Contents

May Membership Luncheon
Program Speaker: Professional Women Boxers
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

May Luncheon

Guest Speakers:
Yvonne Reis and Bonnie Canino,
Professional Women Boxers

Yvonne Reis graduated from Emerson College in 1989 and worked as an assistant to the director of Harvard Medical School. She currently is the office manager for a financial advisor. She studied Martial Arts since the age of 8 and holds a Black Belt in 3 different styles.  Yvonne teaches self-defense and boxing in Dania Beach, Florida and co-hosts the National Women’s Golden Gloves Tournament in Florida.
Yvonne starting boxing in 2001 in her mid-thirties and was a member of the First USA Women’s Boxing Training Camp in 2001. She won the Women’s Golden Gloves in 2001, 2002 and the US National’s in 2002.  One of her proudest moments was winning the Silver Medal in 2002 at the 2nd Women's World Championships in Antalya, Turkey for the United States.

She became a professional boxer in December of 2001 and was the first American woman to compete on the continent of Africa in 2006, winning the first WBC Female Middleweight Champion of the World.

In 2007, she participated in the first female “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kenya, Africa with two American fighters, bringing the “Rumble in the Jungle” back to the continent of Africa since its debut with the Ali/Fraser fight in the early 70’s.

May 14th, 2009 will be her first Mixed Martial Arts debut here in Ft. Lauderdale and in July, she will be hosting the 2009 Women’s National’s once again.

Bonnie Canino, age 47 and 5’6 at 128 pounds, is a successful woman business owner since 1983. She runs karate and boxing gyms all across South Florida.  She trains people of all ages and levels, helping them to achieve their personal goals.

Bonnie graduated from Coral Springs High School in 1979 where she got her first start in the sport and is consider one of the pioneers of female combat sports.

Some of her accomplishments over the years have been competing in 37 professional kickboxing fights and 22 professional boxing fights, winning 4 world titles. She traveled all around the world and has competed in many countries. She has been featured on ESPN 2, sports channels and pay-per-view events.

Holding 3 Black Belts in the Martial Arts world, she is now active as an Elite Trainer and Olympic level coach for the United States Boxing Team, helping to bring other athletes to the top of their games.

Bonnie also promotes national competitions, both in boxing and kickboxing. Her next upcoming event is on July 9-11, 2009 at the Fort Lauderdale Airport Hilton featuring the Women’s National Golden Gloves.  This event draws in over 100 competitors to compete from around the United States.  Ms. Canino was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

From the President

If you attended the April luncheon, hopefully you learned something new and were inspired by our member health panel.  A special thank you to Dr. Suzie King, Dr. Karen Rowe, and Pamela Morgan for sharing their expertise. 

For such a vast topic, there was certainly not enough time to cover all that we as women need to know in order to enhance and protect our health.  For one, there is a widespread Vitamin D deficiency due to sun avoidance and other factors.  Since this topic is so vital, I am including a section of key points later on that I didn’t have time to mention at the luncheon. 

The big picture that I would like to convey is: 1) you have far more impact on your health than you may realize or accept, good and bad, and 2) you are responsible for making it happen.  The good news is that it only takes a few fundamental changes to reap the rewards; however, it has to be a lifestyle change.  You will soon discover that once on board, you actually prefer it.  Also, when in doubt, choose Mother Nature.  This planet contains all the healing foods and herbs we need to thrive, so long as we haven’t gotten too far off track.  But even then, the encouraging news is that it is never too late to be healthier and feel better than you do today.

On Tuesday, May 19th, please join us in welcoming Yvonne Reis, long-time martial artist and professional woman boxer, and Bonnie Canino, her trainer and world famous boxer/kickboxer.  I met Yvonne long before she decided to take up professional boxing and was amazed at her gumption and dedication.  Not to mention her fearlessness, as she is entering her first MMA (mixed martial arts) fight on May 14th, where anything goes!  Bonnie has had a glorious career spanning over 30 years and currently owns Canino’s Karate and Boxing Studio in Dania Beach, where she trains boxers and conducts classes for the community.

Thanks to all who attended the April Cannon Circle with my wonderful co-hostess Meryl Charnow.  I had a blast and truly enjoyed having my fellow WEC sisters over to play.  My only regret was not spending more time with each of you, but such is the fate of the hostess.

May’s Cannon Circle will be at Auto Tech and Body, the daytime home of Chadia Meroueh.  It will be co-hosted by our photographer extraordinaire, Joni Rosenthal.  Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 27th from 6:30 to 9 pm, for the “Arts of Photography and Auto Mechanics”.  I’ve heard so many good things about Chadia’s place of business, and photography has always been an interest of mine.

