By Julie Brink, Raine Consulting Inc. September 17, 2002 -- On September 4th, 2002, WhatTheyThink.com featured a story about WGMT titled, "New Industry Association to Serve Women in Graphic Media Profession". We were impressed to see that it ranked #1 as the most visited news story of the week on their Top Five News feature (week of 9/9/02). WGMT’s sponsoring organizations, Raine Consulting and IDEAlliance, received hundreds of e-mails and phone calls with specific questions regarding the association and membership. In an effort to provide members of WhatTheyThink.com more information, I have answered a few of the most frequently asked questions about this new association. What is WGMT and how did the idea come about? WGMT (Women in Graphic Media and Technology) is a not-for-profit professional association dedicated to supporting the leadership of women in the fields of graphic communications, digital technology, content management, printing, publishing, packaging, pulp & paper, and related industries. WGMT was created when a group of core believers realized that there was not a national professional association available that women could join specifically focusing on the three domains: Graphic Communications, Media, and Technology. Why WGMT? Why start up a new association? Recent estimates show that the number of women leaders in the graphic communications industries will more than triple in the next ten years creating a real need for support services for women. The feedback from Whattheythink.com verifies that the interest is very high. WGMT is dedicated to providing those support services most in demand by its’ members. What makes WGMT different from other organizations? WGMT is a national organization whose singular focus is to advance the private-public partnership in today’s society. WGMT’s mission is to network high-caliber professionals to exchange knowledge capital in a non-competitive environment. In turn, WGMT offers the opportunity to give back to peers and new professionals by volunteering subject matter expertise, personal experience, guidance, mentoring, and fellowship. Why should I join WGMT? It is a unique opportunity to join the "organization of the future" while offering a chance to participate and give-back on a professional level. We look forward to WGMT becoming a global association within the next two years providing even greater benefits for members. What do I get for my membership fees? WGMT promotes professional development and growth of women through Mentoring, Job Board, Networking, Information Sharing, Education, Recognition, Motivation, Empowerment, Venture Consulting, and Support Services. In addition, members have such opportunities as career enhancement via WGMT job boards, "Women on Boards" programs, as well as one-to-one mentoring programs with HR professionals. Who is a typical WGMT member? Professionals whose careers and interests intersect the worlds of graphic media and technology. Ideal members also include similar positions in related fields/industries such as print and media buyers (or other customer/consumers), packaging, publishing, design and agencies, suppliers and vendors to these industries. To obtain more information on the benefits of WGMT and the WGMT service offering, we invite you to visit www.WGMT.org. While you are there, click on "JOIN NOW" to complete our online application. First year WGMT members will be recognized as our "Charter Members". These members will act as our key members within the organization and influence the strategic direction and growth initiatives for WGMT. On behalf of WGMT, thank you all for your interest. As a new and growing not-for profit organization, we very much appreciate your support. We hope that you will continue to give us your genuine feedback as we work towards the overall success of WGMT. Contact Julie Brink at 630.629.3410 or Email: [email protected]