By Kate Quesada
Female business women from all over the Tampa Bay area gathered last month for the launch of USAmeriBank’s new program intended to help them network and grow. Women Entrepreneurs (WE), the program is USAmeriBank’s way of reaching out to its female customers and community offering them hand-crafted banking solutions and networking and educational opportunities. Brandon resident and USAmeriBank Senior Vice President Cami Gibertini is director of the program and a member of the 12-person panel responsible for organizing the group.
“Our bank is fortunate to have a group of really strong female leaders and while we have been out there for years working with women business owners, we now have an official way to help,” said Gibertini, who added that members range from small business owners to attorneys. “We want to enrich our members in both their personal and professional lives,” said Gibertini.
The November launch attracted more than 250 local business people to the Tampa Yacht Club for networking and education on topics ranging from small business loans to upcoming changes in the economy. The key note speech was given by CNN Commentator Kayleigh McEnany.
“We had such a great response to our event that we are looking forward to hosting something similar every quarter,” said Gibertini, who mentioned that the group is also planning social events including hockey games and charity runs, in addition to other fundraisers and networking meetings.
Brandon resident and group member Kelly McKnight, owner of Automated Petroleum, attended the opening and plans to join the group for future events.
“I appreciate the opportunity to meet ambitious and intelligent women who share the business side of life and took the risk and gained the satisfaction that came along with it to achieve success,” said McKnight.
The group also has a strong social media presence and is hoping to use its Facebook page, which can be found by searching USABWE, to help connect members. USAmeriBank offers personal and business banking with locations in Florida and Alabama, including 13 offices in the Tampa Bay area. For information, visit www.usameribank.com or contact Gibertini at 315-3122.
