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What's New 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
 
Bylaws Revised
Chapter News
OWIT-New York at World Trade Week
To view the entire newsletter, click here.
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.
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 OWIT-Toronto
For release: March 18, 2010 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:
“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:
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 -30-
For release: October 23, 2009 Cleveland, OH—Three award recipients, recognized for their outstanding contributions to The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) and their strong commitment to advancing women in international trade and business, were announced today at the Fall Board Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. OWIT presented its 2009 Woman of the Year Award to Joanne Mwangi, OWIT Nairobi’s former Vice Chairperson. Passionate about enhancing the active participation and inclusion of women in policy making positions, Joanne is tireless in her efforts to ensure an enabling business environment and reduce the gender disparity that is rife in Kenya, Africa and beyond. She is an innovative entrepreneur who has been able to grow a business in a male dominated field - Professional Marketing Services Limited, Kenya's leading experiential marketing agency. She is also the newly appointed chair of the Federation of Women Associations (FEWA), an organization that brings together women entrepreneurs and association members across Kenya and helps them gain access to international markets and trade affairs. A milestone of her work with FEWA is the creation of a co-op that enables women in business to save money that they can borrow later at lower rates than banks provide. And, through her leadership, Mwangi has played a pivotal leadership role in OWIT Nairobi, officially putting OWIT on the map in Kenya. “This incredible award has energized me,” says Mwangi. “My achievements are still ‘works in progress’. I have confidence that together, as a global network of like-minded women in business, we can achieve so much more at a personal and corporate level. I am further gratified that my effort and commitment, alongside others, have been recognized and I wish to share this award with my fellow Kenyan women who are holding our economy and families up in these harsh times.” OWIT’s Toronto Chapter was awarded the Chapter of the Year Award for its position of leadership within OWIT in helping further the OWIT mission, for sharing best practices, and for successfully fostering education and networking opportunities among global trade professionals. With some of its members taking key roles on OWIT’s Executive International Board, the Toronto Chapter spearheaded a women’s trade mission to Monterrey, Mexico, that was held in conjunction with OWIT’s 2008 Annual World Conference and that opened the door to excellent business and government contacts for participants. In addition, with little lead-time, the Toronto Chapter was also able to step in and arrange a well organized Spring Board Meeting. OWIT’s Member of the Year Award was presented to Kollyn Kanz, tireless OWIT champion at both the local and international levels for the last 16 years. Kanz became actively involved with the New York and Atlanta Chapters of OWIT from 1994-1998 before becoming involved with WIT-LA, where she has held various positions including Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Chairman of the Board. In 2007, she was asked to join OWIT’s Executive Committee and take the position of Treasurer, where she established best practices, ensured transparency and accountability, and provided templates and guidelines to support the Monterrey Chapter for the 2008 conference. Today, Kanz continues to be a major pillar and active leader in the organization, ensuring WIT-LA continues to be highly respected in the Southern California International Trade arena. About OWIT
Organization of Women in International Trade Contact: Susan Baka
OWIT New Member Cocktail Reception By Tamara Prymak, Graduate—Corporate Communications Graduate Program, Sheridan College, and Susan Baka, Bay Communications & Marketing Inc. On July 23, OWIT Toronto members gathered at the Verity Club to welcome new members and provide all members with an exclusive opportunity to meet and speak with special guest Doreen Steidle, Canada’s new Consul General to Hong Kong. This event provided women engaged in international trade with a chance to learn about exciting business opportunities in Hong Kong, and to network with other women entrepreneurs and trade professionals in the Toronto area. Hong Kong’s advanced business practices provide Canadian companies with unique opportunities and ways of doing business.Here are some key points shared by Doreen regarding Hong Kong’s economic future and opportunities for Canadian companies: Canadian businesses in Hong Kong
Women owned businesses in Hong Kong
Thinking about setting up your business in Hong Kong?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Business Women in International Trade offers a wealth of information specific to women exporters. Access support networks and multiple resources geared to help Canadian business women prepare and succeed in the competitive export marketplace. Click here for addition information. http://www.international.gc.ca/businesswomen-femmesdaffaires/index.aspx The Toronto Chapter of OWIT is always looking for success stories from our members to share with other women exporters! Contact us (joy.l.nott@jpmchase.com) to share your experiences and we will work with you to have your success mentioned in future DFAIT newletters! Spring 2009 Newsletter (Size: 2.47M)
June 2009
OWIT Toronto’s Mentorship Café By Tamara Prymak, Graduate—Corporate Communications Graduate Program, Sheridan College, and Susan Baka, Bay Communications & Marketing Inc.
