We kicked off the 2003 – 2004 NAWBO Year with an enthusiastic Board Retreat hosted by Corporate Partner, Jackson Walker at their downtown law office. And we held our first Chapter event, the President’s Barbecue, at Program Chair, Joan Voeller’s lovely home in Las Colinas. The overwhelming support I have received as President has truly made my service a joy and pleasure. I’ve been on the job now for only one month, yet I feel like we have about 12 balls in the air. Corporate Partner Chair, Trudy Bourgeois, held a meeting with our Corporate Partners to receive feedback on how NAWBO can add value to their membership. Our Membership Chair, Debra Alexander, and Program Chair, Joan Voeller have been scheming on ways to add value to our Programs and be more inclusive of the entire Metroplex of Women Business Owners. Joan has the Programs for the entire year lined out and is looking for ways to hold some events outside of Dallas, to especially encourage participation of our Fort Worth members. Member Services Chair, Liz Russell, has at least two low-cost educational opportunities to offer our members; one through Latina Style magazine and another through the North Texas Commission / DFW Minority Business Council Joint Mentor Entrepreneur program. Even our Past Presidents have been engaged – Gail McDonald and Marilyn Bushey are acting as Council Reps. to the National Board. Marilyn actually has a couple of jobs – as she is also the 2004 Annual Conference Liaison and is revving up to launch her committee. And Past President Dorothy Miller has agreed to organize other Past Presidents to promote the Grameen micro-lending program. You’ll hear more about this fabulous “women helping women” program later. And thank goodness for Susan Abrahamson, my President Elect who can fill in for me when I can’t be two places at once.
On July 24, one of our National NAWBO Board members, Desma Reid-Coleman was in town and we organized a round of golf with a couple of her friends (potential NAWBO recruits) from Fort Worth and some of our local NAWBO members. And speaking of golf, Golf Tournament Co-Chair, D’ Forman is in full swing (pun intended) planning another great golf tournament. The date is set for October 27th and will be held at Brookhaven Country Club. Format is a four-person scramble and beginners are welcome!
Public Policy Council Rep., Susie Morrissey, is already planning her January Program and we are trying to get a very distinguished state government official. You’ll hear more about this exciting program, once we secure our speaker.
On July 18th, the Plano Courier highlighted several of our NAWBO Board members from Plano, including D’ Forman, Suzi Berman and Trudy Bourgeois. This was a great article and can be accessed http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=9865998&BRD=1426&PAG=461&dept_id=186027&rfi=6
This is making me tired just talking about all the great work your Board is doing for our Chapter. As of today, we have 137 NAWBO members and 15 renewals pending. Please help us to change NAWBO’s image from “the best kept secret” to “the best value for your investment”. Let’s get out there and Pump up the Volume!
