November - ABWA

Shore Lines
Emerald Coast Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association
P.O. Box 751, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32549 Chapter website: www.abwa-ecc.org
November 2009
Volume XXVIII
Issue 4
A Message From Our President
by Tammy McDaniel
Chapter Officers
2008-2009
President...................Tammy McDaniel
President Elect...........Kathy Houchins
Vice President............Mitra Shohrati
Treasurer...................Aminta Montanez
Secretary...................Gail Waller
Committee Chairs
Hospitality........................Kathi Heapy
& Elaine Sheldon
Publicity...........................Nivaska Eastwold
Membership ....................Brandy Laws
& Carol Ann Love
Education.........................Darlene Dean
& Sandy Duh
Mentoring.........................Becky Belcher
Program............................Marilyn Dial
Ways & Means..................Trudy Romjue
Poker Run Steering Committee... Janet Marie Griffin
Historian..........................Amy McBride
Fall Enrollment.................Mitra Shohrati
Spring Enrollment............Mitra Shohrati
Business Associate...........Kathy Houchins
2009 Woman of the Year...Lisa Jo Spencer
Chapter Web Site:
www.abwa-ecc.org
Dinner Reservations
email:
hospitality@abwa-ecc.org
Editor: Denise Hillis
newsletter@abwa-ecc.org
652 N Beal Pkwy, Unit B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Newsletter advertising is available to
members. Contact the editor for
additional information.
Shore Lines is a monthly newsletter
published by the Emerald Coast
Chapter of the American Business
Women’s Association for it’s members.
November– President’s Message
If you were able attend October’s meeting, you had a chance to hear about the excitement
and enthusiasm from the members who attended the 60th ABWA National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. If you were not able to attend October’s meeting or would like to read more
about the tracks the members experienced, go to our web-site and click on Conference. Pictures
from the conference on posted on our WIN team board and our chapter’s Facebook. The Best
Practice Trophy will be brought to every monthly meeting and to special events. It is a reminder
to all members just how valued each of you is in helping us get this award. We are looking very
good to have another great year.
Larry Tipton who was our October’s speaker, who refreshed, informed and educated us on
everything Jobs Plus can do for our businesses, ourselves, friends and our families. It is nice
to know that we have somewhere to go and a place to refer our co-workers, friends and family
during these economic times. Being resourceful is another networking tool to help others.
I want to thank you again for turning in your comments from your surveys at last month’s
meeting. I cannot emphasis enough how this helps our Programs and Hospitality Committees. Please continue to fill those surveys
out each month.
Recent members who can now access “WIN” are: Becky Belcher, Janice Chambers, Sandy Duh, Kathi Heapy, Shareen Ketchem,
Sherry Marcolongo, Jeanne Rief, Trudy Romjue, Elaine Sheldon and new member Beverly Young. Please contact me if you need
help to access WIN. I will have my laptop each month to help you with WIN questions. Our chapter has 23“WIN”ners. Let’s keep
adding to our “WIN”ning Team each month!
Our fall enrollment Halloween Party is approaching very quickly. Mitra Shohrati and her committee are working very hard to
have a first multi event of its’ kind for our chapter. As women leaders in our community, we not only show potential new members
the fun we have, but show how we support our community. Our fall enrollment Halloween Party in Historic Downtown Fort Walton
Beach supports downtown merchants by trick or treating to their businesses and leaving our business cards, learn about our
historic ghost sightings presented by the Indian Temple Mound and going back to network and have fun with a costume contest,
games and door prizes shows. This event shows our potential members how our chapter can combine it all together. Come out
and join us. If your guest signs up to become a new member before November’s meeting, your November’s dinner will be free as a
special thank you for supporting our chapter.
2009 Women of the Year and 2009 Chapter Top Ten Lisa Jo Spencer informed the membership of her plans for our February
program. You will be receiving more information in the near future.
Our Education and Professional Development Committee created member goal worksheets and Co-Chair Sandy Duh had us
fill out the worksheet at our meeting. Members who meet their goals will be rewarded. A networking activity will be planned each
month. This committee is working on our 2010 Scholarship Award program for local students in our community and scholarship
opportunities for our chapter membership.
Be sure to pick up some recruiting postcards to hand out to women who would be interested in joining our chapter. Newsletter
Chair Denise Hillis did a fabulous job designing the postcard with the help of our board members. Denise is doing a fabulous job on
our monthly Newsletter. I cannot wait to submit it at Spring Conference for judging.
I have to thank again Sherry Kennedy, Brandy Laws, Becky Belcher and Trudy Romjue for all their dedication to our chapter.
Sherry keeping our web-site updated, Brandy for taking care of all the membership duties, Becky for updating and initiating our
2009-10 mentoring program and Trudy for helping with Ways & Means having her committee contact members about business card
ads, reminding us about up coming events and her initiative for members to give away their door prizes.
