NEW Annual Report shows double-digit growth

The Network of Executive Women defied "the great recession” and finished 2009 stronger than ever as membership, sponsor support and regional and national event attendance grew significantly.

The number of Network members registered online grew 31 percent to 2,364, attendance at the NEW Leadership Summit grew 36 percent, attendance at regional events grew 29 percent and the number of national sponsors increased from 52 to 58, according to the Network’s recently released 2009 Annual Report. Sponsorship revenue grew 7 percent and total revenue increased 11 percent from 2008 to 2009.

"Our members and sponsors put in countless hours to advance our mission and educate industry leaders about the benefits of gender diversity. Their efforts and support enabled us to expand our efforts and increase our activities to better develop senior-level and emerging leaders in the consumer products and retail industries,” said NEW President Alison Kenney Paul, a principal at Deloitte.

Nearly 7,000 executives attended regional events in 15 metro areas across the country, an increase of 29 percent. Attendance at the Network's national conferences -- the NEW Annual Leadership Summit, Multicultural Workforce Conference and invitation-only Executive Leaders Forum, also saw robust attendance growth.

Despite the down economy, NEW’s annual revenues grew from $2.3 million in 2008 to $2.6 million last year. National sponsors accounted for half of NEW’s operating income.

The Network launched a number of new initiatives in 2009, including regional groups in Southern California and the Carolinas, a new look and logo, and a new website with expanded content, advanced collaboration tools, regional and title sponsor group pages, and improved registration, database and e-commerce capabilities. The year also saw new original research, including two industrywide surveys and special reports on diversity and inclusion best practices.

"Industry commitment to NEW continues to grow as consumer products and retailer companies recognize the importance of a strong, diverse workforce and invest in their futures through the Network,” said Joan Toth, the Network’s executive director.

Download NEW Annual Report 2009