Fall 2011

November 24, 2011
For immediate release
Trade Organization Honours Women Export Trailblazers -
Three prestigious awards presented at annual gala

Toronto, ON – Nancy Ward, Director of the Canadian Trade Office of the Council of Great Lakes Governors, is this year’s recipient of the JoAnna Townsend Award, presented by the Organization of Women in International Trade– Toronto (OWIT-Toronto).  Ward received this award, which recognizes a woman’s trade advocate in Ontario, in recognition of her outstanding work and commitment over many years encouraging and assisting women to expand globally. OWIT-Toronto launched this award several years ago in memory of JoAnna Townsend, a trailblazing champion of women exporters who passed away in 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ward has helped many women-led small and medium sized enterprises grow by building and strengthening cross border relationships. “I am really touched and honoured to receive the 2011 JoAnna Townsend award and to be counted among the other winners whom I admire greatly for their achievements and efforts in championing women exporters, both in the early days and in the present,” says Ward. “While I never had the opportunity to meet JoAnna, I am well familiar with her groundbreaking work in encouraging and facilitating opportunities for women exporters and her role in the Beyond Borders review of Canadian businesswomen in international trade.”

Ward was presented with this award at an event in Toronto earlier this month by sponsors Ruth Fothergill of Export Development Canada and Paloma Healey of Scotiabank. “Being a part of OWIT-Toronto since 2004 has been a wonderful opportunity for me to meet like-minded women involved in international business and to learn from their expertise and experience in their respective fields,” explains Ward. “Those and other women have been instrumental in helping me to become the best that I can be in my role as a service provider and also give back some of that tremendous gift, via internships and mentoring, to other young women starting their journey in the field of international trade.”

In selecting Ward as this year’s winner, the judges highlighted her consulting work with the Council of Great Lakes Governors, her work in spearheading trade missions from the U.S. to Canada, her promotion of women-owned businesses and their growing importance in the economy, and being the founder of Grow Trade in 2004 which mentors women through work with research projects.

The Woman Exporter Award, which recognizes an outstanding Ontario woman entrepreneur who is a successful exporter to more than one international market and through her business is advancing women and the image of Canadian women in the international business community, was presented to Jacqueline Dinsmore, President, Luvali Convertables.

“I am very honoured to receive this award,” says Dinsmore. “I started Luvali Convertibles on a leap of faith in 2008, leaving my corporate law career to pursue my dream.” Luvali – which is known for its unique convertible and reversible handbags, jewelry and kids line – has expanded to stores from coast to coast across North America; and now exports to Asia, the UK and South America.  “Organizations like OWIT are instrumental in helping catapult women entrepreneurs in the international business community to achieve new heights,” she adds. “For your continued support of women entrepreneurs, I am truly grateful.”

Dinsmore designs, develops and sells her line of uniquely designed convertible and reversible products for women and children in the wholesale market to 1,000 stores domestically and internationally. Luvali Convertibles won the award for Top 10 Best Products in Canada, was named one of the fastest-growth companies, featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, has been included in swag bags at the Oscars and the Emmys, and featured on The Today Show and Good Morning America. 

Jasmine Cheema is this year’s winner of the Student of International Trade Award, which recognizes an outstanding female student who has put into action what she has learned, demonstrating a significant contribution to the advancement of women in international trade or to Ontario's exporting community, either through her studies or through business experience.

Cheema has a Post Graduate Certificate in International Business from Sheridan College and a Bachelors of Commerce Honours, from Panjab University, India. She works as a Trade Assistant with the Canadian office of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, where she has helped facilitate trade and investment between companies in North Carolina and Canada. 

“I would like to thank OWIT-Toronto for providing me with this opportunity and also the judges who thought I was worthy enough,” says Cheema. “I came to Canada from India a year ago to do my Post Graduate in International Business, and it has been quite a journey ever since. I have met many wonderful women through OWIT who are pioneers in international trade; they have always been there to guide and mentor me. I feel very honoured and grateful to win the award, and hope to win the JoAnna Townsend Award sometime in the future!”

In addition to the award, Student of International Trade winners receive encouragement from OWIT-Toronto in the form of a $500 bursary.

Other highlights of the evening included an inspiring presentation from keynote speaker and women’s trade champion Pamela Davis Heilman, partner at Hodgson Russ, who has an extensive background in international trade and will be retiring after 30 years with the firm.  She has been an integral part of developing Hodgson Russ’ Cross-Border Practice and has been actively involved in serving on the University of Buffalo Council, the Canadian American Business Council and the Shaw Festival (where she is currently Vice Chair).  Heilman has been recognized through various awards such as the 2008 OWIT International Woman of the Year and the 2009 Canadian Ambassador’s Award.

The awards ceremony was supported by Export Development Canada and Scotiabank, the event sponsors, Hodgson Russ LLP, Walmart, and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation.

