Contents

June Membership Luncheon
Program Speaker: Trudy Evans
From the President  
Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members
Book Club
GEM Luncheons
Cannon Circle
Retreat
May Luncheon Photographs
Proposed Officers for 2009-10
Closing Thought
WEC Board of Directors
Luncheon Dates
Membership Attendance

June Luncheon

Date: Time:	Thursday, June 19, 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:	Trudy Jean Evans: Strategic Business Consultant, The Raven Group, Inc.
Guest Cost:	cost $30. Members are responsible for Guests.
Menu:	Chicken Piccata or Char-grilled Mahi-Mahi with a fruit salsa Save room for dessert:  Coconut Cake
RSVP to:	Please RSVP (including your menu choice) to rsvp@wecftl.com We appreciate your RSVPs! To assist Suzie administratively, please put “WEC Lunch” in the subject line. Guests can pay below with credit card or Paypal. Checks or cash only at the door: Your Name and Menu Choice:
It's amazing how many cares disappear when you decide not to be something, but to be someone. - Coco Chanel

Guest Speaker

Trudy Jean Evans
Strategic Business Consultant,
The Raven Group, Inc.

Trudy Jean Evans is a strategic business consultant who believes “The strongest teams of employees produce the greatest results when they are given an opportunity to contribute as an individual.”  As the President of The Raven Group, Inc, she prides herself in assisting others reach their desired potential.  Working with companies’ nationwide, Evans seeks solutions and alternatives that are based on individual needs. The company offers Customized Training, Organizational Development Support and Consulting, and Executive Search Services.

Prior to starting The Raven Group, Inc. in 1998, she was an officer of a $2 billion publicly held company based in South Florida.  During her 15 years there, Evans held a number of positions including Regional Field Executive, National Sales Director and Vice President of Training and Organizational Development. Additionally, she spent nine years with a St. Louis based medical book distributor, advancing through the organization while learning on the job.

Dedicated to helping others attain their goals, Evans serves as an Executive Coach to a select group of key executives. She works on an individual basis with clients to aid them in leadership challenges, strategic planning and presentation styles. Other areas of her expertise include focus groups, situational analysis and business recommendations predicated on meeting specific, measurable company goals and initiatives.

In addition to managing The Raven Group, Inc. Evans served as an adjunct professor at the Nova Southeast University, a past member of the Business Advisory Council of American InterContinental University and a past board member the Women’s Council of Commerce of Broward County. Evans is a graduate of the FBI’s Citizen’s Academy and a member of the Citizen’s Academy Foundation.

Today she devotes her time as a mentor in Women of Tomorrow helping to inspire young women to live up to their full potential.  Evans is a member BNI Premier chapter and serves as Business Power Team Captain.  In 2009, she was appointed to the Broward County Small Business Advisory Council which focuses on increasing opportunities for small and disadvantaged business within the county.

Evans is also the author of The Pied Piper Principle: Lead, and They Will Follow©, and a professional speaker delivering presentations on topics ranging from Leadership and Management principles to “What Else?” Customer Service© and Visualizing techniques. She has appeared on radio talk shows throughout the United States and is a member of Jim Blasingame’s Small Business Advocate Brain Trust organization.

From the President

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.

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.

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.

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!

Our June Business Showcase will feature Ann Meacham of Leadership Dynamics.  Ann is also someone I’ve known since moving to Florida and I always admired her no nonsense approach to business and life, combined with a deeper spiritual understanding.  She successfully blends these qualities in the professional business consulting she affords her clients.  I have been working with Ann in this arena for a short time and am excited to see where it takes me.

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.  As past president it is my duty to schedule the Business Showcases and Cannon Circles, so please see me if you are interested.  

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.   

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.

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.     

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.

Thanks for making it a stupendous year!
Vanessa Koutalidis

New Member Spotlights:
Please Welcome Trina London!

