Business Owners, Experts, Share Ideas, Concerns and Challenges with Bank
CLEVELAND, June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Key4Women, KeyBank's women-owned business banking program, has appointed a new group of women business owners to its National Advisory Board. Originally formed in 2006, the advisory board helps the Key4Women program understand the specific needs of women business owners and spot burgeoning trends.
The 2009-2010 board is made up of women business owners and business experts, 14 of whom are business owners from a variety of industries with annual sales of up to $15 million. The board also includes representatives from the Women Presidents' Organization and the Center for Women's Business Research, two of the most respected women's business organizations in the United States. Together, these women contribute real-world experience and insights from running their successful companies and organizations.
'Studies have shown that using advisory boards is one of the ways top companies achieve success. But, according to research, only half of large firms and only 18 percent of smaller firms owned by women have boards of directors,' said Maria Coyne, KeyBank EVP and founder of Key4Women. 'It is important for women business owners to assemble their own boards and solicit valuable advice on how to strengthen and grow their businesses.'
The Members of the 2009-2010 Key4Women Board are:
Diane Brunner, owner and president of Davis College in Toledo, Ohio. Davis College offers quality higher education for career-driven students. Brunner has led the 150-year-old institution since 1993, during which time the college has consistently experienced revenue growth.
Carrie Davenport, owner of Century Personnel, Inc. in Carmel, Indiana. Century Personnel, Inc. is a contingency recruiting firm specializing in the placement of professionals in the manufacturing, health care, and finance industries. The business was started in 1977 by Davenport's father. Davenport joined the firm in 1980 and became sole owner in 2005. Century Personnel is a Certified Women Business Enterprise in the State of Indiana.
Marsha Firestone is founder and president of the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), a nonprofit peer advisory program for women-owned businesses that exceed $2 million in annual revenues. She was an original member of the Key4Women advisory board and has been reappointed. The Women President's Organization has more than 80 chapters worldwide. Key is a long-time sponsor of the WPO and host to many of the WPO chapters across its 13-state footprint.
Wendy Goldstein, owner of Costume Specialists in Columbus. Costume Specialists designs, manufactures and maintains costumes for corporations and theaters. The company employs 46 people and operates a retail store and USA Glitter - make-up catering to the cheerleading and dance communities. Wendy is a member of the Women Presidents Organization, a founding member of the Ohio Women's Business Growth Initiative, and past president of the Columbus chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).
Angie Hofelich, owner of VanityLab in Westlake, Ohio. VanityLab is a spa, salon and shop offering personalized service with a city edge and an apothecary approach to hair care.
