Boise, Idaho May 28, 2003 – Ron G. Crane, Idaho State Treasurer, will be the Key Note Speaker, addressing the history and future of women owned businesses in Idaho and issues that affect them, during the general meeting of the National Association of Women Business Owners Boise Area and Southern Idaho Chapter (NAWBO BASIC). The meeting will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Boise-Riverside on June 3rd. A networking reception will start at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. A reception for companies interested in the benefits of Corporate Sponsorship will be held prior to the event, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The general public is invited to this event. RSVP at www.nawboboise.org.

Mr. Crane recently received a national award from the US Small Business Administration for innovative programs that provide capital to Idaho small businesses and has been a supporter of women in business. Prior to his election as Treasurer in 1998, Mr. Crane served 16 years in the Idaho House of Representatives. While there, he chaired the House State Affairs Committee for 4 years and the Business Committee for 7 years. During his public service, he received the Guardian of Small Business Award from NFIB and the Legislative Champion of the Family Award.

Also speaking will be Joan Schlueter, who is the NAWBO Federal Political Action Committee Chair. Ms. Schlueter was recently appointed to the SBA National Advisory Council by US Administrator Hector Barreto and was nominated for the position by New Mexico Congresswoman Heather Wilson. There are 144 business people on the Committee which gives business advice to the President, Congress & the Small Business Administration. Ms. Schlueter will be addressing the benefits of NAWBO membership and corporate sponsorship. She has twenty-five years experience in leading nonprofit board of director training and will be conducting leadership development training for the NAWBO BASIC Board of Directors. NAWBO BASIC was one of only four chapters selected to participate in this program. Ms. Schlueter is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

About NAWBO
The resounding success of women business owners makes them the fastest growing segment of American business. NAWBO is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all industries. It currently has over 8,000 members in more than 80 chapters nationwide and is affiliated with Les Femmes Chefs d'Entreprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs) in 35 countries.