In order to help you get to know them better, we asked the members of the 2007-2008 Board of Directors to tell us about the impact that NAWBO has had on each of them. Here are their answers:

Liz Nolan, Women’s Diagnostic Center of Cleveland, Inc., President:
“In 2000 when I was starting a new business division, my first client wanted our service in three months.  A NAWBO Cleveland connection gave me a referral for my biggest need, a project manager, who helped me pull all the pieces together in time.  My NAWBO network has been a wonderful business resource.”

Tina Hamrick, SJK Beringer Group, President Elect:
“It's almost impossible to describe what NAWBO means to me.  The business & personal relationships I have built, the numerous opportunities to showcase my business  & the opportunity to learn from other women in business have all been priceless.  If I had to pay other organizations and educational institutions for what I gain from NAWBO it would cost me a fortune.”

Barb Cagley, SCK, Immediate Past President:
“NAWBO is a resource that helps me run my business. I count on the women I have met in NAWBO - both members and corporate partners - for their advise, support and expertise. It is one of the best investments of time and money I have made for my company and my spirit.”

Helen Eichel, Imacom Design, VP Communications:
“I've always been impressed with how genuinely helpful, and inclusive members are. At one occasion, in particular, I can recall feeling very proud to belong to this group - as I watched members spontaneously drop all they were doing, and come to the aid of a woman looking to start a business. What great business role models these woman were - eagerly and unselfishly, sharing business insights and offering support.”

Sandra Kelly, Ray, Robinson, Carle & Davies, VP Education:
“NAWBO has cemented relationships with prominent women in Northeast Ohio and I have made life long friends working to promote women business owners.”

Donna Metzger, PC Coach & Associates LLC, VP Finance:
“NAWBO had been a great gift to me.  I have received some business, but the main benefit is in my personal and professional growth.  By volunteering in committees and on the board, I have learned new skills.  I was a shy person who now can go up to strangers and join a group and work a trade show booth.  I have also gained some really good friends I trust to consult on my business and be there for me personally as well.”

Judy Lester, Allied Door Systems, VP Member Services:
“As a new business owner I have found NAWBO to be an incredibly supportive group of women. I felt right at home from the very first meeting I attended. NAWBO members are full of great ideas and so willing to share them with others. Most of all I have found NAWBO members to be just lovely people. I look forward to contributing in any way I can, to NAWBO’S continued success.”

Kathe Mayer, J & K Mayer Group, Inc., VP Public Policy:
“I have found NAWBO Cleveland a way to get to know other women business owners and share ideas even though very few would become customers.  Gaining customers is not the only reason to join.  Public Policy is an area that I have been interested in for a long time so it is a way for me to share that interest with members of NAWBO who might not understand the implications public policy has on businesses. It is more than taxes!”

Barbara Blake, Longview Associates LLC, Director:
“NAWBO Cleveland is one of the area’s best kept secrets.  No other group provides such strong peer relationships and opportunities to brainstorm issues on any and all issues of business life.  I look forward to working with members to grow the strength and quantity of these relationships and the quality of our interactions.”

Sandy Heath, Sandra Heath & Associates, Inc., Director:
“My NAWBO membership gave me access to more resources that help me run my business more efficiently than I can count ... but my best gift from my membership has been my own personal "three wise women" (Ingrid Kaczmarek, Laureen Smith & Dorothy Werblow) who have been sounding boards, referral sources, mentors, friends, coaches, moms, sisters, social workers, advisors, encyclopedias, role models, teachers, etc. ... just your overall great ladies.  They became my unofficial mentors and have taught me so very much by sheer example.”

Jill McCauslin, Radcom, Inc., Director:
“NAWBO has allowed me to meet some very interesting women doing interesting things. I really appreciate the opportunity to talk to business owners with such diverse backgrounds and with such diverse businesses. I know if I need help, I can find the right person to help me with it!”

Jacquie Sopko, Balloon Crew, Inc., Director:
“NAWBO was there in 1981 when I started my business. The members (and friends I had made) were there when I got married, had a baby, got divorced and moved the company. They have been there for me with support, advice, encouragement, business counseling and more for almost 26 years. I can't imagine having done it all without NAWBO.”