About OWIT
The Organization of Women in International Trade (www.owit.org) – with chapters around the world – is dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women. There are three Canadian chapters – in Ontario, OWIT-Toronto (www.owit-toronto.ca) and OWIT-Ottawa (www.owit-ottawa.ca) and in Alberta (www.owitalberta.org).

-30-

Media Contact: Susan Baka, 416. 410.1654 susanb@owit-toronto.ca

.........................................................................................

OWIT International Connections

-----------------------------Message from the President ----------------------------

First I would like to thank the OWIT Arkansas Chapter and particularly President Laura James and OWIT Representative Denise Simpson for hosting a fantastic Fall Board meeting.  Not only did we accomplish a great deal during our sessions, we also had the honor of helping OWIT Arkansas celebrate its first anniversary.

As we move into the final quarter of 2011, I would next like to recognize our OWIT Executive Committee members who have been instrumental leading OWIT International for the past 2 years.  I appreciate their service and their dedication to making this organization a leading global women's professional network.  As we wrap up their term, I am pleased that we've made major strides toward our three goals:

1. Increase the growth of OWIT worldwide through current chapters as well as bring new countries and regions with new chapters and virtual members into the global network quickly.
2. Leverage the strength of OWIT's international board and members to promote the value of the organization's professional and trade network.
3. Utilize technology as an enabler to better communicate and to offer enhanced programming   through webinars.

We will end this year with 4 new chapters  (Ottawa, Phoenix, Arkansas, Central VA) and a growing global virtual program for members who do not have a chapter location available in their geographic region.  We have built strong partnerships with great member benefits (see the updates below) as well as helped our own members gain professional exposure by presenting during our 2011 OWIT Trade Leaders webinar series or connect with each other through our LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter tools.  And finally, we have experienced amazing cost savings through new technology that has allowed us to better communicate as an organization including our Webinar Store.

As I Iook toward the new year, I am excited about the talent in our newly elected OWIT Executive Committee and also to building upon the success of the current term.  Look for us to focus on strengthening our chapters, empowering the OWIT network and continuing to utilize technology as a driver of our goals.

Thanks to everyone and enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

--------------------------------Board Meeting Highlights ----------------------------

Many thanks to the Arkansas chapter and OWIT International President Angela Hoffman for hosting the fall board meeting in Bentonville. Several chapters shared these best practices:

On attracting and empowering board volunteers (courtesy of Chicago Chapter)

• Recruit volunteers by tapping into peers and professional contacts, reaching out to existing members, and reaching out to past board members to rejoin
• Persuade people to join with reasons such as the opportunity to make contacts (especially for individuals new in town), to enhance visibility in the trade community, to get involved with the international board, and to enhance one's resume.
• Retain board members through continual communication, tapping into individual board members' expertise and interests, encouraging work in teams (especially for programming), recognizing accomplishments and keeping things fun.

On developing partnerships (courtesy of New York Chapter)

• Pursue partnerships with other women's business organizations, universities and financial institutions. (The New York Chapter has also developed partnerships with law firms, the Fashion Institute of Technology, World Trade Week and Women on Boards).

On managing chapters serving multiple communities (courtesy of Lake Geneva chapter)

• Hold events in all places, but try not to hold events the same month.
• Have Co-VPs for events, one in each city.

On mentor programs (courtesy of Washington Chapter)

• Recruit mentors who have been long-time members of OWIT
• Set up a meeting with mentees to manage expectations
• Use a program coordinator to match mentors and mentees.

On building a world-class board (courtesy of Lilia Navarette, Los Angeles)

• Work to get the buy in with your board. Sometimes you have to talk to people individually to gain consensus.
• Convince people to partner by acknowledging their good past work.

-------------------------Call for Nominations - OWIT Awards ------------------------

Help OWIT recognize outstanding contributions to the organization and to advancing women in international trade by sending us your nominations for Woman of the Year, Chapter of the Year and Member of the Year.

The deadline is Nov 18th. Please submit your nominations to OWIT Secretary, Julia Wright, secretary@owit.org. For details on how to nominate, visit www.owit.org or click here for the nomination form. Voting will be completed by November 20, so stay tuned!

