2006
OWIT World Conference: Building the Bridge from Market Access to Global Trade
The annual
conference of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) was
held September 13-15, 2006 in San Francisco, CA. The event was a flurry of
networking, seminars and connecting with other chapters and members from all
over the world. Over the three days participants were able to benefit from
refresher modules in three areas of 'Building the Bridge from Market Access
to Global Trade': trade policy, import and export trade compliance, regulatory
and cross-border issues; supply chain logistics, security, corporate strategies
and logistic implications; and regional markets, market access strategies
and drivers for the business sectors.
The OWIT Board is working diligently to resolve the challenges facing OWIT as it moves toward a more centralized and cohesive organization. Current issues of note include the launch of the OWIT Website, currently in beta testing and ramping up for launch. Additionally, a strategic review of OWIT's organizational structure is being developed in order to prepare the organization to move boldly and confidently into the future. This includes considering ways in which the North American arm of OWIT can incorporate and build avenues to connect to the European chapters who have indicated a growing desire to be more invovled.
At the Conference's awards dinner Jennifer Bindhammer, the WIIT OWIT Rep (Alternate) accepted the OWIT Chapter of the Year award, on behalf of WIIT-DC. "It was an honor and privilage to represent the DC chapter", Jennifer said. "I think we have an opportunity to share our incredible depth of knowledge and to become involved in the development of OWIT, but it will only be possilbe if everyone in OWIT steps up to the plate."