Aminta Montanez, Kathi Heapy and Elaine Sheldon, I want to thank you for all you do!
Aminta has done a great job as our Treasurer and always going above and beyond. She and Terre Dominique moved all of our items
from one storage unit to another. This saved our chapter a few hundred dollars in monthly rental fees. Kathi and Elaine have done
a terrific job with Hospitality duties and keeping their committee engaged. Thank you Shirley Young for sending out birthday cards
to members.
I want to congratulate the 2009-10 board for everything they are doing to help our chapter grow professionally and engaging the
membership. Thank you supporting me, our chapter members who needed your support this month and your enthusiasm.
Thank you for hosting a very successful first time 2 day Panhandle Area Council meeting event last month. We had members
from Georgia and Alabama in attendance. The next PAC meeting is scheduled for January in Tallahassee.
See you at our Fall Enrollment Halloween Party and at our November meeting!
Tammy
November 3rd
Meeting Agenda
Networking begins at 5:30pm
Dinner at 6:00pm
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Board Members........................................ 2
About Our Speaker................................... 3
Dinner Menu............................................ 3
Code of Conduct....................................... 4
Secretary’s Report..................................... 5
Membership News, Calendar..................... 6
Invocation Pledge Introductions
Board Meeting Minutes............................. 7
Program: Living Plan B
ABWA Best Practise.................................. 8
Door Prizes 50/50 Benediction
Member Spotlight..................................... 9
Birthdays & Anniversaries...................... 10
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 2
Dinner Menu
ASSORTED MIXED GREENS
w TOMATOES, RED ONIONS, CUCUMBERS, CROUTONS, DRESSING
ROAST TURKEY w GRAVY “ON SIDE”
OVEN ROASTED RED POTATO
SAUTEED VEGETABLE
ROLLS & BUTTER
PUMPKIN PIE w WHIPPED CREAM
OR VEGETARIAN PLATTER
PUMPKIN PIE w WHIPPED CREAM
ABWA DINNER HOTLINE
864-7697
Call by 12 Noon on Friday before meeting or email:
hospitality@abwa-ecc.org
Did you know?
Members and guests can use pay-pal as an option to
pre-pay for their dinners. You can find this option on our
website: www.abwa-ecc.org
($16.98 includes the 2.9% processing fee)
Fishin’ Chix is Coming to ABWA!!
On Thursday, November 3rd, the Emerald Coast Chapter of the
American Business Women’s Association will be hosting speaker
Claudia Espenscheid, founder and CEO of Fishin’ Chix.
Claudia’s life took a tough turn during 2004 after Hurricane Ivan
devastated the Emerald Coast and along with it, Claudia’s house,
her office and her livelihood as a financial advisor. At that time,
her only goal was to feed her family, so she started to fish. The
rest is history and since then, Claudia, as CEO of the popular
business, has been featured on The Today Show and the Travel
Channel as well as in hundreds of newspapers and magazines
across the world.
Her company markets its trademark pink tee-shirts, fishing boots
and lures. She also donates large amounts of money to charities
across Northwest Florida from the fishing tournaments she runs
for women. Today, Fishin’ Chix is a women’s fishing organization
that has almost 1,000 members in 20 states.
Join us at the next Board
Meeting!
Board meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of every
month (October 14th) at 5:30 pm at The Breakers
on Beautiful Okaloosa Island. All members are
welcome to attend.
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 3
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 4
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Monthly Minutes of the Emerald Coast Chapter of ABWA
Tuesday October 6, 2009
Two Trees Fort Walton Beach Golf Club
The regular meeting of the Emerald Coast Chapter was brought to order by President Tammy McDaniel at 6PM. There were 38 members in attendance and 6
guests. Brigitte Sullivan from White Wilson gave the invocation.
Marilyn Dial Fort Walton Machining introduced the table top discussion what 16
people do you need in a well rounded network?
Marilyn Dial introduced our program speaker Larry Tipton / Jobs Plus. Larry
talked about the job Plus website and how it works for both the employee and employer. Visit www.employflorida.com
Brandy Law gave us a wonderful membership testimonial ..thanks Brandy
Sandy Duh presented the Goal Sheets we filled them out and in 6 months we will
be able to see how we are doing there will be a drawing next month from all those
who participated.
Last month’s minutes were approved with Kathy Houchins moved and Marilyn Dail
second.
Treasurer report was approved with Gail Waller moved and Kathy Houchins second.
Recap of Fall Conference presented by attendees everyone was so positive on how
wonderful it was I cannot wait for the Spring Conference. Watch the website for the
written reports.
Announcements: Halloween / Fall Enrollment in downtown Fort Walton Beach
Friday October 29, 2009 .
