Laura Neubauer President, NAWBO California

WOW - What a conference!

The Propel Your Business Conference 2016 was spectacular this year. At the receptions the attendees were able to visit with their friends and make new connections across the state. The powerful panels and list of top notch speakers delivered so much information that the attendees 

could not believe we could fit it 

all in  2 days - but we did.

Attendees commented "Every year it just gets better and better" and stated "This year was the BEST!" The first time attendees questioned why they had never attended before and promised never to miss this conference again.  And at the conclusion of the conference the attendees left with the feeling of empowerment as we walked to the Capitol together as the one united voice of the 1.3 women business owners in California.

NAWBO California focused their efforts this year to strengthen that voice. And the conference certainly validated that mission.  We were informed, educated and motivated to have the conversations that will assist women business owners to operate in this great state of California.  We will continue to focus our efforts so that women owned businesses can participate in the improvement to the California business environment and we can continue to lead and propel the California economy.

I would like to thank the NAWBO-California board and The Propel committee for their efforts to making the conference an absolute success.

Please block out the time on your 2017 calendar and prepare to Propel and attend the conference April 2017.

PROPEL YOUR BUSINESS 2016

RECAP OF A MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

 

The Propel Your Business Conference 2016 set out to deliver on the following for all attendees:

The Conference held April 25-26 delivered on each of these items and so much more!  From the Connection Cafes where women were able to engage other women business owners across the state to discuss issues that matter most to them; to the workshops that provided practical strategies for expanding businesses using technology and learning how to implement government contracts into your business model; to the inspirational conversation that Beth Ruyak, Sacramento news commentator, had with the finalists for the NAWBO-CA Woman Business Owner of the Year Award.  

Monday's lunch keynote speaker, Annabel Chang, Lyft Public Policy Director described how Lyft used "disruptive technology" to create millions of rides and opportunities when they discovered that 80 percent of the seats on the road were empty.  She gave Propel attendees a three point strategy for focusing on their future - 1) Share Your Story; 2) Decide What You Want; and 3) Work What You Got!!!  The hall ways, the bars, the meeting rooms were filled with women business leaders hovering around circles to discuss approaches to increase their bottom line; marketing opportunities; training programs that have been most fruitful to their business; and new business and investment strategies.   

T he line-up of state officials, including State Controller Betty Yee, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and Secretary of State Alex Padilla provided great insight on state operations, doing business with the government and why this year is the Year of the Women, Year of the Woman and Year of the Girl.

Breakfast with the legislators included a robust discussion from varying viewpoints on why women business owners MUST engage their legislators and make both their business and their concerns known.  We thank Senator Hannah Beth Jackson, Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown, Assemblywoman Nora Campos, Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, and Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez for their availability and their candidness.  Speakers from Women Impacting Public Policy, and California Women Lead, and the CEO of Everyone Counts made it very clear, women MUST seek and pursue their place on boards, commissions and the election process.  As California Women Lead CEO, Rachel Michelin shared with one NAWBO member serving on a State Commission, "...you cannot get discouraged and you have to be diligent and lead the change you want to see."

Propel 2016 received overwhelming support from sponsors this year, who also shared great information with attendees.  Bank of America's Emily Shanks and Economist DeAnne Steele were both incredible speakers.  Farmers Insurance, Sempra and Southern California Gas Company, Goldman Sach's 10K Small Business, Anthem Blue Cross, AT&T, Metropolitan Water District and Sam's Club each are owed a debt of gratitude for making the conference a rich educational experience for women business leaders across the State.

Ninety percent of Propel attendees who completed the evaluation noted that the conference met or exceeded their expectations.  

Plans are already under for Propel Your Business 2017.  Please share your ideas with Propel Chair 2017 Anne Staines, Sacramento Chapter and plan to attend the conference; be part of the planning committee; and/or share your expertise as a speaker.  Propel 2017 is slated for April or May 2017. 

Pertinent Links:

View pictures of the event

Check out the results from the real-time polling

Review the stats presented by State Controller Betty Yee

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Meet NAWBO California's 2016 Woman 

Business Owner of the Year

 

Congratulations to Inland Empire Chapter member Elaine Norland of A Cone Zone for being named the NAWBO California Woman Business owner of the Year 2016!

In 2003 Elaine set out with a used truck, 100 cones, an arrow board and a few signs which was the founding of "A Cone Zone".   Today, A Cone Zone ensures safety on Southern California's busy streets and freeways by providing signage and services 24/7.  A Cone Zone's "Safety First" attitude has garnered much respect in the industry, community recognition, and helped Elaine grow her business to where it is today.

Born and raised in California, Elaine comes from a family of entrepreneurs.  As one of seven children helping her electrical contractor father, Elaine learned her way around construction sites from an early age, and as she grew up she knew she wanted to work in this industry.  As an adult she began working for a home builder, learning everything about building houses from the ground up from contract administration to field experience both on-sites and off-sites.

After several years in housing, Elaine changed her sights and was hired to start working for a traffic control company.  Seeing the huge opportunity in this field she decided to spread her wings and open her own traffic control company, and A Cone Zone was born.  Elain's passion for safety in the industry, and her background have made her a successful player in a male-dominated industry. 

Despite running her business as a 24/7 operation, Elaine finds time to serve on the Corona-Norco YMCA and NAWBO Inland Empire Boards of Directors, in addition to being a member of the Corona Host Lions and Corona Chamber of Commerce.  Her dedication to service also includes fundraising events for Peppermint Ridge, a non-profit organization empowering individuals with developmental disabilities, and teaching a Business 101 class locally. 

Elaine enjoys spending time with her family, especially if it is outdoors camping, fishing or hunting.