Another date to save is our WEC Annual Retreat on Saturday, June 13th.  Tradition stands that the president-elect organizes an event designed to unite our members in a fun and stimulating environment.  It truly is the best way for you newer members to get to know everyone better.  Also, it usually reflects the personality of your incoming president.  Mine for instance had classes in tai chi, chair yoga and a guided labyrinth meditation.  Jenny Kelly will be our new president soon and I eagerly anticipate whatever she has planned.  I guarantee you will never regret attending a WEC retreat, or your money back!

My theme as President has focused on the cultivation and exploration of our inner core values.  This month I would like to discuss Integrity and particularly how it relates to being a member of WEC.  I have written so far about love, compassion, gratitude, and so on, however having integrity, with yourself and others, is the glue that holds everything together, and through which all other values can flourish.  Without integrity, your actions generate karmic boomerangs that keep you stuck, ultimately robbing you of deep inner joy and peace.

With integrity come honesty, kindness and respect, and we inherently behave in ways that foster love and support the higher good.  You often hear us proclaim that WEC is so special because of the quality of our members and the relationships that are formed.  And although we are primarily a social club, we often do business with each other.  When doing so, please observe proper business etiquette.  For instance, take the time to learn about the other person standing before you, without being so ‘eager’ with your services.  And, know when to say when.  You may have a great product or service, but the timing is wrong or interest level low.

In addition, if you attended any of the recent luncheons, the board and I would like to apologize if there was a delay or error with your meal service.  Unfortunately most systems aren’t flawless, due to the fact that there are always those who RSVP and don’t show and vice versa.  However last month, the Tower Club suggested the problem was with those who switched their lunch choice at the last minute.  I believe there was more than one factor involved, but we certainly appreciate you taking the time to RSVP in a timely fashion, and please remember and commit to the meal you previously selected.  Integrity is really all about upholding our commitments in thought, word, and deed.

Again, I hope to see you at the May luncheon, which will also feature a Business Showcase from Lynda Amorello, owner of Amorello Property Management Group, Inc.  Lynda has been with WEC for fourteen years and has a long career in the real estate and property management fields.

I hope to see you soon,
Vanessa Koutalidis

New Member Spotlights:
Please Welcome Mandee Adler!

I am the proud Founder and Principal of International College Counselors, (www.InternationalCollegeCounselors) which provides independent college and graduate school counseling for students in the United States, Europe and South America. In 2009, International College Counselors was one of 5 companies selected by American Express for the prestigious “Macro to Millions” award that recognizes up and coming woman owned businesses around the country.  I was also named “Best College Advisor” by the Miami Sun Post. 

I was born and raised in Florida, and have always had a passion for learning.  I went to college at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with Honors and two degrees- one from the Wharton School and one from the College of Arts and Sciences. I also received an MBA from Harvard Business School.

I am very involved in our community, and most recently became the President-elect of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Club.  I also serve on the Executive Boards of the (national) Penn Fund of the University of Pennsylvania, the Women’s Executive Committee of the Jewish Federation of Broward, and the Diamond Angels (Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital). Additionally, I have spent six years as her Class Fund Chair for the Harvard Business School.

I am married to my college sweetheart Jason, and I am blessed with two kind and thoughtful daughters, Rebecca and Sara Pearl.

Please Welcome Kathy Hunter!

I am originally from Canton, Ohio and started my Banking experience more that 30 years ago.  I am currently an Assistant Vice President and Office Manager for Regent Bank.   I have made it my mission to excel in the South Florida market as a member of the Tamarac and Ft Lauderdale chambers and an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Tamarac.  I volunteer and mentor for SOS Children’s Village and I love being involved with the community.

My husband Ed and I have been married for 28 years and raised 3 children.  I am now a proud grandmother of 3 grandchildren.  When I am not working or volunteering I spend time boating with my husband in the Keys, attending dance competitions with my granddaughter, and T-ball games with my grandsons.  I truly value my life and accomplishments and I am always looking forward to more.

I am really happy I have joined such a great group.

Please Welcome Bonnie Unsworth!

Imagine. Creative concepts that grab your attention and don't let go. Fresh copy that illuminates as well as entertains. On-target direct mail that reels in the responses. Sharp photography that clearly expresses your corporate culture. Jaw-dropping trade show graphics that never fail to draw a crowd. Attention-grabbing Web design that leads qualified customers straight to your door.

Collaborate with my team of talent at Imagine, Inc., a graphic design studio in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and that's what you can expect!

We work seamlessly with your internal team to create comprehensive and integrated solutions to meet your marketing communications challenges. Let us help you attract, engage and retain customers. Unleash our imagination, and prepare to be amazed. http://www.bonnieunsworth.com/

 The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members.

Deborah Wiggin is Moving!