Lisa Jo Spencer Spoke a bit about WOY and how they are going to send out a resume to every member to submit of this year .
Visitor Dinner Drawing was won by Freda Fife
Member Spotlight was won by Janet Marie
Business card winner Larry Tipton
50/50 – was a won by Whitney Hipsh 62.00
Respectfully submitted by:
Gail Waller
Secretary
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 5
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
A Note From The
Membership Committee
Welcome Jeanet Smith (sponsored by Denise
Hillis). Thanks for joining our Chapter. We look
forward to getting to know you!
If you haven’t already done so, join our Facebook
page. Simply go to our website at http://abwa-ecc.
org and click on the Facebook link at the bottom left
side of the page. Be sure to tell us about yourself
and your business on the “Introduce Yourself”
thread.
See you soon! 
Brandy Laws & Carol Ann Love (Membership Chairs)
850-598-5297 / Brandy@BrandyLaws.com
850-598-7500 / Carol.Ann.Love@cox.net
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 6
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
ABWA Emerald Coast Chapter Board Meeting
October 14, 2009
President Tammy McDaniel brought the meeting order at 5:45 PM. The meeting was held in the Breakers
Association room.
Minutes from the September 9, 2009 meeting were approved.
Treasurer report - Aminta Montanez reported the last Wachovia account ready to be closed . The report
shows a timing issue that will correct by next month. Treasurer report was approved
Membership – Tammy gave the report and the board has asked for the future reports to have number of new,
number of drop, number of guests.
Newsletter – Look for a new format and watch for new advertisers.
Hospitality - Elaine Sheldon, birthday and anniversary recognition going well meeting location is working well.
Programs- Marilyn Dial talked about next meeting speaker will be Fishin Cicks Pensacola , discussed new
Networking tips for next meeting table discussion.
Fund Raising - Trudy and her committee are calling for newsletter advertising
Mentor – Becky Belcher board is asking to have mentor and membership to work together on a quarterly new
member orientation. Tammy was also talking about a new member check list.
Military – Kathy has met with base personnel later this month and much more to come …
PAC October 3 2009 was a success.
Christmas Party - Gail Waller no repost
Storage unit moved and in need of inventory Many thanks to Terri Dominique and Aminta Montanez .
Adjourn 7:25PM
Respectfully submitted;
Gail Waller Secretary
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 7
ABWA “Best Practice”
In case you haven’t heard, our Chapter recently was named as a National
Best Practice Chapter for 2008-2009. The Best Practice award is the highest level of achievement for a Chapter or Express Network group. We will
receive special recognition at the annual National Conference to be held
in Kansas City in September. In addition, as a Best Practice Chapter we
receive the official ABWA Seal of Approval in Group Management.
I want to thank all members who helped us
achieve this award. My special thanks to my
Board: Jo Main, Tammy McDaniel, Mitra Shohrati,
Mari Johnson, Joni Flanagan and my Committee Chairs: Becky Dawkins, Forest Oliver, Brandy
Laws, Carol Ann Love, Elaine Sheldon, Lisa Jo
Spencer, Shareen Ketchum, Tammy Magee, Amy
McBride, Kathi Heapy, Gayle Waller, and Jo Ann
Tucker. Also, newsletter Editor: Denise Hillis and
the Poker Run Steering Committee: Janet Griffin,
Jeanne Rief, Tammy Magee, Shareen Ketchem,
Bev Bain, Kathy Heapy, and Kappy Smith. Please
forgive me if I left anyone out.
WE DID IT !!!!!!
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 8
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Janet Marie
Florida Dream Weddings
Where are you from?
I was born in Lancaster California and had lived in the
Antelope Valley all but the past 14 years of my life.
Please, tell me a little about your family.
I have one son who is married to Angela. I am delighted to be a grandmother to Aaron 13, and Tyler 8.
What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
I would have to say that being married to my husband
Toney for 34 years is at the top of the list. Next would
be starting my business, Florida Dream Weddings and
producing the Gulf Coast Bridal Faire, which will be
going into its 7th year in January.
What are your hobbies or things you enjoy doing
while you’re not working?
I have been a quilter for about 18 years now. My husband and I enjoy traveling.
Are you a collector? If yes, what do you collect?
I collected antique glassware until I ran out of room
in my china closet. I no longer collect anything that
requires dusting. (Smile)
Tell me about the positions that you held before
moving to your current position?
I absolutely love marketing and worked in various
arenas where I could utilize my skills.
When did you join ABWA? Who introduced you to it?
I joined ABWA in 2006 and was sponsored to the
chapter by Deanna Haley
How have you grown since you joined ABWA?
I think that our ABWA chapter is the “Best”! We have
such a great group of professional women. Every
meeting is enjoyable and I always glean information
from the guest speakers and the members.
