GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE:
We are continually evaluating benefits that we offer, from professional development conferences to valuable networking opportunities. The WBON Board is excited to officially announce that the group health insurance offering - which will be carried by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Vermont - became effective August 1, 2010. There will be over a dozen health insurance plans from which to choose so that you can pick the one that's right for you. Please email the WBON Executive Director, Kate Paine, for more information or visit BCBS online to read more: http://www.bcbsvt.com/employer/Plans_and_Products/small_group_health_plans/index.html
We look forward to continuing our strong support of women business owners. Our members have helped grow WBON to become the exciting and vibrant organization that it is today. Thank you for belonging to WBON and for your participation.
The Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) Marketplace
The VBSR Marketplace is a simple concept. Your business uses what it has to purchase what it needs. It is like a barter system, but much better and more flexible. Your goods and services are actually turned into an electronic trade dollar that you can use throughout the network of businesses using the VBSR Marketplace. When someone buys your product, you acquire VBSR Trade Dollars to purchase whatever you need from another business. You make a sale, gain a new customer, conserve your cash, support a fellow Vermont business, and get what you need all in the same place: the VBSR Marketplace. Contact Amy Kirschner (399-4210 or amy@changethemarket.com) to start trading today! http://marketplace.vbsr.org
Since WBON's partnering with VBSR on the Marketplace in Jan. 2011, WBON members now make up over 10% of the Marketplace. It really works!
Networking
- MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETINGS.
Central Vermont (Montpelier/Barre), Middlebury, Stowe, St. Johnsbury and Burlington, Williston, Morrisville and Manchester. A WBON member holds the position of Chapter Coordinator (or co-Coordinator), and plans the speakers or discussion topic for the month. Members can go to any chapter meeting (or all of them!). Each month a list of upcoming meeting dates and topics is emailed to membership. The schedule is also posted on the web site. Guests are welcome to attend up to 3 chapter meetings before deciding to join the organization. Guests are required to pay the non-member rate for the meal.
- SPRING SEMINAR
Our spring conference is a day-long professional development event that focuses on a topic of interest to business owners. The event also includes a member expo and is typically during the month of May.
- FALL CONFERENCE
The one-day fall conference is the headline statewide event each year. It features well-known keynote speaker as well as working sessions and time for networking. The event also includes a member expo (see details below).
- SOCIAL EVENTS
WBON will be hosting or co-hosting various events which will be social in nature to provide additional and fun networking events.
- FORUMS or WORKSHOPS
WBON will be presenting various topical workshops or forums throughout the year. Members can take advantage of member-only rates.
Marketing Opportunities
- LISTING ON THE WBON WEB SITE
All members have their name and web link posted on the WBON web site in our searchable online directory. Members are provided a user name and password to update their profile anytime and have the ability to upload a photo or logo, or only show select contact information.
- MEMBER EXPO AT CONFERENCES
At both the spring and fall conferences, there is an opportunity to display your business materials as part of the member expo. Bring brochures, portfolios, samples, whatever will help conference attendees know about your business. Space is limited and is available for free on a first come, first serve basis the day of the conference.
- CO-OP MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
WBON offers members the chance to get in on marketing opportunities that may be too expensive for individual businesses to pursue. For example at the booth at the VT Business & Industry Expo runs $600 - $1,400, but WBON purchases a table and offers members the opportunity to share the cost. If there are other opportunities that you think members would be interested in pooling their buying power, just let us know.
- EMAIL to WBON Members
Send notices about events or offers to be included as a link from the monthly eCalendar to the WBON blog. The eCalendar is sent to 1,400+ women in VT, NH and NY state. Material for e-newsletter must be submitted by the 25th of the month to beth@wbon.org and will be linked at the discretion of the Executive Director (WBON reserves the right to select most appropriate material and edit length if necessary).
- MEMBER to MEMBER DISCOUNTS
See the members listed to the right to see the various discounts and offers provided to our members.
BLOG CONTRIBUTIONS
The WBON blog allows members to share announcements, news, and business articles or tips. Submissions are always welcome. Send to director@wbon.org and when possible include a photo. Our blog feeds into the WBON facebook page.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
As a member, you can join WBON on Facebook and LinkedIn. You are encouraged to submit articles and company news for the WBON blog which feeds our Facebook Fan pages. Email us with your press release and write "blog" in the subject line.
