Did you know that one in six companies based in Metro Orlando is owned by a woman? Celebrating the impact of women-owned businesses, as well as the increasing number that are women-led, was the goal of an EDC gathering attended by over 100 of those dynamic female executives on Thursday.
Hosted in conjunction with the Orlando Business Journal, the morning reception honored past and recent recipients of the OBJ's "Women Who Mean Business" awards. It also provided an opportunity to introduce participants to the EDC's Minority Business Channel, an initiative designed to target and attract additional minority and women-owned businesses to Metro Orlando, as well as helping those already located here to grow and succeed.
Highlights of the morning included remarks from Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World, an inspiring executive at the pinnacle of her career, as well as from Rachel Pohl, a nineteen-year-old Hamilton College student studying the status of women in developing countries, who represents the "next generation" of female leaders in our community.
Metro Orlando's demographic diversity leads the nation. This, combined with our region's reputation as a community that welcomes those from all backgrounds and walks of life, provides a competitive advantage in attracting minority and women-led businesses. And that's a smart economic development strategy, as these groups comprise the fastest growing segment of industry today.
For more information on the EDC's Minority Channel, contact Rodney Hughes.
