Meet WBE – Gillaspy & Rhodes, PLLC

Elizabeth Rhodes

Elizabeth Rhodes has joined Betsy Gillaspy as a named partner in their law firm. With offices in Kirkland, Washington and Portland, Oregon the firm is a valuable resource for WBEs in our region.

Betsy Gillaspy

Both Liz and Betsy are active members of our Leadership Forum and consistently “show up” @ Astra events. Reach out and congratulate Liz today.

Gillaspy & Rhode, PLLC and its predecessor firms have been providing insurance defense and litigation services to the Pacific Northwest for over 25 years. Combining aggressive and skilled litigation services with innovative approaches to early and favorable resolution, we enjoy a reputation for delivering high quality work and results. The firm’s clients and carriers uniformly report high satisfaction with the representation provided by Gillaspy & Rhode, PLLC with particularly high marks for our practice of early and regular case evaluation, reporting, and timely communication regarding case progress.

Working closely with clients, claims professionals, and experts, we emphasize early and thorough evaluation of claims, including exploration of all possible legal and factual defenses. Through this team work approach we tailor a solution to fit the unique circumstances of each client’s situation. We value and respect the perspectives and solutions brought to the table by our claims professionals, clients, and experts, and consider them an integral part of the defense team.

Specialties:

Construction Law, General Litigation, Personal Injury, Business Law, Land Use, Real estate, Insurance Defense

Why Astra? Why WBENC?

Networking. It’s tough to get out there. But that’s exactly what busy Astra WBEs do. They SHOW UP. Showing up is an important part of  Astra’s 2013 theme – Game Changers – Show Up. Grow. Win. When Team Astra was developing the theme earlier this year the original creative used the term “play” v. “show up”. Wisely, Suzanne Lackman, Vice President and Co-Founder of Astra said, “No. That messaging is wrong. We don’t play at business. We show up and work hard.”  Take a moment and meet Cecelia McCloy, President of Integrated Science Solutions and find out why she is part of the WBENC Astra network .

Video produced by Total Media Group.

Astra Women’s Business Alliance Organized Game Changers Event

On July 24th-25th, 2013, Fortune 500 companies, women-owned businesses and federal agencies came together to explore opportunities to do business, network and support women-owned businesses.

Astra Women’s Business Alliance, a regional partner of Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), organized and hosted a “Game Changers, Champions for Women-Owned Businesses Worldwide,” event that brought together Fortune 500 companies, women-owned businesses and federal agencies. The Workshops Awards & Matchmaker event provided an opportunity for those involved to do business, which can lead to economic development and job creation, which can then also span the world with its impact.

Three Astra women business owners won WBE Growth Awards for increasing their revenues during the past two years. Imelda Alejandrino, of AP42 won for businesses with growth under $1 million dollars; Laura Bergerson of Channel Impact won for growth up to $6 million and Olsa Martini of Olsa Resources, Inc. won for representing businesses over $6 million dollars in total revenues. The businesses were nominated by other individuals and were selected through a committee process.

Timothy Evans, Supplier Diversity Manager of Comcast was recognized as Corporate Advocate of the Year. Done Deals Awards were given to the following companies who have created at least three contracts with Astra women business owners in the last calendar year: Brocade, Robert Half International, Comcast and Effective Training Associates.

Astra also held a workshop entitled “Capturing Pooled Power of Women” which addressed the importance of women buying goods and services from each other and forming strategic alliances to position themselves for larger contracts in order to impact families and the communities. Mary Ann Campbell, Money Magic, Inc, former National Women’s Business Council, appointed by President Clinton; Billie Bryant Schultz, Cesco, Inc. founding board member of WBENC and Barbara Kasoff, co-founder of Women Impacting Public Policy were panelists. The workshop was moderated by Diane McClelland, co-founder of Astra Women’s Business Alliance and co-founder of Foundation for Women Owned Businesses. These women have been actively supporting the growth for business opportunities for women business owners for over 125 years combined.

Sponsors for the event were Chevron, Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, TransPak, Inc, Private Eyes, Inc. Olsa Resources, Inc., TMG, Union Bank, Hunter Hawk, Inc. and Primitive Logic.

