Women's Economic Future

Posted by at 4:52 pm Uncategorized
Dec 052011

The Hauppauge Industrial Association Planning Committee has refined the art of the “little” event…substantive, thought provoking and great networking in a beautiful venue.

On the morning of November 30th HIA-LI hosted the “What’s in Women’s Economic Future?” executive breakfast at the Boulton Theater in Bay Shore. The event drew what looked to be close to 200 local business women and one or two men. There is something special about discussing the issues of the day with 200 girlfriends over hot coffee and croissants. If everybody didn’t know everyone else when we walked in we certainly knew each other by the time we walked out.

While women have had a presence in the American workforce since the 1940’s, and woman owned businesses help drive the economy –with more than 10.1 million firms, employing more than 13 million and generating 1.9 trillion in sales–Women business professionals still face challenges in the workplace.

Leading the lively discussion were Moderator Anne Shybunko-Moore, President – GSE Dynamics, and panelists Linda Agnew, President – National Association Women Business Owners, Leslie Tayne, LI Women’s Agenda – Law Offices of Leslie H. Tayne, Neeta Shah, MD, VP of Women’s Services – North Shore LIJ Health System, Martha Stark, Senior Vice President – Signature Bank and Yvonne Grant, CEO – Girl Scouts of Suffolk County.

One of the panelists discussed being a single parent of 3 young children, another her husband’s decision to be the stay-at-home-dad. The BIG topic however was pay equity. Women currently make 78 cents on the dollar a man in the same job makes. For some women it is much less. Pravina Ragahan, District Director for the US Small Business Administration NY Office, suggested that one of the reasons for that is that women often do not negotiate their salaries and accept the first offer.

The only disconnect was when Martha Stark, Senior VP and Group Director for Signature Bank commented that they must have collateral for small business loans, while Ms. Ragahan of the SBA suggested that the SBA does not require collateral, or even good credit, and one can, in fact get a business loan if you’ve had a bankruptcy.

Most corporate events have vendors around the room, selling telephone systems, marketing, IT services. This event had vendors too, but they were selling SHOES and JEWELRY! Next time I will bring more of my smart, accomplished girlfriends with me.

5 Stars and thank you to Terri and Sabrina.

© 2011 Street Smarts Publishing, Inc.