Contents
March Membership Luncheon
Program Speaker: Judy Garmaise
From the President
Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members
Book Club
GEM Luncheons
Cannon Circle
Proposed Officers for 2009-10
Closing Thought
WEC Board of Directors
Luncheon Dates
Membership Attendance
March Membership Luncheon
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Date:
Time:
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
11:30 Networking
12:00 Luncheon |
Place: |
Tower Club, 28th floor
One Financial Plaza in the Regions Bank Building
Click here for directions |
Program Speaker: |
Judy Garmaise, MSW, CSW
Sales Expert
Professional Speaker |
Guest Cost: |
cost $30.
Prospective members lunches are complimentary this month! |
Menu: |
Pasta Primavera
or
Tower Club Herb Crusted Chicken
and
Coconut Cake |
RSVP to: |
Please RSVP (including your menu choice) by Thursday, March 12th to rsvp@wecftl.com
We appreciate your RSVPs! To assist Suzie administratively, please put “WEC Lunch” in the subject line. |
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer |
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Program Speaker- Judy Garmaise, MSW, CSW
Judy Garmaise, Professional Speaker, has a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University in New York. Judy has over 25 years of experience in the Sales and Marketing world. She was the successful owner of JB Tucker Inc., a thriving recruiting firm for Software Sales Management in New York City. She also has been conducting Stress Management and Life Enhancement workshops for over 20 years in New York City and Southeast Florida.
Judy is also a Certified Laughter Leader and conducts various Laughter Clubs for Corporations, Associations and Retirement Communities to energize and increase productivity throughout the day. See her website at http://www.judygarmaise.com/.
From the President
If you attended the February luncheon, I hope you enjoyed the tales of Barbara Silkstone, aka The Love Investigator. Hers would be a good book to read following a nasty break-up, but beware: it may scare you off from ever dating men again! Apparently her investigation did not yield much positive data on the male species, but thankfully some of our WEC members attested to having a good man by her side. Two things I’ve learned along the way: you teach people how to treat you, and, your outer world is a reflection of your inner world.
I am very excited about March 17th. Not only is it St. Patrick’s Day (and I love any reason to celebrate), moreover, it is our Annual Membership Luncheon and we have an excellent program planned featuring Judy Garmaise, who will speak to us on “The Power of Follow-up”. This event is a wonderful opportunity to introduce WEC to your esteemed friends and colleagues, and best yet, their attendance is complimentary.
To be eligible for membership, she must own a business, be in an executive position over others, or belong to certain professions, i.e. doctor or lawyer. Last year we had a full house (99 max), so please remember to reserve early.
I would like to thank Patrice Maenza, Carol Metevier and Carol Moroco who hosted last month’s Cannon Circle in honor of the Past Presidents of Women’s Executive Club. They received a red rose, a cute little puppy (the kind you don’t have to walk), and a feather duster. As Carol Metevier explained, the latter symbolizes the fact that in WEC, our Past Presidents don’t just get put up on a shelf gathering dust after their term, but are always present to help keep the club running neat and tidy for future generations to come. Fantastic job ladies, I had a lovely time!
Our next Cannon Circle will take place on March 19th at Lorah Carrie’s beautiful shop, Essentials Boutique. Every year we have a couple Cannon Circles at a member’s place of business, and it is a great way to get to know them better and lend our support. Lorah was very generous with the gifts she gave us at the holiday luncheon; bring your coupon in case you find something cute.
With March I think of spring. With spring I think of new beginnings, fresh starts and a great time to clear out the closets. But with new, often something has to end, and many of us have a hard time with endings. As in the end of a long-awaited vacation, the end of a relationship, and ending a job that is making us miserable and going nowhere fast. Perhaps the biggest ending we dread is the end of life as we know it, although that one may be the easiest in execution. Change is difficult and many fear the unknown, clinging to what is safe and familiar. Ultimately there is only one fear- the fear that we won’t be able to handle whatever happens to us. (But haven’t we up ‘til now?)
Safe is illusory. Just imagine how “safe” many people felt knowing that they saved so much in their 401K, only to watch it suddenly slip away. Also, if what we cling to is out of alignment with our inner vision and desires, eventually change will happen whether we like it or not. I found that out firsthand following 9/11, when my comfy job I felt restless in, but was too scared of leaving, left me.
Endings are inevitable, and necessary. Just consider if people and all living things lived forever, there would be no room to sustain us. Whether it is the end of something pleasant, or horrible, each ending is a mini-death of sorts and deserves to be grieved and released, so you can go on living your life. It helps me to remember that with endings come new beginnings; a doorway opens where something once was, onto a sea of possibilities. We want so much for our lives. Trust in endings and the changes that must occur, to guide us in the direction of our dreams.
See you in March,
Vanessa Koutalidis
Photos from February
These are all on the WEC Web Album, courtesy of Joni Rosenthal!
The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members.
Business Testimonial: A “New” Jenny Kelly Thanks to Margarethe Sorensen!
Jenny Kelly says: Thank you so much to Margarethe Sorensen. She helped me put together a new look and gave me great makeup tips!