Compusave Strategic Alliance Quadruples its Business

Astra Women’s Business Alliance (Astra WBENC) sat down with Sandy Winston (left) and Julia Winnicki (right) of Compusave Strategic Alliance to learn about how they utilize their Astra WBENC certification. Read on to learn about their partnership with The Boeing Company Supplier Diversity Team (Boeing) and how Astra WBENC has helped them grow their business.

1.    You’ve been an Astra WBENC WBE since 2007.  How did you learn about the Astra WBENC network?

(Julia) I became certified by the State of Washington as a WBE in 2005 and in 2007 I received an invitation to attend an event in Everett that Astra was hosting. I’d never heard of WBENC before. We had become Washington State Certified because we were interested in going after government contracts.  At that first event, there was “speed dating” with buyers from Boeing who told me that my company was too small and that I should talk to Astra about getting WBENC certified. So, at the event, I sat down with Astra and talked to them about the certification process and officially became an Astra WBENC WBE in 2007.
2. What does your company do and how has your business changed since you became WBENC certified?

(Julia) We are a Value Added Reseller (VAR). Being a VAR means that we procure computer equipment, both hardware and software, process and integrate it, and then ship it to our customers for just in time delivery. Over the last 5 years our business has quadrupled. Boeing has been critical to our growth as a company. Really the key to this relationship has been the Boeing Supplier Diversity Team. Glory McCallum of Boeing has been a stellar advocate for us. She works closely with businesses and partner organizations like Astra WBENC.  She has truly been a mentor and supporter of our company. We cherish our relationship. Compusave Strategic Alliance is a true beneficiary of the corporate support of WBENC certification. We are better for it. And as are result we just received notification that we will be receiving  the Boeing Performance Excellence Award for 2012.

(Sandy) Boeing wants 100% accuracy and 100% on time delivery from suppliers.  To be acknowledged with The Boeing Performance Excellence Award,  Compusave Strategic Alliance creates and maintains internal core processes that triple check every order and every shipment we make – throughout quoting,  purchasing, configuring, testing, labeling and shipping. These processes, plus our ability to develop and maintain customer relationships are at the center of our success, both with Boeing, and with all  our other customers.  The relationships we have created through the WBENC network have helped every step of the way.

(Julia) We have learned so much working with Boeing. We were invited to their first supplier diversity symposium as an exhibitor back in 2009. We were ready by then as we were certified and we had built capacity through our alliances. So at that event we were able to show our products and share our capabilities directly with buyers. That was a huge turning point for us and we became a Boeing supplier. We were also invited to participate in an online supplier showcase where we presented our capabilities live via web conference to 40 invited Boeing buyers. We had 20 minutes for our presentation and 10 minutes for questions. That was a very successful event for us.

3. What is your favorite Astra WBENC connection story?

(Sandy) It was one of those “you have got to be kidding moments”. Compusave was already certified when I came on board and I really didn’t understand the value. Julia was already working the network and then I showed up at a national WBENC National event in Las Vegas- you know the one they hold every year in June – this year it will be in Minneapolis. I sat down next to a stranger at lunch and we introduced ourselves. I explained what Compusave did and she said “I need that and I’ll call you.” When we arrived back home this large WBE called me and placed an order. It was truly an amazing experience.

(Julia) For me it was probably at an Astra event in 2009 where we connected with Robert Half International. It was a matchmaking event and that was the beginning of a successful business relationship.

4.    What is your Astra WBENC “aha’”moment?

(Julia) For me, it was hearing Elizabeth Kearney, Ph.D., President, Kearney & Associates speak at an Astra event. Liz spoke about strategic alliances and how that helped her grow her business. It was like a light bulb went off. Boeing had called Compusave “too small” and here is this woman telling me how to get bigger by gathering capacity through alliances. That was definitely my “aha” moment.

5.    What are your Astra WBENC plans for 2013 and how can Astra WBENC improve its service to your company?

(Julia) I will continue to participate at the national level as part of the Leadership Forum-at-Large. Boeing nominated me to this perpetual posting in 2010. This is great exposure for our company at the national level.

