The National Association of Women Business Owners - Kansas City chapter hosted a Public Policy Days conference yesterday at Kauffman Foundation. On Eagles' Wings: Women, Political Office & Policy was designed to give participants an overview of the history of legislation affecting women business owners and the gaps that still exist. Sessions also focused on how to play a role in the legislative process, how to support political campaigns and basic steps for preparing to run for office.

Ann Sullivan, president of Madison Services Group and a lobbyist for women business owners in Washington, DC, moderated a panel on the history of women in politics, including HR5050, the Women Business Owners Act that was passed in 1988. Panelists included Rebecca Herwick of the National Women's Business Council, an organization that reports directly to the U.S. President and Congress; and Cassie Woolworth, a member of NAWBO-KC.

The morning concluded with a panel of representatives from each of the co-sponsoring organizations speaking about their groups' role in policy making. One theme that echoed from several panelists was the need to mentor students and young adults for the business world--whether in preparation for business ownership or in understanding the skills and behaviors necessary to have a successful career.

NAWBO-KC chapter sponsor Union Bank kicked off the luncheon by announcing the creation of a special loan program with $5 million designated exclusively for loans to women business owners.

Sullivan, as the luncheon keynote, spoke on how to make legislators aware of issues that affect women business owners.

The afternoon sessions were devoted to launching a campaign and how to support candidates.

Co-sponsoring organizations included the Association of Women Lawyers, Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Association of Women in Communications, Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kansas City Commercial Real Estate Women, Kansas City Council of Women Business Owners, Kansas Women's Business Center, Mid-America Minority Business Development Council, Missouri Women's Business Center, National Association of Women Business Owners - Kansas City, National Association of Women in Construction, National Womens Business Council, UMKC Womens Center, Union Bank, WEB Contracting, Women Construction Owners and Executives.