What would you consider as your greatest challenge?
Making time for myself.
What drives, inspires, and motivates you?
I am committed to living each day to the fullest. I look
for opportunities in my personal life to become a better
person, nourish relationships, and build my business.
I absolutely love my job! When my clients hug me
and tell me that I truly gave them the wedding of their
dreams, which is worth more than gold to me! I am
truly honored to be a part of their most special day.
Finish this statement: “Each week I look forward
to…” a chance to start fresh, gain a new perspective,
make a new friend, learn and grow.
Likes: I like to have quite moments and take time to
reflect.
Dislikes: People with bad attitudes. Everyone has a
choice.
Who would you consider as your role model?
My role model is: Marta Fiske. She is a very dear longtime friend. She is a Christian woman who loves the
lord and her love and kindness is evident in her daily
life.
Best Asset: My Positive attitude!
Favorite Color: Pink & anything with Bling!
What is the phrase or saying that you live by day
to day?
“Lead, follow or get out of the way”
Are you a member of any other business clubs or groups?
No, but I am passionate about the Red Cross blood
services division. I started the “Season of Hope” Red
Cross Blood drive which has become an annual event.
In 2005, this event was the largest Blood Drive in
Okaloosa County history.
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 9
November
Birthdays
3
14
19
25
26
Darlene Day
June Davis
Kimii Felder
Marilyn Dial
Becky Belcher
November Birthstone –
Citrine and
Precious Topaz
SRK –
Fine Jewelry
Shareen Ketchem,
Owner
Please let us know if we’ve missed your birthday. Brandy@BrandyLaws.com
N
ovember
Anniversaries
Years
23..................... Carol Evans
21............. Shareen Ketchem
10................Sherry Kennedy
3............. Janet Marie Griffin
1..................... Micki Gramm
Please let us know if we’ve missed your anniversary.
Brandy@BrandyLaws.com
If you haven’t already done so, join our
Facebook page
(or tell your friends to check it out). Simply go to
our website at http://abwa-ecc.org and click on the
Facebook link at the bottom left side of the page.
The mellow gold of Citrine draws us in
and brightens our
moods. Citrine brings the energizing refreshment of an icy summer drink.
Sunny and full of light, this sparkling gem was
once thought to protect the wearer against
various evils – from snake venom to wicked
thoughts.
Precious Topaz, from the pale amber gold of
old cognac, to the warmly glowing browns of
aged whiskey and fine sherry. Precious Topaz
invites us to drink in its beauty. Its warm gold
hues, touched with peach overtones, bring a
youthful blush of color to those who wear it.
This stone was placed in the jewels of Russian
Czarina’s, the gem earned the name of “Imperial Topaz”.
The mesmerizing hue of Precious Topaz is symbolic of love and affection. And so remarkable
is the gemstone’s transparency and brilliance
that famous examples have been confused with
diamonds.
Today the radiant colors of both Citrine ad Precious Topaz are associated with cheerfulness,
youth and vitality.
Care: Rated “good” for everyday wear. Avoid
direct sunlight and exposure to heat which
may cause color to fade. Avoid contact with
chemicals. To clean, gently scrub with a soft
toothbrush ad a solution of mild dish soap and
warm water.
Major Sources: Brazil
Specializing in Residental Mortgage Financing
VA  Conventional  FHA  Rural Housing
It’s Always Better at the Beach!
Happy Birthday to all you Cheerful, Youthful
and Vitality Ladies
Shareen Ketchem
SRK Fine Jewelry
http://www.diamondhunt.com/srk
http://www.stuller.com
925silvercatalog.com
315.4100 or 888.864.2946
www.beachcommunitymortgage.com
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 10
Our Synovus
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Workplace Solutions for Members of
the Emerald Coast Chapter of the
American Business Women’s
Association
Member FDIC
Free checking with unlimited check writing, no minimum balance
required and no monthly fee 1
Free Visa Classic Check Card and no annual fee Visa Platinum or
MasterCard Credit Card 1
$50 deposit award if three (3) signature-based check card
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Free ATM access at over 450 Synovus ATMs and more than 1,000
Publix Presto ATMs throughout the Southeast
Three (3) ATM foreign fees refunded per statement period (Synovus
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Oops Card for one (1) free non-sufficient funds/overdraft or stop
payment fee
Free wallet checks for life
Free Online Banking, Bill Pay, and Mobile Banking
Health Savings Account (HSA) available
No fee for official checks and travelers checks
25% safe box discount
Payroll Direct Deposit available with employer participation
1 Subject to Credit Approval.
November 2009 ● EMERALD COAST CHAPTER ● ABWA ● FORT WALTON BEACH, FL ● PAGE 11