(Sandy) Both Julia and I will be attending all three of the big WBENC events as well as supporting Astra’s regional events. We co-chair Astra’s Washington State Leadership Forum. There is also a big event being planned at Microsoft in Redmond on October 16th.  We are looking at partnering with The Mariners for a “Take me out the Ball Game” event over the summer  and as well as having an events at  Macy’s and Starbucks. So a lot is going on in the State of Washington!

(Julia) We’d love to see increased access to buyers for contract ready firms through the Astra WBENC network. I am not sure what format or structure this access would take on but it would allow established, experienced supply chain savvy, referable, capacity ready firms to showcase their X Factor. To me an X Factor is what makes a company different from their competition. That difference might be innovation, creativity, performance excellence or some other a combination of unique factors that sets them apart. It’s just an idea but it would be great to figure it out and make it work. There are some fabulous WBEs out there!

6. What’s your best advice for someone new to the Astra/WBENC network?

(Sandy)  Show up! You have to show up! Just keep coming back. It’s a 2 to 3 year investment and it will pay off. Just keep working the network and giving back.

To learn more about Compusave Strategic Alliance visit their website: http://www.compusavedirect.com

Hunter Hawk, Inc.,Shooting Past $2 million and Positioned for Growth

On January 28th, 2013, Astra sat down with Sandy Hunter, President of Hunter Hawk, Inc. Take five and read on to hear how Sandy leverages the Astra WBENC network for success.

1. You’ve been an Astra/WBENC WBE for more than ten years. What turned you onto the Astra/WBENC network?

The Shell Martinez Refinery requested that I become certified. I was very resistant because I didn’t understand the need; I was already doing business with Shell and other refineries. My initial reaction is that no one should have access to my business information. Suzanne Lackman, Vice-President of Astra Women’s Business Alliance told me straight up,” You will conform to the WBENC standards or you will not be certified.”  Even though that doesn’t sound like a good beginning, I consider Suzanne the champion of Astra/WBENC standards and I cherish her support.  Both Suzanne and her sister and co-founder Diane McClelland work tirelessly for women business owners. For them it is a vocation. They are the supreme connectors. I hope I live up to their expectations. And Mary Jo Juarez, as a former Navy contracts person has been phenomenal in her support. She’s on the Astra Board as well. She is so good, plus talented – at our first in-person meeting she presented me with a bracelet she made for me.  Her continuous support has spurred me on. She insisted that I keep trying. It took us 6 complete bid packages, totaling many many hours and almost two years of trying to finally win a contract from the US Army that put us over the $2 million dollar mark. We had to re-think it. We had to re-engineer and re-locate what we do to find $6 per unit difference to make it work. Do you understand what that contract has meant for our business? Our business is now 50% diversified between government and non-government work.  Diversity of client base is key to our success and that balance will help us continue to grow this year.

2. How has your business changed over this period?

We went through that bad place called 2009 and it was our best year ever. Then in 2010 our business took a one million dollar dump. It was all due to our small customer base and I was too involved. In 2011, we switched it up and learned how to go after government contracts. We are not looking back. In 2012 I did the Kauffman Bootcamp in San Leandro with Astra. That program for me was invaluable in many ways. It kicked me in the butt. It made me stop whining and over thinking. It allowed me to breathe. I walked out after 5 days and hired someone who I trust to do the stuff I don’t like to do and shouldn’t be doing. Now I make sure I get a chance to do what I love; be with my customers and sell.  That’s what I do best. It also taught me to look beyond the comfort zone and now we have 3 divisions. We studied our audience, our customers and potential customers. Now we know who they are and we are effectively communicating with them. That sounds so simple now but who knows how long it would have taken me on my own. The support from the facilitators and other business owners was priceless.

