History

Astra began as an outgrowth of Gateway to the Women’s Market™ Annual awards program honoring the accomplishments of women in business. Women were nominated and chosen as recipients of the Astra Award based on excellence in international trade, community involvement, strategic alliances, technology and employee empowerment.

In 2003, Astra began a new focus to honor outstanding corporations who are dedicated to providing procurement opportunities for women business owners. At its 8th Annual Astra Gala Awards celebration held at Nike Tiger Woods Center, Astra honored Bon-macy’s, ChevronTexaco, PepsiCo, UPS for their commitment to excellence in their supplier diversity programs and providing contracts for women-owned businesses. Merrill Lynch and Nike were recognized for their support of Astra and women-owned businesses.

Sandra Floyd, President of Outsource Consulting Services, Inc. was chosen for her business excellence by ChevronTexaco and received an Astra Award from Audrey Goins Brichi, Manager of Supplier Diversity and Small Business Programs, ChevronTexaco.

Candi Phillips, President of Bio-Med Testing Services received the first Astra Done Deals™ for her dedication to outsourcing her company needs for products and services to women and minority businesses.

Astra Networking Events

Each year, Astra has presented a variety of programs and events that bring women business owners together with other women business leaders and corporate and agency procurement executives.

Taking Care of Business™, a matchmaker event, provides an educational workshop and one-on-one appointments with corporate and agency buyers to explore contracting opportunities. In 2004, these events are planned:

* March 4, 2004- Redmond, Washington- Sponsored and hosted by Microsoft Corporation

* May 13, 2004 – Portland, Oregon Sponsored by the Port of Portland & Metro

* October, 2004- Las Vegas, NV- tentative

The Fore Women™ Golf Outing is held each summer to bring together men and women professionals for a fun networking day. Fore Women™ begins with an evening reception and a swing clinic the night before the big golf day. Tee off times begin by 8:00am which includes breakfast, lunch and an awards reception on July 20, 2004 at the Reserve Vineyard and Golf Club. You won’t want to miss this fun outing.

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