----------------------------Meet your New Executive Board-------------------------

The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) is pleased to announce that a dynamic and accomplished group of women from around the world were voted in at the Fall Board meeting as the 2012-2013 Executive Committee of the world's premier organization for women interested in doing business globally. They include:

• President: Angela Marshall Hofmann (Arkansas chapter), Vice President, Global Integrated Sourcing, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Arkansas
• Executive VP: Karen Bland(Hampton Roads Chapter),Director and Inside Counsel, Export Compliance and Contracts Measurement Specialties, Inc., Hampton, Virginia   
• Treasurer: Carolina Schneider (North-East Ohio Chapter), Internal Auditor/Financial Analyst, Park Ohio Industries Inc., Cleveland, Ohio
• Assistant Treasurer: Tamuna Gabilaia (Washington, D.C. Chapter), Executive Director, World Federation of Direct Selling Associations, Washington, D.C.
• General Counsel: Camelia Mazard (Washington, D.C. Chapter), Partner, Doyle, Barlow & Mazard PLLC, Washington, D.C.
• VP Information Technology: Grace Montealegre (Miami Chapter), Marketing Director/Web Content Manager, Sandler, Travis, and Rosenberg,Miami, Florida
• VP Communications: Allison Campbell (Los Angeles Chapter), Senior Planner, Global Food Sourcing - California Hub, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Santa Monica, California
• Co-VP Marketing: Amanda Blaurock (Washington, D.C. Chapter), International Trade Attorney, Playa Del Rey, California
• Co-VP Marketing: Kimberly Holizna (Northeast Ohio Chapter), Director, International Trade Assistance Center, Cleveland, Ohio
• VP Conference: Margaret Heine (Orange County Chapter), Attorney at Law:  Heine Law Group, Fullerton, California
• VP Strategy: Catherine Robinson (Washington, D.C. Chapter), Senior Manager, International Corporate Affairs, Amgen, Inc., Washington, D.C.
• Co-VP Chapter Support: Andrea Ewart (Washington, D.C. Chapter), Andrea M. Ewart, P.C., Washington, D.C.
• Co-VP Chapter Support: Tina Sentosa (Virtual Member), International Trade Professional and Entrepreneur, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Co-VP Chapter Support, Virtual Member Liaison: Aze Malawo (Virtual Member), International Development Professional, Seattle, Washington
• Co-VP Chapter Development: Mwikali Matu Kemibaro (Nairobi Chapter), Managing Director, Envision Tarizi, Nairobi, Kenya
• Co-VP Chapter Development: Evelyn Suarez (Washington, D.C.), Partner, Williams Mullen LLP, Washington, D.C.
• Co-VP Partnerships: Judith Lukas (Phoenix Chapter), Licensed U.S. Customs Broker, Phoenix, Arizona
• Co-VP Partnerships: Susan Baka (Toronto Chapter), President, Bay Communications & Marketing, Inc., Toronto, Canada

"OWIT's newly elected Executive Committee represents a diverse team of talented, global trade professionals who will take our organization to the next level of service to our chapters and members," said Executive Vice-President Karen Bland. "The incoming team will focus on strengthening our global chapters, empowering the OWIT network and utilizing technology as a driver of services such as webinars, partnerships and professional development."  The new Executive and Board will begin its two year term on January 1, 2012.

-----------------OWIT Founder Receives International Honour -------------------

Marian Duntley of Rancho Palo Verdes, CA, an OWIT founder and award recipient, has been honored again, this time by The International Alliance for Women (TIAW). Marian is a recipient of a 2011 TIAW World of Difference 100 Awards (Non-Profit/NGO category). Along with fellow award recipients, she was recognized on October 27, 2011 at the TIAW Global Forum at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC.

The awards recognize 100 achievers from 27 countries for their efforts in advancing the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or worldwide. Recipients are selected from leaders of communities, organizations, corporations, regions or countries who have taken action to support women's economic empowerment and advancement in society and in business.

Marian has dedicated over 25 years of continuous service empowering women economically at both the local and international levels. She co-founded one of the nine founding chapters of OWIT, Women in International Trade, Los Angeles (WIT-LA), in 1985, with a goal to help provide women with the opportunity for advancement and economic empowerment. Now retired after a distinguished career with Toyota, DHL and other major corporations, Marian has been a pillar and strong role model for women in the international trade community throughout the years and has also mentored corporate women around the world. Marian also served a lengthy stint on OWIT's advisory board, guiding and supporting new board members.

------------------------Call for Project Ideas:  Import Genius ----------------------

The OWIT partnership with ImportGenius includes access to the ImportGenius system for research projects of general global trade significance (subject to the approval of the OWIT Board). The company provides detailed shipping histories of what suppliers ship to U.S. customers, including customer lists, product descriptions, and trading volumes and offers a view into the trading relationships, and product trends for millions of U.S. importers and their suppliers.

OWIT is seeking project ideas of general business or specific industry topics and invite members to submit ideas. Judy Lukas, VP of Partnerships, will champion the projects and work with ImportGenius to obtain the data. This is a great research opportunity for students and we hope it will increase membership involvement in OWIT. Send project ideas or questions to Judy Lukas at president@owitphoenix.org

And, remember, OWIT members receive a discount of 25% off the ImportGenius.com service. In addition, OWIT receives a $100 referral fee for each new subscriber. To take advantage of this offer, log in at www.owit.org and view the membership benefits section. You may also contact secretary@owit.org for the discount code.

