Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) Launches Capital Region Chapter

ALBANY, N.Y. – The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) has announced that the organization has launched a Capital Region Chapter and will host a recruitment reception sponsored by KeyBank and The Business Review on Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Saratoga National Golf Course, located at 458 Union Ave. in Saratoga Springs. For additional information, please contact Cathy Crosky at 413-458-7980.

Women-owned businesses have experienced remarkable growth throughout New York and across the country. As of 2006, there were an estimated 427,500 privately-held, 51% or more women-owned firms in New York, accounting for 39.2% of all privately held firms in the metropolitan area and generating more that $91 billion in sales employing 480,961 people.

The WPO, a nonprofit membership organization which has experienced rapid growth since its inception, was formed for a diverse group of women presidents who have guided their businesses to at least $2 million in gross annual sales or $1 million for a service-based business. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential and collaborative setting.

Related Links:
http://www.womenpresidentsorg.com
http://www.key.com
http://albany.bizjournals.com
http://www.mmimarketing.com

News Facts:
• The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) has announced that the organization has launched a Capital Region Chapter and will host a recruitment reception sponsored by KeyBank and The Business Review on Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Saratoga National Golf Course, located at 458 Union Ave. in Saratoga Springs.
• For additional information, please contact Cathy Crosky at 413-458-7980.
• The WPO is a nonprofit membership organization for a diverse group of multimillion women owned businesses who have guided their businesses to at least $2 million in gross annual sales or $1 million for a service-based business.

Quotes:
“Women business owners are rapidly changing the face of business in New York and across the country,” said Dr. Marsha Firestone, founder of the WPO. “More than ever, women entrepreneurs are recognizing each others successes and connecting as peers. We are very excited about our newest chapter and the resources WPO brings to accelerating their growth.”

“For more than 50 years, we’ve been lending money to women-owned businesses and watching them grow,” said Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, senior vice president and market manager, Saratoga-Warren market, KeyBank N.A. “We recognize the unique challenges that women business owners face and offer not only the financing they need, but also the guidance and partnerships they should expect from a trusted adviser.

“That's why we are so pleased to be able to sponsor the first chapter of the WPO in the Capital Region. This is just one more way Key helps women entrepreneurs.”

About Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO):
The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) locally and internationally connects top women entrepreneurs at the million and multimillion-dollar level ($2 million in gross annual sales or $1 million for service-based business) for greater personal and professional success. In monthly meetings across the US and Canada, chapters composed of 20 accomplished women presidents from diverse industries and backgrounds invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. For more information, call (212) 688-4114 or visit http://www.womenpresidentsorg.com.

About KeyCorp and KeyBank N.A.:
KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $94 billion. Recently recognized by the Business Review as one of the top 10 best employers in the Capital Region, the 10-county Capital Region NY District, one of 23 KeyCorp districts, has assets of approximately $3.3 billion. Across New York State, Key has one of the largest networks of branches and ATMs. Key is a leader in community involvement, and contributes more than $1 million to local nonprofit agencies and organizations throughout the Capital Region. A strong proponent for local economic growth, Key companies provide investment management, retail and commercial banking, retirement, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies throughout the United States and, for certain businesses, internationally. The company’s businesses deliver their products and services through KeyCenters and offices; a network of approximately 2,300 ATMs; telephone banking centers (1.800.KEY2YOU); and a Web site, Key.com, that provides account access and financial products 24 hours a day.

Keywords:
Women Presidents’ Organization, WPO, Marsha Firestone, Entrepreneur, Women Owned Business, Women Entrepreneur, Peer Advisory Group, Albany Chapter, Multimillion Dollar Women-Owned Businesses, KeyBank, The Business Review

Patty Briguglio
MMI Associates, Inc.
(919) 233-6600
patty@mmimarketing.com
PR Firms Raleigh, NC

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