARS OLD! Thank you Donna Freshman and Ruth Ann Howden and all the others that worked with you for creating this great organization. Happy Anniversary to us all.