Ms.
Close is a principal of The Orbis Group LLC responsible for the development of
strategic global alliances and partnerships. She has held management positions
on the president’s staff of two Fortune 500 companies in the areas of marketing
and business development. As founder and chairman of the Alliance of Business
Women International (ABWI) she works with elected officials, local government
and grassroots participants to address sustainable economic development programs
and equitable educational initiatives to help strengthen small business sectors
and create a strong workforce throughout global communities.
Within the United States she has received support and recognition from the White
House, Small Business Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of
Education, Department of Labor, Department of Agriculture, and state and local
government, and the Commission on the Status of Women. In Washington D.C. she
was one of the four leaders of the E-Commerce Summit hosted by SBA, Department
of Commerce and Department of Agriculture which addressed the needs of the
public non-tech market, high tech companies and government agencies to create
more user friendly technology driven programs. She is often asked to represent
the U.S. as a delegate and speaker where she interfaces with the United Nations,
USAid, UIA, World Bank and the Women’s World Bank in addressing programs that
reflect the changing needs of the global economy.
Her strength in strategic
business planning has defined the success stories surrounding the doors opened
to markets for American states, corporate partners, small and medium sized
companies, women owned businesses and minority enterprises. These successes have
been recognized with awards and gratitude from people in various countries such
as England, Mexico, Canada, Philippines, China, Australia, Ireland, Bosnia,
Chile, and Panama.
