Below is a sampling of the KC-CWBO activities and accomplishments, arranged according to our top three goals.

GOAL #1: To improve the procurement and certification processes of city, state, and corporations so that all women business owners have better access.

• NEW BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE EVENTS were created to provide a steady stream of new business opportunities for women business owners.
• KC-CWBO led the effort for an agreement between the STATE OF MO and NWBOC (a third-party WBE-certifying organization) for the state to accept NWBOC certifications. Press Release
• KC-CWBO sponsored an intensive workshop that focused the "hows and whys" of WBE certification, and the details of doing business with KS and MO.
• The creation of the new Fairness in City Contracts Board is an example of why KC-CWBO is so important. We were in a position to pick up on what was happening with the KCMO City Council, and led the way to have the new board created.

GOAL #2: To become more politically aware and informed about how public policy issues directly affect our businesses.

• The KC-CWBO has signed on as a COALITION PARTNER WITH WIPP (Women Impacting Public Policy), a national organization focused on Federal issues that affect women business owners. We actively support WIPP’s efforts and in turn rest assured that we are kept abreast of issues and legislation important to us. In many cases, we are able to apply what we have learned from WIPP at the Federal level to issues facing us at the local level, which is exemplified in these two articles: Ten Ways a Citizen Can Make an Impact; and Five Ways to Get Involved in Public Policy.
• Understanding How to Leverage Public Policy to Positively Impact Your Bottom Line was the topic of discussion at a seminar with Terry Neese, founder of WIPP and Grassroots Impact. Fortune Magazine recently named Neese as the #6 small business advocate in the nation.
• KC-CWBO has created opportunities for our members to meet with KCMO MAYOR BARNES to discuss local issues important to women business owners
• Collaborative efforts at the local and state levels with both the Kansas City and Saint Louis chapters of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) have resulted in brining public policy to the forefront for our members. Examples are Public Policy Days in Jefferson City and participation in Speaker Catharine Hanaway’s legislative conference concerning women business owners doing business with the state.

GOAL #3: To positively influence the representation of women serving on paid corporate boards and boards of influence.

• KC-CWBO has searched nationwide for organizations that are addressing this issue so that we don’t reinvent the wheel. We continue to work with BOARDROOM BOUND of Washington, DC, to bring their expertise and processes to a broader geographical area.
• How to Stimulate and Capitalize on New Trends in the Corporate Boardroom was the topic of seminar and panel discussion at one KC-CWBO meeting.