Women presidents have shown they can adjust to the changing economic climate. Results from the surveyed membership indicate 55% of women presidents and CEOs of multi-million dollar companies have maintained or grown their employee base, according to the annual economic survey by the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), the premier peer advisory organization for women entrepreneurs. Despite the economic downturn, 82% of these CEOs and presidents are optimistic about their company's performance for 2010.

"These statistics are evidence of the versatility and strength of companies owned by women entrepreneurs in the face of adversity," said Marsha Firestone Ph.D. president and founder of the WPO. "Our survey indicates that WPO members have found ways to adapt to the changing economic climate. To succeed as a small business is tougher than ever, yet 56% have indicated that their businesses are growing or stable in 2009. I sincerely believe that the members of the WPO are models of perseverance of small businesses globally."

The WPO currently has 1400 members from four continents (US, Canada, Peru, South Africa and the UK) and the survey showed that 81% of these women presidents confirmed that the WPO has helped manage their business concerns in the current economic climate.

Other Key Findings:

Relative to 2008, regarding financial performance in 2009

- 31% of companies have grown

Environmental Sustainability

- 54% have made their business environmentally friendly

- 35% are interested in making their business environmentally friendly

WPO

61% Believe their business has grown since joining

- 65% Believe the WPO has contributed to economic success