OUR HISTORY

THE PURPOSE

At that meeting and the next one, the eleven women came together and developed these principles:

• To promote the role of Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in the construction industry
• To assist women in executive management positions within the industry
• To provide resources to enhance the professional development of every member
• To create a legislative network to monitor and pursue legislation advantageous to the business community and the construction industry
• To encourage professional standards and member responsibility within the industry

THE CHARTER

On January 20, 1984, the Articles of Incorporation of WCOE, USA, a non-profit organization, were filed in the state of Washington.

Less than one month later, the new WCOE, USA Executive Board held its first meeting, where the organization's Bylaws were approved and adopted, and its officers were elected.

At the Charter Meeting and Conference in October 1984, 69 women signed the WCOE, USA charter. Representatives from the White House, Department of Transportation, Department of Housing & Urban Development, Department of Energy and many successful business owners attended the program.

THE FOUNDERS

• Joanne Blystone, CEO, Blystone Equipment, Spokane, WA
• Barbara Bryant
• Jan Burger
• Carol Burhoe, CEO, DW Burhoe Construction, Santa Paula, CA
• Dorothy Erickson, President, Nationwide Construction, Inc., San Francisco, CA
• Marjorie Herter, President, VeeSee Construction, Oak Lawn, IL
• Donna Meidling, CEO, Meidling Concrete, Spokane, WA
• Judy Schuh
• Nina Tate, President, NCCI, Paramount, CA
• Myrtle Willey, President, TW Dick Company, Gardiner, ME
• Michelle Zoerner