WomenVenture to Strengthen Commitment to Consumers and the Community

New President Solicits Input and Investment from Local Leaders

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Deb Wilkens-Costello, president of WomenVenture, announced today key strategies she will spearhead to make WomenVenture more relevant to consumers and the community than ever.

Since 1978 when local non-profits CHART and WEDCO merged to form WomenVenture, the organization has been the Twin Cities' leader in enhancing women's economic success and prosperity.  In the past 32 years, non-profit WomenVenture has guided over 90,000 women in launching or growing their own businesses and in advancing their careers.

Leading WomenVenture since February of this year, Wilkens-Costello remains true to the founding WomenVenture mission and vision.  "We are in the most challenging economy of this organization's history," she stated.  "Now, more than ever, women need to shore up their professional skills, their businesses and their bank accounts.  WomenVenture is here to ensure women have the knowledge, the resources and the tools necessary to plan for and launch their own business, or to enhance their marketability and value in the workforce."

To support women in today's economy, Wilkens-Costello presented three key strategic initiatives that the WomenVenture Board of Directors, the organization's staff, its more than 700 volunteers and she will champion:

WomenVenture will enhance its ties with the community at large.  "Whether it's partnering with other non-profits, working in cooperation with the corporate sector and government agencies, or sharing our expertise and support in our neighborhood by participating in the Central Corridor development, WomenVenture is committed to sharing our expertise and experience to support the common good," stated Wilkens-Costello.

WomenVenture will become the place for women's economic success, dedicated to client-centered practices and programs.  Wilkens-Costello is committed to meeting women's needs for business and career development, in part, by being a model of a successful, sustainable business run and staffed largely by women.  With many companies trimming professional development budgets, WomenVenture offers women the skills and tools needed to advance their careers and businesses. The organization will provide cutting-edge business and career development services and deliver those services online, on-site at its two metro locations, and in the community.

WomenVenture will expand its reach, refining existing programs and services and developing new ones to appeal to a wider range of women.  Wilkens-Costello noted that initiatives are currently being discussed to meet the needs of women from various age, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.  According to Wilkens-Costello, "As the faces of women change, so too, do our programs, services, and our delivery of those programs and services need to change."  The 2009 addition of a WomenVenture branch office, located in the US Bank on West Broadway in north Minneapolis, opens the door to serving more women from throughout the metro.

WomenVenture is asking community leaders and influencers to help realize these strategies and assist in developing future plans and programs for the organization.  This group, the Circle of Influence, provides valuable guidance and funds for market research, curriculum creation, and new methods of service delivery. Circle of Influence members invest a minimum of $1,000 to participate.  Circle of Influence members will be recognized at the 15th Annual WomenVenture Fall Leadership Event featuring Geena Davis on Friday, November 12th.  More information about WomenVenture, joining the  Circle of Influence and the Fall Leadership Event is available at www.womenventure.org.

WomenVenture is the Twin Cities' leading non-profit organization offering entrepreneurial support, career development and financial education for women.  A catalyst for women's financial success and prosperity, WomenVenture is dedicated to positively impacting the economic landscape of the region.  For information, log onto www.womenventure.org.

SOURCE WomenVenture