"I think that one thing we do that's different in the software development world is that I bring the programmers into the situation earlier [rather] than later. I invest in them hearing first hand what the client has to say. I think they take ownership much earlier, they get involved in the conversation and feel part of the team, as opposed to being told. "here's what you are going to do." They almost go out of their way to try to come up with creative ideas. They work extra hours to come up with clever solutions."

A business mentoring program designed to increase the growth and profitability of women owned businesses.

The premise is simple-a panel of volunteers advises a woman business owner on important issues specific to her business with the goal of increasing the development and success of her business. The program "links" a woman business owner with an Advisory Panel, recruited from the local community, to work with her at no cost for one year. These professionals, which may include a banker, lawyer, accountant, and marketing or human resource specialist, provide guidance regarding networking skills, how to achieve access to capital, implementation of best practices and other issues identified by the woman business owner as necessary to reach the goals she has for her business.

"Partnership." The word comes up consistently - and insistently - as you talk to Christy Rea, President of Big Green Solutions.

Big Green Solutions develops custom software applications for Web deployment. Among its products is EVE, a global solution that guides every aspect of a company's internal and external marketing and communications efforts. With EVE, companies can set up work flows, streamline processes, update logos or wording across the board in one stroke, reduce printing costs and minimize legal risks by centrally managing all ads and rights management.

But Big Green is about more than just providing IT solutions. "Partnership is at the core of our business," Christy affirms. "We don't employ a transactional approach where you do a job and leave. We believe in remaining partners and continuing to grow with our clients. We invest in the success of our partners."

Christy joined NAWBO three years ago, and promptly got involved with soliciting and developing corporate partner relationships. For the past two years, she has co-chaired the Corporate Partners committee with Ashley Baptiste. "We are not only involved in seeking new partnerships, but we spend a great deal of time with our current corporate partners to make sure they are getting what they need out of their relationship with NAWBO," Christy explains. That involves developing innovative programs that the corporate partners can help sponsor, and facilitating relationships between the corporate sponsors and individual NAWBO members.

Christy has a clear vision for the future: "My goal is to leave a legacy at NAWBO of a welcome kit for new members: a package that would contain information on all our corporate partners and how to reach out to them for help in various areas of business growth and development. I want our members to know that they can rely on these corporate partners for assistance as they develop their own companies and careers."

Little is more satisfying in business than a win/win/win situation. In the Unified Communications industry, companies have to work together in partnership in order to be successful. Whether it is the technology partners that enable Alteva to provide service to its clients, or the Channel Partners and Service Provider Partners that help distribute Alteva's solutions to the world, successful partnerships are a cornerstone of Alteva's business.

"If we are together nothing is impossible." - Winston Churchill