Trina London is a licensed realtor and real estate broker specializing in fine residential home, condominium, corporate, commercial and medical leasing, purchasing, marketing and property management. Additionally, she is a foreclosure expert, and is admitted as an expert witness in Broward County. She is experienced in commercial assemblage, including the Jefferson Square project in Hollywood, Florida, and coordinated and supervised the real estate owned division for Oceanmark Bank, selling over $10 million of bank owned property throughout the country. Trina is also the founding member of the Love Jen Family Foundation, founder and President for four terms of the Emerald Hills Homeowners Association, a Foundation Member of the Wesley Child Day Care Center, a 4 year executive board member of Temple Sinai in Hollywood, Florida, and a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
 

Please Welcome Beth Tobin!

I was born in New York City. I am a confident and consummate New Yorker with love of the arts and a curiosity to learn about all the wonders in this world.
 
I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami and an Interior Design Degree from International Fine Arts College. Before starting STARPACK 14 years ago, I used my design talents, managing and purchasing background for a home decor retailer for 8 years and then ran a wholesale fabric and furniture showroom for 10 years in NYC.
 
I moved to South Florida 14 years ago and opened STARPACK. I am an active member of the Hollywood Chamber since 1999, involved with Leadership as a graduate 11 years ago, and still mentoring.
 
I also carve out time to give back to the community. I am and have been involved with the Arts and Culture Center of Hollywood, American Cancer Jail and Bail and on the Board of Directors of the Broward Outreach Center all for over 10 years. All my involvements are extremely gratifying
 
I am single. I love golf and to travel. I remain hopeful that I will find someone who I care about, who cares about me, and who enjoys similar interests and adventures.
 
I am more hopeful that I will build friendships with WEC members!
 
Starpack is a full service wholesale distributorship and source for custom print, stock and gift packaging products for retail stores, advertising specialties, apparel and corporate gifts for business and industry. We offer competitive pricing, quality products, fast delivery and the best customer service.
 
Let us help you increase awareness of your business, and name branding to potential clients.  Logo advertising and repeat name exposure are so beneficial. Creative and quality packaging, promotional gifts, and apparel will increase your visibility and repeat business, while reaching new clients. Customers are always grateful when they receive a useful and/or fun keepsake. We have access to major manufacturers worldwide. We are owner-operated with total personal commitment to serving your business.
 
Our website is designed as a tool for you to use.  It shows a sampling of our products. Please feel free to visit www.starpackinc.com often and contact us through this page with any questions and requests.
 
If there’s anything I can do to assist you or if you do not see what you are looking for, contact me anytime.  I would be delighted to speak with you further at your convenience. Customer service is my top priority and it’s what separates me from my competition. I look forward to hearing from you and being of service.

Please Welcome Rose White!

As a Personal Financial Representative in Fort Lauderdale, I know many local families. My knowledge and understanding of the people in this community help me provide customers with an outstanding level of service. I look forward to helping families like yours protect the things that are important – your family, home, car and more. I can also help you prepare a strategy to achieve your financial goals.

I’m licensed to sell financial products such as IRAs, mutual funds, variable life insurance, variable annuity products and more. This means you can take care of a wide variety of your insurance and financial needs in one place. If you’re thinking of retirement, savings or protecting your family and assets, I would be happy to assist you in finding solutions to help meet your needs. 

 The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members.

Are you LinkedIn with Melissa Rapkin?

Melissa Rapkin of Documents2Disc will present a seminar about using LinkedIn to market your business. Please join her at the Kiwanis Club of Tamarac on Tuesday, July 28 from noon-1:30pm at Colony West Country Club. The cost is $13, which includes choice of lunch, soft drink, gratuity, and tax. To RSVP, e-mail Melissa at info@documents2disc.com.

 Diane Hickey Visits the Galapagos!

We had a great time in the Galapagos.  We were disappointed that the volcano wasn't erupting when we were there.  The week before, the ship cruised by as it was erupting and it was pretty spectacular. 
 
On some mornings we were able to look over the side of the ship and see sharks, sea lions and blue footed boobies feeding on the fish around the ship. We were fortunate enough to see an albino shark.  In case you are wondering, boobies are diving birds with pretty blue feet.  They derived their name from the Spanish word bulbul, meaning stupid, and it was Anglicized to booby.  I swam with penguins, sea turtles and sea lions.  We saw marine iguanas who are the only iguanas to feed in the ocean.  They come on land to warm up and spit the excess salt through their noses.

