The Industrial Supply Association announced formation of a new networking group for women within the industrial supply industry. The new Women Industrial Supply Executives (W.I.S.E.) organization is comprised of accomplished and influential women from distributor, manufacturer, industrial manufacturer’s representative and service provider firms within the Industrial Supply Association.
Membership is by nomination or invitation only and is limited to 100 members.
“The formation of W.I.S.E. is a long time coming. The enthusiasm and interest it has generated from senior women executives has exceeded our expectations. The group is exclusive and will focus on high-level topics of interest to key management professionals wanting to improve themselves and their businesses,” said Kathleen Durbin, CEO of General Industrial Tool & Supply in Los Angeles, CA, and W.IS.E. chair and founder.
The purpose of W.I.S.E. is to build and promote a progressive network of women executives who wish to further develop their professional management and leadership skills and will advocate women’s influence within the industry. Candidates for membership include professional women who work for ISA member firms and who are recognized for their knowledge, leadership and achievement within their companies and the industry.
Inaugural Workshop Planned
To commemorate formation of the new organization, W.I.S.E. has planned a two-day workshop in the Tampa, Florida area Nov. 12-14, 2012. The inaugural workshop, which will become an annual W.I.S.E event, will provide networking and learning opportunities and will also include a professional speaker who will lead discussions on leadership and personal branding.
“Many women have expressed a desire to share with other women but lacked a proper forum. They want to have a positive influence on others. Now, we are creating that platform to share, learn and lead. This is an exciting time to be a woman industrial supply executive!” Durbin said.
The Industrial Supply Association is the leading association for members of the maintenance, repair, operations and production (MROP) supply chain, representing nearly 1,000 companies worldwide. For more information, please visit www.isapartners.org.
