Broadband Access for Women-owned Businesses is Forum Topic

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 -- The need for increased broadband access for women-owned small businesses is the topic of the Broadband High-Speed Internet Access Forum, being held today at the Ronald Reagan Building here.

Topics include broadband's impact on women's associations, the challenges of home-office technology, and the trials of women entrepreneurs. Speakers are Susan Safarti, president and CEO of the Center for Association Leadership and Greater Washington Society for Association Executives; Nancy Evans, cofounder and editor of iVillage.com; and Edie Fraser, president of the Business Women's Network. Also participating are Sheila Brooks, CEO of SBR Productions; Nell Merlino of Count-Me-In for Women's Economic Independence; Beverly Chandran, president-elect of the Black Data Processor Associates and Carol Ann Gregg of American Agri-Women.

"We know the impact the Internet has, and we need broadband. My organization and so many of our members count on high-speed Internet for the growth of their women-owned small businesses. It is critical for legislators and policy makers to create a national broadband policy," Merlino said.