Here are some of the discussion points raised by the groups and shared by the mentors: Luna Roth
Alma Farias
Julia Haggerty
Darlene Homonko
Honourable Sarmite Bulte
Cyndee Todgham Cherniak
Board members from around the world gather in Toronto Toronto, ON – The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) International’s 2009 Spring Board Meeting, April 24-25, is being held in Toronto, Canada this year. A different city from around the globe is selected each year for the gathering. The last Board Meeting was held in Monterrey, Mexico. This will be the first meeting of the 2009 Executive Committee which was voted into office March 8, 2009, representing chapters from around the world. “In this 20th anniversary year of OWIT, I look forward to working with the incoming Executive and Board to strengthen our relationship with our members, partners and sponsors to ensure our growth and ‘value add’ for years to come,” says President Ania Jakubowski. “With the challenging global economic conditions, how we do business and the role of organizations like OWIT has never been more important.” To mark the 20th Anniversary milestone, OWIT has created a special logo:
Contact: Susan Baka
New Executive Committee Announced Geneva , Switzerland – OWIT International is pleased to announce its 2009 Executive Committee which was voted into office March 8, 2009, representing chapters from around the world. Executive Committee members include:
The new Executive and Board will gather in Toronto, Canada, April 24-25 for the Spring Board Meeting . “The current macro-economic environment is inviting us each to think differently - how we do business and the role networks serve have never been more important ,” says President Ania Jakubowski . “In this 20th anniversary year of OWIT, I look forward to working with the incoming Executive and Board to strengthen our relationship with our members, partners and sponsors to ensure our growth and ‘value add’ for years to come. Many thanks to our departing President Lilia Navarette for her dedication and contributions over the past two years.” Thanks are also due to our 2008 Executive. They included:
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 worldwide. Contact: Susan Baka
OWIT's Mexican Trade Mission a Success Here is some feedback from participants:
Yet Canadian female-owned firms are generally smaller, less profitable and less growth-oriented than their male-owned counterparts. On means to address performance differences is better information, training and mentoring opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Today, female-owned firms are generally smaller, less profitable and less growth-oriented than their male-ownedcounterparts. Often gender differences in firm performance are attributed to sector choice and family demands. Studies spearheaded at the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management are teaching us about issues that confront Canadian business and how female entrepreneurs manage their firms. And while research reminds us that male and female business owners have many more similarities than differences, systemic and subtle differences in owners' growth expectations, use of capital, management strategies and experience are apparent. Female business owners are concentrated in the wholesale/ retail, professional services and information, culture and real estate industries. By their nature, these firms are smaller than goods producers. Yet, even in studies that control for sector, the average performance of female-owned firms lags behind those owned by men. Several explanations emerge. While men measure success in terms of financial outcomes, women prioritize professional autonomy. Thus, female entrepreneurs often perceive themselves to be more successful than their male counterparts, even with significantly lower reported earnings and profits. When deciding to grow their firms, female owners give much more weight to their spouse's opinions than men. Further, women are much less likely to believe they can muster the managerial resources needed to grow their firms. These observations suggest business owners might reflect on the role partners play in establishing growth expectations -- either supporting or diminishing commercial aspirations -- and on their own assumptions around the growth of their firms. When I periodically ask business owners if they believe banks discriminate against female business owners, many say banks do. Yet, a series of large-scale studies about the terms and rates of application for various forms of external capital such as loans, supplier financing, leasing and equity capital, consistently found no gender differences in lending or collateral requirements, after controlling for firm size, Canadian women are among the most entrepreneurial in the world age, sector and owner experience. Still, female business owners feel they could be better served. To this end, financial institutions, venture capital and trade associations must better communicate factors that influence terms of lending, approval rates and credit scoring to allow female entrepreneurs to make informed decisions about the capitalization of their firms. Such organizations as the Women's Enterprise Initiative in Western Canada, a network of provincial centres that offer advice and startup loans, and U. S. Springboard Enterprises, which educates female business owners about the value of equity investment, show how this can be done well. Further training will support the growth of women-owned firms. On average, Canadian female entrepreneurs bring less industry-specific, management, marketing, financial and "entrepreneurial" experience to their startups. Women also see themselves as having less experience in adopting new technologies such as on-line communications, e-commerce and report fewer software skills. With technology management operationalized through R&D, and product and process innovation as lynchpins to sustained profitable firm growth, this gap places women business owners at a disadvantage. Another important tool is mentoring. Mentors provide valuable technical, managerial and emotional support that, while important for men, may be indispensable for women who are considering enterprise growth. Mentoring enables women to overcome their relative lack of experience, gain information and access to powerful networks, obtain candid feedback and receive objective assessments of marketability, thus enhancing their confidence. For these reasons, industry associations are increasingly offering female-focused programs. One example is the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance Women in Tech Form (CATA WIT) "Circle of Wisdom," which links growth-oriented female entrepreneurs with savvy business executives and entrepreneurs. Finally, the government has recently identified women's entrepreneurship as a priority of Status of Women Canada. While this is encouraging, it also serves to stereotype the concerns of female entrepreneurs as a "women's issue" rather than a business or economic imperative. SupportingCanadianfemale entrepreneurs should be an explicit, senior-level performance priority of all ministries and public agencies that influence industry, trade and human re-source development. And while certain provinces have established gender-specific support agencies, there remains the need for a national, co-ordinated program to ensure that all growth-orientated female entrepreneurs are aware of and have access to government programs, procurement opportunities, industry support networks and gender-specific enterprise services. Financial Post - Barbara Orser is the Deloitte Professor in the Management of Growth Enterprises at the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management. Related studies are available at: www.telfer.uOttawa.ca/orser
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Get the full story on the importance of international trade in today’s uncertain economic times.
OWIT Toronto members gathered at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre for OWIT’s first Mentorship Café. Attendees were given the opportunity to meet and speak with an impressive group of business women who answered questions related to their area of expertise 
and gave helpful advice on how to grow your business, get additional financing, and understand legal issues that impact international trade. Attendees rotated to different tables and spoke to the mentors. 
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OWIT-Toronto’s women’s trade mission to Monterrey, Mexico , in October 2008 opened the door to excellent business and government contacts for participants. Supported by the 
For more information on the trade mission, contact Susan Baka at 
