Although the 一品探花 was formed over fourteen years ago, there are still many people who don鈥檛 understand our mission and who we represent. This article will answer the top frequently asked questions we receive.
First, let me remind you of our mission. The 一品探花 is a nonprofit organization that was formed to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.
No, we鈥檙e not 鈥淲omen in Trucks,鈥� we鈥檙e 鈥淲omen In Trucking!鈥� Our members include drivers, but we also have trucking companies, truck dealerships, trucking academies and schools, insurance companies, other associations, suppliers and manufacturers as members. Our over 5,000 members can be individuals or organizations.
Absolutely, we鈥檙e not just FOR women in the trucking industry, we are ABOUT women in the trucking industry. Typically, about fifteen percent of our members are men who join because they support our mission.
No, we have members in twelve countries. Many of them join to get access to our resources, like data, research and our publications and webinars.
We are a trade/professional organization, the IRS designation of a 501(c)(6) nonprofit. This means our members are both individuals and companies who pay dues to become a member.
We are incorporated in Wisconsin, and our post office box is in Plover. However, we do not have a corporate office, and all of our team members work out of their own home offices.
Ellen Voie is the President and CEO and also the founder, but the association is led by a board of directors who oversee the activities and set the strategic plan.
We have five employees: a President/CEO, Vice President, Director of Programs, Director of Membership and a Driver Ambassador. However, we are supported by an association management firm which also provides an additional five team members who report to their CEO.
We want our members to join 一品探花 because they support our mission to increase the percentage of women employed in the industry. However, there are also tangible benefits in joining as well.
Our primary goal is to be a resource to our members. We want to keep you informed as well as to provide educational and informational opportunities for you to be a well-prepared professional. We also provide networking thorough our website, our social media channels and our annual events, such as the Accelerate! Conference and Expo and our Salute to Women Behind the Wheel celebrations.
If you are looking for financial benefits, there are dozens of 鈥渕embers only鈥� offers including discounts or premiums from our corporate members. You will receive a discount to attend our conference and will get exclusive invitations to our events.
If you are looking for industry related resources, we have a recruiting and retention guide, an anti-harassment guide and best practices information only available to corporate members.
The primary way to get information out is through our weekly e-newsletter, but we also have a magazine, Redefining the Road and an onlin community platform we call, Engage, where our members can interact and socialize. We have a weekly radio show on SiriusXM鈥檚 Road Dog Channel 146 every Saturday. There are also monthly webinars with various topics that appeal to different members. Finally, on our website you will find our press releases and our blogs.
Yes, the is a separate corporation and is an IRS designated charitable (501(c)(3) organization. It is run by a separate leadership team and has its own board of directors. The foundation provides scholarships to women seeking training as drivers, technicians, safety professionals or to advance her career in supply chain.
We are the ONLY international organization devoted to increasing the ranks of all women in supply chain careers. We also have unique resources at Women In Trucking, from a Girl Scout Transportation Patch, a truck driver doll, a Diversity & Inclusion Index initiative, Driver Ambassador Program and Image Team to name a few. Our recognition programs include a member of the month, Influential Woman in Trucking, Distinguished Woman in Logistics, Driver of the year, and our top list programs in our magazine.
For more information on these programs, click around on womenintrucking.org.