--------------------Partnership Advantage:  OFAC Boot Camp --------------------

OWIT, through its partnership with the American Conference Institute (ACI), has arranged for a special $200 discount to OWIT members who want to attend the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Boot Camp, December 1-2, New York, New York. Visit www.americanconference.com/ofacbootcamp for more information. To access the discount please view the membership benefits section at www.owit.org or you may contact secretary@owit.org 

----------------------------Visit our New Webinar Store------------------------------

If you missed out on past OWIT webinars, you can still listen in. Just log in to OWIT's website  and click on the "Webinar Store" button near the top left of the home page.  

There are three categories of webinars available.  The first section in the "MindBites" platform are our previously recorded OWIT Webinar Series which can be viewed at a low cost of $24.75 each. The second section displays our FREE webinars on Vimeo.  These are topics like the 2010 Awards Winners Presentation.

The third section is for members only.  Log in to view free videos with great "how to" information for your chapter!  Topics include - How to use the OWIT website (back end section), using Calliflower and Skype (for board calls).  Future topics will include  

1. How to set up a Facebook page for your Chapter.
2. How to use Twitter for your Chapter.
3. How to set up a LinkedIn group for your Chapter.

-------------------------------------Chapter News ----------------------------------

Welcome aboard to the newest OWIT chapter - Central Virginia. Contact Maria Stefanis at mstefanis@williamsmullen.com or Evelyn Suarez at esuarez@williamsmullen.com   

Congratulations to OWIT Nairobi on celebrating its 10th anniversary this year!     

Congratulations to OWIT Arkansas on celebrating it's one-year anniversary at the OWIT International Fall Board meeting. 

.........................................................................................

Summer 2011

OWIT International Connections

-----------------------------Message from the President ----------------------------

Dear OWIT Members:

As I enter the second year of my term, I have to say that I am very proud to be part of this organization.  We have made great progress this past year in implementing the major goals we set out. In particular:

• Leveraging technology by reducing costs through the use of tools like Calliflower has enabled us to connect around the world and has also translated to a significant cost savings (nearly $2400/year), and by expanding our reach through social media like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and through launching and sustaining a successful webinar series.  The webinar program is now an important tool for generating revenues and continues to grow and expand with successful programs, using state-of-the art technology.
• Strengthening our chapter network through providing stronger support.  We are seeing our current chapter memberships growing, and new chapters coming on board including our newest chapter Arkansas, and several others in Latin America and Africa that are in the pipeline.  

Due to the hectic travel schedules of board members, our Spring board meeting, originally scheduled for New York City, was organized as a virtual meeting instead.  Thank you to the New York Chapter for everything you did in preparation.  We appreciate all of your hard work and hope to have a board meeting there soon, possibly this fall.  And thanks to all of you who actively participated and shared your best ideas during our virtual meeting - we had a record attendance and, thanks to our new tools, we're able to share best practices across the organization. 

Finally, in the year ahead, I look forward to working with all our chapters to grow, strengthen and build our truly international organization.

Angela Marshall Hofmann

----------------------------Board Meeting Highlights ----------------------------

Over 20 chapters participated in our Virtual Spring Board Meeting in May.  Here are just a few ideas from the lively discussion on best practices to build healthy chapters:  

• When the Alberta chapter was challenged to find program topics that are detailed enough for professionals but broad enough to interest everyone, they came up with the 'speed dating' concept. Trade finance experts pay for the sponsorship opportunity to speak one-on-one with attendees. Info:  Sue McDonald (suemcdonald@perseustrade.com)
• South Florida chapter offers speakers an honorary membership, which has resulted in some very active members.  Also, members can host an International Member Roundtable, providing quality networking time, over a sponsored lunch at a location they choose.  Info:  Jennifer Diaz (JDiaz@becker-poliakoff.com)
• The Toronto chapter reaches out to colleges via social media to communicate the OWIT message and recruit interns. Info:  Clarecia Christie (clarecia@mac.com)  

----------------------------New Membership Benefits Flyer ----------------------------

If you haven't seen this already, be sure to check out the Flyer outlining benefits of membership in OWIT. Developed by Andrea Ewart, VP, Chapter Development, this is an excellent summary that can be distributed to both current and prospective members of your own chapter to reinforce the value of our international organization.   Note that we have some new benefits - including the trade research tool.

-----------------------Congratulations to Award Recipients --------------------------

Kudos to the four recipients of our most recent annual Awards, recognized for their outstanding contributions to the organization and for their strong commitment to advancing women in international trade.

2010 Woman of the Year: Dr. Jacqueline Wasogna Kitulu, Karen Surgery Institution, Nairobi, Kenya.

Chapter of the Year: Nairobi Chapter (Kenya)

Member of the Year: presented to two individuals this year, Diane Macdonald (Chicago chapter), and Monika Sandman (Northern California chapter).

