WNEBSS CELEBRATES ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY

TWO YEARS AGO IN JANUARY 2001, five women met in a Northhampton, Massachusetts restaurant. They responded to a notice from a colleague announcing the formation of a group of business support service owners. Within minutes, the ladies were swapping business cards, asking for advice, sharing ideas, and telling stories about their lives as sole office support proprietors. By the end of the meeting, Western New England Business Support Services was born and a dedication to network, outsource, share and educate became their mission.

THE IDEA FOR THIS INVALUABLE association was created from the dream of WNEBSS' coordinator, Karen Blinderman. She identified with the need for a local network of business and office support service owners. No matter what the challenge, it seems someone else has had similar experiences and is willing to share how to handle them -- from equipment to software, from project timing to project pricing, from professional ethics to customer service," said Blinderman, who has been in business six years.
   
Since that initial meeting, the organization has grown to nearly a dozen professionals from Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Nearly all operate from home-based offices and serve a diverse and, frequently, virtual clientele ranging from other sole proprietors in their own neighborhoods to divisions of Fortune 500 corporations around the country -- and every type of business in between.
   
WNEBSS members deliver highly customized support services to their clients. From editorial and traditional office support to transcription and data entry and from association management and bookkeeping services to resume and career management expertise, a full menu of professional services provides individuals and companies with optimal support.
   
WNEBSS meets every six weeks at convenient restaurant locations throughout the Connecticut and Western Massachusetts area. Each meeting agenda focuses on a specific business topic (attracting clients, technological updates, service menu, etc.) with ample opportunity to brainstorm member challenges. Annual dues are $25 and prospective members may attend one complimentary meeting before making a decision to join. For more information, visit our website at http://www.lhblin.com/wnebss/ or call (413) 731-8595.

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