Just over a year ago I put myself in the path of opportunity when I joined the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC), and that concept was integral to the message of the keynote speaker at the CWCC Annual Awards Luncheon last week.

One of the reasons I joined the chamber was its support for women in business. In fact, the mission of the CWCC is: To create an environment and the resources conducive to our members’ business success.

Since I have joined, I have put myself the path of many different opportunities and in the process have learned a lot, been of service to others, and been more successful with my business.

Because it has been so valuable to me, I want to share some more information about the CWCC with you, my readers.

Values and Vision of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce

CWCC’s values:

• Being an extraordinary resource for all members.

• Embracing integrity and ethical practices.

• Making a difference.

• Being inclusive for all women in business.

CWCC’s vision:

The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce is the premier organization that provides opportunities and visibility for women in business through relationship development, education, mentorship, partnership and alliances.

 If you are outside of Colorado, perhaps there is a similar organization in your state. Check it out.

 

Communications: the Heart of Today’s Business Executive – Keynote Message

My favorite part of the luncheon was listening to Luella Chavez D’Angelo share the story of her journey in business and in life, and the communication lessons she has learned along the way.

D’Angelo is currently the Chief Communications Officer at The Western Union Company and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the CWCC in 2010.

Here are some nuggets from her keynote speech that I thought were worth sharing with all of you.

• The world is full of possibilities when you put yourself in the path of opportunity.
• See the gaps and learn how to bridge them.
• Act from a place of integrity and higher purpose.
• Always advocate for yourself.
• A little vulnerability on the job makes you humble, grounded, and alert.
• Be open to receive feedback from your team.
• No matter the size of your business, you can cultivate a higher purpose in your work.
• When you find the higher purpose in your work, it will make you feel more committed to what you do.

 

CWCC Award Recipients

During the luncheon, the CWCC honored a number of companies and individuals and I commend them all.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Elinor Greenberg, EMG and Associates
• Young Professional of the Year: Jennifer Chang, Cisco Systems
• Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver
• Small Company of the Year: Commerce Kitchen
• Medium Company of the Year: Vectra Bank
• Large Company of the Year: Xcel Energy

• Sponsor of the Year:  Xcel Energy
• Ambassador of the Year:  Liza Mason
• Leads Leader of the Year:  Olga Hellweg, Global Travel Unlimited Vacations
• Corporate Salute Award (Colorado companies with at Least three women on their boards): CoBiz Financial, Gaiam, Inc., Newmont Mining Corporation, RE/MAX, Western Union, and WhiteWave Foods Company

 

How About You?

What are you doing to encourage women to be part of the governance of your company? What women would you like to see honored for their contributions to business and to their community?

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 50 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter.

She works with business owners, nonprofit organizations, retired people, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com