THE WOMEN'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
STRATEGIC PLAN


VISION
Influential women executives provide leadership to the community and inspire business women to reach their professional and economic potential.

MISSION
The purpose of WEDC is to influence economic development through education, mentoring, and networking while providing leadership opportunities to women. WEDC exists to strengthen the position of women in business and in the community.

BELIEFS AND VALUES
  1. The WEDC values the diverse perspectives, contributions, experiences and abilities of women.
  2. The WEDC believes in shared leadership, and in equity for all members of society.
  3. The WEDC values creativity and diversity and understands that they are intimately intertwined.
  4. The WEDC values women of vision, integrity, credibility and courage.
  5. The WEDC promotes life long learning.
  6. The WEDC believes that through empathy we strengthen and support each other.
  7. The WEDC believes that women are empowered by their actions and the actions of other women.
  8. The WEDC values the recognition of the worth and professional achievements of women.
  9. The WEDC values a vibrant economy that increases the economic status of women.

GOALS
  1. To be a diverse group of mid- to executive level, professional, experienced and successful businesswomen who mentor each other.
  2. To be recognized as a representative of a major segment of the local business community who is asked by those in positions of power for opinions, support, and involvement in important business issues.
  3. To achieve an optimal number of women on boards and commissions, and an optimal number of women elected officials locally and regionally.
  4. To support the mission and activities of the WEDC Foundation.

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

An applicant must have attended at least three general training meetings before applying for membership.
New members must fall into one of the following categories:
  1. Business owner - The candidate must have been working full time in her business for at least one year. The business must have a business license.
  2. Business executive or mid-level manager with supervisory and/or other significant responsibilities.
  3. Degreed or licensed professional - Examples would be a doctor, lawyer or CPA.
  4. The Board will consider exceptional candidates who do not fall into another category. Women serving in public office fall under this category.
WEDC is committed to diversity in its membership, not only in the cultural and ethnic sense, but in the professional sense as well. Please contact the WEDC Membership Chair for further information on how to become a member.

COMMITTEE ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

FINANCE
  • Handles registration & collects money.
  • Develops investment & financial plans.
  • Makes deposits and balances accounts.
  • Prepares the WEDC annual operating budget.
  • Sends out invoices & collects dues.
  • Prepares financial reports.

MEMBERSHIP
  • Encourages the recruitment of new members who will fulfill Goal #1 and realize our vision.
  • Fosters the mentoring relationship, including sponsor training.
  • Oversees the membership process.
  • Orients new members.
  • Maintains accurate membership records.

SOCIAL
  • Provides ways for members to interact, get to know one another and network.
  • Coordinates activities with other committees.

COMMUNICATIONS
  • Provides internal communications for the WEDC organization
  • Documents, communicates & recognizes the success of WEDC members.
  • Seeks opportunities to promote the WEDC & its members.
  • Seeks input from other committees & the Board.
  • Oversees the WEDC Website.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING
  • Plans and books programs of significant value for Training Meetings and possible other events.
  • Focuses on programs that complement the WEDC mission and goals.
  • Promotes the programs to the membership.
  • Surveys members for feedback and input on programs and other leadership training needs.
  • Fosters, encourages and helps develop leadership skills of members.
  • Informs members of leadership training and professional development opportunities.

INFLUENCE BUILDING
  • Seeks appointments for members on Boards & Commissions.
  • Nominates WEDC members and their companies for awards (e.g., Chamber SB Awards).
  • Creates relationships with government organizations & individuals.
  • Educates members on candidates and issues.
  • Acts as a champion of women's business issues.
  • Investigates the eventual creation of a WEDC PAC.

 
 
Home |  About WEDC |  Resources |  News |  Contact Us |  Foundation |  Members Only
WEDC     P.O. Box 18144     Huntsville, AL 35804      info@wedc-online.com
© Women's Economic Development Council