Founded in 1979, CABLE started with a simple, yet powerful idea: networking between women. The organizing committee of Nashville business and professional women chose the name “CABLE” because the word suggests strength of the links between women. The organizing committee felt the time was ripe for a women’s civic group that would allow members to network – to make business and social contacts, to share their professional successes and frustrations, and most important, to link up and support the women of the local business community. Almost 100 women participated in the first CABLE meeting.

The Executive Director of the YWCA was active in the initial organizing meetings and was very supportive of the partnership with CABLE. As a result, the YW provided space and staff support to work with CABLE.

CABLE and the Nashville YWCA worked together for twenty-three years creating diverse networks and promoting opportunities for business and professional women in our community and maintain a strong connection. On February 14, 2001, CABLE members ratified new By-laws and a Charter to become an independent organization.

CABLE also formed the CABLE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Corporation for fund-raising purposes. The Foundation also serves as the umbrella for the Nashville ATHENA Awards Program. CABLE hired an association director in August of 2001 and moved to an association administrator, in June 2002. In 2009 CABLE has more than 500 members.

In addition to monthly luncheon membership meetings and frequent networking events, Nashville CABLE presents an educational program called the Women’s Development Series (formerly Super Session and Super Series) and the community’s Power of Inclusion program and awards. Annually, it presents the Molly Todd Cup, Networking Award, Promote Women Award, Spirit of Leadership Award, Networking Award and Rising Star Award to outstanding CABLE members and community organizations.

Barbara Richards, CABLE's 1st president &
Lydia Cox, CABLE's 4th president

CABLE is also a sponsor of the ATHENA Awards Program. CABLE publishes the CABLEgram, a monthly newsletter and an annual Membership Resource Directory. It maintains a website with an online directory, online membership information and application, meeting registration forms, calendar of events, and committee information. It also maintains CABLEzap and ADzap listserves to facilitate communication among the members for business and other needs.

CABLE’s Chapter Development Committee is currently working to expand the CABLE networking model and 30 years of organizational experience beyond Nashville into other communities. Rutherford County, Tennessee, is the first.

CABLE is a membership organization governed by a board of directors of members elected by members. CABLE activities and operations are led and carried out through an active network of standing committees. To ensure activities, resources, and operations are focused on living the mission and realizing the vision, each CABLE board of directors develops an annual plan of goals and objectives. CABLE committees then create and carryout detailed action plans based on those goals and objectives. In addition to the work of standing committees, special projects are completed by ad hoc task forces that report recommendations back to the board.

Midpoint of each year, the CABLE board and committees complete a midyear review. To ensure continuity from year to year along with implementation of change needed to adapt to changing conditions and issues, the outgoing and incoming CABLE boards - through the leadership of the President and President-elect - complete a transition process to clarify responsibilities, emphasize priorities, and pass on pertinent information from one year to the next.

Margaret Behm, CABLE's 5th president; Carol McCoy, CABLE's 2nd president, and early member Cissy Daughtrey