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President’s Message - Linda Fisher, 2012-2013 Connect the Dots |
A short year ago, I talked to you about Brighter Tomorrows, and the symbolism of the feminine sunface. It certainly seems that the past year just flew by, and yet, looking back, it was a year jam-packed with events and accomplishments.
I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with many of you, and that allowed me to learn from you. I learned from my board that when I ask for “ayes”, I should ask if anyone is opposed. I learned that sometimes there really are friends at a silent auction, and they are outbidding you because they’ve figured out what you really want and then they surprise you with it.
I am awed by the creativity and resourcefulness of the talented and dedicated SBW members. I was blessed with a board that supported me and pitched in time after time to go above and beyond their job descriptions.
The standing committees planned outstanding programs ranging from personal finance to historical women of Sedalia. We had a successful chicken dinner, and donated the proceeds to CASA, Child Safe, Meals on Wheels, and Open Door “Buddy Packs.” Last year we gave three - $700 scholarships and with another successful Red Purse raffle, we are in good shape to award scholarships again this year.
Now is not the time to stand back and reflect on the past—it is time to connect the dots in order to focus on the future.
My goals, or dots, to connect for 2012-2013 are:
- Increase our club’s visibility in the community: The time for humility has passed! When we have an excellent program, award scholarships, or support our community—it should be in the newspaper. Our chicken dinner and red purse raffle are newsworthy events. We should throw the spotlight on our members when they win awards or accomplish great things.
- Encourage networking within our club and on a state level: Locally, we’ve had socials, friendship lunches, and several of us communicate on Facebook. But we need to move outside our little group. We should encourage our friends and co-workers join us when we plan outings, or invite them to a friendship lunch. Post activities on Facebook, keep SBW visible. I would like to see us much more involved in Business Women of Missouri. We are the largest club in the state with 86 members and although we were well represented at the state conference with seven attendees, a club with 25 members had eight. Other conferences you should consider attending are the leadership conference, the legislative conference, the regional meeting, and inspiration breakfast. Most of the dues you pay go to support the programs offered by BWM. These conferences are opportunities to connect the dots between our club and BWM.
- Support women in transition through scholarships and mentoring: Let’s continue our support of scholarships both locally and on the state level. I would like to see us support women in the military through adopt a female soldier, and help women transitioning out of the military. BWM has ideas to help, all we need to do is ask.
- Fulfill our mission to advocate for women’s issues through a grassroots movement. We need to have a process in place so that we can mobilize our club to support legislation that affects women. I would like our legislative committee to offer a screening of Iron Jawed Angels to help us connect the dots between the indifference that stalled the ERA amendment to the passion of Alice Paul who wrote the amendment.
- Build membership and retain current members: We can continue to build membership by offering friendship, support, and recognition to our members. We need to continue with great programs at our monthly meeting. I would like every member to make a personal commitment to invite a friend to at least one meeting this year. Through these invitations, we will naturally build membership. I joined this group after Brenda invited me to one meeting, then another, and yet another. It didn’t take me long to realize this group was made up of women who tirelessly used their talents to make this a better community for women of all circumstances. I’ve come to know your compassion, caring, and friendship.
Our goals are connected to those set forth by BWM President Megan Broemmer who was just installed as state president. Our own Nancy Grey is currently BWM’s president elect. Dianne Simon is committee chair for Individual Growth and I am serving as Regional Director Elect for the Northwest region.
Our club was recognized at the state conference for several awards. We received the Protecting the Legacy Award for Issues Management (Michelle Sparks, Chair), the Traveling Legislative Award (Brenda Tippie, Chair), Embracing the Future Top Recruiter Award, Nancy Grey, for recruiting 6 members, One Step at a Time Recruiting awards went to Brenda Tippie, Denise Jaegers, Sue Parrish, Vera Chrismer, and Marge Lumpe. Congratulations to each of you for winning these awards.
Thank you for choosing me as your president in 2012-13. I look forward to working with Michelle, Lori, Julia, Carolyn, Della, Cindy, committee chairs, presidential appointees, and members to connect the dots to keep our organization vital and relevant.
I accept the challenge and see this as an opportunity to work with each of you throughout the year ahead. As we connect the dots together, they will lead us in the direction we are meant to take. We will keep moving forward to improve ourselves personally and professionally one dot, one step, at a time.
Mission Statement: To achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information.
Announcements
Thank you for a successful Chicken Dinner!
The 31st Annual Chicken Dinner Sunday, October 23, was a huge success. We greatly appreciate the chicken cookers, the SBW members who served, provided desserts and sold tickets, the businesses that donated items, and the more than 500 people who joined us for a delicious chicken dinner!
Mary Elaine Horn, Mayor of the city of Sedalia, Missouri, proclaims October 16-22, 2011 as "National Business Women's Week"
We have upgraded our website to include a NEWS section. This section is your resource for information about conferences, community events, meeting calendar, friendship lunch dates and locations, latest news and club newsletters. The news and newsletter menu items on this website will take you to the new section.
Meeting: Sedalia Business Women holds a monthly general membership dinner meeting on the First Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Best Western Inn, 3120 S. Limit, Sedalia, MO. Guests and visitors are welcomed.
Next Meeting: See schedule in Event Calendar.
Friendship Luncheon: Friendship luncheons are every Wednesday at 11:30 at various local restaurants. Join other Sedalia Business Women friends for fun and fellowship. The schedule can be found HERE.