West Newsmagazine 5-24-17

56 I
May 24, 2017
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
Local CEO invited to White House
By DEANNE LEBLANC
Lisa Nichols, CEO of Chesterfield IT
consulting firm Technology Partners, participated
in an exclusive roundtable meeting
this spring with President Donald Trump,
his daughter Ivanka, Vice President Mike
Pence and Linda McMahon, administrator
of the Small Business Administration.
The roundtable gathered 10 entrepreneurial
women professionals from across
the country to discuss the significance of
the American economy allowing women to
thrive. Nichols was the only Missourian in
attendance. She said the room felt “completely
electric” as each woman introduced
herself and her company.
“I truly feel the Trump administration is
serious about empowering women-owned
businesses to grow and thrive,” said Nichols.
“The way they are inviting different
groups to the table to hear real-life perspectives
is a great way to address real-life
challenges that are similar for all women
entrepreneurs, despite the demographic
differences that were represented at the
roundtable. This was an experience that I
will never forget, and I am just so honored
to have been included.
“Access to capital is the major frustration
for women entrepreneurs. Women
start 1,200 businesses
per day, yet they only
receive 3 to 7 percent
of available funding
despite their success
rate.”
During the roundtable
discussion, McMahon
asked what kind
Nichols
of education should be made available to
women entrepreneurs to help them grow
their businesses, as the SBA is trying to
provide curricula and training for women
when they are starting out.
One of the suggestions was to provide
more education around the customer
experience. Nichols agreed and added
some advice from personal experience:
“I think women should be educated on
the employee experience, as well. In our
world, our employees are being courted
all the time by other companies, as IT professionals
are in very high demand. The
demand for IT professionals far outweighs
the talent pool, so building a culture and
ecosystem that helps not only attract but
retain these employees is paramount to the
longterm sustainability of our business.”
• • •
[Editor’s note: for more on this story,
visit www.westnewsmagazine.com.]
A Fun Night for All!
To benefit:
Missouri
Tucker’s Place West will partner up
with the Manchester Police
Department to raise money
for a worthy cause!
Thursday, June 1st
50% of your dinner/drink ticket
will benefit the
Missouri Special Olympics.
Thanks For You Support!
14282 Manchester Road • (636) 227-8062
Let’s Do Lunch Menu
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Walleye Festival
Sunday & Monday Nights
Hours: Mon - Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Carryout | Children’s Menu
Happy Hour Daily
165 Lamp & Lantern Village
Town & Country
Party Room Available at Big Bend Location
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636-207-0501
*No coupons, discounts or other offers Gift Certificates Available
631 Big Bend Rd.
Manchester
636-207-1689
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68 Four Seasons Center | Chesterfield, MO | www.talaynas.net