In the summer of 1976, thirteen woman executives met in Pompano Beach and discussed the need for a professional organization and laid the solid foundation for what is now Women’s Executive Club. WEC’s current membership is composed of influential executive and professional women in south Florida, including doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and corporate executives. WEC promotes personal and professional growth among executive women. Luncheons, socials, and other club activities such as mentoring, GEM lunches, book club, and fundraising provide networking opportunities as well as occasions to foster friendships with peers. Business contacts and referrals are a natural outcome of membership in our dynamic group. A newsletter is published to the web monthly. Use the menu at the left to click on 'Current Newsletter' or Newsletter Archives for past issues. You can also click on photo albums to see our wonderful members and activities. Members can use the 'Member Login' to access the database of contact information. For directions to the Tower Club for our monthly luncheons, click here. For member tutorials, click here.
From the President: June 2009
My year began with the retreat at the Duncan Center and continued throughout, with a balance of engaging and educational programs and fun events. My personal favorites were the holiday cruise and luncheon, the member health panel and membership luncheon, and dinner at Carol Metevier’s followed by nonstop laughter at the musical Menopause. I also co-hosted my first Cannon Circle at my home which I enjoyed immensely. My only regret was not being able to fulfill my desire of doing Table Talk at each luncheon, which was a WEC tradition when I joined. I do feel it is important to take the time to pause during a busy meeting and bond with each other, but time constraints don’t often allow. Perhaps we can squeeze one in at the June lunch.
In May we also had a Business Showcase by Lynda Amorello that left me totally impressed. I enjoyed hearing about her roots in the family construction business, in which she gained invaluable skills, and her subsequent ascent up the corporate ladder. In addition, I was enlightened by how comprehensive her role as property manager is and the various ways she combines all her skills and knowledge to save and protect her clients. I can confidently recommend Lynda to anyone I know!
Also in June is one of my favorite WEC activities, the Annual Retreat! This year Jenny Kelly has got some terrific activities planned in a beautiful room overlooking the ocean. The event is on Saturday June 13th from 10 am to 3 pm, the dress code is beach casual, and the cost is only $30. I know I will be bringing my bathing suit and staying afterward for the happy hour and lounging poolside. Jenny is also co-hosting the June Cannon Circle, along with Melissa Rapkin, at her family business Ritter’s Printing & Direct Mail on Wednesday, June 24th. It will be the last Cannon Circle of the year until our new term commences in August. I would like to thank both Chadia Meroueh and Joni Rosenthal for showing us a good time at their Cannon Circle at Auto Tech and Body. This is also a family business with lots of experience and expertise, which makes me confident in entrusting my car for either body work or repairs. Just ask Donna Goldstein, who drives from Hollywood to Pompano to have her car serviced knowing it is in good hands. Joni’s pictures were fabulous and we should all consider her business, A Click Away, for our most cherished occasions. Our June luncheon is on Thursday the 18th and will feature Trudy Jean Evans of The Raven Group. Trudy prides herself in assisting others reach their desired potential through executive coaching and strategic planning. Her bio is quite impressive, along with her community involvement and honors, and I greatly look forward to meeting her and hearing what she has to say.
When a grievance occurs, do you stew about it for eternity and incorporate it into your own personal victim story- telling everyone you encounter? Or do you sweep it deep under the rug, yet tend to feel bitter and vengeful each time you recall the wrongdoing? Although the first scenario carries more charge, even those buried resentments are capable of inflicting great harm on your physical well being. Some relate the disease cancer to old, festering resentments, as in the expression, ‘holding onto resentment is like swallowing poison, hoping the other person dies.’ Eckhart Tolle proposes forgiving the present moment, for when you forgive the present moment by allowing it to be what it is, accepting whatever occurs, there is no build up of pain or negativity that needs to be forgiven at a later time. Basically this means that whatever happens to you, good or bad, has already happened and you can’t go back and change it. You are then faced with two choices: you can deny and resist it, creating more pain and suffering, or you can accept what is, understanding that you may not have the big picture and it is far easier to go with the flow in life, with a heart that’s light, loving and compassionate.
Thanks for making it a stupendous year! |
Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s June and my term as president has come to an end. I had a lot of fun leading you dynamic ladies and grew a lot along the way. My goal as president was to enhance the spiritual dimension of our club, by focusing on our internal landscape and encouraging the cultivation and expansion of our inner core values. Luckily, our ladies are already so special and kind, which is why our guests always feel welcomed and fall in love with WEC.
If you attended the May luncheon, I hope you enjoyed our women boxers, Yvonne Reis and Bonnie Canino. I have known Yvonne for many years and prior to coming she expressed concern that the women would be opposed and consider her profession too barbaric. Nah, not our members, we are so diverse and open minded, which made them feel very welcomed. Besides, whether you agree with the sport or not, it signifies again where women have made great strides, not to mention, it boosts the self esteem and confidence of the women involved.
Our June Business Showcase will feature Ann Meacham of 
As past president it is my duty to schedule the Business Showcases and Cannon Circles, so please see me if you are interested. 
I left the discussion of one of the key core principles for spiritual growth for my final column- Forgiveness. Many would attest that the very force of forgiveness possesses the elements you need to live a peaceful and joyous life. After all, when we are truly able to forgive, a weight is lifted from our hearts, which benefits us and frees the ‘forgiven’ from our negativity and ill will. We have all heard the expression, “I forgive, but I will never forget.” There is some merit in that. It is through our mistakes and hardships that we learn and grow and hopefully gain the wisdom to choose better. However, it is how you remember that makes the biggest impact on your psyche.
In closing, my role as president could not be successful without my fabulous board who worked so diligently and efficiently. There is a lot involved in running this organization, and it could not have been done without them. Also, there are many members behind the scenes who do so much for our club, such as Emily Rushin who organizes the GEM lunches and spearheads the book club; Jenette Mathai who has the formidable task of producing one fabulous newsletter; Chris Guld who assists with the newsletter and is our webmaster; Joni Rosenthal who faithfully captures our lovely images; and Suzie King who sends out our meeting notices and handles reservations with the Tower Club (no small task). Others include Dee Moustakas and her ambassador committee, and the women who warmly greet us at each meeting. And of course to all of you, who continue to bestow your kindness and support, making the whole experience worthwhile. 