3. What’s your favorite Astra/WBENC connection story?

I was nominated by Astra in late 2009 to be a WBENC Star for 2010. So in November of 2009 I arrive in Baltimore and I was lost in space. Then I met “The Women in the Bar” – Denise Kanaar, D& D Logistics, from Michigan and Laurie Travis, LTevention from Las Vegas.  We literally looked at each other and said, “You a star?” “Yeah I’m a star.” “Does anyone know what we’re doing?” We had no idea. We still laugh about it. But I learned so much from that experience. The following  year when I heard that Janell McGill, Milligan Events from Idaho was named as Astra’s Star and would be honored at the Summit and Salute II called her up and said, “ Here’s the scoop.” That’s the WBENC sisterhood – sharing information and paying it forward.

4. What was your Astra/WBENC “Aha” moment?

When Sandra James. Private Eyes, Inc. came to my ‘home’ office to do my Site Visit – way back when…..Yes I run a $2 million business with 4 employees out of my converted garage. The moment was the instant connection about the common things we shared as women business owners. Although I had friends that owned businesses, this was different.  I didn’t even know what I was missing. Sandra is so real. She just gets it and pays it forward all the time.  For me, she is “the real deal”.

5. What are your Astra/WBENC plans for 2013 and how can Astra/WBENC improve its service offering to your company?

Astra is essential to us this year. The introductions and connections that we will gain by attending Astra events and paying it forward will propel us to our goal of $3 million in revenue. We’re working on the bids  right now. It’s going to happen. I am now operating a bi-coastal company and my desire is that Astra will help make that even more successful with more bi-coastal contacts. We are based in Northern California and have a manufacturing facility in North Carolina. We continue to deliver products with zero defects zero rejects on our Army contract. The receiver of the equipment is Lockheed Martin. It’s a working network. I am not sure if we will expand internationally or not. I am not ruling it out but we have a Made in America/Buy in America Policy and we are sticking to it. When first looking for suppliers I look for women business owners, then minorities, then small businesses. It’s a supply chain program that works for us and will continue to spur our growth. Hunter Hawk remains fearless, focused and flexible. Working together. Women working together. That’s WBENC. That’s Astra.

Here’s more about Hunter Hawk, Inc:

Want to meet Sandy in-person? Join  Sandy & Astra in Napa, California for “Wine, Women & Winning” on February 22^nd, 2013.

To find out more about Hunter Hawk, Inc. visit their website: www.hunterhawk.com

WBENC Summit & Salute March 13-14th, 2013

Northern California Leadership Forum

Astra WBENC Stars

Arlene Inch, TransPak, Inc. is Astra’s WBENC Star for 2013

Astra is delighted to announce that Arlene Inch, Chairman, TransPak, Inc., is Astra’s 2013 WBENC Star   Arlene a committed supporter of women in business and Astra is honored to have her in our region and on our team!

Arlene’s consistent focus meeting her team’s need and her innate ability to identify strategic options is a critical factor in TransPak’s growth. Since the Inch family acquired the business in 1969, Arlene has taken on any role necessary in order to make the business the success it is today. Arlene’s personal philosophy of keeping positive no matter what the challenge has served the business since their first major customer, Farinon Electric, a microwave radio equipment manufacturer.  In addition to her responsibilities at TransPak, Arlene works to have a positive impact on the community. Arlene is on Astra’s Board of Directors  & in addition to  supporting  Astra/WBENC, Arlene is on the Board of the Bay Area Tumor Institute as well as the Northern California Arthritis Foundation. Arlene earned her B.A. from San Diego State University.

Join Astra & TransPak at the Summit & Salute in Baltimore on March 13-14, 2013.

Previous Astra WBENC Stars

2012 Hannah Kain. Alom Technologies, Inc.

2011 Janell McGill, Milligan Events

2010 Sandy Hunter, Hunter Hawk, Inc.

2009 Sandra James, Private Eyes, Inc.

2008 Olsa Martini, Olsa Resources, Inc.

2007 Julia Rhodes, Kleenslate Concepts

2006 Sandra Floyd, Outsource Consulting Services, Inc.

2005 Elizabeth Kearney, Ph.D., Kearney & Associates: The Experts’ Alliance

2004 Joan Lasselle, Lasselle-Ramsay Information Development Services

2003 Linda Harris, LF Harris Co.

2002 Candace Phillips, Bio-med Testing

Astra WBENC Workshops, EXPO and Matchmaker, Seattle September 13, 2012 – Being Smart Out Loud

Astra WBENC Matchmaker and EXPO Seattle September 13, 2012, a set on Flickr.