Carol Moroco is one Proud Mama!
My son just went on a mission trip to Haiti. I am so proud of him for taking a week to help others!
Gail Smith is ‘Woman of the Year’!

The Broward County Chapter of The Freedoms Foundation just awarded our very own Gail Smith with the honor of “Woman of the Year”. The Freedoms Foundation is dedicated to providing young people with an understanding of the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights, along with nurturing them to be good citizens. As historian of the Broward Chapter, Gail Smith has dedicated herself to furthering this cause. Congratulations, Gail!
New Travels for Virginia Howard!
I am thrilled to be planning a trip to Scandinavia this May/June to Denmark, Sweden and Norway!! So, now I just have to learn to use a pink digital camera one of my sons gave me for Christmas...I still haven't figured out my cell phone that is 6 months old! I am just right-brained. I have branched out professionally to doing depositions and expert testimony in court for personal injury attorneys and as always, divorce attorneys for domestic violence and posttraumatic stress disorder.
New Marketing Opportunities for Jan Herard!
Staybridge Suite Hotel in Plantation has just produced a beautiful brochure for me, marketing my extensive experience as a Coldwell Banker Realtor. The brochure highlights my work with corporate clients in South Florida such as DHL, American Express, Florida Panthers, Mobil Oil, Bacardi, CH2M Hill, Inc. and Liberty Power. It will be placed on a rack in the lobby with a large frame with a digital advertising picture frame on a kiosk. The purpose is to provide their guests with professionals that might be of service during their stay; others that have been invited are a 24 hour emergency clinic, restaurants, and various venues of interest.

Hats Off to Melissa Rapkin!
Melissa Rapkin has been named Chair-Elect of the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce. If you would like information on the chamber, please contact Melissa.
Jenette Mathai’s Fight for Small Businesses!
Jenette Mathai was recently welcomed on to the Florida Leadership Counsel for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). In February, she went to Tallahassee to persuade lawmakers to encourage legislation that will help small businesses survive in our current economic climate. If you are interested in championing small business issues with her, please contact her at jmathai@solambitlaw.com.

Book Club
All WEC members are invited to become “bookies”, where women meet in each other's homes once a month to share in the love of books.
RSVP to wisemily@bellsouth.net if you can join us for the next book club on Monday, March 30 at 6:30, at Emily Rushin's house. We will be reading Labyrinth by Kate Mosse; just bring a dish and share in some lively discussions!
“Bookies” share a special bond as they come together to consistently uplift each other in an array of their own stories…stories of their children, long-lost secrets and the sadness of losing that special someone. Of course, the scrumptious potluck dishes are an added bonus!
Cannon Circle
Attention all WEC ladies!
Please join Lorah Carrie at Essentials Boutique for our Cannon Circle on
Thursday, March 19th from 5-9pm.
10% of all sales will be donated to PACE.
Essentials Boutique is located in the Harbor Shops (off 17th Street Causeway behind the Embassy Suites Hotel).
Essentials Boutique
1851 Cordova Road
Fort Lauderdale FL 33316
www.essentialsboutique.com
RSVP to 954.463.6007 or lorah@essentialsboutique.com
Last Month, Carol Metevier, Carol Moroco and Patrice Maenza hosted a “February Sweetheart Cannon Circle” at Patrice’s beautiful home. Amidst the great food and flowing wine, WEC members bonded together over complimentary massages provided by Pamela Hill. If you can’t wait for another relaxing massage, be sure to book Pamela by calling her at 954-817-7578.
Since the February Cannon Circle was meant as a tribute to former presidents, we thought we would include a letter from our wonderful Past President Barbara Ryan:
To all my WEC Friends:
February 19, 2009
Dear Girls,
Nothing would have thrilled me more than to be with you all tonight. Being a member of WEC (from 1981) will always hold a special place in my heart. It was an honor to be counted among the many illustrious leaders who have worn the badge of WEC President. I often brag to the various boards on which I now sit that being president of an organization is the easiest position of all when you have a stellar team behind you. Then I go on to say that the Women’s Executive Club of Fort Lauderdale was blessed with that kind of board and a membership roster second to none. And I thank you all for the wonderful support you gave me during my shining year.
Though I’m loving my life in smalltown USA (St. Mary’s, Georgia) where I publish a magazine and head up a grassroots organization called EarthKeepers (we WILL save the world), I miss the many friends of WEC and especially the circle gatherings where we learned so much about each other on a personal level. You all have made me laugh, and made me cry (for joy) so many times, I cannot count. I just finished a children’s book called GOOD PUPPY FINDS A FAMILY (www.goodpuppybooks.com), and as I wrote it, I thought of the family I found at WEC.
Even though I have a condo on Harbour Beach, I don’t get to Fort Lauderdale but a couple of times a year because I find it hard to tear myself away from the serenity I have found here in this quaint little coastal village. The people are so very lovely. Y’all come see me. My door is always open. If you go to www.stmaryswelcome.com, maybe you’ll see why I love it so.
Love to you all,
Barbara Ryan
GEM Luncheons
Formed in November 2002, members of WEC who choose to get together for an informal meeting are selected at random in small groups to greet, eat and meet. A Lead person is selected to set a time and place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or whatever. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level.
Just respond promptly to the hostess assigned to you below and choose which date/place/time she suggests and keep her up-to-date if you’ll be there or not. If you’d like to be a host, or opt in or out of GEMs, please email wisemily@bellsouth.net. Thanks!
The complete GEM list will be emailed to everyone separately.
Community News
Magic of the Silver Screen--A Night With PACE Broward
On Saturday, March 28, a “red carpet” at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club will lead you to Magic of the Silver Screen, PACE Broward’s 16thAnnual Dinner Dance. The evening begins with a cocktail reception featuring a strolling magician, silent auction and paparazzi, of course. After dinner and an awards ceremony honoring Sheriff Al Lamberti, Jamie Finizio Bascombe, Esq. and the Sun Sentinel, stay and enjoy several trips to the dessert bar and the dance floor.
PACE Broward is grateful to WEC, an underwriting sponsor, and to two WEC members involved in the production of this event: Ronnie Karlin, Planning Committee Co-Chair, and Melissa Rapkin, a member of the Host Committee. Tickets are $175 a person and all proceeds benefit program services for the girls at PACE Broward. For further information contact Melissa Rapkin or Kathleen Ryan.
NAWL Night of Giving