For more information, check out the press release on our website.

---------------------------------New Chapter Benefits---------------------------------

• As a result of OWIT's affiliation with Constant Contact, chapters are eligible for a 30% discount if you want to use this robust web-based service for your chapter's e-newsletters and e-marketing. Email secretary@owit.org for details

• Northern California's Beth Peterson will share her chapter's new Welcome New Board Members package if you are interested. Email:  beth@bethpetersonenterprises.com

---------------------------Welcome New VP of Partnerships!--------------------------

Welcome to the newest member of our board, Judith Lukas, our new VP Partnerships, from the Phoenix Chapter.  Judith has her MBA and has been a licensed customs broker since 1991.  She has held import/export managerial positions with several companies and has experience with NAFTA, CFIA and import logistics.  She's looking forward to serving on the OWIT International Board. 

--------------------------------------Webinar Series ------------------------------------

The series of OWIT International webinars represent another valuable benefit of membership in our international organization. Be sure to promote these to your local chapter members. Our most recent included:

• NOW AVAILABLE - OWIT awards - messages from our honored recipients - Free for members.

• June 3, Overview of Export Compliance Systems: It Isn't Just about Shipping Night Vision Goggles, featuring Paul Amberg, Baker and McKenzie LLP. 


• May 13, Doing Business with Brazil with Donna Hrinak, VP, Global Public Policy & Government Affairs, PepsiCo, former Ambassador to Brazil, and Kellie Meiman Hock, Managing Director, McLarty Associates.

To access these recent webinars, contact Julia Wright at secretary@owit.org.

--------------------------------Tap into Partner Benefits -------------------------------

• American Conference Institute (ACI) Event OWIT Discount.  OWIT members are entitled to a special discount to attend the International Technology Transfers & Deemed Export Compliance event, September 26-27, 2011, Westin Washington, Washington, DC. For more information, and to register, click here. To receive your discount of $200, be sure to reference discount code "OWIT 200".

• OWIT members receive a discount of 10% off the ImportGenius.com service. Subscribers to the service can look up suppliers anywhere in the world to access detailed shipping histories including customer lists, product descriptions, trading volumes and more. Users can also search for importers to identify their suppliers, what they're buying and how their business is performing. In addition, OWIT members receive a $100 referral fee for each new subscriber.  To take advantage of this offer, enter the promo code OWIT2011 in the "Comment" field when signing up at www.importgenius.com .

-------------------------------------Save the Date------------------------------------

Our partner organization, The International Alliance of Women (TIAW) will be holding its Global Forum and World of Difference Awards, inWashington, DC., from October 26-28, 2011.  With the theme "From Business to Philanthropy: Journeys of Economic Empowerment", the event will be held at the Canadian Embassy.   This is a good opportunity to network and build connections with women leaders from around the world.  Watch www.tiaw.org in the coming weeks for more details.  Info:  Maxine Westaway, Executive Director, mwestaway@tiaw.org  or 1-866-533-8429.

-------------------------------------Chapter News------------------------------------

• Brazil will soon be joining OWIT with a chapter launching in Sao Paulo. Contact Sonia De Avelar at sonavelar@attglobal.net

• OWIT- Nairobi is celebrating its 10th anniversary the week of June 15th - please send your support to the chapter through Rita Ndonye at rndonye@ioshem.co.ke 

• South Florida has released a new website.  

• Congratulations to OWIT member Radhika Reddy of Cleveland, Ohio (rr@arielventures.com) who has opened the Ariel International Center this summer as a destination location for international businesses and cultural events. It is housed in a 68,000-square-foot historic building.  The center will include programs for immigrant entrepreneurs and office space for U.S. businesses doing work overseas, foreign companies doing business in Ohio and space for international events.  Info: www.arielinternationalcenter.com 

---------------------------------------Going Social---------------------------------------

OWIT International has a new Facebook Page!  Please "Like" us and become involved in the online conversation.

You can also follow us on Twitter.  Just follow @OWITIntl or follow the hashtag #owit. 

.........................................................................................

December 2010

OWIT International Connections

2010 OWIT Awards Nominations
The deadline for nominations for the 2010 Annual OWIT Awards is only a week away! Please click here for information.

Board Meeting Highlights
Mexico City, Oct 2010

A celebration of the first anniversary of the Mexico City Chapter kicked off the fall 2010 board meeting in Mexico City. Some meeting
highlights:

• The infrastructure for webinars and virtual membership is in
  place. We had five webinars this year, with regular and virtual
  members from around the world accessing them. Watch for details on
  our next webinar on working with government contracts, planned for
  Jan. 2011.
• There are three strategic areas of focus going forward: income
  generation through increasing the number of webinars and virtual
  members, marketing through social media, and formalizing chapter
  support plans.
• Our international conference will be reinstated in 2011.

