By Kim Grzywacz, CTIS, CIT Signature Transportation
One of the misconceptions for ABA’s Women in Buses (WIB) is you must be an owner/operator to join the council. The reality is that the WIB is open to all ABA members who actively support the mission of Council, which is to recognize and advance the role of women in the motorcoach industry. So, if you want to network and share you experiences in the industry with other women, this is the Council for you!
The WIB caters to all levels of women in the industry. If you want to network and learn from other owners/operator, there is a committee for that - Executive Management. There are a number of committees within the WIB. We have an Operations and Maintenance Committee, as well as a Travel, Tour and Charter Committee.
Each committee has a leadership team. I would like to welcome the new leadership team for Women in Buses. You will notice more committees listed: Membership and Marketing & Communications. So, you see, there are many avenues for one to participate in the WIB Council. 
I am still filled with awe as I look back at our meeting during ABA’s Marketplace in Louisville. To witness the coming together of so many in one room with the specific intention to network and gain knowledge, while supporting women in the industry, was fulfilling. Before I became the chairman, I was the membership chair. It has been fun to watch our numbers grow. And, it was through suggestions from our attendees that we were able to structure the meeting in such a way to meet the needs and wants of our members.
Currently, the committees are working on putting together the agendas for the upcoming committee meetings. Remember, you can participate in all committee meetings, not just the one you chose. I loved being a part of each meeting (when possible). It was a great way to learn about all aspects of this industry and hear the different viewpoints. Whose heard the acronym for TEAM? Together Everyone Achieves More - it is so true. By working together, we can create fantastic experiences for our clients.
I look forward to assisting Elizabeth Hall and her leadership team as past chairman. As all of us attend industry events, wear your WIB pin, connect with others, and keep advancing the role of women in this industry. And, if you are not a member yet, click here and sign up! I’ll be looking for you!
Kim Grzywacz, CTIS, is the director of sales for ABA member CIT Signature Transportation in Ames, Iowa. Kim is active on the ABA Board, Women in Buses Council and as a member of the Marketplace Advisory Committee. She was the 2019 Marketplace Chair in Louisville, Ky.