On Sunday Jan. 31, AIPBW's new board met for its first day-long strategy meeting at an office at Ullevål Stadion. The purpose of the gathering was to outline the association's strategy for 2010, identify focus areas and find ways to improve & develop the 16-year old organization that is home to so many talented and inspiring women.

``We need to focus on profiling the amazing women in our network,'' Jessica Hildrum, chair of the AIPBW said. ``It's time to refocus our strategy and re-vamp our profile, starting with our website.''

The group had many ideas, opinions and thoughts that were discussed in so-called ``time boxes'' (about 10 minutes each) in order to get through the ambitious agenda during the course of the 7-hour meeting. This included a workshop led by vice-chair Magali Rouyer-Johnsen. Key issues were a debate about a new, shorter and possibly sexier name for the association and the remodelling of the website to highlight the talent pool of the organization, create more visibility of our association and form a more interactive platform for our members. At AIPBW's Feb. 3 meeting, members were asked to come up with suggestions for a new name, which are currently being gathered and processed by the board.

``We are setting exciting and ambitious goals, initiating changes to better serve members in our national network as well as across Europe through the EuropeanPWN,'' Magali, vice-chair and previous programs and special events co-coordinator added.

Other focus areas included debates about topics and future guest speakers at our monthly meetings and our special events, as well as logistics and the budget. The theme for 2010 "Inspiration" will be visible in all future monthly meetings, while marketing of the group and profiling of our members will also be a top priority this year. This should not only attract old and new members alike, but should as our mission states: unite, support and promote professional women in Norway. AIPBW, for now, should be THE place to go for any business-savvy woman in Norway or anyone looking for talented professional women.

(Source: AIPBW International Communications.)