A special thank you to Maricarmen Ahedo and the Mexico City Chapter for hosting the event as well as a reception with the trade community on Friday evening which was attended by leaders in government and business.

Welcome New Chapters!

(l to r) OWIT -Arkansas secretary Susie Hoeller, President Laura James and OWIT International President Angela Marshall Hofmann

Lisa Westwood (center), Dir. of Global Trans., Fender Musical Instruments

OWIT - Phoenix
OWIT-Phoenix welcomed panelist Lisa Westwood, Director of Global Transportation, Fender Musical Instruments, to its first official meeting. Over 65 people representing 30 different companies attended
the first OWIT Phoenix meeting in September, which took place in the mayor's office of the City of Phoenix. The chapter continues to do well, with a successful INCOTERMS session held in November.
Congratulations to Judith Lukas and the chapter for all of their hard work.

Expand Your Networking
Have you posted your profile/business summary on the TIAW (The International Alliance for Women) site yet? This opportunity for global networking is one of the benefits of OWIT's partnership with
TIAW, an umbrella organization of women's business associations around the world representing 50,000 members. Contact Julia Wright at secretary@owit.org for your password and check out TIAW's revamped site at www.tiaw.org.

New Chapter Benefits

• As a result of OWIT's affiliation with Constant Contact, chapters
  are eligible for a 30% discount if you want to use this robust
  web-based service for your chapter's e-newsletters and e-marketing.
  Email secretary@owit.org for details
• Northern California's Beth Peterson will share her chapter's new
  Welcome New Board Members package if you are interested. Email:
  beth@bethpetersonenterprises.com
  

In Other News...

OWIT Geneva 10th Anniversary

• Now officially OWIT Lake Geneva, the chapter celebrated its 10th
  anniversary recently. Congratulations!
• OWIT Chicago has just launched a new cutting-edge website at
  www.owitchicago.org.
• Catherine Robinson of the Washington, DC chapter is our new
  International VP of Strategy. Welcome to the Board, Catherine!
• We are in communication with Argentina, Brazil and London about
  possible new chapters there.
• Walmart is a new corporate sponsor of OWIT.
• Did you miss the latest OWIT webinar? You can access the webinar
  International Trade Financing: Perspectives From Two Export Credit
  Agencies. Cost: $20 (members); $30 (non-members). To purchase and
  view, go to www.owit.org
• The deadline for nominations for Chapter of the Year, Member of
  the Year and Woman of the Year is Dec. 15. Check www.owit.org for
  details.

Did you know... Your OWIT Intnernational membership provides you
with free reciprocating membership with TIAW, TFO Canada and ACI.
For more details visit www.owit.org.

.........................................................................................

November 2010

November 22, 2010
For Immediate release

TORONTO, ON – The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) – Toronto, is part of a worldwide organization dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women. At the 2010 Gala, three women were awarded for their exceptional dedication to the field of International Trade.

The awards were presented at OWIT-Toronto’s annual Gala on November 4, 2010, at The Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. This year's keynote speaker was The Honourable Carole L. Brookins, a previous OWIT International Woman of the Year award winner. Carole’s speech outlined major milestones experienced through her wide array of personal and career experiences; such as serving as the Unites States Executive Director to the World Bank, working in the Agricultural Commodity market, acting as an International consultant, among many other outstanding accomplishments. Carole is currently residing in New York, serving as the Managing Director of Public Capital Advisors LLC (PCA), as well as she holds the Director position on a number of both corporate and non-profit boards. Her motivational speech focused on not leaving any door unopened, and seizing any and all opportunities available.

The latter part of the evening consisted of awarding three exceptional women in International Trade with the following awards: The JoAnna Townsend Award, the Award for a Woman Exporter, and the Award for a Student of International Trade.

Candice Rice is this year’s recipient of the JoAnna Townsend award. Candice has been instrumental in spearheading and/or supporting landmark initiatives seeking to encourage women to expand their businesses through global trade. These include the first Canadian Businesswomen’s Trade Mission to Washington, the first Canadian chapter of OWIT, the first Virtual Trade Mission for businesswomen in Canada and Australia, and the launch of WEConnect in Canada to help women tap into global supply chains.
 The award is named in honour of the late JoAnna Townsend, recognizing an outstanding woman in Ontario who, through her business and personal networks, acts as a trade advocate for women, fostering opportunities that actively support women entrepreneurs to achieve success in international business.

Chandra Clarke, President of Scribendi Inc. an online English-language proofreading and editing company is this year’s recipient of the Women Exporter Award.
 The award recognizes an outstanding woman entrepreneur, based in Ontario, who is a successful exporter to more than one international market and through their business is advancing women and/or the image of Canadian business women in the international business community. Chandra has fulfilled this requirement through her role as a pioneer in the male-dominated field of computer programming and Internet technology, Chandra developed and implemented Scribendi’s original web site and proprietary backend workflow system in 1997.

