Women in International Trade (OWIT).

OWIT has extended an invitation to Bermuda to join the non-profit organisation, dedicated to serving the professional needs of women engaged in international trade.

There are currently chapters throughout the US, with affiliate relationships in Moscow, Tokyo, Egypt and soon to include Canada.

GulfStream Securities managing director, Ms Carolyn Hall, said 350 businesswomen in Bermuda have been invited to an initial reception next week Thursday evening to meet its key representatives.

It is to be followed the next day with a luncheon featuring keynote speaker, Mrs. Diane Booth, assistant editor of the US publication, Trade & Culture.

She will be speaking on "Challenges Women face in the International Arena''.

If the idea is well received in Bermuda, business and professional women will be invited to form a local chapter of the growing organisation, opening new business contacts to new members.

The co-ordinator of OWIT's national speakers bureau is herself no stranger to Bermuda, Ms LaJoyce Chatwell Lawton. She is president of Lawton International, an Indiana-based international business protocol consultants.

Ms Hall said that while an initial list of women in Bermuda were invited, making them eligible for special perks in the start up of the local organisation, there are bound to be others who need to advise the organisation of their interest.

The group's purposes are to establish and expand international business contacts, disseminate facts on international trade issues, enhance pro-active business and leadership skills through educational programmes.

Among other things, they also seek to provide a forum for personal growth and professional development and, participate in community service activities to advance international awareness.

OWIT membership is comprised of international business professionals involved in all aspects of international trade, including consulting, brokerage, finance, Government, freight forwarding, import and export, international law, sales and marketing, service industries and others. Other areas the membership draws from include trade specialists, telecommunications, banking and insurance.