Nina and Liz at 2008 National Leadership Conference in Covington, KY
May 2009 meeting invite |
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Dear Imua Sisters and Brother,
One of my very enjoyable benefits of serving as president of Imua chapter this year has been the opportunity to serve as President of the Joint Presidents’ Committee. Originally intended to facilitate the Joint Chapter meeting, our monthly meetings have fostered a healthy bond between the chapter presidents and we have been able to address individual chapter issues. It has become my understanding that Imua is viewed as having a long history of being considered a “healthy” chapter, i.e., engaging in and promoting the mission of ABWA and forward thinking in our actions, earning National’s Best Practices awards like our Banner award in 2006.2007.
As we head into the 2008-2009 year, I encourage you to consider “What’s in it for you?” What are you looking for? Is it a professional business organization, a gentle networking group, a nice dinner out, a synergistic sisterhood? In keeping with this year’s National theme of “Promise to Deliver”, I believe as a group we can accomplish all of those things.
Have you ever had the opportunity to see the miracle of a bee swarm? This summer I had the opportunity to witness this in my own backyard. Thousands upon thousands of bees, layer upon layer, all working for the common goal of protecting their home; ensuring their mission of survival.
I am certain many of you have heard President Kennedy’s famous: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country!” My challenge to you today is look for opportunities where you can serve the chapter, in turn creating an atmosphere of the chapter serving your needs. Ask yourself what “value added” contribution you can make to the chapter. We all live here! Remember to give with a joyful heart!
Our mission to provide opportunities for ourselves and others to grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition is what we need to focus on this year - to continue to align ourselves with National.
As you may recall, ABWA was founded on September 22, 1949, by a Kansas City, Missouri businessman – Mr. Hilary Bufton, Jr. During World War II, women were heavily recruited into the workforce where they gained “tremendous business knowledge. Post World War II, Mr. Bufton recognized the positive impact women had on the economy and felt all women deserved equal business opportunities. Today ABWA perpetuates its mission through chapter like ours nationwide, changing women’s lives, one woman at a time.
In conclusion, I again share the following with you:
"The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail. That is true of a delicious meal, a well- kept home, a church, our attire, a business, a lovely garden, a sermon, a teacher, a well-disciplined family.
Let's make a long-term commitment to quality control. Let's move out of the thick ranks of the mediocre and join the thin ranks of excellence . . . I'm ready if you are.
Charles R. Swindoll, Five Meaningful Minutes a Day
This year, I challenge you to strive for excellence and find out “What’s in it for you?”
Abundant Aloha,
Nina |