Sonya Jenkins a graduate from Sheridan College is this year’s recipient of the Student of International Trade Award, recognizing an outstanding female who has put into action what they have learnt. Sonya has succeeded at this through creating market entry plans for clients and making transportation and customs recommendations. Sonya has assisted Canadian companies with joint ventures and expansion into North Carolina and helped facilitate a seminar introducing companies from the GTA to doing business in the U.S. She has previous experience in logistics by assisting Ontario clients exporting to the U.S. by arranging pick-ups, freight rates and ensuring they had the proper paperwork for customs clearance.

The Organization of Women in International Trade – Toronto  www.owit-toronto.ca provides networking and professional development opportunities, with particular emphasis on women working in all facets of international trade. OWIT has 30 chapters around the world and over 2,000 members.

.........................................................................................

July 2010

OWIT International Connections

Welcome

Our newsletter seeks to inform you of the many events and involvements of our dynamic organization, one that continues to grow in membership and expand its dedication to advancing global trade opportunities for women around the world.

As our organization evolves and grows, so do the benefits of membership. We encourage you to take full advantage of these benefits and use them to represent your chapter and OWIT in order to continue advancing OWIT’s role for women in global trade.

Susan Baka, susanb@owit-toronto.ca
Editor & VP, Communications, OWIT International

Gillian West
Editorial Assistant

Meet Your 2010 Executive Committee Experience and new talent combine to create this year’s Executive Committee. Get to know this year's executives.
New Way to Join! Virtual Membership is now available to individuals who don’t have access to a local chapter of OWIT. See more and learn how to join.

2009 Award Winners Display Leadership and Commitment
Congratulations to this past year’s Woman of the Year Joanne Mwangi, Member of the Year Kollyn Kanz, and Chapter of the Year OWIT Toronto. See what made these winners stand out.

Bylaws Revised    
The board passes new bylaws that came into effect this year. Get an update on important changes.

Chapter News

New Chapters on Board  
We are pleased to welcome our newest chapters: OWIT Ottawa and OWIT Phoenix! Find out more about the launch of these two chapters.

OWIT-New York at World Trade Week
Congratulations to OWIT-New York for their participation in World Trade Week 2010. Learn more about the event here.

To view the entire newsletter, click here.

.........................................................................................

June 2010

Calling All Women Entrepreneurs For Profit W100!

Canada’s largest celebration of entrepreneurial achievement by women is back!

The 12th annual ranking of the PROFIT W100: Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs is the definitive list of Canada’s leading women-owned and women-run businesses. The list ranks applicants by a combination of company size, growth rate and profitability.

W100 winners enjoy many benefits, including coverage in the November issue of PROFIT, which can attract new staff, customers, business partners and the interest of other local and national media. You can also count on business-building marketing and PR support from PROFIT. Perhaps best of all, you’ll be invited to the PROFIT W100 Idea Exchange, an exclusive conference geared to helping you strengthen your company and management skills in collaboration with other female entrepreneurs.

Request a nomination package by calling 1-800-713-GROW or completing the online ballot at PROFITguide.com/w100ballot.

But don’t wait—the application deadline is June 30, 2010.

.........................................................................................

May 2010

Partnership Supports Women Doing Business In International Trade

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 28, 2010 – FITT (Forum for International Trade Training) and the Organisation for Women in International Trade-Toronto Chapter (OWIT-Toronto) announce their new partnership during OWIT’s Membership Mixer in Toronto, ON, May 25, 2010. 

The goal of the collaboration is for both organizations to work in partnership to provide enhanced service and information sharing/channels of communications to their respective client and membership base, Canada’s international business community and women involved in international trade.

Through the creation of a strong working relationship both organizations will increase co-operation, and bring added value to respective stakeholders/members. This partnership will advance the standards of excellence that each organization brings to its stakeholders, and will help both achieve their missions.

“This partnership agreement will serve both OWIT-Toronto and FITT in broadening our services to our respective members and the international business community at large,” says Caroline Tompkins, FITT President. “We have been lucky enough to work with OWIT for a number of years, and are thrilled that we can continue to enhance each others strategic goals while promoting the advancement of women in international trade.”

FITT equips individuals and businesses with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. A not-for-profit organization established by industry and government, FITT develops international business programs, sets competency standards, and designs the certification and accreditation programs for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation. Their programs and services address human resource issues by, providing employers with resources to build their international business capacity; assisting individuals in developing their international business skills and knowledge; and providing international business training support for educators and students. Centered on best practises and developed by leading global business experts, FITT’s resources are the standard of excellence for trade practitioners. FITT – The professional path to global markets. Visit www.fitt.ca to learn more.

"OWIT-Toronto is excited about this partnership with FITT and we look forward to sharing the benefits of this relationship with FITT and OWIT-Toronto members alike," says Amanda De Vogel, President of OWIT-Toronto.