Deborah Wiggin is proud to announce that her firm, Miller Wiggin & Associates, Inc., has moved its offices to 2550 N Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Miller Wiggin & Associates, Inc. is a fee-only financial planning firm, provides financial planning services, investment management services and pre-divorce settlement planning. Congratulations, Deborah!  

Virginia Howard: Artist Extraordinaire!

Many of us know Virginia Howard as a terrific psychotherapist, but were you aware that she uses art as a means of personal and professional expression? Come visit Virginia's original painting, Angel of Love, at the Tri-County Exhibition at ArtServe.  ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale and the painting will be on display through May 22, 2009.  Her acrylic painting, Abuse, was featured recently at the Broward County Main Library. Follow the link to view her poignant artwork: http://www.virginiahoward.com/foyer.htm.

A Special Reunion for Patrice Maenza!

Patrice Maenza will be attending her 25th college re-union of the Radio and Television Department at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois on May 15-May 17.  They will be honoring their Adjunct Professor who is retiring after 30 years with the University.  Alumni from California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, New York, Rhode Island, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia and DC will be attending. Can YOU spot Patrice in this flashback pic?? Great to see that she hasn’t changed a bit!

Greetings from Vivien Godfrey!

As many of you know, past WEC President, Vivien Godfrey, began her new role as CEO of MilkPEP all the way in Washington DC on March 1st.

For those who don't know, MilkPEP represents America's dairy companies and she now manages the well known Milk Mustache and Got Milk advertising campaigns. Please see her message to WEC below:

“Ladies, I am meeting many new people and relearning so many things about the dairy industry that I left behind 9 years ago when I left my job as CEO of Haagen-Dazs North America and moved to Florida. The newest Milk Mustache ad features Dara Torres, our very own Floridian Olympic medalist! I was able to attend the shoot with Dara and you can see that she is in much better shape than me! I miss my WEC friends and hope to be able to attend events from time to time.”  

Meryl Charnow’s Fabulous Broken Sound Villa!

Meryl Charnow is renting out one of her properties in Broken Sound’s Cedar Cay. Please contact Meryl at meryl1099@gmail.com if you are interested.   

“Thank You” from Dora Vilk-Shapiro!

Thank you for helping support Dora Vilk-Shapiro in raising more than $4,000 at the Tamarac Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society.  The name of her team was The SmileMakers, headed by team captain, Dr. Alan Bussell, who also works with Dora at The Tamarac Dentist. They raised money through donations, held a raffle of a Sonic Care electric brush, an Oral B electric brush, and some artwork posters from the Beijing Olympics.

Out and About with Geri Trodick and American Trophy!

Geri Trodick’s company, American Trophy, was recently featured at a business expo held at Pier 66, which was hosted by the Fort Lauderdale Executives Association.

Updates from Family Central!

As many of you know, our very own Barbara Weinstein is the President and CEO of Family Central, Inc.                                                                                    

Here is an update on what one of WEC’s much-beloved non-profits is doing!

Also, Parkland city commissioners drew from their own salaries to help Family Central assist needy families in the area of child care services. Mayor Michael Udine; Vice Mayor Jared Moskowitz; Commissioner David Rosenof; Commissioner Jay Smith; and Commissioner Mark Weissman each donated a month of their paychecks to Family Central.

Family Central will be able to use this money to obtain matching grants from the federal and state government. The City Commission affirmed its commitment with a check presentation to Barbara at the April City Commission meeting.

Lee Sheffield’s Amazing Adventure to Patagonia!

 I just got back from a ten day trip to Patagonia, Chile.  Six friends went and it was terrific; we hiked, rode horses, drank Chilean wine and did some sightseeing in Santiago.  One of the cool things I did was get to see some different animals like the guanaco, the rhea, condors and my personal favorite the Magellan Penguin.

It was very cool and at times very cold.  The terrain was awesome and I took some great photos with my new camera.

Lenore Alpert’s Eye-Opening Research!

Dr. Lenore Alpert and Dr. William Stronge of FAU’s Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions recently completed a report for the Everglades Foundation on “The Economics of the Everglades Watershed and Estuaries.” The study found that the gross domestic product of the Everglades Watershed amounted to $394.1 billion in 2006, or 55.5% of the gross domestic product of Florida. If the 16 county Watershed were a state, it would rank 9th in the country in terms of its gross domestic product. The economic impact of ecotourism in the Watershed was $1.8 billion in 2007.

More Details on Florida SBA Women in Business Champion: Sande Kaskel!

As many of you learned in our last newsletter, our very own Sande Kaskel is the winner of the 2009 State of Florida SBA Women in Business Champion Award.

Please join in congratulating her on Wednesday, May 20, at 1:00PM, as Sande will be presented with this award at the City of Hollywood Commission meeting located at 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Room 219.