SAVE THE DATE
WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 2009; 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
WHERE: Shutts & Bowen LLP, Miami
WHAT: Join women attorneys and women in business
for a fun evening of networking and philanthropy.
SPONSORS: NAWL; LexisNexis; Shutts & Bowen LLP; WEC; NAWBO
The National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) is bringing South Florida women
together to complete a project to benefit Casa Valentina, an organization which helps
young women transition successfully from foster care to independent living.
While participating in the project and networking,
we will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Of course, men are also invited and welcome to join us!
Please mark your calendar, and spread the word!
Invitations will be sent shortly.
Proposed 2009-2010 Slate of WEC Officers
Below are the proposed WEC officers for the 2009-2010 membership year.
The vote will be taken at our April luncheon meeting.
| President |
Jenny Kelly,
Ritter’s Printing |
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| Past President |
Vanessa Koutalidis
Island City Chiropractic
Ambassador Committee
Canon Circles
Business Showcases |
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President Elect/
VP Membership
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Jan Bullard,
JP Financial Services
Membership Committee
Membership Luncheon
Directory
Webmaster |
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| VP Corporate Records |
Karen Rowe
Fort Lauderdale Acupuncture, Inc.
Corporate Records
Historian
By-Laws Committee |
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| VP Finance |
Carol Moroco
Bank of Florida
Budget
Dues collection |
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| VP Community Involvement |
Chadia Meroueh
Mentorship (FX) Program
Women Empowering Women (WEW)
Community Outreach
Public Relations |
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| VP Internal Involvement |
Pam Morgan
Programs Committee
Greetings Committee
Newsletter,
Book Club |
 |
| VP Events |
Patrice Maenza
Social Committee
Fun raiser or Fund raiser
GEM Events |
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losing Thought
Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty. ~Sicilian Proverb
WEC Board of Directors
2008-2009
President |
Vanessa Koutalidis,
Island City Chiropractic |

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Past President |
Melissa Rapkin, Documents2Disc
Ambassador Committee
Cannon Circles
Business Showcases |

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President Elect/
VP Internal Involvement |
Jenny Kelly,
Ritter’s Printing
Programs Committee
Greetings Committee
Newsletter, Book Club |

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VP Corporate Records |
Karen Rowe ,
Fort Lauderdale Acupuncture, Inc. Corporate Records, Historian
By-Laws Committee |

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VP Finance |
Carol Moroco,
Bank of Florida
Budget
Dues collection |
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VP Community Involvement |
Rose Gershon,
Pre-Paid Legal Services Mentorship (FX) Program
Women Empowering Women (WEW)
Community Outreach
Public Relations |

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VP Membership |
Jan Bullard,
JP Financial Services Membership Committee
Membership Luncheon
Directory
Webmaster |

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VP Events |
Carol Metevier
Atlantic Properties International
Social Committee
Fun raiser or Fund raiser
GEM Events |

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All contact information is available for WEC members on our Members Only website. If you are a member and you don't have a name and password, you can contact Chris Guld for more information.
2009 Luncheon Dates
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Membership Attendance:
The membership requirement is to attend a minimum of five (5) club events every year in order to maintain regular membership. This is calculated on a fiscal year basis (i.e. August-June, not calendar year). |