Lexus to Be Exclusive Automotive Corporate Sponsor: Women Presidents' Organization

NEW YORK -- January 7, 2016: The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) has today announced that Lexus is the organization's exclusive automotive corporate sponsor. The WPO partnership will include receptions for current and prospective WPO members at Lexus dealerships throughout the country. The first event will be held on January 20th at Mungenast Lexus in St. Louis (13700 Manchester Road in Manchester, MO), 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Women influence 85% of car buying decisions and represent 65% of the customer base that bring cars into the dealership for service. Lexus has launched an aggressive program for its dealers, called "the Lexus Difference," aimed at enhancing the guest experience at Lexus dealerships, to attract and exceed the expectations of women, millennials, and multi-cultural guests.

According to Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., WPO founder and president, "We are privileged to welcome Lexus as our sponsor. Women entrepreneurs are developing and leading highly competitive companies that are growing at greater rates than ever. As Lexus builds its commitment to women in business, this sponsorship underscores the significant impact that women-led companies have on the economy, by generating revenue and creating jobs."

According to Peggy Turner, Vice President, Lexus Customer Retention and Satisfaction, "Lexus is excited to be the first automotive company to partner with such an elite organization. This partnership with the WPO is a win-win relationship for our brand. Not only are we passionate about empowering people to make the world a better place, but by supporting WPO events and community involvement, Lexus will gain insights it can use to refine its dealership environment to appeal more to women while providing a superb overall guest experience."

About the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO)

The WPO is the ultimate affiliation for successful women entrepreneurs worldwide. In monthly meetings across the world, women from diverse industries invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting.

All of the members of the Women Presidents' Organization are part of the elite category of successful women entrepreneurs who run business enterprises with annual revenues exceeding the $2 million mark for product-based businesses or $1 million if service-based. They are among only three percent of all women business owners in the country who qualify for membership. WPO members are the role models that other entrepreneurs aspire to be. Average annual revenue of WPO members is $13 million; Platinum Group members average $44 million and Zenith Group members average $159 million.