Member to Member Business with Ann Meacham and Chris Guld

Ann Meacham has been speaking at Rotary clubs and other organizations giving a talk entitled, "How to Maintain Stable Footing in Shifting Sands." She had the idea to make a video of the talk and put it on her website. She turned to fellow WEC member and webmaster, Chris Guld, to make it happen. Chris helped Ann create the videos, edit them, and use Youtube and Wordpress software so that Ann could edit and add to the articles any time. You can see the results at www.leadershipdynamics.us/articles.

Chris, in turn, uses Ann's coaching services to keep her on track and inspired to follow her dreams of making a living on the road. Chris says she watches the videos over again any time she needs a boost.

Book Club

You Are Invited!
 
To: WEC Bookclub
When: Monday, May l8, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jan Bullard’s Place
             157 SW 127 Ave.
             Plantation, FL 33325
Book: Winter in Madrid by: C. J. Sansom
Bring: Something to eat to share
 
Relax with a glass of wine or champagne while you tour the gardens.  Make new friendships, participate in lively discussions.  Make this an evening that will balance your life.
 
Any questions:  Call Jan at 954-448-4822
 

Cannon Circle

CANNON CIRCLE
THE ARTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
AND AUTO MECHANICS
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
6:30 to 9:00 PM
Place: Auto Tech and Body, Inc. – 429 N. Dixie Highway
Pompano Beach, Florida 33060
RSVP: 954 245-5126 or 954 462-4620
jlovinly@aol.com  or chadia@autotechandbody.com

Directions:  I-95 TO Atlantic Blvd – Exit EAST, less than 1 mile to Dixie Hwy. 
On Dixie Hwy, Turn LEFT (North) – Auto Tech and body located 4 blocks
north of Atlantic Blvd. on Dixie Hwy. A very large Blue and Yellow Bldg on the WEST side of the street.

AUTO TECH and BODY SHOP, Inc – A CLICK AWAY PHOTOGRAPHY

The Merry Month of May 2009, heralds in a special kind of CANNON CIRCLE. This evening is given to express two diverse fields of endeavor.  Yet, when Joni and Chadia show us that photography and auto mechanics are a blend, we will discover that they are articulated from the highest form of excellence.

Chadia Meroueh, Vice President of AUTO TECH AND BODY, INC.,
together with her brother Jay, has created a 22,000 foot automotive complex
that caters to their clients’ every automotive need. The building itself is the creative genius of the two: Chadia with an MBA, and Jay with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, provide professional and loving service.

One does not usually think of an Auto Body Shop as beautiful. 
Yet, you will find that your automotive needs are a perfectly blended snapshot
of Body, Mechanical, Paint, Maintenance, Warrantee, Detailing and Car sales.  They are considered the very best in the business having won many awards for being a winning facility. Go to the web site www.autotechandbody.com and you will read the authentic message from the Team @ Auto Tech and Body.

Joni Rosenthal, began her new A CLICK AWAY photography business
knowing that she could use her talent to deliver delightful and joyful photos, showing people who they are from the inside to the out.

When Joni takes pictures, she wants to find the essence of each person.
As with Auto Tech and Body, it is people who demonstrate a picture
of wholeness by their personal service that make a difference in today’s world.  SERVICE is both of OUR WATCHWORD!

The unique and true value of Joni’s approach to photography is that
she feels each person, by concentrating on their total personality. 
This approach to taking pictures reveals through her photographs, rightful ownership of the core and delightful persona of every INDIVIDUAL. 
By attempting to reach out to each person through her lenses, the result
is one of insight that demonstrates with a delightful outcome.

Joni will bring some of her photos to demonstrate the value of telling the story through the art of photography as each person is supported in forward motion, indicative of their own dance of life.

GEM “Greet, Eat, Meet” Program

 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. If you haven’t heard from your Lead Person by the end of May to participate, or if you would like to be a host, please email wisemily@bellsouth.net.

Annual Retreat

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
Past President	Vanessa Koutalidis Island City Chiropractic Ambassador Committee Canon Circles Business Showcases
President Elect/ VP Membership	Jan Bullard, JP Financial Services Membership Committee Membership Luncheon Directory Webmaster
VP Corporate Records	Diana Fairbanks Corporate Records Historian By-Laws Committee
VP Finance	Karen Rowe Fort Lauderdale Acupuncture, Inc. Budget Dues collection
VP Community Involvement	Chadia Meroueh Mentorship (FX) Program Women Empowering Women (WEW) Community Outreach Public Relations
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

Closing Thought

“I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try.”  ~ Nikki Giovanni

WEC Board of Directors
2008-2009

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, 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).

The purpose of Women's Executive Club is to give executives the opportunity of fellowship with their peers in diverse fields; to promote the image of the woman executive; to further the interrelationships of such executives and to promote the general welfare of their businesses and community.