OWIT-Toronto is a non-profit professional organization designed to promote women doing business internationally, by providing networking opportunities, export education and global business contacts. Members include women entrepreneurs, service providers and business women involved in international trade. Formed in March 2000, OWIT-Toronto was the first Canadian chapter of OWIT International, a worldwide network of chapters promoting international trade and commerce. For further information, please visit www.owit-toronto.ca.

–30–

FITT
Silvia Baptista
Manager, Marketing Communications
silvia@fitt.ca
613.230.3553 ext. 106

OWIT-Toronto
Elizabeth Medichkov
Manager, Strategy
elizabeth.medichkov@gmail.com
1.416.318.6545

.........................................................................................

March 2010

For release: March 18, 2010
New Executive Committee at Helm of International Women’s Group

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) is pleased to announce that a dynamic and accomplished group of women from around the world were voted in this week as the 2010 Executive Committee of the world’s premier organization for women interested in doing business globally.  They include:

• President: Angela Marshall Hofmann (Washington, DC chapter), Senior Director Trade Leverage, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Arkansas
• Past President:  Ania Jakubowski (Geneva Chapter), Associate Director, Sales & Marketing, Procter & Gamble, Geneva, Switzerland
• Executive VP: Karen Bland (Hampton Roads Chapter), Director and Inside Counsel, Export Compliance and Contracts Measurement Specialties, Inc., Hampton, Virginia   
• Treasurer: Carolina Schneider (North-East Ohio Chapter), Internal Auditor/Financial Analyst, Park Ohio Industries Inc., Cleveland, Ohio
• Assistant Treasurer: Tamuna Gabilaia (Washington, D.C. Chapter), Executive Director, World Federation of Direct Selling Associations, Washington, D.C.
• General Counsel: Margaret Heine (Orange County Chapter), Attorney at Law:  Heine Law Group, Fullerton, California
• VP IT: M. Grace Montealegre (Miami Chapter), Marketing Director/Web Content Manager, Sandler, Travis, and Rosenberg,Miami, Florida
• VP Communications: Susan Baka (Toronto Chapter), President, Bay Communications & Marketing Inc., Toronto, Ontario
• VP Marketing: Radhika Reddy (North-East Ohio Chapter), Founding Partner, Ariel Ventures, LLC, Cleveland, Ohio
• VP Conference: Camelia Mazard (Washington, D.C. Chapter), Founding Partner, Doyle, Barlow & Mazard PLLC, Washington, D.C.
• VP Strategy: Ana Guevara (Miami Chapter), President, AVENTI Associates, Miami, Florida
• VP Chapter Support: Andrea Ewart (Washington, D.C. Chapter), Andrea M. Ewart, P.C., Washington, D.C.
• Co-VP Chapter Development: Gail Morris (Toronto Chapter), Managing Consultant, Trade Partners, and International Trade Specialist, State of Illinois Canada Office, Toronto, Ontario  
• Co-VP Chapter Development: Mwikali Matu (Nairobi Chapter), Managing Director, Envision Tarizi, Nairobi, Kenya
• VP Partnerships: Manda Shemirani (Hampton Roads Chapter),Manager, Risk Management, Maersk Line, Ltd, Norfolk, Virginia

“This Executive Committee represents a terrific balance of experience and new talent,” says new President Angela Marshall Hofmann.   “The strength, diversity and global representation that our new members bring to an already talented Executive Committee will make for an outstanding 2010 and allow us to take OWIT to the next level.”   The new Executive and Board will gather in Washington, D.C, on April 9-10 for the Spring Board Meeting.

As the incoming leader of OWIT, Hofmann outlined three goals for the coming year:

• Increase the growth of OWIT worldwide through current chapters as well as bring new countries and regions with new chapters and virtual members into the global network quickly
• Leverage the strength of OWIT’s international board and members to promote the value of the organization’s professional and trade network
• Utilize technology as an enabler to better communicate and to offer enhanced programming through webinars.

Special thanks to the 2009 Executive Committee, including: former President Ania Jakubowski (Geneva Chapter) for her leadership in guiding the development of new by-laws to enable the organization for growth and for creating a larger global identity for OWIT; and also to departing members Lilia Navarette (Los Angeles Chapter), Pam Everitt (Charleston Chapter), Monika Sandman (Northern California Chapter), Lynn Selzer (North-East Ohio Chapter), Colleen Pound (Alberta Chapter), and Lori Musser (Tampa Chapter) for their time and contributions.

About OWIT
The Organization of Women in International Trade (www.owit.org) is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women by providing networking and educational opportunities. It has over 20 chapters in countries worldwide as well as a virtual chapter. 

-30-

.........................................................................................

News Archives: 2009 | 2008 2007 | 2006 | 2005 2004 | 2003 | 2002