Hats off to “PROFESSOR” Marge!

I am very pleased to say that on my birthday, June 2nd, I had the honor of teaching a business class at the University of Florida, in Gainesville.  This is one of those "check points" of achievement in your lifetime.  The subject is The Financial Strategy of a Business. In today's world, that is a long term plan and is quickly changed by sales and profit results from daily and month to date performances. This is my goal as I look at this from my own personal financial plans and my business performance.  Translating this to students in college, eager to go to work after their years of education is my challenge.

Come Visit Joyce at the Museum!

After an eight week course, I completed a program at the Ft Lauderdale Art Museum to become a docent. I will start giving tours in the fall!

Member to Member Business Testimonial: A Special Thank You from Dee to Sande!

 
Thank you to Sande Kaskel for helping me decipher my mother's Long Term Care policy (it was all Greek to me!) and speaking with the agent to set the claims process in motion. I am most appreciative. –Dee Moustakas

Member to Member Business Testimonial: A Special Thank You from Jenette to Chadia!

I referred a childhood friend to repair his car at Auto Tech and Body, and he couldn’t stop singing Chadia Meroueh’s praises…her customer service was excellent and her kindness to him will not be forgotten. Thank you, Chadia! –Jenette Mathai

Kayaking with Geri Trodick!

 The Kayuba Dive Club, of which I am a member, is having their annual Kayak Against Cancer on June 20th. This year, in addition to kayaking, there will be a “Sea Shell Stroll by the Seaside”. You can either kayak or “stroll”. We are also looking for sponsors and/or raffle prizes. If you need more information, you can call me or check out our website www.kayuba.org.

Dora is Calling ALL Piano Teachers!

I received a piano for my big 50th birthday on Mother's Day.  Something I have always wanted.  Problem is, I don't play and I don't know how to read music so I am a real beginner.  Looking for a piano teacher with a lot of patience.  (Monday is my day off) Any recommendations from my WEC friends?? 

Web Works…Tips from Bonnie Unsworth!

Using “social bookmarking” as a low-overhead company or organization blog.

Are you having a hard time keeping track of all the interesting Web pages you find? Want to share them with other people without interrupting their work flow with an e-mail? Save your bookmarks on line with a free Social Bookmarking service like http://delicious.com or Google Reader.

Delicious uses “Tags” instead of folders to organize bookmarks. A business or organization can create a unique Tag that everyone could use for posting interesting or relevant bookmarks. Then members of the group can subscribe to that Tags RSS feed to peruse the recommended links at their convenience. Of course, you can use this service to organize your own bookmarks as well.

I'm just beginning to experiment with both services and will share my findings in an upcoming newsletter.

1Password: A solution for password overload.
I keep my eyes and ears open to find solutions for dealing with the frustrations of online life and business. A reporter on NPR provided a great software solution (sorry, but yes another piece of software) for an escalating collection of passwords. It’s called “1Password”. Unfortunately it is just for Macs. (There must be a Window’s PC solution. Finding it is on my to-do list.) However, it supports the iPhone, iPod and the Palm.  Check it out at https://agilewebsolutions.com.

If you have a Palm handheld or Palm-based Treo smartphone (such as the Treo 600, Treo 650, Treo 700p, Treo 755p or Palm Centro) then you can carry most of your 1Password information with you in an encrypted Palm database.

1Password touch for iPhone/iPod touch securely stores your important information and enables you to log into websites automatically with a single tap. With 1Password touch, there is no need to remember the username, password or even the website address!

It really works! However, the reason it’s called 1Password is you need one to set it up and it will never know what that one is. Still, what a minor concession to trying to remember which of my many passwords I use for any given login.

Jan Says to “Save the Date”: JULY 15!!

WEC Ladies!

Save the Date:  July l5th.  We are going to bring back a fun event.  More information to follow. This will be a FREE event, in the evening, and friends are ALSO welcome! We will be preparing a flyer that will be passed out at our next meeting.

Jan Bullard-Bledsoe

Barbara Weinstein of Family Central Needs Your Help with Operation Backpack!