WBEs from across the USA & Canada, corporate & agency representatives joined Astra in Seattle on September 13th, 2012, for a jam-packed day that included workshops, an EXPO of WBEs, and an afternoon of matchmaking.

Astra WBE, Fran Zone of Zone Communications kicked off the day by warming everyone up with her stories & interactive exercises.  She shared her secrets of being Smart Out Loud by explaining that in a world of short attention spans and brief encounters, standing out from the pack requires the ability to be Smart Out Loud in real time. Being Smart Out Loud means knowing the right thing to say, when to say it, how to say it, and how to turn every interaction into an opportunity. Remember to carry yourself not your stuff; stand up straight and take off five pounds; and focus on drawing attention to your eyes with color & objects. Check out Read My Pins by one of Fran’s favorite people, Madeleine Albright.

Following Fran, the workshops continued with 2 interactive panels.  First up, a panel of supplier diversity leaders from private and public companies shared their insights and best practices for company introductions. WBEs were engaged and had fun with this interactive session. Participants prepared and delivered their pitch messages to the panel and received ratings as well as valuable feedback from the panel.  The panel was moderated by Astra’s own Diane McClelland and the panelists: Diane Lin, Starbucks; Kenyon Taylor, GSA;Veronica Kammler, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District; Lucy Leu, U.S. Navy – Naval Supply Systems – Command – Fleet Logistics Center – Puget Sound.)

The second panel covered Women in Construction. Moderated by Holli Dorr of Hollister Construction, the panelists gave WBEs insight into winning contracts in both the public & private sectors. Panelists: Mel Jones, Skanska USA; Ida Booker, The Boeing Company; Marc Sauze, Stantec; Roxie Schescke, Indian Eyes, LLC; and Eric Maughan, North Wind Group.

Guests at lunch were entertained by Paul Taylor, Taylor Global Law and a member of Astra’s Global Committee who shared best practices and current opportunities for expanding business globally.

Following lunch all WBEs participated in the afternoon matchmaking – “roundtable style”. This new format (v. short 1-to-1 interviews) was used to promote not only interaction between WBEs and Corporate/Agency representatives but also to promote WBE to WBE networking. In the past,  1-to-1 sessions tend to be rushed and tense. Access is limted and this creates an air of exclusivity as well as a huge undertaking by resource scarce WBE advocates who typically meet with a new company every 6-10 minutes. In Seattle, each Roundtable was co-hosted by a trained facilitator & corporate/agency representative who introduced themselves & shared their organization’s information. Table assignments were made based on sourcing requests from the advocates, industry groups and potential teaming opportunities amongst WBEs. Each WBE at the table took turns giving their pitch, sharing their marketing materials and receiving feedback from not only the table hosts but also the WBEs. Using this format created a positive atmosphere of access, cooperation and support.   Here is how one WBE summed it up:

“I loved the 25 minutes roundtable discussions!  It was a great opportunity to learn about our corporate host but perhaps more importantly, we learned about our fellow WBEs.  At our first table there were several opportunities between WBEs that we would never have known about had the matchmaker sessions been one on one. Thank you ASTRA!!” Sandy Dupleich, Dynamic Language

More feedback from attendees:

• “Wonderful! I would attend again in a heartbeat!” Jodie Landes, Arcus Communications
• “The contacts and strategies developed at Astra events are incredibly valuable and transformational!” Sharon Root, Computer Magic Training
• “I always take away something new from Astra’s events.  It’s wonderful to network with other women business owners and build our relationships.” Renee Fink,  ClearPath Management Group, Inc.
• “Another great opportunity to connect with dynamic people making the most of shared opportunities.” Sandy Hunter, Hunter Hawk, Inc.
• “The conference exceeded my expectations, I came away with several ideas and contact.” Bibby Gignilliat, Parties That Cook
• “This was an outstanding event that provided immediate information I could use in growing my business.” Amanda Grindle, Muir Contracting, Inc.
• “This conference provided us an opportunity to meet and speak with so many individuals that benefited us both professionally and personally.  The format provided a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere – completely conducive to learning and building relationships.” Karen Gildea, Amick Brown
• “Having attended numerous small and large business events over the years, yours was by far one of the very best.  The contacts and content were very much applicable to our business.  I am looking forward to the next one!.”  Kathryn Townsend, West Sound Workforce

Didn’t make it to Seattle? Check out the program below.

Open publication

Astra WBENC Reception, Workshops and Awards July 24-25, 2012

Astra WBENC Reception, Workshops and Awards 2012, a set on Flickr.

International Reception, July 24th, 2013. Counsul Generals from both India & China met with WBEs to share their perspective on doing business in their countries.

Keynote Speaker, July 25th, 2013. It pays to show up. It’s not everyday that you get to meet a billionaire in person. For those who attended the 16th Annual Astra Workshops & Awards on July 25th that’s exactly what you did. You met a billionaire. Fellow WBE, Lynn Tilton of Patriarch Partners, didn’t just show up, she fully participated and shared her life experiences with all who were in attendance. It was a day of giving. Lynn told her story from the heart. Take a moment, get to know Lynn.

If you’d like to learn more about Lynn check out the Barbara Walkers 20/20 interview or what NPR has to say.

Astra Awards 2013 Every year we stop to say thank you & acknowledge advocates of women business ownership. 2012 is no exception.

Our 2012 honorees are:

Growth Venture Graduates May 2012

Another fabulous week in San Leandro, California sharing the Kauffman Foundation’s GrowthVenture Program with WBEs from around the country. Eight WBENC WBEs came together to share experience & expertise over 5 days and learn together how to grow and take their businesses to the next level. Sponsored by Bank of American and Chevron in 2012, the Kauffman Foundation Growth Venture program is designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. They initially didn’t think they needed to be there, what can I learn or re-learn after 20-years in business? What could possibly change? Over a the course of 5 days the women-business owners worked through a 10 module course creating new opportunities for their businesses. On the final day each participate pitched their new vision to the whole group for feedback.  Lots of laughs and a few tears – this is what it is all about – helping each other formulate the future.

2012 Kauffman Foundation GrowthVenture Graduates:L-R: Helena Jones, Platinum Realty; Diana Platika, Platika Financial, Facilitator; Sandra James, Private Eyes, Inc; Charlotte Davis, Event Source Professionals;Sandy Hunter, Hunter Hawk, Inc. and Peggy O’Connor, OLC Global.

$4 Billion. Together we are strong.

As of March 31st, 2012,  Astra (WBENC) WBEs employ 20,768 people and are generating over $4 billion dollars annually in revenue. Women-owned businesses in the West are thriving. As a regional network our reach is wide. Located in 6 states, 33% of Astra’s WBEs describe themselves as ethnically diverse. Working together,we make a big impact in our region.

As diverse businesses, WBEs, can further boost the network by establishing and implementing their own Supplier Diversity Program. Astra is often asked, “What are best practices for developing a Supplier Diversity Program?”  Here are a few simple  recommendations:

Be committed. A diversity program can be part of your organization’s overall strategic plan. If you haven’t already done it, just add a diversity pledge to your company’s core values & mention it in the “About Us” section of your website.

Be Specific. Determine your level of commitment. As a WBENC WBE, you already are committed to diversity. Take a minute and document your goals as a part of your budgeting process.

Be Accountable. Do a quick review. You are probably already buying from diverse suppliers. Simply write down how you can capture, monitor & report your diversity spend. This is easy to  include in your policy & procedures handbook.

Be Visible. In addition, to displaying your WBENC badge, add a link to your diversity pledge & include “stories” in your company’s messaging. Remember to report your Done Deals or nominate your best customer for an “Advocacy Award” by completing the form below.