NAWBO POWER.

WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS UNITED

Women business owners are no longer recognized just for being women who own business.

That novelty ended long ago.

Now, women entrepreneurs are recognized if their company is more efficient than others, or more employee friendly or more

So women business owners spend a lot of time learning how to hire the right people get media attention, and win more market share just like men business owners.

And they prefer to seek advice from other companies.

That's what makes the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) different from chambers of commerce and leads groups.

When members attend NAWBO events, seeking tips on increasing the wealth creating capacity of their businesses, they're likely to sitting next to another woman business owner, not someone else's employee.

Networking opportunities are not the only benefit.

This year the Mile High chapter of NAWBO added programs and revamped existing offerings. This year's chapter theme is, "Grow Me -- Grow My Business." The goal is to help members gain knowledge that can help their businesses reach the next level.

Take luncheons for example. "We will work with the speaker and say, "What are three things you want our members to take away from this?." said Colleen Lohne's, NAWBO program co-chair. To make the luncheons interactive; the speaker might tell the audience to tell each other something they're good at and one area where they need help.

They discuss, then stop to listen as the speaker tells her own story.

NAWBO has approximately 200 members in Colorado. The Pikes Peak Chapter in Colorado Springs formed recently to save members from having to drive to Denver for events. The Washington D.C-based national organization, which also handles lobbying efforts and regional conferences, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Membership fees range from $185 for regular membership to the $15,000 Diamond Corporate Partnership, which includes 10 members and extra benefits.