Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Power Conference for Women - Luncheon
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road, Rockville
As prepared
Good afternoon, and welcome to the 2017 Power Conference: “Women Doing Business.”
This event is the biggest women’s business development conference in the region; and I can tell you that it has gotten better each and every year since it started in 2010.
I’d like to take a moment to recognize conference co-chairs Nancy, Laura, Jamie, Wendy, Dawn, Cecilia and Sandra – Putting on a conference of this size and scope, while also doing your “day job” is no easy task!
Not only does this event offer ample opportunity to network and learn more about other women-owned businesses in the region; but it also has a full spectrum of educational opportunities. I counted more than 40 women conducting seminars on topics from marketing to financial planning, from sales strategies to leadership. Next year, I need to remember to sign up for some of these sessions as I consider my future options!
I hope you had an opportunity to hear Monica Kang talk about innovation this morning. I know I’m looking forward to hearing from Carla Harris in a few minutes about “What’s Next” – definitely a timely topic!
And learning about all of the amazing “StartRight!” Business Plan winners is always an inspiration. Two business owners from Silver Spring in Montgomery County are recent winners – Kellee James with Mercaris won in 2013 and Hetty Irmer owner of Four Corners Counseling won in 2015.
These are different types of businesses – Mercaris is a technology company and Four Corners Counseling offers a variety of therapy options for individuals and couples. But both improved their chances for success by competing in StartRight!
We are honored to host this event; and we’re happy that Montgomery County continues to outpace national statistics when it comes to women-owned businesses.
According to the Census Bureau, almost 40% of the businesses in Montgomery County are woman-owned while the number nationally is closer to 30%.
The County will continue to focus on the utilization of women- and minority-owned businesses in our own procurements. One area of particular focus is construction – if you own a construction company, please be sure to register in our vendor database.
If you are interested in doing business with Montgomery County, don’t miss the Procurement Forum on Thursday, October 5 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza – another beautiful facility!
I hope you also will take a moment to review our Montgomery County Business Portal which launched in June. This resource is designed to make it easier for businesses to find information when they need to interact with County government. Just look under the business tab on the County website.
Again, I am delighted to have you here in our County today. I hope you enjoy the conference and wish you continued success.
Thank you!
# # #
Release ID: 17-089Thursday, September 7; 12 noon