Our Joni is “On the Scene” at the EPIC Awards Luncheon!

The Sun Sentinel posted an article about the fourteenth annual "EPIC Awards Luncheon," held recently at the Embassy Suites on S.E. 17 St. in Fort Lauderdale. Our very own Joni Rosenthal was present and beautifully photographed in the article (see bottom left of the article)! The "Exceptional People Impacting the Community" (EPIC) is presented by the Friends of the Mental Health Association of Broward (MHA), and this year's honorees included Maggie de Cambre Borges, Abbey Hand, Jamie Doyle, Sandra and Rafael Robert and Publix Super Markets.

Happy Graduation to Deb McLaughlin!

I am a GRADUATE.  Need a prayer, some care, or a sermon?  I completed the three year Diaconal Core Curriculum at the Episcopal Diocesan School.  Every other Saturday has been filled with Spiritual Journey and Gifts classes, Old and New Testament, Women of the Bible, resolving conflicts, theology, church history, racial diversity and unity, prayer and spiritual direction, homiletics (how to write a sermon or a homily “a short sermon!”), liturgics and pastoral care.  Thanks for your support and prayers.  Let the ministry continue!  Wait till you see my Interfaith Ministry Stole! 

I’m now not only the director of Guest Services at the Duncan Center, but the Director of Programs as well.  Check out www.duncancenter.org for a great icon writing workshop and a wonderful overnight labyrinth retreat!

Sande Kaskel is “Under Arrest”!

I am volunteering to get arrested for the American Cancer Society’s Jail & Bail. On June 11th I will be serving time in a mock jailhouse to raise money for this worthwhile cause.
All of us know someone whose life has been touched by cancer. This year I have decided to step up my contribution by raising money and not just giving a donation.
Why am I getting arrested? What is my crime?? Selling snow removal insurance in February to unsuspecting tourists as they got off the plane in Miami.
I need to be bailed out - anything will help… $25, $50, $100.  
Please let me know if getting arrested is something you want to do. I can arrange it. Yes, the police will come and pick you up and put you in handcuffs (if that is what you are into). Your jail sentence is an hour and 15 minutes. You will come in front of the Parole Board who will let you know what your offense is: perhaps staying out to late, a bad hair day, too many slices on the golf course or singing off key. Arrests will be made from June 9th – 12th, from 9:00 am to 3:00pm. For more information, email me at: sande@kaskelcare.com.

Carol Moroco Wants to Know if YOU are a Woman on the Verge!

Carol Moroco, board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward, invites you to:

Book Club

You Are Invited!
 
All WEC members are invited to join us in reading "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer, a nice, light, funny book for the first part of the summer. We will meet at Joni Rosenthal's on Monday, July 20 at 6:30 to talk about our book, enjoy each other's company, and share a pot luck supper. Be sure to call Joni a day or so before to tell her you're coming and what you're bringing to share. You can find her phone number, email, or street address in the Member section of the WEC website.

Take a look at your own page, too, and update it if needed. If your photo isn't on your page, ask Joni to take one at the next luncheon. We will be printing the small directory in the fall and want to include everyone - with all the current information!

Thanks!
Emily Rushin

Cannon Circle

Melissa Rapkin and Jenny Kelly invite you to:
 

And, a special “Thank You” to Chadia Meroueh and Joni Rosenthal for hosting May’s Cannon Circle at Auto Tech and Body, Inc.. Amidst the beautiful and relaxing setting (and, yes, an auto body shop can be BOTH beautiful AND relaxing), a fantastic turnout of 25 WEC members came together to learn about the “Arts of Photography and Auto Mechanics”. Joni’s photographs of the evening masterfully captured the amazing time had by all:

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

If you haven't paid yet - you can do so here:

Your Name:

May Luncheon Photographs (courtesy of Joni Rosenthal, A Click Away Photography)

More on the WEC Web Album.

2009-2010 Slate of WEC Officers

Below are the WEC officers for the 2009-2010 membership year.

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

If I have the belief that I can do it, I will surely acquire the capacity
to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning.   - Mahatma Gandhi

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

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.