A Columbus woman, Jeanette Armbrust, has been named to the National Association of Women Business Owners’ 2016-17 board of directors.

Armbrust is the founder and CEO of Skyline Exhibits of Central Ohio — a $5.5 million in sales, full-service trade show marketing company.

“The board is comprised of a dynamic and diverse group of women from across the country who will continue NAWBO’s mission of elevating women into greater economic, professional, social and political spheres worldwide,” according to a statement from the association.

Crystal Arredondo, NAWBO National Board immediate past chair will serve on the board along with Teresa Meares, the incoming board chair.

The other board members include Molly Gimmel, Loreen Gilbert, Diane Ferry, Shaila Mistry, Mary Cravets and Armbrust.

“I am delighted to welcome these women to the National Board of Directors and am confident that together we can continue to impact change and progress for future generations of women entrepreneurs,” Meares said in a statement. “When women do well, they inspire and empower others to do the same. I look forward to working with this incredible group of women.”

Arredondo also commented in a statement and said that there is no better time to be a female business owner.

“They’re the fastest growing sector in the U.S. economy today,” she said. “Since our founding in 1975, NAWBO continues to change the culture and face of business by leveraging its strong network of voices to give women business owners access to the tools that are necessary to pursue their dreams.

“We are fortunate to have these new and returning members join the 2016-17 board of directors, who I know will transform public policy in ways that benefit, support and propel women business owners.”

The new board will be formally introduced to the business community at the National Women’s Business Conference which will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus in September.

This year’s conference theme is “Leading the Way.”

“A Pew Research Center report shows the majority of Americans think women are just as capable of being good political and business leaders as men,” according to a description of the event. “They are perceived as equals when it comes to leadership qualities like intelligence and capacity for innovation. On other qualities — honesty, fairness, compassion and willingness to compromise — women are seen as superior.

“Our theme will celebrate women’s incredible influence and accomplishments to date and inspire you to reach even higher and farther in the future.”

This year’s keynote speakers include CEO and cofounder of Delivering Happiness Jenn Lim, scholar and motivational speaker Dr. Tererai Trent, Lieutenant Governor of New York Kathleen Hochul and Lieutenant Governor of Iowa Kim Reynolds.

Interested parties must visit NAWBO’s national website in order to register for the conference or to become an exhibitor.