Raine Consulting Inc. and IDEAlliance join forces to form a new industry association Chicago, IL, -- September 9, 2002 -- IDEAlliance (www.IDEAlliance.org) and Raine Consulting Inc. (www.RaineConsulting.com) are pleased to announce the launch of a new association, "Women in Graphics Media and Technology," or WGMT. This national industry association was formed to serve professional women in the graphic media and digital technology fields. Women have been identified as the next leadership group and are considered to be the "target market" in many industries, including graphic communications. Susan Kelly, CEO and Founder of Raine Consulting says, "recent estimates show that the number of women leaders in the graphic communications industries will more than triple in the next ten years. We believe this rapid change in leadership creates a demand for support services. WGMT will be there." The Association for Women in Graphic Media and Technology (WGMT) is designed to set an example of a Public-Private partnership in today's society. WGMT will promote the professional development and growth of women through Mentoring, Job Boards, Networking, Motivation, Empowerment, Venture Consulting, Recognition, and Support Services. Recent pilot meetings between Core Believers and the newly formed Board of Advisors gave birth to the following charter for this exciting new association: WGMT is Dedicated to: - Influencing and impacting policies, practices, and politics for the Graphic Media and related Technology industries; - Participating in Affiliate Associations to raise the profile of women in their integral involvement in industry growth and standards management, as well as awareness of diversity issues; - Increasing the number of women in leadership roles in graphic-media and technology-based companies by offering job networks and "Women on Boards" programs; - Helping women increase their vertical industry knowledge and networks to be highly-valued, technology-literate leaders; - Encouraging young women to choose careers in graphic arts and related technologies; - Honoring genuine accomplishments, entrepreneurial spirit, and community efforts that best serve the advancement of women's progress. Two WGMT pilot meetings have been completed so far, and the WGMT Core Believers group has met to put in motion the tactical action plan for 2002 and 2003. During these meetings many infrastructure pieces were put into place, such as Board of Advisor candidates, WGMT’s Events Calendar and the WGMT Service Offerings. Katrina Teague, a partner at the executive search firm Heidrick and Struggles, says, "Our main goal relative to membership is ‘quality,’ not ‘quantity.’ Creating an intimate organization that delivers meaningful services is absolutely core to WGMT. We also recognize the world of work and communications have changed. WGMT plans to make virtual services personal with offerings such as "value" networking and mentoring. The success of the new organization will hinge on members joining WGMT with something to gain, and with something to give as well." WGMT charter membership is now open to all professionals, women and men alike, that wish to contribute to the successful advancement of women within the converging fields of Graphic Media and Digital Technology. Visit www.WGMT.org or www.IDEAlliance.org to secure your charter membership status. The next WGMT meeting will be held on September 24th, 2002 in Scottsdale Arizona. This breakfast event is in conjunction with the IDEAlliance-sponsored event, SPECTRUM 2002. All members and potential members are invited to attend.